HOUSTON, June 21, 2018 – Society for the Performing Arts (SPA), the largest nonprofit presenting organization of its kind in the Southwest, announces additions to its 2018-2019 season line-up. Since its initial unveiling in May, five shows have been added to SPA’s season including eight performances of the legendary Broadway show, Chicago. Also joining the line-up is An Evening with Margaret Atwood, a conversation with the riveting author behind the best-selling novel The Handmaid’s Tale, now an Emmy and Golden Globe series available on Hulu.
The season, which runs from Friday, September 14, 2018 through Sunday, June 9, 2019, features an exciting assortment of music, dance and theatrical entertainment from the world’s finest artists and arts companies. These new shows are sure to up the ante to an already dynamic and eclectic season.
Celebrate the holiday season with The Brian Setzer Orchestra as they whip up a huge dose of retro holiday cheer with their Christmas Rocks! Tour, Now in its 15th year, the tour features music from their latest Christmas album, “Rockin’ Rudolph.” Preservation Hall Jazz Band will fill the Wortham Center with the vibrant sounds and culture of New Orleans.
An Evening with Margaret Atwood brings the literary titan to Houston to speak on a wide range of issues relating to literature, social activism, political engagement, the creative process, the artist’s role in society, technology and art, and, of course, her own accomplished body of work. Jad Abumrad, host and creator of the hit podcast Radiolab, will speak on how he orchestrates dialogue, music, interviews and sound effects into compelling documentaries that draw listeners into investigations of otherwise intimidating topics.
Closing out the highly-anticipated season is the award-winning Broadway hit, Chicago. The magical show delivers one show-stopping song after another all while sharing the universal tale of fame and fortune.
Subscriptions for the 2018-2019 season are on sale now. Renewing subscribers will be seated first; all other orders will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. For more information regarding performance dates, times and details, please call 713-227-4772 or visit spahouston.org.
For production photos, please visit this Dropbox link. Photos courtesy of the Society for the Performing Arts.
2018-2019 Society for the Performing Arts Season Schedule
MOMIX Opus Cactus
Friday, September 14 at 7:30 p.m. | Jones Hall
Having thrilled fans in over 22 countries, MOMIX will delight Houston audiences through its trademark use of magical lighting and imagery. Artistic Director Moses Pendleton pushes boundaries by combining athletic dance, riveting music, outrageous costumes, inventive props and pure talent to create an entertaining multimedia experience.
Soweto Gospel Choir
Wednesday, October 24 at 8 p.m. | Jones Hall
Soweto Gospel Choir was formed to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of African Gospel music. The 43-strong choir, under the direction of Beverly Bryer, draws on the best talent from the many churches in and around Soweto. The choir is dedicated to sharing the joy of faith through music with audiences around the world.
National Geographic LIVE! When Women Ruled The World: Kara Cooney
Saturday, November 10 at 7:30 p.m. | Cullen Theater, Wortham Center
Join Dr. Kara Cooney, professor of Egyptology, for a look at a time in ancient history when women ruled the world. Often neglected in the history books, Cleopatra, Neferusobek and Nefertiti were considered exceptions to the rule, political pawns in a patriarchal society. But their power and influence is undeniable.
Becoming Kareem
Saturday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m. | Jones Hall
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s turbulent journey from being the good little boy attending Catholic school to becoming a world-class athlete, world-shaking activist and world-wide best-selling author was guided by a series of well-meaning mentors. In some cases, the lessons learned were not the ones intended by the mentor, but were a reaction to what Kareem saw as a flaw in their teachings.
Roman Rabinovich
Friday, November 30 at 7:30 p.m. | Cullen Theater, Wortham Center
As world-renowned pianist, Roman Rabinovich has become one of the youngest global sensations in the music world due to his elite skills and creativity. Rabinovich, a top prizewinner at the 12th Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition in 2008, will bring a delightful evening of music to Houston.
