Top 13 Plays & Arts Performances: August 2017

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Theater District Open House | Photo: Daniel Ortiz

Take in a show that you can’t miss with 13 performances that are sure to get your August started on the right foot.

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From the much-loved bio-play about the legendary country singer to story of a former secret-service agent hired to protect a superstar from an unknown stalker, 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 13 Plays & Arts Performances: August 2017

  • In a Word at Studio 101 | Through Saturday, August 12 – Mildred’s Umbrella Theatre Company kicks off its 16th season with a story of memory, perception, and grief. Lauren Yee’s mystery play follows Fiona and Guy, two years after the disappearance of their son, Tristan. Tickets are $25; $15 for students and seniors. Showtimes vary.
  • Tamarie’s Merry Evening of Mistakes and Regrets at the MATCH | Through Saturday, August 12 – The incomparable Tamarie Cooper is back, with her weird and wonderful take on human nature in this romp through youthful folly, errors in judgment, crushed dreams, and Judy Garland covers. If you’ve ever made a mistake, had a regret or tripped over yourself, this cabaret is for you. Tickets range from $10 to $75. Wednesday to Saturday 8pm.
  • The Last Wife at Main Street Theater | Through Monday, August 13 – A modern take on the marriage of England’s King Henry VIII and Catherine Parr, it’s a brilliant ride through politics, power, and feminism – perfect for history buffs, “House of Cards” fans, and lovers of great writing. Tickets range between $39 to $42. Showtimes vary.
  • Always…Patsy Cline at Stages Repertory Theatre | Through Sunday, August 20 – As Stages celebrates its 40th anniversary, this much-loved bio-play about the legendary country singer is back, telling the story of the singer’s friendship with Houstonian Louise Seger. Expect renderings of Cline’s greatest hits and feel-good performances. Tickets range from $21 to $62, but you may find limited discounted tickets for $21.50. Click here to check for limited discounted tickets. Showtimes vary.
  • Godspell at A.D. Players Jeannette & L.M. George Theater | Through Sunday, August 20 – This beloved musical took the world by storm in the 1970s, with its take on the gospel of Matthew and message of hope and love. A.D. Players presents the recently updated version of the show, complete with modern references and dynamic music arrangements. Tickets range from $24 to $68, but you may find limited discounted tickets for $14. Showtimes vary.
  • Feelin’ Groovy 3 at the Music Box Theater | Through Saturday, August 26 – Groove on our to the best songs of the ‘60s and ‘70s in an intimate cabaret setting. Tickets are $27 for general admission; $37 for reserved seats, but you may find limited discounted tickets for $14.50. Showtimes vary.
  • The Pilot Dance Project presents Jennifer Mabus Requiem at the Morales Funeral Home | Saturday, August 5 – FrenetiCore’s Pilot Dance Project offers dance showcases by independent choreographers in site-specific locations. Mabus’ performance explores the communal rituals of grief in the East End and the Morales family legacy. Tickets are $16 in advance and $20 at the door. Performances at 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm.
  • Church at the Heritage Society | Friday, August 4 through Sunday, August 20 – A collaboration between Horse Head Theatre Company and the Heritage Society, this Houston premiere offers both an immersive pre-show experience and a performance of song, dance, and testimony designed to recharge the sense of self. Wrapped in a sermon delivered by eccentric, traveling reverends, it will test expectations of the religious and non-religious types, alike. Seating is extremely limited. Tickets range between $24 and $65. Daily 7:30pm.
  • Sacred Music Sacred Dance for World Healing at Asia Society Texas Center | Saturday, August 12 – Part of Asia Society’s Mystical Arts of Tibet series, this guarantees to be a feast for all the senses. Garbed in magnificent costumes and accompanied by traditional instruments, the singers of Tibet’s Drepung Loseling Monastery offer an evening of multiphonic song. Tickets are $35 for non-members; $25 for members, $35 for nonmembers. 7pm.
  • The Bodyguard at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts | Tuesday, August 15 to Sunday, August 20 – Based on the Oscar-nominated 1992 blockbuster, this musical tells the story of former secret-service agent Frank Farmer, hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Tickets range from $34 to $131, but you may find cheaper, better, or hard-to-get seats on TicketNetwork’s resale marketplace. Showtimes vary.
  • L’Italiana in Algeri at The MATCH | Friday, August 18 and Saturday, August 19 – Operativo made it a mission to showcase Houston’s classical musicians, and their works allow audiences an intimate opera experience. This masterpiece by Rossini offers hijinx and exquisite singing. Tickets are $27. Daily 7:30pm.
  • Catapult: Dance Meets Design at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts’ Zilkha Hall | Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26 – NobleMotion, one of Houston’s most celebrated dance companies, presents this physically exciting combination of dance “with a dash of cirque” as performers dance amid interactive sets of deconstructed tunnels, flipping doors and more. Tickets range from $25 to $35. Daily 7:15pm.
  • Theater District Open House in Downtown | Sunday, August 27 | CANCELLED Update 2/24/17: Due to expected severe weather, this event has been cancelled this year. Ticket specials may still be available directly from participating groups by phone or online. The 24th annual TransCanada Theater District Open House is the perfect opportunity to learn more about Downtown performing arts groups. Information on the upcoming season, tours, and performances at the Alley Theater, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, the Wortham Theater Center, Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, and Revention Music Center are all part of this family-friendly event. Noon to 5pm.
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Holly Beretto
Holly Beretto writes about food and wine, the arts and interesting people for a variety of local and regional publications. In addition to 365 Things to Do in Houston, her work has appeared in the Arizona State University Alumni Magazine, Arts + Culture Texas, Bayou City Magazine, Downtown, Galveston Monthly and Houston Woman. She is also a regular contributor to Eater.com's Houston site. She earned her B.A. in mass communication with a minor in professional writing from Franklin Pierce College (now Franklin Pierce University) and her M.A. in communication studies with an emphasis in journalism from St. Louis University. She has worked in television news production, public relations and marketing in Rhode Island, Maine, New York and Texas. A native Rhode Islander, she has lived in Texas since 1997. She is the author of Christ as the Cornerstone: Fifty Years of Worship at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, published by Bright Sky Press.