Kara Pohlkamp

Since I'm not a fan of gospel or R&B, I settled into my seat at the Hobby Center last night uncertain how the next few hours were going to appeal to me. However, I left the theatre completely blown away with an uplifted spirit. The National Tour of MEMPHIS: A NEW MUSICAL shines with a deeply talented cast bursting with heart and energy throughout the flawless production.

Houston's Theatre Under the Stars' (TUTS) season opens with an uninspiring production of Guys and Dolls plagued by lackluster performances by two of the show's leads. However, gorgeous male harmonies and a brilliant performance by Jennifer Cody as Miss Adelaide elevate the production.

The 80's rockers had the audience in the palms of their hands during the national tour of Rock of Ages which closes out the Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) season at the Hobby Center. With several audience members dressed in their best rocker garb, the majority seemed to be reliving glory days of their youth. The audience became so enthralled providing boisterous hoots, fist pumps and a few waived lighters, that it was impossible not to get caught up in the experience of this wildly entertaining show.

The unmatched quality of Cirque du Soleil returns to Houston with OVO. Remarkable circus acts combine with an imaginative world of insects to form an unparalleled abstract elegance. Presented under an intimate, blue and gold big top at the Sam Houston Race Park (a.k.a. the 'Grand Chapiteau'), OVO is an adventure into a fanciful delight.

In the second act the protagonist, Billy, describes dancing as "a burning deep inside, something bursting me wide open, impossible to hide…like electricity." What a wonderful way to also describe the masterpiece that is Billy Elliot: Electric.

The Jets and the Sharks have taken their turf war to the stage of Houston's Hobby Center in the US National Tour of the 2009 Broadway Revival version of West Side Story. West Side Story is a remarkable collaboration of two theatre geniuses: Leonard Bernstein who composed the score and Stephen Sondheim who wrote the lyrics. But this revived production is a sharp departure from the original musical which opened at Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre back in 1957.

Your heart will grow three sizes with the spirit of Christmas as the Grinch steals your imagination in this fanciful, musical adaption of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The pages of the beloved children's tale come to life immersing the audience into the world of Whoville and the magic of Dr. Seuss. Geared for children and featuring audience participation, this playful hour-and-thirty-minute intermission free show is perfect for the family.

9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is a quirky tale of revenge secured through feminist strength with a superb, toe-tapping score by Dolly Parton. After seeing 9 to 5 for myself, I do not understand why the show only lasted only a little more than four months on Broadway. Sure, it was never going to be a Broadway legend, but it has a fresh and original aura that I found to be more fulfilling than expected. If you're on the fence about reserving tickets for this production I encourage you to give it a try and lose yourself for a few hours in Dolly Parton's world.

The magic of the "Shrek" movies is phenomenally captured in this thrilling theatrical experience which will delight children and adults alike. The brilliance of Shrek the Musical is creative staging with a constant flow of original techniques bring Shrek and his fairy-tale friends to the stage. Overflowing with fun, laughs and incredible costumes, this musical surpassed all expectations.

'You can't stop the beat', the laughs, nor the energy of Theatre Under the Stars' (TUTS) production of Hairspray now playing at the Houston Hobby Center. With one punch line after another, Hairspray is a show about big dreams, big hair and not being afraid to be yourself.

Discount tickets for SHREK THE MUSICAL and the 2010-2011 Gexa Energy Broadway series at the Hobby Center will be available during the 17th Annual Theatre District Open House on Sunday, Aug. 29 from 12 to 4 p.m. Saving opportunities include up to 25 percent off the price of a five-show subscription package and $10 off all single tickets for the October 19 and 20 performances of SHREK THE MUSICAL. In addition, the first 50 people in line at the box office will receive a SHREK THE MUSICAL gift bag!

I've been waiting years to see Wicked. Numerous times I've just missed the national tour as I moved from city to city and there were some unfortunately timed vacations along the way. For years friends and family have been telling me how much I have to see this show and the Original Cast Recording has played countless times in my car and office. So last night as three winged-monkeys turned a crank to raise the Wicked curtain during the Overture, my excitement could not have been higher. But I never imagined I would leave the theatre feeling…disheartened.

Who knew menopause could be fun? 'Menopause' certainly isn't an obvious topic for a musical, but Menopause The Musical writer/producer Jeanie Linders has stumbled upon a bold and surprising recipe for success: stage an honest, upfront presentation of a socially taboo topic through clever parodies of classic mainstream hits with never-ending comedy. The result is a toe-tapping, entertaining destination for your next girl's night out.

In classic Mel Brooks fashion, the continuous surge of gags and innuendos of Young Frankenstein are sure to keep audiences rolling throughout the musical's two-week run at the Hobby Center. From the first lightning bolt during the overture, to the last growl of the Monster, the production is a captivating spectacle and heart-warming story packed with memorable characters.

For better or for worse, Little House on the Prairie has joined the ever growing, eclectic club of main stream stories transformed into musicals. Surprisingly, this quaint account of a family struggling to settle the prairie actually has potential and could be successful in the live, musical theatre format. However, multiple production problems prevent this national tour from realizing that goal.

In the Heights, now playing at the Hobby Center, is an energetic portrayal of the residents of a New York City barrio whose dreams are seemingly bigger than their means. Once they learn to put their trust in each other, they find the ability to achieve their goals and that much of what they desire is closer than they think. This energetic production is perfect for anyone looking for something a little different and an ideal way to introduce a younger generation to musical theatre.

If you love Broadway musicals you must see the national tour of South Pacific currently running at the Hobby Center. Even if you have seen South Pacific before, or if you happen to not be a Rogers and Hammerstein fan, you need to see this show. The performances delivered by Rod Gilfry, as the French plantation owner Emile de Becque, and Carmen Cusack, as the loveable Navy nurse Nellie Forbush, are so remarkable they alone make this a must-see production for any Broadway fan who can appreciate a phenomenal performance of a quality score.

Cirque Dreams Illumination is an impressive collection of Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatic routines, street entertainment and illusions that will boggle the minds of audiences of all ages. With reasonably priced tickets starting from $24, the show is also a fantastic opportunity for families to experience the Hobby Center and live, stage performance.

From the first sound of a helicopter flying as the sun rises over Saigon during the Overture, to the show's abrupt, powerful ending, the Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) production of MISS SAIGON will take you on an emotional rollercoaster about unwavering faith in love and self sacrifice - just be sure not to leave your tissue box at home.

During its world premiere now at the Alley Theatre, the musical WONDERLAND invites you to take a break from the bustle of life and travel with Alice down the rabbit hole to rediscover your inner child.