Armando Urdiales

In this interview, he reflects on finding vulnerability within a mythic figure, honoring a beloved theatrical legacy while making the role his own, and why consistency, intention, and love remain at the heart of his Hades night after night.

In this interview, Brown reflects on what drew him to the production, his approach to playing Noah, and why this thoughtful, unflashy play feels especially resonant right now.

What did our critic think of HANSEL AND GRETEL at Houston Grand Opera?

The Houston Symphony’s presentation of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in concert was a breathtaking reminder of how timeless and transportive John Williams’ score is. Performed live under conductor Steven Reineke, the orchestra did more than accompany the film. It became its pulsing soul. Each note surged with suspense, wonder, and triumph, flooding the hall with electric vitality.

Stepping back into a beloved role is both familiar and thrilling. For Lauren Salazar, wearing Lucy’s blue dress once again in Queensbury Theatre’s A Charlie Brown Christmas brings a blend of nostalgia and fresh excitement. After inhabiting the character for the first time two years ago, Lauren revives Lucy’s sharp wit, bold confidence, and heartfelt humanity—the qualities that make her a lasting favorite in the Peanuts world.

Shawanna Renee Rivon is a creative force in Houston, known for blending humor, heart, and insight into the communities she serves. This season, she brings her distinctive vision to STAGES by directing The Twelve Dates of Christmas, a holiday story that explores how festive traditions can both challenge and uplift.

Gabriel Regojo returns to Stages this holiday season with a double challenge and a double delight. In It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, he takes on two characters who sit on opposite ends of George Bailey’s world: the cold, calculating Mr. Potter and the warm, loyal Harry Bailey.

4th Wall Theatre’s production of Thornton Wilder’s Our Town is a heartfelt, wonderfully acted reminder of why this American classic continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. With clarity, simplicity, and a deep respect for Wilder’s vision, the company creates a Grover’s Corners that feels both familiar and profound, pulling us gently into a story where the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

In Theatre Under the Stars’ sparkling production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, sisters Betty and Judy Haynes bring heart, humor, and dazzling harmony to the stage, and this year they are portrayed by two dynamic talents: Courtney Markowitz and Karli DiNardo. As they step into these beloved roles, the actresses infuse the Haynes sisters with fresh warmth, whip-smart wit, and the timeless spirit of sisterhood that has made White Christmas a holiday classic for generations.

Husband and wife duo Spencer Plachy and Laura Kaldis are no strangers to the world of Christmas at Pemberley. Having originated their roles as Mr. and Mrs. Darcy across all three installments of Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon’s beloved holiday trilogy.

Tenuous scene changes, promising performances, and Stephen Sondheim's dazzling score are hallmarks of Opera in the Heights' season-opening production of A Little Night Music. While there are some areas for improvement in this evening's performance, this production is a music lover's dream, offering the chance to witness this score delivered with a truly classical voice. 

What did our critic think of IL TRITTICO at Houston Grand Opera?

Finally, as the theater district is abuzz for the 2025 - 26 season, Theatre Under The Stars brings out not with a bang but with a heartfelt and endearing show: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. With performances from legendary Houston locals and direction from the original Broadway choreographer, Spelling Bee is a smash. 

As Houston performing arts ventures grow for the 2025-26 season, Houston Grand Opera surpasses them all with a thrilling 50th anniversary production of Gershwin's Porgy and Bess. Starring powerhouse performers Angel Blue and Michael Sumuel in the title roles, this theatrical staging further cements HGO's monolithic presence not only in Houston but in the world of opera at large.