As the final bows of 2025 are taken, we’re looking back at a year that truly put Houston’s Alley Theatre on the global map. From the streets of London to the heart of the Theater District, 2025 was one for the books.
Here are the top 10 moments that defined our year.
1. The 2025-26 Season Announcement
In February, we revealed one of our most ambitious seasons yet, featuring the 2023 Pulitzer Prize winner English and the return of Liz Duffy Adams with her world premiere Dear Alien. The announcement set the stage for a future that is diverse, thought-provoking, and bold.
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2. Celebrating Dean Gladden’s Retirement
After nearly two decades of leadership—guiding us through everything from Hurricane Harvey to a global pandemic—Managing Director Dean Gladden took his final bow in October. The Alley Ball in his honor was a moving tribute to a man who ensured the Alley remained a cornerstone of the American theater landscape.
Longtime Houston Theatre Managing Director’s Retirement Brings Back Tango — Dean Gladden’s Alley Goodbye
Papercity Magazine
3. Born with Teeth Takes the West End by Storm
Undoubtedly, the biggest news of the year was the international leap of Liz Duffy Adams’ Born with Teeth. After its world premiere right here at the Alley in 2022, the steamy, sharp-witted drama made its European premiere at London’s Wyndham’s Theatre in August 2025.
Houston-born play ‘Born with Teeth’ makes a big splash with a London run this summer
Houston Chronicle
4. The Brainstormers and Their Cosmic Mission
2025 saw the launch of our most ambitious touring production yet: The Brainstormers & Their Cosmic Mission. This action-packed play by Elizabeth A.M. Keel brought the magic of STEM and space exploration to thousands of K-5 students across Houston. It wasn’t just theatre; it was a “cosmic mission” to inspire the next generation of Houston scientists, engineers, and dreamers.
5. Summer Chills: The Mirror Crack’d U.S. Premiere
Our beloved Summer Chills tradition reached new heights this year with the U.S. Premiere of Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d. This new adaptation by Rachel Wagstaff brought Miss Marple to Houston in a production that blended classic mystery with modern theatrical flair.
Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d may be the Alley’s best Summer Chills in seasons
Houston Press
6. The Century Club: Elizabeth Bunch and Chris Hutchison
In a historic year for our Resident Acting Company, we celebrated a milestone that few theatres in the world can boast. Both Elizabeth Bunch and Chris Hutchison performed in their 100th productions at the Alley this year.
How one couple found their muse and each other onstage at Houston’s Alley Theatre
Houston Chronicle
7. The World Premiere of The Body Snatcher
Just in time for “spooky season,” the Neuhaus Theatre transformed for the world premiere of The Body Snatcher. Adapted by Katie Forgette from Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic, this Victorian Gothic thriller pushed the boundaries of stagecraft and kept Houston audiences on the edge of their seats throughout October.
Try The Body Snatcher at Alley Theatre for a Full Helping of Creepy
Houston Press
8. A New Era: Jennifer Bielstein Becomes Managing Director
In October, we officially welcomed Jennifer Bielstein as our new Managing Director. A Houston native and theater veteran, Jennifer returned home after leading the American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) to join Artistic Director Rob Melrose in steering the Alley toward its 80th anniversary.
Jennifer Bielstein Named Managing Director of Alley Theatre
American Theatre
9. Alley All New Festival 2025
The Alley All New Festival in October continued its streak as a national leader for new play development. This year’s standouts included A Loco-Motive for Murder and The Smoker, attracting playwrights and artistic directors from across the country to witness the “next big thing” in American theater.
10. Anthony Yanez Forecasts “Snow” in Houston
Our favorite holiday moment occurred during A Christmas Carol when KPRC 2 Meteorologist Anthony Yanez joined us for a special press walk-on role!
Not only did Anthony perform, but he also showed a behind-the-scenes segment explaining the “meteorology” of our stage snow. Watching a local icon get showered in Alley snow from the Hubbard stage was the ultimate holiday gift.
How the Alley Theatre makes it snow for A Christmas Carol
KPRC
