Houston, TX – The first weekend of 2023 will offer uplifting fun with theater, music and comedy featuring familiar names.
If you’re a fan of the romantic comedy classic Pretty Woman, you’ll enjoy the frenetic musical that’s taking place in the city. David Bowie and Elvis fans can celebrate the stars with a show that honors both. Elton John and Billy Joel fans can also enjoy a jam session with the Houston Symphony Orchestra’s Best of His Hits show.
Plus, this weekend there’s a serious comedy on the entertaining folk stage. Here’s your best bet for the weekend.
Thursday, January 5th
Hobby Center’s Memorial Herman Broadway: Pretty Woman
Based on one of the most beloved Hollywood romantic stories of all time, this musical adaptation of the 1990 film starring Julia Roberts features strong creatives led by two-time Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell. brought to life by the team. This production features an original score by Grammy Award winners Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. & a book by J.F. Lawton, director and screenwriter of the second half of the film. 7:30pm (Friday 8pm, Saturday 2pm and he 8pm, Sunday 2pm and he 7:30).
ISHIDA presents Stirs up still things
‘Stirs up still things’ includes world premieres by ISHIDA based on original poetic narratives and works by emerging and renowned international choreographers. “Among Dim Shapes” follows intimate relationships and the ghosts they carry, driven by typical patterns. The program also includes a new work by Swedish dancer, film director and choreographer John Wanehag (formerly of Tanzmainz) and award-winning British-Finnish choreographer Christian Lieber. 8:00 pm (2:00 pm on Sunday).
Friday 6th January
Vittakka Dance College presents Winter Works
This Friday and Saturday, the Vitacca Vocational School for Dance presents this two-act performance. Vitacca Studio Company dancers reenact excerpts from La Bayadere and original contemporary pieces. These works were created by 2022-23 Guest Artists Greg Dolvassian, Jess Hendricks, Sean Aaron Carmon, Garrett Smith, and Kelly Ann Vitacca.7 pm
Improv Houston presents Bill Bellamy
Drawing on his experience growing up in Newark, former MTV VJ (and creator of the phrase “booty call”) Bill Bellamy got his start in standup while a student at Rutgers University. Bellamy quickly realized how much he loved making people laugh and began honing his skills at small comedy clubs across the country, quickly making waves in clubs and shows like his Def Comedy Jam on HBO . 7:30 PM and 9:45 PM (7:00 PM and 9:00 PM on Saturday, 7:30 PM on Sunday).
Houston Symphony presents music by Elton John and Billy Joel
From “Rocket Man” to “Piano Man,” this exclusive concert brings the iconic hits of two classic rock legends to life. Hand-picked by Billy Joel to recreate his music for the Broadway musical Movin’ Out, piano and vocal talent Michael Kavanaugh is featured on “Tiny Dancer,” “Uptown Girl,” and “Your Song.” and more provide inspiring renditions of the songs you know and love. ‘, ‘New York State of Mind’, ‘Saturday Night’s Alright’ and more. 8:00 pm (Sunday at 2:30 pm).
See Culturemap’s partners for a full list of events.