The Back Alley

Dickens loved to perform his stories—so he created a special version of A Christmas Carol for exactly that purpose.

Little Comedies, thanks to Richard’s trust in the actors, in the plays, and in you, our audience, is determined to give us both: A great show and a beautiful simplicity in performance, design and concept.

The 1970s was a significant decade for Mexican-American culture in Houston. Houston was already deeply rooted in Hispanic heritage. The 1970s left a huge mark on Houston's identity. The decade impacted music and art to activism and community organizing. This profoundly shaped the city's cultural landscape.  

Alley Theatre's Resident Acting Company is a cornerstone of the Alley's artistic identity. Comprised of nine actors, the company brings a unique and vital element to the Alley's productions. Resident Acting Companies are exceptionally rare in modern theater. The Alley is honored to have the only full-time, year-round Resident Acting Company in the United States. 

Houston audiences deserve this show. Not only because of the abundance of mariachi culture here but because what it will mean to them.

Our nine RAC actors are the only actors in this project which is nice both for company-building and to celebrate one of the last acting companies in the American Theatre, something both Richard and I feel should be cherished.

Mariachi music has long been connected with male musicians in iconic charro suits. However, the landscape of mariachi is evolving. There is a powerful wave of fearless women redefining that narrative. These women are inspiring with their passion, talent, and unwavering valor.  

The wig department here at the Alley is already hard at work on American Mariachi. Set in the 1950s and 1970s, this production will use wigs to help indicate the passage of time. Our wigs also help the audience understand a character’s identity, age, and archetype.

I am pretty sure that Anton Chekhov never imagined an entire evening of five of his short plays, some which he subtitled ‘a joke’ or ‘a vaudeville.’ He did not write them to make up an evening.

BALLET FOKLORICO CORAZONES ALEGRES DE PASADENA TEXAS performing at Alley Theatre in Houston, Texas