Mariachi Music Today: A Vibrant Cultural Legacy in the Southwestern United States
Mariachi music, rooted in Mexican traditions, has survived and thrived in the US. The growth of the Mexican American community has led to the expansion and influence of mariachi music.Continue reading→
This is an exciting time for backdrops at Alley Theatre. The last three shows, including Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, have all included hand-painted backdrops.Continue reading→
It’s true you can’t judge a book by its cover, but the cover of an Agatha Christie novel is often the perfect invitation to all that awaits you on the pages inside. Continue reading→
Murder, Suspense, and Intrigue: What Makes The Murder of Roger Ackroyd a Timeless Thriller
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd put Agatha Christie on the map as one of the world’s greatest mystery writers…Continue reading→
The Beauty of Venice and its Influence on The Servant of Two Masters
Venice, the enchanting city of canals and architectural marvels, inspired many artists, writers, and theater makers. Its unique beauty and romantic aesthetic provide a captivating backdrop for storytelling. In our production of The Servant of Two Masters, Venice’s charm and atmosphere play a significant role in transporting audiences to the world of the play. Continue reading→
The Casting Process of Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
We sat down with Brandon Weinbrenner, our Associate Producer and Casting Director to talk about the casting process within our Resident Acting Company for our upcoming Summer Chills show, Agatha Christie’s: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. Here is what Brandon had to say regarding the process and consideration that was taken to craft this marvelous story! Continue reading→
Unmasking the Laughter: The Importance of Commedia dell’arte Masks
In the uproarious world of The Servant of Two Masters, the iconic commedia dell’arte masks take center stage, adding a unique layer of charm and character. The masks worn in the Alley’s production by Pantalone de’Bisognosi, Dottore Lombardi, Brighella, and Truffaldino are beautifully hand-crafted from wood and leather by the talented Antonio Fava. Continue reading→
Commedia dell’arte has impacted modern pop culture tremendously. From the stock characters to the exaggerated physicality, roots of commedia dell’arte can be seen in many movies and TV shows. Continue reading→
When you hear the name Agatha Christie, you immediately think of whodunnits. Christie has become a legend in the genre for her captivating plots, iconic characters, and just enough clues to make the audience think they have solved the mystery right before serving an unforgettable plot twist.Continue reading→
Reflections of Artistic Director Rob Melrose: Adaptor, Translator, and Director
I can hardly contain my excitement in sharing with Houston audiences my two greatest passions: commedia dell’arte and the city of Venice. Commedia dell’arte is a form of drama that originated in Italy from 1550-1750 featuring stock characters wearing masks and improvised comedic bits called lazzi (from the same root as the word lasso because they tie the play together). Cartoons, sitcoms, and the comedies of Shakespeare, Molière, and Goldoni all have their roots in commedia dell’arte.Continue reading→