Convenience Big Store: Houston theater raised me, and I didn't even know it

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If you do one Houston theater thing:

Houston has always been in its theater era — it's time to catch up.

Vibes: ✨

Lights down. Curtain up. A whole new world.

Why you should do this:

Houston’s theater scene is world class — fight me.

It’s big and vibrant, bold and challenging. Just this weekend, you can see Theatre Under the Stars bring Carole King to life in "Beautiful" or The Ensemble Theatre bring to life a play inspired by "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" or Mystic Cat Society's satirical take on Donald Trump.

But my introduction to the local stage was red-faced martians.

I wasn’t quite 10 years old when I was one of the “little red men from Mars” in a school musical. I don’t remember much other than something about kidnapping Santa Claus. We had to paint our faces red and wear green construction paper ears. I was hooked. I spent the rest of my elementary school years auditioning for — and getting — the lead in every school musical. I played Peter Pan with a homemade sword from my father. I was Hansel in "Hansel & Gretel," and we had a real candy house. Next stop, Broadway.

The lights dimmed in middle and high school, where theater programs were nonexistent. But the stage continued to fascinate me, whether it was a field trip to see "Equus" or my aunt taking way too many nieces and nephews to see "Beowulf." I was lucky enough to see the original Broadway casts of "Rent," "Wicked" and the "Chicago" revival. And just thinking about "The Light in the Piazza" makes me want to burst into tears.

Local theater is every bit as rewarding. One of the most devastating things I've ever seen was Shelley Williams in "The Heiress" at the Alley Theatre. Just thinking about her performance, even today, gives me chills. I remain in awe of Christina Wells, who has starred in multiple shows around Houston, and has a talent and energy that eclipses everything else onstage. She's a superstar and deserving of a lead role that matches her talent. Theaters like Mystic Cat Society and Dirt Dogs are committed to doing thoughtful, difficult work even when it's uncomfortable.

We have endless options in Houston, I know. And theater can feel like a commitment. But if you've never experienced a local production, try it. I promise you'll be transported to a whole new world — no red face paint or construction paper ears needed.

📝 Our plan:

Dinner at Birraporetti's for the full Houston theater experience.
Sing along with "Natural Woman" and "The Locomotion" at the "Beautiful" musical.
Discuss over drinks at By the Wayside in the East End.

☑️ Need to know:

Houston has at least 20 places to see great theater.
Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston has theater every weekend.
Tye Blue, who grew up in Houston, directs the Tony-nominated "Titanique" on Broadway.