The Book of Magdalene

The Book of Magdalene

Initial Digital Premiere

By Caridad Svich
Directed by Amelia Rico

EXTENDED! Now through February 28
February 11 – 28, 2021 ONLINE ONLY

In the edge-lands, in the weird times (after a worldwide catastrophic event), it’s nighttime until it’s not. These nights, Magdalene misses Ru and who they could have been together. Magdalene cares for Elder. Magdalene visits the local church to look at the sky. Magdalene works the call lines of the lonely and encounters Suit. Call this a quest. Call this a life waiting to be born again, haunted by a past when another Magdalene lived and was misunderstood. The Book of Magdalene is contemporary drama of sharp encounters, winding faith, tough love and tenderness suffused with grace and magic. A story about finding the courage to move on when life feels as if it is stuck in place.

About the Playwright

Caridad Svich is a playwright, screenwriter, translator, editor, lyricist, essayist, educator and freelance arts journalist. Her first independent feature film (as co-screenwriter) Fugitive Dreams, based on her play, premiered at the 2020 Fantasia Film Festival, 2020 Austin Film Festival and the 2020 Tallinn Black Nights Festival. Three of her plays were on the 2020 Kilroys List. She has received the 2012 OBIE for Lifetime Achievement, the 2011 American Theatre Critics Association Primus Prize for The House of the Spirits, based on Isabel Allende’s novel, and NNPN rolling world premieres for RED BIKE and Guapa. She has also been a Harvard/Radcliffe Institute Fellow, Tanne Foundation Fellow, NEA and Pew Fellow, and Visiting Research Fellow at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Read Ms. Svich’s full bio here.

About the Production

Director: Amelia Rico. The cast: Mariam Albishah, Andrea Boronell, Pablo Bracho, Maria Schenck, and Jennifer Wang.

Set design by Afsaneh Aayani. Costume design by Victoria Nicolette Gist. Lighting design by Grey Starbird. Sound design by Janel Badrina. Stage management by Megan Brooks.

 

IMPORTANT TICKET INFORMATION BELOW.

IMPORTANT:

You may watch The Book of Magdalene any time between February 11 and February 28. After you purchase your tickets, you’ll receive a viewing code via email. Once you receive that code, you may watch the play any time you wish from February 11 – February 28. The only thing to be mindful of is that once you activate your code, you’ll have 48 hours to watch.

Your 48 hour watch period begins AFTER entering your access code. The code can only be used on one device at a time. If the code is entered on a second device, the first device will be logged out automatically. You can Airplay or Cast the stream to a television using the following instructions: Stream to a TV

PLEASE NOTE:
The last opportunity to register with a credit is noon on Sunday, Feb. 28. 

Production Sponsor

THE HUMPHREYS FOUNDATION

2020-2021 MainStage Premier Season Sponsor

Pay What You Can Ticket Info for Our RFK Virtual Performance

About Pay What You Can Tickets

Bringing you the theatrical experience you love in the comfort and safety of your home.

$25 Ticket (Suggested)
Enjoy the show with your entire household for less than the price of a single ticket when you come to the theater.

$40 Ticket 
When you pay a bit more for your ticket, you help sustain Main Street Theater and support the work of our artists. Your support creates theater that inspires and uplifts in these challenging times.

$15 Ticket
Times are tough right now. If a $15 ticket is best for you, please select this option. We just want you to share in the experience with us!

PLEASE NOTE:
The last opportunity to register with a credit is noon on Sunday, Oct. 25. 

Pay What You Can Ticket Info for Our Flat Stanley Virtual Performance

About Pay What You Can Tickets

Enjoy The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley with your family
from the comfort and safety of your home!

$20 Ticket (Suggested)
This is the average price of just one ticket if you were coming to the theater. Watch with your whole family for the price of a single ticket.

$35 Ticket
We strive to make theater accessible to children and families, especially in these uncertain times. When you pay a bit more for your ticket, you help to sustain Main Street Theater and support the work of our artists.

$10 Ticket
Times are tough right now. If a $10 ticket is best for you, please select this option. We just want you and your family to share in the experience with us!

IF YOU BOOK BEFORE 10/24, PLEASE USE PASSWORD MSTFLAT

PLEASE NOTE: The last opportunity to register with a credit is noon on Nov. 14.

Main Street at the Mic

Main Street at the Mic

Performed and filmed on our Rice Village stage, Main Street at the Mic brings you 3 unique, hour-long events that you can stream from home! In October, it was Things That Go Bump in the Night. November was a classic cabaret event. December – well, it’s time to celebrate the holidays – including ones we missed over the last few months! Each event features local, professional actors whom you’ve come to know and love.

Each Main Street at the Mic is live streamed on Thursday at 7:30pm on YouTube, and is available to watch on YouTube through Sunday night. All you need to do is register for the free event and you will receive full details on how to view online.

