Take in a show that you can’t miss with 12 performances that are sure to get your May started on the right foot.
Also in May 2016
From a story of a woman who goes from innocent to outcast to a show about a distant heir determined to win his inheritance, there are plenty of performances to choose from this month.
Still looking for more entertainment this month? Visit our Event Calendar for a more comprehensive list.
Top 12 Must-See Plays & Arts Performances this Month in Houston: May 2016
- Houston Grand Opera presents Carousel at Wortham Theatre Center | Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7 – Houston Grand Opera presents a new production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. Lush music combined with a story of love and redemption make for an evening of unforgettable theater. Tickets range between $18 to $370, but you may find cheaper or better seats on TicketNetwork’s resale market.
- Mildred’s Umbrella presents Dollface at Studio 101 | Through Saturday, May 14 – Mildred’s Umbrella continues is mission to showcase edgy, inspiriting plays written by women and focusing on women’s issues with this world premiere by Katharine Sherman. The story of a young woman who goes from innocent to outcast shines a light on what we ask of each other – and how society shapes our roles and ideas. $20.
- Storm Songs and Stories at Rudyard’s Pub | Wednesday, May 4 | FREE – Houston Arts Alliance and Houston Grand Opera present this multimedia series of stories, spoken word pieces, songs and scenes of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ike. The open mic format features first timers and seasoned performers – and the audience is welcome to participate. 7pm.
- TUTS presents A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder at the Hobby Center | Wednesday, May 4 through Sunday, May 15 – This Tony-winning musical delivers huge laughs and clever verse to the story of a distant heir to a family fortune, who’d determined to win his inheritance, even if he has to kill everyone in line before him to do it. $30 to $124.50, but you may find cheaper or better seats on TicketNetwork’s resale market.
- AsiaFest 2016 at Asia Society Texas Center | Saturday, May 7 | FREE – Kick off Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with this day-long festival of music, dance, visual arts, food and fun. The family friendly event will showcase vendors selling local goods and multiple performances by members of the Houston community. 10am to 6pm.
- Plenty of Time at The Ensemble Theatre | Saturday, May 7 through Sunday, June 5 – This regional premiere of John Shevin Foster’s play is the story of a Southern debutante who falls in love with a Black Panther. Spanning 33 years and taking on the subjects of love, feminism, black militarism, the Vietnam War and AIDS, it’s a passionate look at what happens when worlds collide. $23 to $38.
- Stars of David at Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center | Wednesday, May 11 through Sunday, May 22 – This musical revue based on the best-selling book by Abigail Pogrebin showcases the life and stories of well-known Jewish personalities, including Leonard Nimoy, Fran Drescher, Aaron Sorkin, Tony Kushner and Ruth Bader Ginsberg in vignettes that include the subjects’ own words and music by Marvin Hamlisch, Tom Kitt and others. $45 with discounts for members, seniors and students.
- Mercury presents Beethoven’s Ninth at Wortham Theatre Center | Saturday, May 14 – Mercury (formerly Mercury Baroque) brings the composer’s masterpiece to the stage, along with selections from Vivaldi. Beethoven’s beloved Ninth Symphony is a must-see for classical music lovers and novices alike, with it’s sweeping melodies and timeless “Ode to Joy.” $19 to $68.
- Bayou City Concert Musicals presents Embraceable You at Ensemble Theatre | Saturday, May 14 through Monday, May 16 – Bayou City Concert Musicals explores the 1930s works of George Gershwin in this cabaret of classics, including “I Got Rhythm,” “You Can’t Take That Away from Me,” “Nice Work if You Can Get It,” “Embraceable You” and many more. $25.
- The Mischievous Muse at The MATCH | Sunday, May 15 – The Axiom Quartet brings its signature styles to an evening of chamber works exploring where artists find inspiration. With selections from Beethoven, Janacek and Smetana, expect a concert of rich sounds and eclectic storylines. $25.
- Working at Main Street Theater | Saturday, May 21 through Sunday, June 19 – Based on Stud Terkel’s groundbreaking book of the same name and featuring music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Craig Carnella, James Taylor and Stephen Schwartz, this new production of the Tony-winning musical is celebration of often un-celebrated jobs (teacher, waitress, mill worker) and how the work we do makes us who we are. $36 to $39.
- Cuba Libre! at The MATCH | Sunday, May 22 – The Apollo Chamber Players tap into the passion, political turmoil and rich texture of island life that define Cuba in this concert that celebrates our neighbor 90 miles away. Included are a world premiere, Imagenes de Cuba, by Arthur Gottschalk and Mas alla de una verdad by Miami-based Cuban composer Maureen Reyes Lavastida. $30; $10 for students.
