Theatre Under The Stars, Stages reveal 2022-23 lineups
TUTS (Theatre Under The Stars) and Stages have unveiled a new run of shows for their 2022-23 seasons, which include everything from the tried-andtrue (“Mary Poppins”) to the topical (“cullud wattah”).
Dan Knechtges, TUTS artistic director, calls his lineup “a fantastic collection of shows,” with a world premiere and several Broadway favorites. Tickets are currently available only by subscription. Individual tickets will go on sale at a later date. All shows are at Hobby Center in downtown Houston.
The new season includes: “Ain’t Misbehavin’ ” Sept. 20-Oct. 2
Tony Award-winning musical celebrating the music of Fats Waller and the music of the Harlem Renaissance. Produced by TUTS.
“The Grislwolds’ Broadway Vacation”
Oct. 25-Nov. 6
This world-premiere musical is based on the National Lampoon’s “Vacation” film series and follows the Griswold family to New York City. The show will be co-produced by 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle. Books, music and lyrics are by David Rossmer and Steve Rosen. “Mary Poppins”
Dec. 6-24
Produced by TUTS and directed and choreographed by Knechtges, this musical, about a whimsical nanny with a magic umbrella, is based on the Disney film and book by P.L. Travers. “9 to 5”
Jan. 31-Feb. 12, 2023
The musical, based on the ’80s workplace comedy, features a book by the movie’s original screenwriter, Patricia Resnick, and songs by Dolly Parton. “Waitress”
March 28-April 9
This story, about a pregnant pie maker, is based on the wonderful 2007 film starring Keri Russell (that doesn’t get enough credit, thank you very much). It features songs by Sara Bareilles. “Rent” May 16-28
Before “Hamilton,” there was “Rent.” TUTS will produce its own version of this Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical about a group of young New Yorkers dealing with love, drugs and the AIDS epidemic.
Meanwhile, over at Stages, the theater has an adventurous schedule of shows for its 202223 season, including five world premieres and tributes to rock royalty and a famed Houston ballerina.
The upcoming season is a reflection of the theater’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) mantra, “with the goal of dismantling oppressive and exclusive structures, creating equitable access to our work, building connections between diverse communities and broadening our reach to fully reflect the populations we serve.”
Season subscriptions are now on sale. Individual tickets will go on sale this summer and start at $30.
Full schedule:
“Dream: The Story of the Everly Brothers”
July 22-Sept. 4
This world premiere combines the story of rock icons the Everly Brothers with show creators Ben Hope and Eric Anthony’s own stories of influences, music and family.
“Plumshuga: The Rise of Lauren Anderson”
Oct. 7-Nov. 13
Another world premiere, this one offers a “vivid and intimate look” at dancer Lauren Anderson’s rise to ballet royalty and acceptance of her authentic self. Anderson became one of the first Black principal ballerinas of a major company with the Houston Ballet. At the same time, she was grappling with abuse and addiction. Written by Deborah D.E.E.P Mouton. Featuring choreography by Stanton Welch and Harrison Guy and Houston Ballet dancers.
“Houston for the Holidays with Dequina Moore”
Nov. 4-Dec. 24
A cabaret-style performance featuring holiday hits. World premiere.
“Panto Snow White and the Seven Dorks”
Nov. 25-Dec. 24
Snow White is banished by the Evil Queen and her hightech virtual assistant mirror. As she fumbles through Silicon Valley in search of help, she finds a team of dorky hackers. Together, they out code the forces of tech tyranny using brains, algorithms and some Panto-magic. World premiere. “Roe”
Jan. 20-March 5, 2023
This play, based on the landmark Roe v. Wade case, follows two Texas natives in the years following the ruling that legalized abortion: attorney Sarah Weddington, who argued the case before the Supreme Court; and plaintiff Norma McCorvey, known as Jane Roe.
“cullud wattah”
Feb. 10-April 2
This play follows three generations of Black women living through the water crisis in
Flint, Mich. Denise Fennell
March 10-May 14
An original show featuring actress and comedian Fennell.
“The Legend of Georgia McBride”
May 5-July 2
When an Elvis impersonator is replaced by a drag show, he decides to slap on a wig and some makeup and join the new cast. Stages promises the show “challenges our perceptions of identity and classic gender roles with extraordinary humor and depth.” “Drag Wonderettes”
May 19-July 2
The Marvelous Wonderettes, a Stages favorite, are reimagined as drag queens performing ’50s and ’60s pop classics.
Sin Muros (Without Walls): A Borderless Teatro Festival
May 25-28
The festival’s sixth year celebrating Latin artists.
“Thunder Knockin’ on the Door”
June 16-Aug. 6
Featuring the music of Keb’ Mo, this show is about a blues guitar player who arrives at the door of the Dupree family in a small Alabama town. Part family reckoning, part epic love story.