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Lunch with 'Wicked' writer Stephen Schwartz and a Houston 'Séance'
Stephen Schwartz's lunch order was wrong, but he barely blinked.
We were at Sol 7 inside the Thompson Houston hotel, and the man behind "Wicked" was talking about "Séance on a Wet Afternoon," the opera he adapted from a 1960's novel and film about a manipulative medium and a kidnapping gone sideways.
"I think I got something completely different, although this looks delightful," Schwartz said to the waiter.
That easy charm carried through our conversation as Schwartz shared how he's juggling projects across continents. Along with overseeing the "Séance on a Wet Afternoon" premiere at Lone Star Lyric, he's been remotely joining "Wicked: For Good" recording sessions in London.
"I really would like to learn the skill of cloning oneself," he joked.
"Séance on a Wet Afternoon" opened Wednesday at The Gordy to an enthusiastic audience, and it was clear this is a show with the potential to move beyond Houston and onto even bigger stages. Schwartz's adaptation has corrected many of the movie's weaknesses, by reshuffling key scenes and defining characters for clarity and momentum. The second act, in particular, builds toward a far more satisfying climax and conclusion.
Lone Star Lyric's cast is compelling and game, with a keen understanding of their characters and motivations. Riley Ortega is the heart of the show as Mrs. Clayton — vocally and emotionally, she’s frequently stunning. Brian Ross Yeakley channels both fear and fury as Mr. Clayton. Stephonne Smith brings Inspector Watts a strapping sense of authority and a truly gorgeous bass-baritone. And as the nebbish, conflicted Bill Foster, John Arnold is perfectly cast.
The show has performances Thursday-Saturday. I suggest seeing it now before it defies gravity and takes off for even greater stages.
 | Joey Guerra, music reporter |
My music picks
Photo by: Courtesy
Anime Matsuri
Anime Matsuri returns with four days of cosplay, panels and all things otaku. It's billed as one of the largest anime conventions in North America with an impressive music lineup that includes Japanese rock bands Flow, Garocktokyo and Disacode. The Club AM after‑hours raves features Cash Cash, Citadel X and more. Friday-Monday at George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americs; $25-$100 at animematsuri.com.
- Benefit concert: Rainchild, a progressive grunge band from Houston, is playing a benefit concert to help those affected by the Hill Country Floods. A portion of the night's proceeds will go to the Kerr County Relief Fund, and donations will also be accepted. 6 tonight at Tejas Brewery & Taproom, 2101 Summer. Several other Texas acts are also doing their part to help.
- Beyoncé watch: Now that the Cowboy Carter Tour is nearing its end, what do we think Beyoncé will do for Act III? "Renaissance" was dance music, "Cowboy Carter" is country. The most frequent guess for the next era is rock music. But I've starting seeing people say it could be Southern hip-hop. What do you think?
Fun family favs
Photo by: Houston Zoo
713 Day at the Zoo
The Houston Zoo will celebrate 713 Day with $7.13 admission Saturday and Sunday. You must reserve tickets in advance. Walk-ups will not be available. There will be live music from Shosty, $7.13 food specials, including a hot dog combo or strawberry pizza, photo ops and more. Reserve now at houstonzoo.org.
- 713 Day with the Rockets: The Houston Rockets join in the 713 Day celebrations with a bunch of fun activities from 4-8 p.m. Sunday at Root Memorial Square Park, 1400 Clay. There will be a three-point contest, skills challenges, a live DJ, an appearance by Clutch and more. Tell your friends and register free online.
Houston on the cheap
Photo by: Raquel Natalicchio, Staff Photographer
Happy 25th
The Continental Club celebrates 25 years of music with a night featuring the Allen Oldies Band, The Turnaways, Beetle and Xanadudes, Now We Are Here. Shoeshine Charley's Big Top Lounge, located on the same block and also owned by Continental, will have sets from Thunderado, Amber Digby, Hatemail, David Garza and The Lonesome Haunts. 6 p.m. Saturday at 3700 Main; $10 at continentalclub.com/houston.
- Sabrosito! Diskoteka, a local Latin party series, hosts its regular Sabrosito! party at Grand Prize Bar, featuring cumbia, rock, tejano, salsa and more to move to all night long. 10 p.m. Saturday at 1010 Banks; free, so save the money for tacos after the pachanga.
Where to eat
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Latin Restaurant Weeks
Latin Restaurant Weeks returns with exclusive menu offerings, signature dishes and specials at participating restaurants, food trucks and bars. The list of places includes Birrieria & Micheladas, El Pueblito de Frida, La Calle Tacos, Tacos Doña Lena and, one of my faves, Gaspachos at Levy Park. You can also take a look online for the full list.
- Flood relief: Several Houston restaurants and food businesses are making monetary and supply donations to help those affected by the Kerr County floods. Houston restaurants and bars are feeding volunteers, opening as drop-off centers or donating proceeds to relief efforts. They include Cabo Bob's, KP's Kitchen, Jonathan's the Rub, Red Dessert Drive and Cottage Grocery.
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Everything else you need to know
- Meow Wolf Houston and Saint Arnold are hosting a free 713 Day block party from noon-4 p.m. Sunday at 2013 Lyons. There will be art displays, mariachis, free popsicles, giveaways and more. Artists Gonzo247 and Caitlin Caselli will also have a limited-edition Houston merch drop for sale. All ages are welcome to attend.
- Explore Houston: Check out our interactive Preview calendar, which has Houston's best concerts, comedy shows, arts events and more.