The Brian Setzer Orchestra – 15th Anniversary Christmas Rocks! Tour
Wednesday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. | Jones Hall
The iconic guitarist, songwriter, vocalist and three-time Grammy-Award winner Brian Setzer and his 19-piece orchestra whip up a huge dose of retro holiday cheer with their Christmas Rocks! Tour presented by SiriusXM. The acclaimed show also features music from their latest Christmas album, “Rockin’ Rudolph,” their three other best-selling holiday albums, as well as original Brian Setzer hits. Consistently cited as one of the world’s greatest living guitarists, Setzer’s trademark guitar work and vocal stylings are matched with the Brian Setzer Orchestra’s rockin’ big-band horn arrangements—an unbeatable combination guaranteed to rock you into the holiday spirit!
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Thursday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m. | Cullen Theater, Wortham Center
At a moment when musical streams are crossing with unprecedented frequency, it’s crucial to remember that throughout its history, New Orleans has been the point at which sounds and cultures from around the world converge, mingle and resurface, transformed by the Crescent City’s inimitable spirit and joie de vivre. Nowhere is that idea more vividly embodied than in the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, which has held the torch of New Orleans music aloft for more than 50 years, all the while carrying it enthusiastically forward as a reminder that the history they were founded to preserve is a vibrantly living history.
National Geographic LIVE! Capturing the Impossible: Filmmaker Bryan Smith
Saturday, February 2 at 7:30 p.m. | Cullen Theater, Wortham Center
For extreme filmmaker Bryan Smith, the line between going for it and going too far is often blurry – especially when you’re exploring the earth’s most remote environments. In this edge-of-your-seat presentation, Bryan shows you what it means to adventure with purpose, and why he believes the best expeditions are the ones with a healthy chance of failure.
Dorrance Dance: ETM: Double Down
Saturday, February 9 at 7:30 p.m. | Jones Hall
Dorrance Dance is an award-winning tap dance company based out of New York City, combining classic tap with contemporary styles for more interesting and conceptual performances that aim to expand the audience of tap dancing. ETM: Double Down utilizes original tap “instruments” designed by 2014 Bessie Award Winner Nicholas Van Young. The score is not simply danced to, but danced BY the company.
Arlo Guthrie – “Alice’s Restaurant” Back By Popular Demand Tour
Wednesday, February 20 at 7:30 p.m. | Jones Hall
With a distinguished and varied career spanning almost 60 years, Arlo Guthrie has become an iconic figure in folk music. When he took to the road to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of his seminal song “Alice’s Restaurant Massacre,” he was incredibly moved by the feedback from enthusiastic fans. Arlo Guthrie – “Alice’s Restaurant” Back By Popular Demand Tour will coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the feature film “Alice’s Restaurant.”
Beijing Dance – Hamlet
Friday, February 22 at 7:30 p.m. | Jones Hall
Beijing Dance Theater has collaborated with many internationally-renowned dramatists, musicians and designers, enriching the international dance stages with its world-class productions, each of which represents the highest level of Chinese contemporary dance. This special Chinese Hamlet explores Hamlet’s psychological landscape from a fresh perspective. Beijing Dance confronts his melancholy, compassion for humanity, and doubt in the face of death and destruction.
The Wizard of Oz – National Broadway Tour
February 23 – 24 | 4 Performances | Jones Hall
This production of THE WIZARD OF OZ is a spectacular celebration of the classic 1939 MGM film. It is a new, refreshed and lavish rendition of the beloved classic. Audiences young and old, seeing it for the first time or the fifth, will be dazzled by the brightly colored sets, charmed by its timeless score and enthralled with its breathtaking special effects.
Mutts Gone Nuts
Saturday, March 2 | 2 Performances | Cullen Theater, Wortham Center
Expect the unexpected, as canines and comedy collide in a smash hit performance, leaving audiences everywhere howling for more. From shelters to showbiz, these amazing mutts unleash havoc and hilarity in a breathtaking, action-packed, comedy dog spectacular, featuring some of the world’s most talented 4-legged performers. Deemed ‘A Must See’ by the Washington Post, the dogs are sure to steal your heart and then your socks!
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain
Sunday, March 17 at 5:30 p.m. | Cullen Center, Wortham Center
The current ensemble has been playing together for more than 20 years and has become something of a national institution. The Orchestra has given thousands of sold-out concerts across the world, including Great Britain, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Poland, France, America, Canada, New Zealand and Japan.
