Challenging Brown, written by Cris Eli Blak, winner of the 2025 Fade To Black Arts Festival and The Ensemble Theatre’s Premier Theatre Readings, is a powerful story of perseverance, education, and the cost of breaking barriers in a divided America.

Set in 1967 Texas, the play follows Gordon Brown as he becomes the first Black teacher at an all-white high school, stepping into a world shaped by open hostility, quiet resistance, and the daily pressure of proving he belongs. As Gordon confronts racism from both students and faculty, he must lean on his convictions, his dignity, and the support of those closest to him to navigate a system built to reject his presence.

This presentation is the 3rd installment of the Shabach Enterprise Vanguard Series, which spotlights compelling new work and bold contemporary voices.

"Oh, the thinks you can think" when Dr. Seuss' best-loved characters collide and cavort in an unforgettable musical caper! The Cat In The Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a spec of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many "thinks." Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping, and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him.

Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant. 

Romance, rivalry, and catchy tunes take center stage in The Pajama Game, the classic musical comedy set inside a bustling 1950s pajama factory. As sparks fly between a charming superintendent and a spirited union leader, workplace tensions turn into a whirlwind of laughter, dance, and unforgettable songs in this timeless Broadway favorite.

Rotunda Theater

Tina Throckmorton, Director and Choreographer

Sid Davis, Music Director

By Madhuri Shekar.  Asia Society Texas and Aerial Roots Theatre Company are excited to bring Madhuri Shekar's A Nice Indian Boy to Houston audiences, offering a warm and witty portrayal of love and marriage in today's Desi diaspora.

Naveen Gavaskar just wants a traditional Hindu marriage to a nice Indian... boy.

A meet-cute at a temple sparks a romance between Naveen, a Type A, Bay Area engineer, and Keshav — a free-spirited, Bollywood-loving man who happens to be white. Naveen brings his new boyfriend home to his Indian-American family, just as his sharp-tongued sister, Arundhathi, returns with news of her own. What follows is an uproarious journey as the family navigates duty, tradition, and self-discovery in their quest for happily-ever-afters.

See the play that inspired the fan-favorite Desi film!

This program will have one 15-minute intermission. Following the shows on August 2 and August 6, guests are invited to remain in their seats post-performance for a talkback with playwright Madhuri Shekar, joining live via Zoom.

Set behind the facade of a picture-perfect suburban family, ALANIS MORISSETTE’S JAGGED LITTLE PILL follows the Healys as their carefully constructed world begins to crack wide open. As secrets surface and tensions rise, this raw and emotionally explosive musical dives into addiction, trauma, identity, and the desperate human need to be heard.

Built around songs from Alanis Morissette’s era-defining album, JAGGED LITTLE PILL became a Tony Award-winning theatrical sensation for its fearless storytelling, electric score, and unflinching emotional power. Art Factory is proud to bring the first locally produced staging of this groundbreaking musical to Houston, creating a rare opportunity to experience this contemporary powerhouse in an intimate setting where every note and every revelation lands with breathtaking force.

ALANIS MORISSETTE’S JAGGED LITTLE PILL runs July 31 through August 9, with Friday and Saturday performances at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday performances at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are available at www.ArtFactoryHouston.com/tickets or at the door. Art Factory is located just north of downtown at The Docks at 1125 Providence Street, Houston, Texas. Free onsite parking is available.

Based on the hit 2004 film and the 2024 movie musical

Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady and her friends devise a "Revenge Party" to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.

Set in New York City’s East Village, Rent follows a group of young artists trying to create, love, and survive during a time of uncertainty, poverty, and the HIV/AIDS crisis. With powerful music and an emotional story about friendship, chosen family, and living fully, this landmark musical continues to connect with audiences across generations.

Based on the Universal Pictures cult classic movie of the same title, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, Xanadu is hilarity on wheels for adults, children and anyone who has ever wanted to feel inspired. This Tony Award-nominated, hilarious, roller skating, musical adventure about following your dreams despite the limitations others set for you, rolls along to the original hit score composed by pop-rock legends, Jeff Lynne and John Farrar. 

Xanadu follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mount Olympus to Venice Beach, California in 1980 on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time – the first ROLLER DISCO! (Hey, it's 1980!) But, when Kira falls into forbidden love with the mortal, her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation, and chaos abounds.

Xanadu is a moving, electrifying tale of endless fun that will keep audiences in stitches while the original legendary, chart-topping tunes lift them out of their seats. You'll want to keep the music in your head and Xanadu in your heart... forever.

Book by: Douglas Carter Beane​​​​​​​

Music & Lyrics by: Jeff Lynne & John Farrar​

Based on the Universal Pictures Film​

Screenplay by: Richard Danus & Marc Rubel

A Man. A Movement.

In Jesus Christ Superstar, a revolutionary leader is elevated, scrutinized, and ultimately punished when his existence threatens systems of power. As Jesus rises as a leader in Jerusalem, friends, followers, and forces of power project their fears, hopes, and agendas onto his image, masking his humanity. Told through electrifying rock music, Sankofa brings this tried and true story to life by exploring who gets to remain human when the world demands a savior. Starring Nnandi Nwanwo as Jesus, Juan Sebastian Cruz as Judas, Raven Justine Troupe as Mary and featuring Christina Wells as King Herod.