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Houston’s Theater District downtown is Mecca for performing arts enthusiasts, where the choices include ballet, opera, Broadway musicals, and world-class theater. On two unique stages, the Alley Theatre, under the direction of Gregory Boyd, presents 11 productions per year, making it one of the few regional theater companies in the country operating year-round. The Alley also provides educational opportunities for aspiring playwrights and actors through HoustonYoung Playwrights Exchange (HYPE), From Page to Stage, and the Young Performers Studio. 615 Texas Ave., (713) 220- 5700.
Broadway in Houston and Theater Under the Stars both have a reputation for bringing the very best of musical theater to Houston stages. Both companies perform at The Hobby Center for Performing Arts, 800 Bagby Street. Broadway in Houston - (713) 622-7469. Theater Under the Stars - (713) 558-2600.
Founded in 1913, the Houston Symphony lays claim to being one of the nation’s oldest performing arts organizations. Under the direction of Maestro Hans Graf, the Houston Symphony performs more than 170 concerts a year at its primary downtown venue, Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana, but also entertains at its summer home to the north, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, and at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. Call (713) 224-7575.
For more than 50 years, Houston Grand Opera has contributed to the cultural enrichment of the Houston community, maturing from a small regional company in 1955 to an internationally renowned venue. Headed by General Director Anthony Freud, it has the distinction of having won a Tony, two Grammy Awards, and two Emmys. Wortham Center, 510 Preston St., (713) 228-OPERA.
Under the artistic direction of Sarah Rothenberg, Da Camera of Houston brings together a delightful mixture of American and international artists to explore a broad range of musical styles, including chamber music and jazz. Programs frequently incorporate a multidisciplinary approach to provide a social and political context to the music. Performances can be enjoyed at Wortham Center, 501 Texas Ave., and at The Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. (713) 524-7601.
Also at Wortham is the firstclass Houston Ballet, which has been a cultural ambassador for the city of Houston by touring to critical acclaim across Europe, Asia, and North America. In 1995, it became the first full American ballet company invited to tour the People’s Republic of China. Today, under the direction of Stanton Welch, Houston Ballet surprises, delights, and inspires audiences. Wortham Center, 501 Texas Ave., (713) 227-2787.
