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Houston, TX Sept. 8 -20, 2009; Hobby Center/Warehouse Live /Beau Rivag
Topic Started: Jan 28 2009, 09:14 AM (551 Views)
mouser
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September 8-20, 2009

Hobby Center Theatre Under The Stars
800 Bagby St # 300
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 315-2400


TICKETS: Taylor Hicks will NOT appear the 15 - 20

Chills will multiply, you'll lose control, this is the one that you want! T-Birds and Pink Ladies will have you hopelessly devoted as TUTS presents the tour of the 2008 Tony Award® nominated revival of Broadway's, GREASE, September 8-20, 2009 with special guest star, American Idol Taylor Hicks at selected performances!

9/8 @ 8pm
9/9 @ 8pm
9/10 @ 8pm
9/11 ------------ Biliox, MS Shadow tour at the Beau Rivage
9/12 @ 2pm & 8pm
9/13 @ 2pm
9/15 @8pm
9/16 @8pm
9/17@8pm
9/18 @8p,
9/19 @ 2pm & 8pm
9/20 @2pm &8pm

SEATING CAPACITY: 2650


SEATING CHART: Posted Image


THE VENUE:

Posted Image courtesy of George Housek

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is a must-see, must-attend, state-of-the-art entertainment complex. Designed by Robert A. M. Stern, this $102 million shining star illuminates Houston's Theater District. The Hobby provides the ultimate experience for cultural-connoisseurs with two opulent, acoustically distinguished theaters - Sarofim Hall and Zilkha Hall, Michael Cordua's Artista restaurant and its own above-ground 800-car parking garage.

Conveniently located in the heart of downtown, the Hobby's sweeping architecture plays up its fabulous location. The glistening facade features 60-foot-high glass walls affording exciting vistas of Houston's skyscrapers, interspersed with the lush greenery of Tranquility Park and the distinguished deco-era City Hall.

The soaring three-story Grand Lobby - open, inviting and contemporary - is topped with a majestic roof, supported by tubular steel columns which punctuate the facade, lending drama to the exterior. A block-long, second-floor terrace offers another brilliant stroke, providing a preferred spot to contemplate the panorama.



Everywhere, exquisite detail abounds, from the creamy Cafe de Paris limestone employed throughout to the transcendental gold leaf that graces the Grand Lobby's ceiling. Melding texture and richness, the Hobby's masterful modernism fulfills the vision of architect Stern, who said of his new building: "There's a show before the show."

Posted Image

As befitting the city's role as a culture capital, art has been integral from the start, with two significant works commissioned. The Hobby tapped acclaimed contemporary masters, American painter Sol LeWitt and British-born sculptor Tony Cragg, to create site-specific pieces. LeWitt's color-suffused mural Wall Drawing 2002 serves as the focal point of the Grand Lobby, while Cragg's sinuous, two-part bronze In Minds mimics human profiles as it stands guard outside at Hines Plaza.

Since its opening in May 2002, this visionary venue has been wooing crowds with distinctive programming and a splendidly enlightened building.



DIRECTIONS:

From I-45 N: Exit McKinney, turn left on Bagby

From I-45 S: Take the Memorial Dr./Houston Theater District exit. Turn right on Rusk.

From I-10 W: Exit Smith, turn right on Walker.



RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS:

Hotels:
Four Seasons Hotel
1300 Lamar St., Houston, TX 77010-3017
Tel: (713) 650-1300, Fax: (713) 652-6220

In the heart of downtown's financial and business districts and just steps from many internationally renowned cultural destinations, Four Seasons resonates with the cosmopolitan elegance and refined Southern charm that characterizes Houston. For additional information, click here.


Sam Houston Hotel
1117 Prairie Street, Houston, TX 77002
Tel: (832) 200-8800, Toll-Free: (877) 348-8800

The landmark Sam Houston Hotel is downtown Houston’s finest luxury boutique hotel, welcoming its guests to a timeless setting that combines classic architecture with cutting-edge, contemporary design. Personalized service and high tech amenities are trademarks of the hotel, whose renaissance has restored a Houston treasure. For additional information, click here.


