Shakespeare Festival Celebrates 50 Years with Must-See Classics at Miller Outdoor

Shakespeare Festival Celebrates 50 Years with Must-See Classics at Miller Outdoor

Actor Alan Brincks gets his makeup done for 'A Midsummer Night's Dream.'

BEGINNING AUG. 1 THROUGH Aug. 10, the Houston Shakespeare Festival, the professional arm of the University of Houston’s School of Theater and Dance, takes the stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre for its 50th iteration. The milestone event includes productions of Romeo & Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream, plus "Bard talks," all at no cost to viewers.


"The excitement for our 50th anniversary season pulses through our shops and rehearsal studios where nationally-acclaimed artists, including some UH alumni, and current students create imaginative and passionate productions of two of the world’s most beloved plays,” said Jack Young, HSF artistic director and acting professor at UH’s School of Theater & Dance, in a statement.

The classic lineup is the perfect way to celebrate 50 years of the Houston Shakespeare Festival, which has entertained more than 1 million Houstonians since Sidney Berger launched it in 1975. While the longtime director of the UH School of Theater and Dance passed away in 2013, his legacy lives on each summer. The festival is a professional equity company that incorporates a select group of UH students to bring its productions to completion.

The show schedule alternates A Midsummer Night's Dream (Aug. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9) and Romeo & Juliet (Aug. 2, 6, 8, 10), with a pre-performance Bard Talk at 7:45pm and a curtain time of 8:15pm. All shows are free to attend, but a complimentary ticket is required to enjoy the covered seating. Ticket information is found here.

Romeo & Juliet

Titiana in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

Costume sketches for 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

Art + Entertainment
Fall Philanthropy Report: Be An Angel Improves Quality of Life for Children with Special Needs

What year was your organization launched? 1986 by a small group of committee community members that believed special needs children were not receiving basic life services.

Keep Reading Show less

Chef-owner Austin Waiter of The Marigold Club, now serving fried chicken and Champagne on Sunday nights.


IF YOUR SUNDAY nights could use a little sparkle—and a lot of fried chicken—The Marigold Club has just the thing. Starting May 25 at 5pm, the Montrose hotspot known for its playful mix of Southern charm and London polish is rolling out a new weekly tradition: Fried Chicken & Champagne Sundays.

This isn’t your average comfort food situation. We're talking a shareable fried chicken dinner for two, made with farm-raised birds from Deeply Rooted Ranch, and served alongside buttery whipped potatoes, minted peas, aged cheddar scones, and some over-the-top sauces — including a foie gras sauce supreme that’s as extra as it sounds.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

Palmaïa The House of AïA

THIS FALL, LEBRINA Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, is taking her wisdom and joie de wellness to the jungle. Far beyond the walls of her beautiful spa, she’s aiming to create a quiet space for people to work on their personal growth in a community-centric atmosphere. She shares what participants will get out of the trip and why it’s important to take time for self-care in 2025.

Why is it important for people to “retreat”? Life can feel like a non-stop marathon, and sometimes we forget to just... breathe. Retreating offers a chance to step off the treadmill for a bit and hit the reset button. It's about giving your body and mind some much-needed TLC, allowing for genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the personal perks, retreats often create a cool sense of community, connecting you with others on a similar path. By carving out space for self-reflection, you can recharge and return to your daily life with a clearer head and a bit more pep in your step.

Keep Reading Show less
Wellness+Giving Back