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From classical ballet or symphony to avant-garde plays, Houston has it all.
Theater District Gems
Alley Theatre
615 Texas, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 220-5700.
Founded in 1947, The Alley Theatre shines as one of the nation’s most highly regarded regional theaters. Headed up by Gregory Boyd, it produces classics as well as plays by up-and-coming playwrights.
Houston Grand Opera
510 Preston, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 546-0248.
With opera impresario Anthony Freud, O.B.E. at the helm, Houston audiences are treated to a full season of classic and contemporary operas in grand style. Expect extraordinary productions and collaborations with world-renowned designers. Opera A-listers like Samuel Ramey and Joyce Di Donato frequent the HGO stage at Wortham Center.
Da Camera of Houston
1427 Branard, Houston, TX 77006
(713) 524-5050.
Artistic director Sarah Rothenberg creates musical events for thinking audiences. Programs organized around particular themes combine literature and music to give music historical and cultural context. Catch a jazz performance if possible.
Houston Ballet
921 W. Bell, Houston, TX 77019
(713) 227-2787.
Houston Ballet, known for tremendous versatility and flawless technique, sets a high standard. Under the direction of Australian wunderkind Stanton Welch, the company thrives and the repertory shines with many of his high-voltage works. The season includes classic story ballets and fresh work by top contemporary choreographers performed at Wortham Center.
Houston Symphony
615 Louisiana, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 224-7575.
Maestro Hans Graf makes serious music. Known for excellence and innovation, Houston Symphony offers programs for classical music lovers as well as pops programs to appeal to diverse tastes at Jones Hall.
Society for the Performing Arts
615 Louisiana, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 227-4SPA.
Whether it’s “family fun” or a hot new dance company you’re after, SPA offers great shows that range from traditional to experimental, including a full lineup of international groups. Events take place at Wortham Center and Jones Hall.
Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS)
800 Bagby, Houston, TX 77002
(713) 558-TUTS.
TUTS got its start in 1968 literally performing under the stars at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Now it’s based in stunning Hobby Center and presents classic and new musicals. From Broadway favorites to newly produced shows, TUTS has a long history of presenting top-notch musicals.
Stellar Shows Across the City
A.D. Players
2710 W. Alabama, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 526-2721.
Founded by Golden Globe nominee Jeannette Clift George in 1967, The A.D. Players are committed to producing theater that promotes human values. They perform works by leading American playwrights in addition to original works.
The Ensemble Theatre
3535 Main St., Houston, TX 77002
(713) 520-0055.
The Ensemble is the place to see the work of classic and emerging playwrights. Founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins, the troupe is one of the most renowned African-American theaters in the U.S.
Main Street Theater
2540 Times Blvd., Houston, TX 77005
(713) 524-6706.
Founder Rebecca Greene Udden, known for her selection of challenging plays and musicals, has been delivering great theater for more than 30 years. MST’s intimate Main Stage is nestled in the heart of Rice Village, while its larger children’s theater is at Chelsea Market in the Montrose area.
Mercury Baroque
3601 S. Sandman, Ste. 220, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 533-0080.
Under the baton of Antoine Plante, Mercury Baroque explores 17th and 18th century music using period gut-stringed instruments. Audiences hear baroque music as it was intended.
Nova Arts Project
3928 W. Alabama St., #6, Houston, TX 77027
(713) 623-4033.
This new troupe goes by the motto “theater naptime is over.” Judging from its inaugural season, it means it. The troupe has tackled The Oedipus Trilogy and Hamlet with some fearless restaging.
Opera in the Heights
1703 Heights Blvd., Houston, TX 77008
(713) 861-5303.
If you love opera but prefer more casual settings, Opera in the Heights is the place to go. Enjoy fully staged traditional operas with English subtitles in an intimate setting at an affordable price.
Radio Music Theatre
2623 Colquitt, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 522-7722.
Follow the wacky adventures of the Fertle family with Houston’s most original theater company. Equal parts sketch comedy and satire, RMT has a near cult following. Steve Farrell, Vicki Farrell, and Rich Mills form the comedic brain of the group and play all the parts in notoriously hilarious shows at the cozy theater.
Stages Repertory Theatre
3201 Allen Pkwy., Houston, TX 77019
(713) 527-0123.
Off-Broadway gems and intimate, rarely seen musicals are spotlighted at Stages. Risk-taking programming has formed the mission since this Equity theater started in 1978. Kenn McLaughlin, producing artistic director, keeps his two Midtown venues hopping with regional premieres performed by talented casts.
