Ah, the Alley Theatre, a true gem in Houston! This Tony Award-winning theatre company is not only the oldest professional theatre company in Texas, but it's also the third oldest resident theatre in the whole United States. Talk about history!
Now, let me tell you how this incredible theatre came to be. Back in 1947, a fearless woman named Nina Eloise Whittington Vance founded the Alley Theatre in a former dance studio with an opening on Main Street. Can you imagine that? A brick corridor led from Main to the back of the studio, giving the theatre its fitting name, Alley Theatre. It's amazing how creative names can come about, right?
But wait, the adventure doesn't end there! In 1948, the early paying members of the theatre went on a scavenger hunt for a new location and found themselves an abandoned fan factory on Berry Avenue. The Alley moved there and re-opened its doors in 1949 with a production of Lillian Helman's The Children’s Hour. And from there on, they became a fully professional and Equity company. Talk about an upgrade!
The Alley Theatre didn't limit itself to just Houston, oh no! Their productions have played on Broadway at Lincoln Center and have even toured over 40 American cities. They've gone international too, performing in amazing places like Berlin, Paris, and St. Petersburg. Fancy!
And just when you thought it couldn't get any more exciting, the United States State Department invited the Alley Theatre to represent American Regional Theatre at the Brussels World’s Fair in 1958. It seems like this theatre has quite the passport, doesn't it?
But it doesn't stop there, my friend. In 1962, the Houston Endowment gifted the Alley Theatre with land worth $800,000. And if that wasn't enough, they also received grants worth $2.5 million from the Ford Foundation for their new building at 615 Texas Ave. That's some serious support!
Over the years, the Alley Theatre has hosted numerous groundbreaking productions, including Paul Zindel's The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1971. They've collaborated with international luminaries like Edward Albee, Vanessa Redgrave, and Frank Wildhorn. And hey, they've even premiered some pretty big hits like Jekyll & Hyde and The Civil War. Talk about being on the cutting edge of theatre!
Today, the Alley Theatre is in the capable hands of Artistic Director Rob Melrose and Managing Director Dean R. Gladden. And let me tell you, Texas Monthly says that no other theatre in Texas comes close to the Alley. Their productions often rival Broadway in quality, thanks to their amazing resident acting company and dedicated production staff. Talk about being on top of their game!
Now, I have to mention Hurricane Harvey, which brought quite a challenge to the Alley Theatre. The theatre underwent a complete renovation in the mid-2010s, but unfortunately, it got flooded by Hurricane Harvey and suffered the worst damage of any theatre in Houston. But they didn't let that setback hold them down! They commissioned a touring children's play to be performed in schools throughout the Houston area as a response to the devastation. Talk about resilience!
The Alley Theatre's new home, which opened in November 1968, is truly something to behold. It has not one, but two stages! The Hubbard Stage boasts 774 seats, making it perfect for those big productions. But if you're seeking a more intimate experience, the Neuhaus Stage is where you need to be. It has 296 seats and provides a cozy setting to get up close and personal with the performers.
So, my friend, the Alley Theatre's story is one of triumph, creativity, and a passion for the arts. It's a place where history meets innovation, and where unforgettable performances are born. I hope you enjoyed learning about this incredible landmark, and I can't wait to take you to the next stop on our tour!