Hotel ICON
220 Main, Houston TX 77002
Tel: (713) 224-ICON, Fax: (713) 223-3223

A new concept in Personal Luxury Hotels, Hotel ICON is an inspired composition of timeless sophistication, anticipatory service and best of breed amenities. From BANK, a Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant and The Whiskey, a Rande Gerber/Midnight Oil Company bar, to the full-service BALANCE Day Spa and unique modes of transportation that include a London taxi and pedicab, each facet of this Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide property has been designed to enliven and engage the senses. Hotel ICON, designed by Candra Scott & Anderson, San Francisco, represents a historic reinvention of the landmark Union National Bank building, which is ideally located at the nexus of Houston’s thriving arts, entertainment, business and sports districts and within walking distance of Fortune 500 companies and the George R. Grown Convention Center. For additional information, click here.

Restaurants:

Headed to the Hobby and looking for an elegant eatery or fantastic food fast? May we suggest one of our favorite locations for a delicious dish or lively libation. Please mention the Hobby Center when making your reservations at any of our recommended restaurants!

Bank
Hotel ICON
220 Main, Houston TX 77002
Tel: (713) 224-ICON

A reflection of Houston's ethnic diversity and world renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's classical French training, BANK at Hotel ICON provides diners with a rich tapestry of intense flavors and remarkable textures. Vongerichten's culinary palette has evolved once again in a menu that takes New American cuisine to its foundations. Incorporating cues from local cultural influences and relying on the bounty of the region’s land and waters, diners can expect dishes that are both vibrant and uniquely spare in their taste and preparation. His use of spices and flavors from the Orient creates an "explosively flavorful food." World-renowned chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten's 15 New York, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Paris, The Bahamas and Las Vegas eateries have earned him praise from critics and gourmands around the globe.

Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Reservations recommended.
For additional information and to make reservations, please call (832) 667-4470 or click here.
Quattro
Four Season
1300 Lamar Street, Houston, TX 77010-3017
Tel: (713) 650-1300

Quattro, which means "four" in Italian, represents the "four faces" of the restaurant: breakfast, lunch, dinner and its lively antipasti bar. The restaurant incorporates various design elements, including creative lighting, vivid colours, an intriguing bar/culinary station and other alluring features, creating an inviting dining environment in downtown Houston.Award-winning chefs prepare contemporary American-Italian cuisine - fresh, simple and seasonal, in an atmosphere that changes to suit each meal period. The unique antipasti bar features 20 different antipasti. The wine list offers 25 wines by the glass, 250 selections, as well as a private "cellar selection" of reserve and boutique wines.

Headed to a Sunday matinee? Stop into Quattro and discover a new twist on the traditional Sunday brunch. Available from 10:30am to 2:30pm, the Quattro Brunch offers something for everyone. For pricing details, please contact the Four Seasons Hotel directly.

Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Reservations recommended.
Click here for additional information or call for reservations.

17
Sam Houston Hotel
1117 Prairie Street, Houston, TX 77002
Tel: (832) 200-8800, Toll-Free: (877) 348-8800

Nestled in the hear of downtown, 17 complements the modern feel and high style of the Sam Houston Hotel, while still paying tribute to Houston's rich history and the Sam Houston Hotel's presence throughout the city's many transformations.

Chef, Jeff Armstrong is dedicated to offering guests bold, unpretentious food while focusing on the freshness, seasonality and origin of the ingredients. At 17, Armstrong has created an eclectic menu of winning dishes that reflect his philosophy of marrying spirited flavors with innovative ingredients.

Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Reservations recommended.
Click here for additional information and 17 reservations.
Strip House
1200 McKinney Street, Houston, TX 77010
Tel: (713) 659-6000

Strip House is conveniently located minutes away from the Hobby Center in downtown Houston. A one-of-a-kind, sophisticated steakhouse, that seamlessly blends American tradition with French-flourishes. The striking, siren-red design is the perfect playful backdrop for the indulgent menu. The alluring bar and lounge have a life of their own, inviting diners to enjoy a cocktail before dinner, linger late into the evening, or simply drop in for a drink.

