Going to the dogs and other family fun: Society for the Performing Arts plans safe season
A comeback season is not the time to experiment, as June Christensen sees it.
The Society for the Performing Arts executive director, counting down the days to her retirement next month, wants to leave the Southwest’s largest independent touring arts organization in a healthy place as it recovers from Hurricane Harvey. Though SPA’s estimated pinch is far less than the many millions Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera and the Alley Theatre must recoup during the coming years, the organization lost about $800,000 as a result of having to relocate and shuffle dates for many of its current season offerings, and soft ticket sales only now seem to be bouncing back.
“The past season has been a bit surreal,” Christensen said.
To keep SPA squarely on its feet next season, she has filled the schedule with familyfriendly entertainment — including energetic dance, Broadway touring shows, science talks, eclectic music and — much to the delight of her staff — the touring canine show “Mutts Gone Nuts.”
Two of this season’s postponed shows are included: MOMIX’s visually stunning modern dance “Opus Cactus” and a performance by Van Cliburn International Piano Competition winner Yekwon Sunwoo.
The dance card looks especially strong. Michelle Dorrance, who first wowed Houston audiences as a member of “Stomp” years ago, brings her acclaimed New York company’s piece “ETM: Double Down,” which employs original tap “instruments” that allow the dancers to actually perform the score. The company will be in Houston for a week’s residency, in collaboration with the Jewish Community Center, that includes gatherings and master classes.
Christensen is also excited to be importing Beijing Dance’s “Hamlet,” which explores Shakespeare’s tragedy from a fresh perspective. And she’s thrilled to bring back Complexions, the wonderful contemporary ballet company led by former superstars Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson; and the always fun Pilobolus with “Shadowland: The New Adventure,” a sequel to its wildly successful production about two lovers and their quest to save a magical bird.
Christensen is launching what she hopes will become an ongoing partnership with National Geographic Live! to present lectures that are equal parts science lesson and entertainment. The talks acknowledge the importance of math and science as part of a well-rounded, cultured life, she said.
First up is Egtyptology professor Kara Cooney, who looks at strong women who ruled the ancient world, including Cleopatra, Neferusobek and Nefertiti. Another night features “extreme filmmaker” Bryan Smith, known for his purposeful adventures to some of Earth’s most remote environments. Then comes the enthusiastic NASA mechanical engineer Kobie Boykins, who will talk about unraveling space mysteries and current Mars exploration.
NBA legend Kareem AbdulJabar, with host Roy Firestone, will share inspiration from his turbulent sports journey and activism in the season’s other talk, “Becoming Kareem.”
Classical music lovers will be pleased to see the schedule includes renowned millennial pianist Roman Rabinovich, who has been wowing audiences since he was 10. There’s something for everyone, musically — from iconic folk singer Arlo Guthrie to the dynamic Soweto Gospel Choir to the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain (on St. Patrick’s Day).
The two Broadway touring shows announced promise full-on family enchantment with a pair of classic stories: “The Wizard of Oz” and “Finding Neverland,” about Peter Pan.
Christensen said her staff has begged her to book “Mutts Gone Nuts,” a comedic performance featuring some of the world’s best-trained canines, for several years. “It hasn’t really been in our wheelhouse to do animal shows,” she said. “But they’re rescue dogs, it’s PETA-approved, and it’s a good family show.”
She also promises more to come; the booking of touring acts is always a work in progress. Subscription sales begin Sunday, with multiple packages available, at 713-227-4772 and spahouston.org.