An Evening with Margaret Atwood
Friday, April 5 at 7:30 p.m. | Jones Hall
Margaret Atwood has long been a literary titan, but “current events have polished the oracular sheen of her reputation,” says The New Yorker. Atwood will speak on a wide range of issues relating to literature, social activism, political engagement, the creative process, the artist’s role in society, technology and art, and, of course, her own accomplished body of work. Her pithy observations and witty comments enlighten and challenge audiences to think critically about our relationship to words and language. “The answers you get from literature,” she has said, “depend on the questions you pose.”
Pilobolus “Shadowland: The New Adventure”
Friday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. | Jones Hall
In 2009, Pilobolus created Shadowland, the first show of its kind. After the wild success of Shadowland, SPA is proud to welcome back Pilobolus for an all-new shadow adventure. Shadowland: The New Adventure uses Pilobolus’s exploration of mixed media to tell a love story about two people and their quest to save a magical bird. Employing animation, video and live shadow theater, this madcap adventure dips its toe into the genres of science fiction, film noir and romantic comedy.
Finding Neverland
April 13 – 14 | 3 Performances | Jones Hall
The winner of Broadway.com’s Audience Choice Award for Best Musical, this breathtaking smash “captures the kid-at-heart,” says TIME Magazine. Directed by visionary Tony®-winner Diane Paulus and based on the critically-acclaimed Academy Award® winning film, Finding Neverland tells the incredible story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan.
Yekwon Sunwoo
Thursday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. | Zilkha Hall, Hobby Center
Gold medalist of the Fifteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, 28-year-old pianist Yekwon Sunwoo has been hailed for “his total command over the instrument and its expressiveness” (San Francisco Examiner). A powerful and virtuosic performer, he also, in his own words, “strives to reach for the truth and pure beauty in music,” and hopes to convey those fundamental emotions to audiences.
National Geographic LIVE! Exploring Mars: Kobie Boykins, NASA Engineer
Saturday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. | Cullen Theater, Wortham Center
NASA mechanical engineer Kobie Boykins is intimately involved with the planet Mars. Join Boykins, winner of a NASA Exceptional Service Medal, as he shares his boundless enthusiasm for unraveling the mysteries of outer space and recounts the latest exciting chapter of Mars exploration.
Jad Abumrad – Host of Radiolab
Saturday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. | Jones Hall
Jad Abumrad is the host and creator of Radiolab, a public radio program broadcast on 524 stations across the nation and downloaded more than 9 million times a month as a podcast. Abumrad employs his dual backgrounds as composer and journalist to create what’s been called “a new aesthetic” in broadcast journalism. He orchestrates dialogue, music, interviews and sound effects into compelling documentaries that draw listeners into investigations of otherwise intimidating topics, such as the nature of numbers, the evolution of altruism or the legal foundation for the war on terror.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Saturday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m. | Jones Hall
Combining technical precision, power and passion, Complexions Contemporary Ballet transcends tradition in a groundbreaking mix of styles ranging from ballet to hip hop. See the Houston premiere of Stardust, an “utterly transfixing” tribute to the life and music of David Bowie, full of glitter and glam.
Chicago
June 4 – 9 | 8 Performances | Jones Hall
This triumphant hit musical is the recipient of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy, thousands of standing ovations and now the #1 longest-running American Musical in Broadway history. Chicago has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping song after another; and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. Whether you’re looking for your first Broadway musical, whether you’ve seen the Academy Award-winning film and want to experience the show live on stage or whether you’ve seen it before and want to recapture the magic, Chicago always delivers!
About Society for the Performing Arts
Founded in 1966, Society for the Performing Arts (SPA) is the largest independent non-profit presenting organization in the Southwest. Since its inception, SPA has sponsored more than 1,000 performances of the world’s finest music, dance and theater events, in adherence to the belief that the arts are fundamental to the overall enrichment and quality of life within the community. In addition to presenting artists, SPA seeks to provide a variety of learning experiences for adults and children through master classes, lectures and special student performances, as well as build relationships between the performing arts and other interests within the greater Houston area and throughout the state of Texas.