Serving lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. Click here for additional information.





POINTS OF INTEREST:

The city is the seat of Rice Univ., Texas Southern Univ., the Univ. of Houston, the Univ. of St. Thomas, Dominican College, Houston Baptist Univ., Baylor College of Medicine, and the Univ. of Texas Health Science Center. Its many parks include the large Hermann Park, which has a zoo, a museum of natural science, and a planetarium. Houston has several notable art museums, the Space Center Houston museum, and a children's museum. The Wortham Theater Center houses the opera and ballet companies; the city is also home to the Alley Theatre, one of the country's foremost repertory companies. The civic center includes the Sam Houston Coliseum and Music Hall; the massive George R. Brown Convention Center, one of the nation's largest; and the Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, home of the symphony orchestra. The city is also home to the Astros (baseball), Texans (football), and Rockets (basketball) professional sports teams.

Other tourist attractions include the Galleria, a huge enclosed mall noted for its luxury stores; Old Market Square; Sam Houston Historical Park, which contains restored homes (built 1824–68) and reconstructed buildings; and the Astrodome (opened 1965) and its adjacent Astroworld, an amusement center. The San Jacinto battlefield is in nearby Pasadena.http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/us/A0858681.html

Old Market Square :

Posted Imagecourtesy of www.scarletdukes.com/
. Since it was started in 1836 by John Kirby and Augustus Chapman Allen, the city's founders, it has continued to be a geographic centerpiece of the Houston downtown area.
You'll love the 19th century architecture that surrounds the Old Market Square, as well as the many entertainment venues, businesses, dining establishments and even some great nightclubs. The location of the historic Old Market Square in Houston is between the Theatre District and Allen's Landing. Another very interesting part of the square that people love, besides the architecture is the sidewalks and scenery. The sidewalks are not only paved with the history of Houston, but the concrete benches have inlaid historical photos to view while you're relaxing in the sun or shade. Right across one corner of the Old Market Square you can view the Friedman Clock Tower, which is the original market clock used in the 1904 City Hall and Market.http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com

Posted Imagecourtesy of ntis04.hgac.cog.tx.us/.../hou-mktsq10.jpg


The Galleria
5085 Westheimer Rd., Suite 4850
Houston, TX 77056

Shopping galore . Galleria, a huge enclosed mall noted for its luxury stores

Posted Imagecourtesy of http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=805


BEER CAN HOUSE

Posted Image


MEDIA:

1. Houston Press

Taylor Hicks Isn't The Only One Getting Them Squirming In Their Seats At Grease
By Margaret Downing in StageWednesday, Sep. 9 2009 @ 3:44PM
http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2009/09/taylor_hicks_grease_dominic_fo.php

When Taylor Hicks descended from the heavens (from above a burger bar) in the national touring production of Grease at Hobby Center Tuesday night, the roar from the crowd was like the landing of the Beatles on American soil. Several ladies (sorry, didn't see any guys do this) jumped out of their seats and danced to his number.

And the American Idol winner from Season 5 did a perfectly fine job. His voice was strong, the silver glitter in his suit matched his hair and his sense of humor came out throughout the "Beauty School Dropout" number.

He even came back for an encore performance after the show was over, taking us, as an announcer put it: "from 1959 to 2009!" He showed up in the lobby after the show to sell CDs and sign autographs. So everybody got their money's worth.

But Taylor Hicks was not the only one getting the audience squirming in their seats Tuesday night.
About 10 minutes before the 8 o'clock curtain, a guy bounded on stage saying he was a DJ and wanted to get to know the audience. As he started asking questions -- where are you from, who has a birthday -- people were obviously trying to figure out if he was part of the show or a TUTS add-on.

