Thank You for Your Donation:) only $1

October 10, 2024

Dracula is having a moment in Houston and en español.

Plus: Halloween fun for everyone and all-day brunch

 ͏  ͏  ͏
Preview
Title Sponsor

ALL-ACCESS SALE! 6 Months for 99¢
Get digital access to local news and more.
Act Now

SALE ENDS OCT. 13 | CANCEL ANYTIME

The immortal Dracula is having another renaissance in Houston and beyond

Did you know a Spanish-language "Dracula" was made at the same time as Bela Lugosi's 1931 classic? I didn't.

Silent films were being replaced by "talkies" that had limited appeal to international audiences who didn't speak English. Carl Laemmle, who founded Universal Studios, doubled up on "Dracula" as a way to save money and appeal to more moviegoers. The Lugosi version was filmed during the day, and a new cast and crew arrived at night to shoot the movie in Spanish, using the same sets, costumes and script. But for less money and in less time.

Eugenio Derbez, one of Mexico's biggest stars, sinks his teeth into the wacky tale for "Y llegaron de noche" ("And They Arrived at Night"). The streaming series on ViX recounts the story and features Jason Alexander as Laemmle. You can watch the first episode on YouTube. It's well-acted, gorgeously filmed and really funny. And it's mostly all true.

"The actors were literally cast based on whether they fit the clothes that the American actors wore during the day. It was not about acting ability at first, it was about, can you fit into this tuxedo? Well, if you can, you're hired," Derbez told me.

It's mostly in Spanish, but don't be put off by that. It's easy to understand and does include a good amount of English. 

"Y llegaron de noche" is part of a Dracula renaissance that includes the "Drunk Dracula" show in Houston (look for my story on that soon) and a stage production of "Dracula" at the Crighton Theatre in Conroe. What's your favorite version of the bloodsucking icon?

Photo of Joey Guerra

Joey Guerra, music reporter

joey.guerra@houstonchronicle.com

Display Advertisement

My music picks

Los Temerarios

Photo by: Courtesy

50 years of romance

Mexican group Los Temerarios kicks off a three-night run tonight at Toyota Center after a few postponements. The group's nearly five-decade career includes a huge catalog of romantic ballads and pop songs. 7 p.m. Oct. 10-12 at 1510 Polk; $64 and up online.

  • Space cowboy: If you missed Orville Peck at House of Blues, read all about in my review of the show. Peck also visited Johnson Space Center and shared several photos on Instagram. He told the House of Blues crowd that as a kid he was "obsessed with the idea that I'd go to space."
  • Beyoncé watch: Tina Knowles, Beyoncé's mom, was named one of Glamour magazine's Women of the Year — "The Moms." She says she's most proud of instilling kindness and being humble in her daughters. "Listen, they can pick up their own suitcases," she says. Go, Tina!

Fun family favs

Brenda Anaya gives her son, Isaac Anaya, 12, a bite from her mole chicken taco during the MECA Dia de los Muertos Festival, 1900 Kane St., Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021 in Houston.

Photo by: Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer

Sugar skulls and Swedish meatballs

MECA brings Día de los Muertos to IKEA for a day of cultural fun. It includes a performance by MECA's ballet folklórico team, arts and crafts, mariachi music and more. Swedish meatballs are optional. Noon-4 p.m. Oct. 12 at 7810 Katy Fwy; free.

  • An early Halloween: The Space City Spook-Tacular Market will feature all sorts of fun for kids, including a petting zoo, candy bags and more. Costumes are encouraged. For the grown-ups, there will be vendors selling everything from jewelry to plants. 11 a.m.-4 p.m Oct. 13 at 1120 Naylor; free.

Houston on the cheap

Houston DJ Flash Gordon Parks

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer

Music on the lawn

Sounds To Live By is an outdoor listening event with various artists spinning their favorite records. They include Peter Lucas, a film and media curator; Tierney Malone, a visual artist; Jamire Williams, a multidisciplinary artist; and DJ and music historian Flash Gordon Parks. 3 p.m. Oct. 13 at The Menil Collection, east lawn, 1533 Sul Ross; free.

  • Opa, again: Galveston's Greek Festival takes its turn with food, wine, beer, pastries, live bouzouki music and traditional Greek dancers. Oct. 12 and 13 at Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 1824 Ball, Galveston; galvestongreekfestival.com.
Display Advertisement

Where to eat

Hash Kitchen is know for its Bloody Mary bar.

Photo by: Hash Kitchen

Brunch all day

Hash Kitchen's first Houston area location is now open at 9250 Broadway in Pearland. It's known for over-the-top brunches featuring disco balls, DJs, a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar with more than 50 topping choices and creative dishes like cannoli doughnuts and Billionaire's Bacon dusted with gold flakes. Who's ready to go?

  • Banh Mi Day: Happy Banh Mi Day! Oct. 10 is a day to honor the iconic Vietnamese sandwich served on a baguette and filled with pork, chicken or tofu, pickled vegetables, cilantro and peppers. Where's your favorite one in Houston? Seriously, I want to know. 

Everything else you need to know

Display Advertisement
Houston Chronicle
Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedInTikTok

Privacy Notice  |  Terms of Use

Unsubscribe  |  Manage Preferences

Houston Chronicle - Footer Logo

Houston Chronicle
4747 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77027
© 2024 Hearst Newspapers, LLC

No comments:

Post a Comment