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HITS THEATRE PRESENTS A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
AUDIENCES WILL DELIGHT IN A FRESH NEW TAKE ON THE CLASSIC TALE
HOUSTON, TX – HITS Theatre presents William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which promises to entice audiences of all ages. Directed by HITS’ Artistic Coordinator, Eva De La Cruz, the production will provide a modern and fresh outlook on this classic tale.
De La Cruz and the production team have created a whimsical world where the three storylines come to life in a contemporary setting. “We want our audience to step away from their daily troubles and allow themselves to dream,” says De La Cruz. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is Shakespeare’s most accessible play, making it a great opportunity to introduce Shakespeare to a high school cast while entertaining the young and old audiences in the community. “The play is a welcome departure from HITS’ regular repertoire of musical theatre,” comments Executive Artistic Director, Joanne Woodard. “It will invite the audience to question their own desires and ask themselves if what they love is real or just a fantasy.”
The story opens with preparations for the wedding of Theseus, Duke of Athens, and Hippolyta, but everything comes to a quick halt as four lovers enter into the story. The beautiful Hermia loves Lysander, but is pursued by Demetrius, who has won the affections of Helena. Lysander and Hermia flee to the forest as Demetrius and Helena follow close behind and the lovers fall into the hands of the fairies and their King and Queen, Oberon and Titania. Chaos and hilarity ensue as Puck trifles with the young lovers thoroughout the night. The play closes as a troupe of actors perform the delightful tale of Pyramus and Thisby.
HITS Theatre’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream will show Friday, July 22, Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m. Performances will be held at HITS’ home theatre in the Heights at 311 W 18th St. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.hitstheatre.org or call 713-861-7408. Adult admission, $15; student admission, $5.
March 25, 2011
HITS THEATRE BRINGS HOUSTONIANS “HAIRSPRAY”
AS IT CELEBRATES 25TH PRODUCTION AT MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE
(HOUSTON,TX) HITS Theatre will bring the Tony award-winning Broadway musical Hairspray to life on April 7-9 and April 14-16 at 8 p.m. at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. The show is HITS' 25th production at Miller and has become one of Houston's most anticipated springtime events.
Based on the 1988 film by John Waters, Hairspray tells the story of Baltimore girl Tracy Turnblad, who becomes an overnight celebrity after winning a role on the popular teenage dance program “The Corny Collins Show.” She's never been part of the "in" crowd until she wins a coveted spot on the local TV dance program and overnight Tracy becomes a teen idol. Tracy quickly becomes a trend setter and uses her popularity to help change the show’s segregation policy. HITS will tell this story about dreams, do-whops and convictions in this wonderfully fun musical production.
HITS students Hattie Marks, who plays Tracy, and Austin Arizpe, who plays Link, join a talented cast of 45 teens and 7 adult actors led by HITS executive artistic director JoAnne Woodard, who directs the show. The adult cast includes Marion Arthur Kirby, who plays Tracy's mother Edna, and Marc Shellum, who plays Tracy's father Wilbur. This will be Shellum's 18th appearance in a HITS production at Miller.
HITS’ production team includes Assistant Director and Stage Manager Eva De La Cruz, Music Director Miriam Daly and Choreographer Dana Lewis, with scenic and properties design by Claire A. "Jac" Jones, costume design by Macy Perrone, wig and makeup design by Jessica Woodard, lighting design by Jeremy Choate and sound design by Andrew Harper.
Free tickets are available the day of the show through the Miller Theatre box office. For more details call the Miller box office at 281.FREE.FUN. For more information about HITS, visit the website, www.hitstheatre.org, or call 713.861.7408.
February 2, 2011
HITS THEATRE BRINGS HOUSTONIANS "HAIRSPRAY" AS IT CELEBRATES 25TH PRODUCTION AT MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE
(HOUSTON,TX) HITS Theatre’s stellar artistic team, led by executive artistic director JoAnne Woodard, will bring the Tony award-winning Broadway musical Hairspray to life in one of Houston’s most anticipated springtime events. Performances run April 7-9 and April 14-16 at 8 p.m. at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. This year HITS will host more than 20,000 Houstonians to six free-to-the-public performances at one of the finest outdoor theatre venues in Houston, HITS’ 25th production at this magical location.
Based on the 1988 film by John Waters, Hairspray tells the story of Baltimore girl Tracy Turnblad, who becomes an overnight celebrity after winning a role on the popular teenage dance program “The Corny Collins Show.” She's never been part of the "in" crowd until she wins a coveted spot on the local TV dance program and overnight Tracy becomes a teen idol. Tracy quickly becomes a trend setter and uses her popularity to help change the show’s segregation policy. HITS will tell this story about dreams, do-whops and convictions in this wonderfully fun musical production.
HITS Theatre donors are entitled to reserved tickets to Hairspray and may contact HITS at 713.861.7408 or visit the website, www.HITSTHEATRE.ORG/MILLER, for more information. Free tickets are also available the day of the show through the Miller Theatre box office. For more details call the Miller box office at 281.FREE.FUN.
December 15, 2010
RENE ZAMORE JOINS HITS THEATRE AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
HOUSTON – HITS Theatre, a non-profit performing arts and education organization, has hired René Zamore as executive director.
Zamore was previously executive director of the Greater Houston Restaurant Association (GHRA), the largest hospitality not-for-profit trade association in Houston. While at the association she helped raise more than $370,000, including $100,000 in annual sponsorship agreements with members and significantly increased support for the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation. She managed over 12 events each year within the local chapter.
“I’m thrilled by the opportunity to join such a thriving organization,” she said. “With its central location in the Houston Heights, a solid financial footing and an artistic program that has seen amazing growth over the past few years, HITS is perfectly positioned to reach new levels.”
Before joining the GHRA in 2003, Zamore held positions in special events/community relations, development and marketing at the Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County and at the web technology services provider EBlox Inc. in Austin.
Outside of the office, Zamore has been active with the Rice Design Alliance, the Lawndale Art Center and Young Texans Against Cancer. She grew up in Houston and graduated from the University of St. Thomas. She lives in the Houston Heights with her husband Brett and young son.
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