Turns out it's Dominic Fortuna, who plays Vince Fontaine, the DJ in Grease. Fortuna, fresh off his Broadway debut in the role, works the crowd like a friendly carny man. He can sing and dance himself and somehow he made the last few interminable minutes (when you are usually wondering if that jerk sitting next to you is ever going to turn off her cell phone) enjoyable and an interactive theater-going experience.

Throughout the theater, he had people doing the twist, the swim and the monkey and some theatergoers, feeling confined by trying to do this while sitting in their seats, stood up to execute the moves.

So here's our Hair Balls tip of the day. If you go see Grease at the Hobby over its two-week run here, be prepared to come early and stay late.
Grease brought to Houston by Theatre Under the Stars runs through September 20 at the Hobby Center, 800 Bagby. Tickets are available at TUTS.com, by phone at 713-558-8887 or at the TUTS box office , 800 Bagby at Walker.

2. Houston Chronicle


TUTS' Grease is completely silly but fun
By JOEY GUERRA
Sept. 9, 2009, 6:06PM

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/arts/theater/6610579.html

The best thing about Theatre Under The Stars' current production of Grease might surprise you.

It isn't the score, which features sing-along pop classics Summer Nights, You're the One That I Want and We Go Together.

It's not the eternally smiling cast, which features performances that range from solid to silly.

And it's not Kathleen Marshall's direction and choreography, which includes innovative moments of lighting and spare staging.

No, T-birds and Pink Ladies. It is none of the above. The most brilliantly awesome moment comes when American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, dressed in a sparkling suit, pops out of a huge ice cream cone, croons Beauty School Dropout, reaches into his pocket and pulls out a harmonica. Best theater moment ever.

OK, not really. But Hicks' wacky, is-he-serious? cameo is the only time Grease captures any sense of whimsy and elicits more than a mild grin. It's a random, ridiculous moment, capped by Frenchy's midscene “I voted for you!” confession.

Hicks is only onstage for a few minutes, and as it stands, Grease is a musical built more on memories than anything happening onstage. (Hicks returns after the bows for a moment of extreme indulgence, slinging on a guitar and singing current single Seven Mile Breakdown.) Almost everyone knows the story and the songs by heart, and they adjust to make them fit their expectations.



The biggest problem is the 1978 film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, which has far eclipsed the stage musical. (We're talking light years .) So much so, in fact, that several of the movie's songs and plot points were incorporated into subsequent productions. It's no fault of the production, but comparisons are inevitable.

Even on its own, this production of Grease is, at best, like Frenchy's hair: bright, bouncy and inconsistent. It's carried by the stellar parade of songs but ultimately let down by characters that are more prototypes than real people and by cartoon-y performances.

You know what happens: Danny (Eric Schneider) and Sandy (Emily Padgett) share a perfect summer. They meet not-so-cute at Rydell High, where Danny isn't keen on damaging his bad-boy rep with a good-girl romance. Missed opportunities, mistaken intentions and hand-jiving ensue.

The central players are uniformly serviceable. Schneider and Padgett have good voices and share a nice chemistry as the much-put-upon pair of lovers. David Ruffin brings an appealing masculinity to Kenickie, and Allie Schulz strikes the right balance of sass and sensitivity as Rizzo. Dominic Fortuna turns Vince Vontaine into a one-man pep rally. But several characters dip into downright silliness, particularly Erin Henry's squeaky-voiced cheerleader Patty Simcox and Roxie Lucas as Miss Lynch, who slips in and out of scenes with all the subtlety of a car wreck.
So sit tight, sing along with Act 1 and wait for the Soul Patrol to emerge from inside a frozen dessert treat.
And when Hicks blows on that harmonica, somehow, in a completely irreverent way, it all makes sense.

joey.guerra@chron.com


3. Houston Chronicle blog

September 10, 2009
Taylor Hicks on Grease, Hamlet, going the distance


http://blogs.chron.com/peep/2009/09/taylor_hicks_on_grease_hamlet.html

Taylor Hicks says starring on Broadway "never crossed his mind" as he was building his post-American Idol career.

But the season 5 winner knows (along with several other Idol graduates) that a reality-show win doesn't necessarily translate to real-world superstardom.