All the events are free, though, of course, donations are always appreciated!

REGISTER HERE

Main Street at the Mic: 2020 Holidays: Passover through New Year’s

Let’s share some joy as 2020 winds down and we catch up on the holidays!
December 17 – 20, 2020

Featuring Tamara Siler, Kara Greenberg, Chaney Moore, Gerardo Velasquez, Amanda Passanante, Rodrick  Randall, Celeste Roberts, and Jim Salners. Directed by Andrew Ruthven with Claudia Dyle on the piano.

REGISTER HERE

2020 – 2021 Premier Season Sponsor

Personal Pod Classes & Camps

“We had Main Street Theater bring one of their pod camps to our neighborhood during Thanksgiving week. It was simple to set up once we had our group assembled and Cindy showed up with all the materials and great activities planned. The kids met in an open area, practiced safe social distancing and conceived, directed and performed  their own play! They also played games, learned a bit of improv and did some crafts. The pod was super fun for them. Something a bit magical happened too because all of the kids really wanted to be there. It was really convenient for us parents because no time was needed to drive anywhere. We got to enjoy our children’s creative work at the end of the session, and they got a wonderful structured play time for creative expression with their friends. We would highly recommend Main Street Theater’s Pods to anyone interested.”  -the Hall family

Personalized Pod Classes & Camps!

Age groups: 6-8, 9-12; 13 & up
Minimum: 5 children (10 maximum)

Contact Mr. Jonathan to Arrange Your Pod Today! jonathan@mainstreettheater.com

Main Street Theater Pods – Theater Delivery Service!
Main Street Theater’s specialized theater pods bring all of the fun of our popular, award winning camps and classes to you!
What are MST Pods?
An MST professional actor/teaching artist will come to your house to facilitate a theater experience for your child and 4-9 other children. We meet for 10 classes, 90 minutes to two hours per class, in a large indoor space or backyard. We work towards a final showcase based on the needs of the particular group.
What do I need to provide?
We need a main contact, names and emails of the 5-10 participants, and a designated space for classes and performance. We will provide the rest!
MST Pods provide:
P-Personalized Instruction. With a group size of 5-10 and one instructor per 5 students, your child will get specialized attention in theater skills of voice, body, and imagination!
O-Open curriculum. Our classes run 90 minutes to 2 hours and feature theater games and exercises as well as a final project/play/dance that fits your group’s needs. We can do original plays, musical revues, dance, stage combat, arts integration, even Shakespeare! We will work with you to tailor the best theater arts experience for your group. We even bring our own stagecraft tub!
D-Dynamic teachers!  Our teachers are thoroughly vetted and background- checked, consisting of veteran teaching artists who work professionally as performers and technicians. They are skilled, experienced with kids of all ages, fun, and flexible!
S– SAFE! We adhere to all state and local guidelines, including wearing masks, social distancing, temperature checks, and hand sanitizing and washing. We adhere to our COVID policies as much as possible/feasible at your location.

MST Pods Delivery Service Menu:
MST ORIGINAL PLAY
The sky’s the limit! Based on our popular summer camp model, young artists collaborate to create an original play and/or dance.
MST MUSICAL THEATER LAB
Students create an original play incorporating popular songs and dances created by the teaching artist in collaboration with the ensemble.
SHAKESPEARE FOR ALL
Students are introduced to the Bard in a fun, physical way, exploring either fantasy (A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM) or fun and frightening (MACBETH)
ARTS INTEGRATION/ STEAMWORK!
Using our games and exercises from our programs that have had successful runs in HISD schools to promote literacy and help solidify STEAM concepts.
CREATE YOUR OWN!
Our professional staff is very flexible, and we have a big tool kit of theater offerings. Email Mr. Jonathan at jonathan@mainstreettheater.com for a consultation to help identify what is best for you and your group!

Contact Mr. Jonathan to Arrange Your Pod Today! jonathan@mainstreettheater.com

INSPIRE: MST Learning Lab

Register Now for WEEKLY Lab! »

Register Now for DAILY Lab! »

 Discounts available for Military Families, First Responder Families, or Educator Families.
Double discounts do not apply.

Extended Day Registration »

Register Now for WEEKLY Lab! »

Register Now for DAILY Lab! »

 Discounts available for Military Families, First Responder Families, or Educator Families.
Double discounts do not apply.

Extended Day Registration »

Speak of Me as I Am

Speak of Me as I Am: a Celebration of African American Contributions to Shakespeare

A Partnership with Harris County Public Library

July 23 at 6:30 – 8:00pm
https://www.facebook.com/harriscountypl/live/
You do not have to have Facebook to watch!

on July 23 from 6:30 – 8:00pm, in partnership once again with Harris County Public Library (HCPL), Main Street will lift up the contributions of historical African American actors to Shakespeare Speak of Me as I Am: a Celebration of African American Contributions to Shakespeare created by Jonathan Minchew-Gonzalez, Director of Education & Youth Engagement for this partnership as commission by HCPL. This will be the 3rd time the piece has been presented by the partnership, and it will, of course, be virtual.

