Trouble in Mind

Regional Premiere
By Alice Childress

1957. Rehearsals begin on what everyone hopes will be Broadway’s next big hit. But social norms and prejudices collide, and so Wiletta Mayer, a gifted Black actress, will finally get to play the lead role in a Broadway show if she’s willing to compromise her principles. Funny, moving, and ultimately a shattering look at racism, identity, and ego in the high-stakes world of New York theatre. This 1955 comedy-drama—planned for Broadway but canceled when the playwright wouldn’t tone down its message—finally made its triumphant premiere in 2021.

“With an engrossing history, a superlative cast, and a message that cannot be ignored, Main Street Theater’s “Trouble in Mind” is not simply a period piece from the 1950s, but a riveting commentary on race, art, and power that will leave you thinking long after the show is over.” Houston Chronicle review

“Main Street Theater should be lauded – again (as with their regional premieres of Coast of Utopia, Wolf Hall, Light in the Piazza) – for their prescience in bringing this lost masterpiece to Houston. Trouble in Mind is glorious theater.” Houston Press review

“This is a powerful production of a fine play. However much it may at times unsettle, it is a troubling of the mind much to be desired.” Conroe Courier review

The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley

SEASON ADD-ON
By Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon

Now available to watch online as well!

Regency romance is back with our favorite literary couple and their entertaining relations: Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy! Continuing Jane Austen’s beloved Pride and Prejudice, the below stairs servants at the grand Pemberley estate find themselves in the midst of a holiday scandal. An unwelcome visitor has stumbled into the hall in the middle of the night—Mr. Darcy’s nemesis and Lydia’s incorrigible husband, Mr. Wickham! Mrs. Reynolds, the bustling housekeeper, Cassie, the resilient new serving girl, and Brian, the helplessly romantic groomsman, must each balance their holiday preparations with keeping Wickham confined. But before long, everything reaches a boiling point, festivities spiral into chaos, and the truth comes to light! An utterly delightful holiday tale.

“Main Street Theater’s The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley is a loving extension of the Jane Austen universe.” -Houston Chronicle

“Ultimately, the play, like much of the holiday season, is about belonging: finding the place where one is accepted, understood, and forgiven as well as judging those who reject belonging at all and seek only to justify and pleasure themselves. Pemberley’s secret of happiness is made to lie in its ability to empower the weak and turn away the selfish. In short, it is a play about holiday hope.” —Houston Chronicle/Conroe Courier

Permanent Collection

By Thomas Gibbons

African-American businessman Sterling North is the new director of the Morris Foundation, a world-famous art collection. When North proposes to change the permanent collection display by adding eight pieces of African art from storage, a battle ensues with the long-time Education Director who is devoted to protecting Morris’ vision. Spurred on by a zealous local journalist, the clash quickly escalates to public accusations of racism and a bitter struggle for control of the collection.

“Seldom do you see a play in which one second you empathize with one character, only to be challenged in your thinking by the utterances of another. It is stellar theater.” – Houston Chronicle

“Well-rounded performances and relevant, insightful conversations about the impact of art and art’s role in shaping perception” – Houston Press

“’Permanent Collection’ paints a brilliant exploration of the fate of art in our time and of our struggles to secure it in ‘our’ corner. Make time to study it.
– Houston Chronicle/Conroe Courier

Houston Press Interview with Steven J. Scott

DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!

Based on the book by Mo Willems

Darwin in Malibu

Regional Premiere
By Crispin Whittell

Now available in-person AND online for streaming!

Malibu, California. One hundred and twenty years after his death, Charles Darwin (‘the Devil’s Chaplain’) is hanging out at a beach house overlooking the Pacific with a girl young enough to be his daughter. His peace is rudely disrupted when his old friend Thomas Huxley (‘the Devil’s Disciple’) washes up on the beach, closely followed by the Bishop of Oxford, Samuel Wilberforce. These three find themselves entangled in an enthralling and thought-provoking comedy about God and science.

“A hoot and a half…Wonderfully entertaining.” —Financial Times (London). “Fiercely intelligent…an exceptionally spry play with big ideas and a big heart. You should see it—not just because it’s there, but because we are here.” —Guardian (London)

PLEASE NOTE:

Patrons will be required to wear masks and show proof of a negative COVID test result (within 48 hours). A vaccination card may be shown in lieu of the test. Photocopies or a photo on your phone of medical records will be accepted.

Our HVAC systems have been upgraded with germicidal UV light purification systems. These systems use photohydroionization technology which is the same technology that is been used in the medical industry to destroy airborne micro-organisms (germs, viruses, and bacteria).

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley

By Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon
Directed by Robin Robinson

A sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Miss Bennet is set two years after the novel ends and continues the story, this time with nerdy middle-sister Mary as the unlikely heroine. Mary is growing tired of her role as the dutiful middle sister in the midst of everyone else’s romantic escapades. When the family gathers for Christmas at Pemberley, an unexpected guest sparks Mary’s hopes for independence, an intellectual match, and possibly even love!

Chaney Moore and Lindsay Ehrhardt are back to reprise their roles as Mary Bennet and Anne de Bourgh. They will be joined by an entirely new cast.

To Stream: When you purchase your ticket, you don’t have to choose a date that you want to stream the video. You can watch any time through December 19! You’ll be given a code. Then you’ll sign up for a free Broadway On Demand account and be able to watch Miss Bennet at a time that’s good for you! Specific instructions will also be in your confirmation email once you purchase your tickets!