"The sustainment of high success is very tough. You have to own as much as you can in this business. If you don't, then your future is going to be a tough one," he says.

"Having the freedom to go into different musical fields, living and dying by your own sword, I think that creates drive for me."

Hicks heeded his own advice and stepped onto the Broadway stage in 2008 as the teen angel in the Broadway revival of Grease. He's reprising that role in Theater Under the Stars' current production. He's also plugging a new CD, The Distance, with an acoustic show Monday at Warehouse Live.

He never once uttered "soul patrol!" during our chat. (Damn.) But Hicks did talk about guardian angels, sparring with another famous Taylor and the one crown that rivals his Idol title:

Your one number in Grease, Beauty School Dropout, comes during Act 2. What's happening backstage the rest of the time?

You are just hanging out, but (I'm also) writing songs. We're trying to work on the next record. The time I spend off the stage is spent working to try to get back on it, so to speak. Doing eight shows a week, along with press, and working a record that you have out already -- it's a lot to work. But this is what you have to understand about this business. You have to work for the next thing.

Why was theater the right step, right now?

I never thought in a million years that I would be flown to New York City to star in a Broadway show. But as I evolve in theater and from this part, it makes complete sense. I've been performing live for a long time. Music is not necessarily the means to an end. I think entertaining is a means to an end. You have to reinvent yourself, and you have to be versatile to withstand a long career.

You've performed onstage for more than a decade. Has theater taught you anything new?

The rapport between the actors and actresses, it's instantaneous, as far as creativity. I've always been able to play off a musician with my instrument. But now, I'm actually playing off a role. I find that fascinating, the first-hand experience that I'm gaining, playing off of someone's character. It's like the first time that you communicated musically with someone. It's like a brand new toy.




Q.Who is your ultimate guardian angel?

A.I'd like to say God and Ray Charles. It's kind of like the angel and the devil at the same time.

Q.Now that you've had a taste of the Broadway stage, what's the dream role?

A.Hamlet. That might get a rise out of some readers. Let the comments fly.

Q.More importantly, who would star in the Taylor Hicks musical?

A.Richard Gere or Phil Donahue. Why don't we leave it up to the voters? We could do like Grease did and do a reality show search -- actually use Richard Gere and Phil Donahue and see which one wins.

Q.You're one of two famous musical Taylors. Who'd win in a bar fight?

A. Man, I've got something funny to say right now, but I don't know if I want to say it or not. OK -- it depends on who's swift and who's a hick.

Q.People named you its hottest bachelor of 2006. Did you work that with the ladies?

A. I still am. That's a title like American Idol. It doesn't just go away easily. I would like to think it's a big double-whammy, but sometimes it's not.







SOUL PATROL MEMORIES:

1. MrsMoca:
OMG! Saw Grease and it was so much fun. And I got to meet Taylor Hicks. It was a good night

Posted Imagecourtesy of usogirl

2. ceejcooke:
Just got out of #Grease with Taylor Hicks. He was a much better Sandy than I expected. In all seriousness, good job cast & crew. Fun night.

3. kimberlykroll:
saw Taylor Hicks in Grease last night ... his harmonica number stole the show!

Photos courtesy of TUTS:Posted Image
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Posted Image
Pictures available for viewing at this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/theatreunderthestars/

4. lisachristi:
Saw Grease this wknd & it was AMAZING! Taylor Hicks did awesome

5. pandafaceeeee:
Taylor hicks was is grease last nite. He was the teenage angel, amazing performance!! Yay!!!

6. MsBeaverhausen5:
Just leaving the theatre after seeing Grease! The show was amazing and Taylor Hicks did awesome as well.

Posted Imagecourtesy of Maria(Two Cups of Kids Blog )

7. lvarner:
Went to see Taylor Hicks in "Grease" Big surprise, he sang at the end and that was the best part! Looking for his next gig...

8. Lindsey_Day:
Grease was great tonight! Taylor Hicks was the Teen Angel. He used his awesome harmonica skills as always..




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