While many African Americans of yesteryear such as Louis Armstrong, Langston Hughes, and Hattie McDaniel are well known for contributions to America’s art scene, fewer people know about the great black Shakespearian actors of early America. Figures such as Ira Aldridge, Henrietta Vinton Davis, and Paul Robeson may not be household names, but they enthralled audiences with their truth, dignity, and passion as they embodied characters such as Hamlet, Juliet, Lady Macbeth, and Othello. In this one-of-a-kind reading, actors from Main Street Theater’s Shakespeare for All program will share historic accounts, stories, and, of course, scenes and speeches from Shakespeare in an interactive, audience-friendly presentation that reminds us that Shakespeare is, indeed, for ALL. Local professional actors Ansonia Jones and Ernest Neal are featured in the performance. The actors will answer questions posted in the chat section of the live stream! Link to event coming soon.

Ansonia Jones

Ernest Neal

2020-2021 Season Subscription Update

Season Subscription Update

All Subscriptions from the 2020-21 Season (MainStage and Theater for Youth) have been rolled over to the upcoming 2021-22 Season. If you haven’t received your tickets, please contact us at 713-524-6706 or by email at boxoffice@mainstreettheater.com.

MAINSTAGE: We are now taking renewals for the 2021-22 MainStage Season. If you were a subscriber for the 2019-20 Season, please use the links below to renew. You can also add Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley at the same time! We will start accepting new subscriptions for the 21-22 Season on May 10th.

If you have your 21-22 subscription, but still need to add Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, you can also do that with the link provided below To ask further questions about your subscription, please contact the box office at 713-524-6706, or by email at boxoffice@mainstreettheater.com.

THEATER FOR YOUTH: 2021-22 Subscribers rolled over from the 20-21 Season still can update their subscription by clicking the link below. If you need to change your productions, or have other questions, please contact the box office at 713-524-6706, or by email at boxoffice@mainstreettheater.com.

New subscribers can purchase a Theater for Youth subscription HERE!

Cat in the Hat Virtual Character Visit for Schools

Cat from Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat

Virtual Character Visit in honor of Dr. Seuss’ Birthday!
March 2 – 31, 2021

  • Read Across America Day, also known as Dr. Seuss Day, is a yearly observance in the USA inaugurated by the NEA (National Education Association). It is held on the school day that is nearest to 2 March, Dr.  Seuss’ birthday.
  • Theodor Seuss Geisel was an American artist, book publisher, animator, poet, a political cartoonist as well as an author. He is best known for authoring over 60 children’s books. The NEA launched the Read Across America, an initiative on reading that began in 1997, to encourage children in reading more books and also getting them excited about reading. On March 2, 1998, the first Read Across America Day was celebrated! Since then, it has been held annually.
  • Main Street Theater is offering FREE virtual performances of our Cat from our recent tour of THE CAT IN THE HAT who will act out his story from the book.

Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s Web

Based on the book by E. B. White
Adapted by Joseph Robinette

The tender story of a wise and kind spider named Charlotte who devises a plan to save her friend, Wilbur the pig.  Charlotte’s Web is the “just about perfect” tale of friendship, love and life.

Recommended for 3rd Grade and older.

LOCATION

MATCH
3400 Main Street
Houston, TX 77002
Directions

PERFORMANCES AND TICKETS

Weekend & Holiday Performances:
Ticket Prices: $28 – $18

Friday, April 15, 2022 at 1:30pm

Sunday, April 24, 2022 at 12:30pm & 3:30pm

Saturdays, April 30 and May 7, 2022
at 10:30am & 1:30pm

School Matinees:
School Group Tickets: $7.00 each (discounts for Title I schools)

Tuesday, April 12 – Friday, May 13, 2022
Performances are at 9:30am, 11am & 12:30pm
(No 12:30pm on April 12)

Sensory Friendly icon

Saturday, May 7 at 10:30am
Sensory-Friendly/Relaxed Performance

Audio Described

Saturday, May 7 at 1:30pm
Audio Described
Advance Reservations Required (7 days minimum). Click here to reserve.

ASL Performance icon

Saturday, April 30 at 1:30pm
ASL Performance

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Seating Charts
Parking/Dining

Running Time: 1 hour and 30minutes including a 20 minute intermission.

Please note: no outside food/snacks are allowed at the theater. You may purchase concessions at the show.

Recommended for 3rd Grade and older
Children under the age of 3 (including sleeping babies) are not allowed in the theater.