Stages Theater
the black sheep agency, september 2021
art direction and design by Cassidy Meade and Bill Ferenc
The Duality of Theater
Gearing up for a big return after the pandemic, the Stages team wanted their 2021-2022 season to stand out from the rest and promote their one-of-a-kind shows. I got to live out my theater kid dreams: getting paid to read scripts and evangelize the power of live theater to Houstonians.
Creative concepting
Writing play synopses
Black Super Hero Magic Mama
by Inda Craig-Galván
Sabrina’s voice is ignored in her world, so she creates a better one instead.
When Sabrina Jackson’s son is the victim of a police shooting, she retreats inward to a powerful technicolor universe, living as a comic book superhero named Maasai Angel. Compared to the pain of the real world, this battle is one Sabrina can handle. But will Sabrina stay in this dream world or return to reality and mourn her son? Surprising comedy and grace mark this stunning new play by one of America’s most acclaimed new writers.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
music and lyrics by William Finn; book by Rachel Sheinkin; conceived by Rebecca Feldman
Juice boxes and public humiliation: welcome back to the sixth grade.
An eclectic group of middle schoolers are locked in an intense competition for the spelling championship of a lifetime in this Tony-Award-winning musical. As the tension mounts, each kid finds their own voice as they share funny and emotional stories about puberty, pressure, and some very adult problems. Join them on stage (literally—some audience members get to join the Bee) and get swept up in the effortless wit and humor that speaks to thirteen and thirty-year-olds alike.
Panto Little Mermaid
by ShaWanna Renee Rivon and Elizabeth A.M. Keel
We’ve got gadgets, gizmos, and garbage aplenty under this sea.
A familiar-looking, redheaded mermaid trades her voice for a chance to save her home of Galveston Bay. But the wicked, accessory-loving Pursula has plans of her own. With the help of her sea creature friends and a handsome marine biologist, can Hairielle clean up these shores? Hans Christian Anderson’s tale is reimagined as a Pantomime (an interactive, musical, kid-friendly show)—so come ready to laugh, cheer, boo, and put your fins together for this outrageous tidal wave of romance and hilarity.
Sister’s Christmas Catechism
by Maripat Donovan, with Marc Silvia and Jane Morris
This mystery requires the patience of a saint... or a sister.
It’s “CSI: Bethlehem” in this holiday mystery extravaganza from the author of Late Nite Catechism, as Sister takes on the mystery that's intrigued historians for ages: whatever happened to the Magi’s gold? Employing her own scientific tools, assisted by a local choir and a gaggle of audience members, she retells the story of the nativity as only Sister can. With gifts galore and bundles of laughs, this improvised show is sure to become a yearly family classic.
Hook’s Tale
by John Leonard Pielmeier
You heard it here first: Peter Pan is a liar.
Everything you thought you knew about Captain Hook is wrong, starting with his name. From award-winning playwright John Pielmeier (Agnes of God) and Donald Corren (Bobby Riggs in Balls) comes the long-overdue villain's side of the story, told by the man himself. It’s time you learned the truth about what really happened in Neverland, from the friendly pet crocodile to the real price of never growing old in this magical, engaging romp for the whole family.
Sunrise Coven
by Brendan Bourque-Sheil
Ask your doctor if witchcraft is right for you.
Hallie’s spent her life caring for her geriatric patients as a nurse in the nearly abandoned town of Buckstop, Texas. When her eyesight fails her, she finds a new way to heal her patients: bypassing Big Pharma with the help of a local coven. As funny as it is morbid, this brilliant gallows-humor comedy from the author of Stages’ hit The Book of Maggie speaks to the ills of American health care with love, wit, and a little magic.
MacGyver the Musical
book by Kate Chavez, Robin Ward Holloway, Lindsey Hope Pearlman & Lee David Zlotoff; music & lyrics by Peter Lurye
The iron curtain’s no match for a paper clip, some duct tape, and you—yes, you!
The creator of the classic TV drama brings our favorite hero to the stage in MacGyver the Musical, a rock-n-roll musical comedy set in 1989 East Berlin. We're taking resourcefulness to a whole new level: the leading actor who plays MacGyver is selected from the audience each night. With just a punk rock band, a pocketknife, and the voice in your head, you could tear down the wall and save America.
Song of Me
written by Mai Lê; created by Mai Lê and Đạt Peter Ton
Vietnamese. Gay. Houstonian. Philip’s getting married. But first, he's reconciling his past.
Brother and sister duo Philip and Luci reunite on the eve of Philip’s wedding. Over some egg rolls and fried chicken, they plan, reminisce, and clash in the way only siblings can as they struggle to find their own voices. Balancing culture and identity with humor, the two unpack their past and pave a new way forward together. A jubilant world premiere about family, tradition, Vietnamese cooking, and growing up in Houston from two of the city’s most exciting young artists.
You Are Cordially Invited to Sit In
by ShaWanna Renee Rivon
Four Houston freshmen speak truth to power with love, joy, and great music.
Four Black college students are seeking love, fun, success, and friendship in the segregated Third Ward. But some aren't content with life in an unequal world, and together, they decide to make their voices heard. The four join the fight for civil rights and find the path to adulthood along the way. Set to the iconic songs of the 60’s and 70’s, this jukebox musical is inspired by the true story of Houston’s first sit-in that led to desegregation.