Grab your tickets to the top 14 theatrical shows and arts performances happening around the Greater Houston area in May 2019.
Also in May 2019
Top 14 Plays & Arts Performances
Happening This Week
Still looking for more entertainment this month? Visit our Event Calendar for a more comprehensive list.
Shows are listed in chronological order and are not ranked numerically from most to least recommended.
Top 14 Plays & Arts Performances This Month: May 2019
- Madama Butterfly at Lambert Theater in The Heights | Through Saturday, May 4 – The classic Puccini opera that inspired Broadway mega-hit Miss Saigon is the story of a Japanese Geisha and her affair with a British naval officer. Presented by Opera in the Heights, in partnership with Pacific Opera Project, the production is performed with a new bilingual Japanese-English libretto. Tickets start at $40.50. Showtimes vary.
- Crimes of the Heart at The Alley Theatre | Through Sunday, May 5 – Beth Henley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play tells the story of three sisters who reunite at their grandfather’s Mississippi home after one of them shoots her husband. Theresa Rebeck directs the all-local cast which includes Alley Theatre company members Dylan Godwin, Melissa Pritchett, and Jay Sullivan, as well as Skylar Sinclair, Bree Welch and Chelsea Ryan McCurdy. Tickets start at $26. Showtimes vary.
- Toast at the MATCH | Through Sunday, May 5 – Catastrophic Theatre presents this world premiere by Brian Jucha, a skewed adventure through Dante’s nine circles of hell that incorporates alien abduction, mock trials, texts ripped from the headlines and group psychosis. The absurdist dance piece reunites Jucha and many of Infernal Bridegroom Productions artists that created Last Rites and We Have Some Planes. Tickets are pay-what-you-can. Showtimes vary.
- Don Giovanni at the Wortham Theater Center | Through Sunday, May 5 – Houston Grand Opera presents Mozart’s classic opera, telling the story of the womanizing Don Giovanni, who carouses all over Europe, with his faithful servant Leporello at his side. What happens when his luck finally runs out? The new production incorporates a rotating set and stunning projections that are guaranteed to show the story in a brand new light. HGO studio alumnus Ryan McKinny sings the title role. Tickets start at $20. Showtimes vary.
- The Phoenix at the Wortham Theater Center | Through Friday, May 10 – This world premiere opera from Houston Grand Opera is the story of librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte and his quest to build New York City’s first opera company. Chronicling his life and exploits on two continents, it’s a tale of infamy and redemption and the stories we tell about our very selves. Tickets start at $20. 7:30pm nightly.
- Murder for Two at Stages Repertory Theatre | Through Sunday, June 16 – Presented by Stages Repertory Theater Company, this madcap musical murder mystery features a two-person cast. One of them plays the inspector on the trail of a killer; the other portrays all 13 suspects. Both play piano in what’s apt to be a humor-filled riff on the tradition crime genre. The New York Observer called it “a hilarious musical whodunit.” Tickets start at $25, but limited discounted premium seats are available at $23 for select shows. Showtimes vary.
- Relatively Speaking at Main Street Theater | Saturday, May 4 through Sunday, May 26 – Alan Ayckbourn’s farce of mistaken identity is the story of Ginny and George. Madly in love with each other, and just engaged, George sets out to surprise his beloved – only to turn up at the wrong house. This performance by Main Street Theater should prove perfect for fans of Noel Coward and wild romps. Tickets start at $36. Showtimes vary.
- Pipeline at the Ensemble Theatre | Saturday, May 4 through Sunday, June 2 – In Ensemble Theatre‘s production, Nya teaches at an inner-city public school while her son Omari attends a private school upstate. When an incident threatens his expulsion, Nya must confront not only her son’s rage, but also her own choices as a parent. Tickets start at $30. Showtimes vary.
- Miss Saigon at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts | Tuesday, May 7 to Sunday, May 12 – Theatre Under the Stars presents the epic musical from the creators of Les Miserables, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Vietnam War. A modern retelling of Madame Butterfly, bar dancer Kim falls in love with American soldier Chris, as the world around them explodes in turmoil. Tickets start at $35, but you may find cheaper or better seats on TicketNetwork’s online resale market. Showtimes vary.
- Coppélia at the Wortham Theater Center | Friday, May 17 to Sunday, May 26 – Houston Ballet presents this beloved classic, the story of a young couple’s encounter with a dollmaker and his creation, the beautiful Coppélia. Leo Debiles’ score, coupled with dazzling sets and costumes, make this a family-friendly must-see. Tickets start at $25, but you may find cheaper or better seats on TicketNetwork’s online resale market. Showtimes vary.
- The God Committee at The George Theater | Friday, May 17 through Sunday, June 2 – A.D. Players presents this story of medicine, morality, and money. A heart is available for transplant, but who should get it? This real-time examination of that deliberation process shows how our world views and prejudices factor into our thinking. Tickets start at $20, but premium $55 seats are discounted to $27.50 for select shows. Showtimes vary.
- Collected Stories at Studio 101 | Friday, May 17 through Saturday, June 8 – 4th Wall Theatre Company presents the Houston premiere of this Pulitzer Prize-winning drama that explores the lives of two writers. Friendship, ambition, rivalry, and betrayal intersect as established writer Ruth Steiner wants to share her experiences with the next generation –only to come up against Lisa Morrison. Tickets start at $17, but premium $32 seats are available discounted to $16 for select shows. Showtimes vary.
- Spamilton: An American Parody at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts | Tuesday, May 28 through Sunday, June 9 – This musical spoof of the Broadway megahit was called “convulsively funny” by the New York Times. Expect smart and silly in equal measure. Tickets start at $41, but you may find cheaper or better seats on TicketNetwork’s online resale market. Showtimes vary.
- Up Rising: A Night of Dance Commemorating Stonewall’s 50th Anniversary at CAMH | Thursday, May 30 | FREE – Houston’s most visible LGBTQ dance artists and community members come together for an evening of jazz, contemporary, ballet, and hip-hop dance with a range of music and costumes, including drag performance. 6:30pm.
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