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Houston’s Theater District is Mecca for performing arts enthusiasts, where the choices include ballet, opera, Broadway musicals, and world renowned theater. Under the direction of Gregory Boyd, the more-than-60-year-old Alley Theatre (713-220-5700) remains one of the few regional theater companies in the country operating year-round. Expect to see a variety of plays, including classics, musicals, and rediscovered and rare American works performed by the Tony Awardwinning organization.
Broadway in Houston (713-622-7469) and Theater Under the Stars (713-558-2600) share a reputation for bringing the best of musical theater to Houston stages. Catch performances at The Hobby Center for Performing Arts. From midspring to late fall, visit Miller Outdoor Theatre (713-284-8351) in the Museum District for free shows offered alfresco.
Founded in 1913, Houston Symphony (713-224-7575) lays claim to being one of the nation’s oldest performing arts organizations. Under the direction of Maestro Hans Graf, the symphony performs more than 170 concerts a year at its primary Theater District venue, Jones Hall, but also entertains at its summer home to the north, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, and at Miller Outdoor Theatre.
For more than 50 years, Houston Grand Opera (713-228-6737) 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, the opera company has earned coveted distinctions that include a Tony, two Grammy Awards, and two Emmys.
Under the artistic direction of Sarah Rothenberg, Da Camera of Houston (713-524-7601) 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. Da Camera hosts performances at the Wortham Center and at The Menil Collection.
Also at Wortham is the first-class Houston Ballet (713- 227-2787), which has been a cultural ambassador for the city of Houston by touring to critical acclaim across Europe, Asia, and North America. Under the direction of Stanton Welch, the organization surprises, delights, and inspires audiences. In 2011, look for the debut of its new $53 million Center for Dance, which broke ground in July 2009. Upon completion, the sixstory building will by the largest professional dance company facility in the country.
Several other area troupes and organizations are known to heat up the Houston stage, too. Catch national acts as they stop in the city for shows presented by the Society for the Performing Arts (713-227-4772). Watch rising-star performers in thought-provoking plays produced by Main Street Theater (713-524-6706) or Stages Repertory Theatre (713-527-0123), and take in a contemporary ballet offered by Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre (713-652-3938).
