What’s ‘All New’ at the Alley

1.16

Now in its fourth year, the Alley All New festival (Jan. 18-27) delivers pioneering new material in the form of readings, workshops and world premieres — for free.


Beginning Jan. 18 — and coinciding with the run of The Carpenter, the latest from Cypress-reared Robert Askins — the festival includes works by seven playwrights from across the country. Expect limited-run workshop performances of Hilary Bettis’72 Miles to Go, a commentary on America’s immigration policies, and Claire Kiechel’s Sophia, set in both the years 2016 and 216. The 10-day event also features readings of three plays; more readings will take place throughout the year, on March 18, April 29 and June 10.

An “early draft preview”of Mr. Texas, from an all-star team made up of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Lawrence Wright, with musicians Marcia Ball and Gordon Wright, takes place on Jan. 26 at 4:30pm. Lawrence was last at the Alley with his world premiere Cleo; the scandalous story of the movie romance between Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor finally took the stage in April after Hurricane Harvey delayed its debut.

The All New lineup arrives alongside the resident company’s new artistic director, Rob Melrose, who makes the move to Houston from San Fran this month. Melrose celebrates innovation and avant-garde work, so the All New festival is expected to remain an integral part of the Alley’s DNA during his tenure.

AT TOP: Julia Krohn and Melissa Pritchett during the reading of Cinched and Strapped, by Selina Fillinger, at the 2018 Alley All New Festival.

Dispatches
Wellness Pro LeBrina Jackson on Gratitude at the Holidays: It’s a ‘Reset Button for my Mind’

LeBrina Jackson

AS WE GET into the holiday season, we’re reminded of what we have, what we want and what might be lacking. As Sheryl Crow says in her song, Soak up the Sun, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you've got.” We caught up with LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, Texas, and learned how she tackles the holiday season with hope, love and most importantly, gratitude.

Keep ReadingShow less

A giant astronaut now looks over Discovery Green where the PCMA conference will host its opening event

AMAL CLOONEY, LIZ Cheney and Brené Brown will be in Houston this week to speak at the Professional Convention Management Association’s annual conference. Houston First is bringing the conference — for meeting-planners who work on behalf of companies and associations to book conventions — to town. Houston First president and CEO Michael Heckman has referred to the event as “the Super Bowl of our industry,” as the organization hopes to book $200 million in new incremental business over the next five years.

Keep ReadingShow less

MUTINY WINE ROOM in the Heights is celebrating five years with a bash this month. Opening just months before the pandemic, the tasting-room-style bar and restaurant is run by Emily Trout and Mark Ellenberger, who also own Kagan Cellars in Napa Valley.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food