Clarity Welch

It's officially summer which means it's Tamarie Time! The Tamarie Cooper Show has, for years, been a cult hit and can't-miss Houston summer tradition.

You won’t find a more technically stunning or well acted show in Houston right now. There is a lot to recommend EDDIE GOES TO POETRY CITY, but with one caveat. It will seem presentational and all stylistic performance rather than anything linear or narrative. If you love abstract or absurd theater you will be in heaven during your visit to Poetry City.

The Catastrophic Theatre will produce The Book of Grace by trailblazing playwright Suzan-Lori Parks. The Book of Grace is directed by Luis Galindo and Jeff Miller and runs April 1 – April 24 at the Midtown Arts and Theatre Center Houston.

Next Iteration Theater Company (NITC) announces its inaugural Intercultural Play Reading Series (IPRS). This May, NITC brings to Houston three plays that deal with constructing and reconstructing ourselves in an ever-changing world, in the face of tragedy, change and socio-cultural conflicts.

Next Iteration Theater Company (NITC) announces its inaugural Intercultural Play Reading Series (IPRS). This May, NITC brings to Houston three plays that deal with constructing and reconstructing ourselves in an ever-changing world, in the face of tragedy, change and socio-cultural conflicts.

Next Iteration Theater Company (NITC) announces its inaugural Intercultural Play Reading Series (IPRS). This May, NITC brings to Houston three plays that deal with constructing and reconstructing ourselves in an ever-changing world, in the face of tragedy, change and socio-cultural conflicts.

16-year-old Charlotte's beautiful mother is dead. Turning to the story of Helen of Troy for comfort, Charlotte becomes convinced that beauty, fame, and the desire of others can help reconcile her with her mother's memory and punish the world that took her away in the first place. Getting beauty tips from her popular friend, seeking career advice on how to be a porn star from her guidance counselor, and searching for love from the football jock that barely even knows she exists, Charlotte searches in fantasy for what she cannot find in reality-destroying the life of the only friend she may have had in the process. But in the depths of pain, she comes to discover an unexpected grace. 

OLEANNA is quite possibly one of the most female-phobic, misogynistic writings on record, notwithstanding many of Hemingway's writings, penned by a man so distanced from the female perspective that Carol, a harridan of a character, was his best solemn reflection on a female student's experience of sexual harassment by a male professor approaching tenure.

Cone Man Running Productions and Obsidian Art Space's popular 24 hour play festival, A SPONTANEOUS SMATTERING, was given a seasonal spin for last night's holiday edition. Drawing a crowd of theatre diehards, family, and friends, everyone in attendance was curious to see what these skilled and talented artists would create. Waiting for the show to begin, everyone was buzzing about the #smattering posts they had seen on Facebook, the writers' previous works, and their excitement about what they were about to witness. It doesn't hurt any that everyone was treated to a free shot as they picked up their tickets either.

I can only imagine that one would be hard pressed to find someone who is not familiar with William Shakespeare's HAMLET. It is often produced in theatres and taught in many classrooms; however, this familiarity with the show doesn't make it any easier to being to life on stage. It is an ambitious undertaking, and not one that most companies would schedule as their second production. Yet, Houston's up and coming Trebuchet Players gleefully took the challenge head on and created a satisfying and eclectic production that springs to life with their unique brand of theatre magic.

On Saturday night, August 25, I had the pleasure of attending Cone Man Running Productions' annual twenty-four hour play festival, SPONTANEOUS SMATTERING. Although this was my first official Smattering, Saturday night was Cone Man Running Productions' third inception, and it was clear that they had gathered an avid fan base over the past two productions. A couple of laughs into the first short play, I could see why it has become such a popular event. This annual twenty-four hour play festival showcases the creative talent of local playwrights, directors, and actors and provides Houston audiences with a night of theatre that is anything but mainstream.

Cone Man Running Productions is back with is hit theatrical event - THE SPONANTEOUS SMATTERING - a 24 hour play festival.

Modern Theatre of the Absurd is alive and very well at Obsidian Art Space, where the World Premiere of Gene Kato's VIRAL INFECTION is enjoying a glorious run. Gene Kato thought the play was un-producible and has kept it hidden away for 21 years. In a way, I'm deeply thankful. Had this play premiered 21 years ago, I wouldn't have seen it. Thus, I am happy the stars aligned justly to afford me the opportunity to see the zany, mad-cap lunacy and thoroughly refreshing thought provoking piece.

Big Head Productions is presenting their third evening of short plays. This collection of plays, some from local artists, all have an office theme. The set is four cubicles, cut to allow the audience to see through them and into the other cubicles. Each cubicle is sprinkled with drawn on post-its and other items of office boredom inspired artwork. On the whole, the evening plays out like a fusion of Mike Judge's Office Space and an episode of Saturday Night Live. Like the skits on Saturday Night Light, some of the plays stand out as stronger works than the others, but all are entertaining.