See the latest performing arts productions and theater happenings opening across Houston from Monday, March 30 to Sunday, April 5, 2026.
The Love of My Life occasionally serenades me with eclectic snippets from musicals, old Disney movies and the odd TV show. One of his favorites to croon is “Mr. Cellophane,” from Chicago, a la John C. Reilly, who gave a great performance of it in the movie version. Reilly is in Houston this week for his vaudeville show. While I’ve no idea if that selection will be on the bill, he’s an amazing performer, the show has great accolades—it should be great.
I shouldn’t admit how often I saw Back to the Future as a teenager in 1985 when the movie premiered. Let’s just say, I had more than one picture of Michael J. Fox, the film’s star, on my bedroom wall. He’s not coming to Houston, but TUTS is bringing the musical based on the movie to Houston, DeLorean time machine and all.
This week also includes a performance of the scores unified by a classic and classical Walt Disney film by the Houston Symphony and a comic opera from Opera in the Heights. Graduates in the Class of 2026 at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music have their recitals this week. All are open to the public and free of charge.
Finally, let me shout out Main Street Theater’s (rightfully) extended, incredible production of Tom Stoppard’s last play, Leopoldstadt. A sell-out on opening night, and with several sold-out performances to come, if you can secure a ticket to this show, make sure you see it. It was one of the best things I’ve seen this season, and an absolute must-see. This is the kind of show Main Street excels at, and the cast and crew have outdone themselves.
Go see performing arts, Houston!
Top Live Theater & Performing Arts in Houston This Week: March 30 to April 5, 2026
Showtime! New Openings & This Week Only Shows
Recitals at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music | Monday to Saturday | FREE with RSVP – The students in Rice ’s Shepherd School of Music’s instrumental and vocal programs are among the most talented performers in the country. Graduating seniors, master’s degree and artist diploma candidates must perform as part of their graduation requirements. These performances are open to the public and a wonderful way to encourage these students and see the stars of tomorrow. Times vary. RSVP.
TUTS: Back to the Future: The Musical at The Hobby Center | Tuesday to Sunday – Marty McFly is transported back to 1955—thanks to Doc Brown’s wild invention—and he accidentally changes the course of his family history. Can he fix it all and come back to his own time? Based on the 1985 movie, the musical won the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical. $46+. Times vary. Get tickets.
Performing Arts Houston: John C. Reilly is Mister Romantic at The Hobby Center | Thursday & Friday – The comically tragic Broadway and film star brings this vaudeville show—called “wryly funny, sometimes tender and sad, but always sincere” by The New York Times—to HTX. $84+. 7:30pm. Get tickets.
Houston Symphony: Disney’s Fantasiain Concert at Jones Hall | Friday to Sunday – The orchestra performs the film’s iconic score live to picture, with selections like Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, Stravinsky’s Firebird and more. Times vary. $45+. Get tickets.
Arias & Art Songs for Cello & Piano at Our Texas Cultural Center | Saturday – The elegant program performed by acclaimed Armenian cellist Hasmik Vardanyan and distinguished pianist Dr. Alina Klimaszewska features Romantic and late-Romantic masterworks by Beethoven, Dvořák, Debussy, Saint-Saëns, Rachmaninov, Wagner, Poulenc, and Fauré. $30. 6pm. Get tickets.
Shepherd Spotlight: Dvořák’s Cello Concerto at Stude Concert Hall | Saturday – See compelling performances by Shepherd School Concerto Competition-winning instrumentalists, graduate orchestral conducting students, and new compositions by recent composition alumni—all performed by the Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra. $5+. 7:30pm. Get tickets.
Opera in the Heights: Don Pasqualeat Lambert Hall | Opens Saturday | Ongoing – In Donizetti’s beloved comic opera, Don Pasquale tries to marry a young bride to disinherit his nephew—only to fall victim to a clever scheme to turn the tables. $35+. 7:30pm. Get tickets.
They’ve Got Legs! Ongoing Shows
Stages: Tiny Beautiful Things at The Gordy | Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday | Closes Sunday, April 19 – An advice columnist who used empathy and her personal experiences to help those seeking guidance for obstacles both large and small. $25+. Times vary. Get tickets.
Pajama Game at Island Etc. | Thursday to Sunday | Closes Saturday, April 11 – The classic musical takes place in a pajama factory, where workers are clamoring for a raise, while behind the scenes, alliances shift and romance blossoms. $40. Times vary. Get tickets.
Leopoldstadt at Main Street Theater | Thursday to Sunday | Extended to Sunday, May 3 – The tour de force production explores 50 years in the lives of a Jewish family in Austria, set against the sweep of history of the first half of the 20th century. One of the best things I saw this season! $45+. Times vary. Get tickets.
Choir Boy at The Ensemble Theatre | Friday to Sunday | Closes Sunday, April 12 – A group of young, Black students at Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys navigates issues of identity and sexuality in a coming-of-age story. $30+. Times vary. Get tickets.
Curtain Call! Closing This Week
Call “Timber!” for Mighty Acorn’s Red Maple at MATCH on Saturday.
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