The Best of Everything

Regional Premiere
Adapted by Julie Kramer
Based on the book by Rona Jaffe

Imagine “Madmen” meets “Sex and the City!” The Best of Everything is the new adaptation of Rona Jaffe’s 1958 bestseller about ambitious secretaries in the big city. These girls want thrilling careers and grand adventures—and husbands and children too, in due time. Today we call that “having it all.” These gals call it “the best of everything.” And wisely enough, they’re not sure it’s possible.

“The play is brilliantly funny, but it has quite a few things to say about 2023.  Main Street Theater is keeping Rona Jaffe’s conversation alive with this production…this show certainly lives up to the title in acting, technical aspects, and strong direction.  It’s a fun evening that will make you think.” — Read the full BroadwayWorld Houston review

Macbeth Muet

SEASON ADD-ON
Based on Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Created by La Fille du Laitier

PLAYING AT OVATIONS NIGHT CLUB IN RICE VILLAGE
next door to our Rice Village theater
2536 Times Blvd.
Houston, TX 77005
MATINEE ADDED SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2023

Shakespeare’s classic is performed entirely without words as the ultimate power couple is transformed through their dark and fateful choices in this hilarious, high-speed romp of object theatre, dance, and pure madness. For ages 13+

MST Artistic Director Rebecca Greene Udden first saw La Fille Du Laitier’s Macbeth Muet in New York several years ago and was captivated by their innovation and ingenuity. “You’ve just never seen anything quite like it!” says Udden. “And the show is hilarious!” MST brought the show to Houston in 2018 and is excited to bring La Fille Du Laitier back in 2023.

“Frenetic and fun and ingenious, Macbeth Muet is killer theatre.” – CBC News
“This is a display of sheer theatrical invention, certainly a must-see…” – Winnipeg Free Press
“thoroughly entertaining…” – On Stage Ottawa
“Macbeth Muet is one of the most original, clever, funny, intense, and just bloody entertaining (pun intended) shows I’ve seen in years.” – Houston Press

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