A Merry Little Virtual Christmas: The Best Houston Theater and Concerts to Stream Now

A Merry Little Virtual Christmas: The Best Houston Theater and Concerts to Stream Now

Ben Hope and Katie Barton at Stages; photo by Os Galindo

For those hungry for great music and theater, there is a feast of online, family-friendly holiday fare available throughout the dark days of December. Here's just a sampling of the homegrown performances you can enjoy from the comfort of your home.


Stages is offering two very different performances this month. Husband-and-wife Americana duo Ben and Katie Barton Hope, who have created theatrical tributes to Johnny Cash and Hank Williams, throw their hat into the pandemic ring of fire with their on-demand "audio-play" Holiday at the Hope's, a Christmas "mixtape" of original and traditional holiday songs and stories inspired by their experience as first-time homebuyers. (Break out the whiskey and eggnog!)

Meanwhile, the art of British pantomime comes alive in the one-man show Button's Sleeping Beauty, starring Ryan Schabach as Buttons, with book and lyrics by Kenn McLaughlin and music by David Nehls. Through song, dance, slapstick comedy and topical references, Buttons shares the story of the battle between the virtuous Serena and an evil fairy Godmother. Stages holiday panto performances are an audience favorite, so kudos to Schabach and company for reimagining the show for the digital realm. Holiday at the Hope's is currently available on-demand through Dec. 13. Button's Sleeping Beauty premiers Dec. 15 at 7:30pm and will be available through Sunday, Dec. 27. Register at stagestheatre.com.

For fans of the classical voice, the Houston Grand Opera's upcoming HGO Studio Holiday Celebration features current HGO studio artists performing holiday repertoire, including Handel and contemporary favorites. The free performance premiers on Dec. 18 at 7:30pm, and will be available on-demand at no cost for one month.

Conductor and artistic director Robert Simpson leads his Grammy Award-winning Houston Chamber Choir in a special program of Christmas carols and music from around the globe. The new, pre-recorded performance, titled A Time to Bring Hope, is the second virtual offering from the HCC this year, and will be available on December 20 as a three-day rental for $9.99, or to access whenever you need to hear some glorious singing for $24.99. Visit houstonchamberchoir.org for details.

Houston Chamber Choir

And Houston's renowned Alley Theatre has stepped up with newly filmed production of A Christmas Carol, now available to view online for free through Dec. 27. "It's not like any production we've done before," says David Rainey, who plays the dual role of Scrooge and a grumpy stage manager among a company of exuberant actors preparing to perform the Dickens classic. The Alley recently announced the remainder of its 2020-21 season will be entirely digital, with both short and full-length plays produced with the technology used for A Christmas Carol. For more on the Alley's innovative approach, click here.

Art + Entertainment
‘Culture of Service and Accountability’ Supports Mission of Orion EMS

Gerard O’Brien, President/CEO & Founder, and Sumi Patel, Vice President

HOW DID YOU get where you are today? The EMS industry, quite literally, never stops. Our staff and units are called to serve our community every hour of every day; there are no weekends, holidays, or “days off.” Obviously, the demands of EMS are not for the faint of heart, and we have established a culture of service and accountability that is different than nearly every other organization. Our leadership team sets this culture by exhibiting their passion for this industry daily. Their tireless dedication makes a better experience for our staff when they come to work and for our patients and clients when they call on us to transport their loved ones.

Keep ReadingShow less

David Adickes and Bun B

SOME OF THE CITY'S most influential VIPs gathered at Steak 48 in River Oaks District for the annual toast to CityBook’s “Leaders & Legends,” a recurring franchise for the publication whose past honorees have including a Tony and Grammy winner, a Nobel laureate, a member of Congress, an Olympic medalist, multiple billionaire business moguls, TV stars, artists and scientists of every sort, and the city’s most glamorous and generous socialites.

Keep ReadingShow less
Parties

Tay Butler’s Lawndale installation, spring 2023

DESPITE ITS PAIN and pitfalls, there’s no denying that the pandemic inspired artists like never before. This season, one of the most ambitious public-art projects to emerge from the Covid years comes to a close.

Keep ReadingShow less
Art + Entertainment