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Tradition Continues at Alley Theatre with A Christmas Carol

Nov. 21, 2012

Few literary works can claim as much retelling and reimagining as Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. On film it's been immortalized by the likes of Mickey and company in the 1983 Disney animated version and in the 1988 dramedy Scrooged starring Bill Murray. On stage it's been performed for audiences the world over--modernized in some adaptations, modified for youngsters in others. In Houston, Michael Wilson's classical stage adaption has been enchanting audiences at Alley Theatre for many…

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Houston Lands Cruise Ships

Nov. 19, 2012

Ready to hit the high seas? Houston's Bayport Cruise Terminal this week inked deals with Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Lines to begin cruise departures starting next year. These are the first cruise contracts for Port of Houston Authority's four-year-old, $108 million terminal. The port expects the deals will have a $200 million impact on Houston over the next two years. Princess says it's planning 27 departures for the 2013-14 cruise season out of Houston and Norwegian will make 75…

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A Lot to See at 2012 Cinema Arts Fest

Oct. 24, 2012

The 2012 Houston Cinema Arts Festival will bring Robert Redford and more than 50 film programs and panels to the city Nov. 7-11. With the program just weeks away, HCAF announced the film lineup and more details at a kickoff event at Hotel Icon on Oct. 23. The 2012 event will feature works shown in traditional theatrical venues, interactive video installations, live music and film performances, and outdoor projects. This year's fest will also be a "walkable experience" with screenings at the…

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Houston to Battle for 2017 Superbowl

Oct. 17, 2012

Houston, are you ready for another Superbowl? The Bayou City may be poised to bring the NFL extravaganza back in 2017. Houston will be one of two finalist cities for that year's game, officials announced on Oct. 16. San Francisco and South Florida are vying for the 2016 game. The NFL and the Texans say the city not selected for 2016 will then go head-to-head with Houston for 2017. Texans owner Bob McNair told the Houston Chronicle: "I'm delighted. To be selected as a finalist for (Super…

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New "Hardhat" Tours Aboard Battleship Texas

Oct. 11, 2012

A new hardhat tour aboard one of the area's most treasured pieces of history will launch later this month. Battleship Texas, the only surviving U.S. vessel to have served in both world wars, is a shrine to combat life during the first half of the 20th Century. The ship has been docked at the San Jacinto battlefield in LaPorte for decades and become a popular tourist attraction. The new three-hour tour will allow visitors to see areas of the ship seldom open to the public, according to an…

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Thrilling Voices Rule Jekyll & Hyde

Oct. 11, 2012

Haunting. That's the best single word descriptor for the revival of Jekyll & Hyde currently on stage at the Hobby Center. With its simple yet effective period sets, rock opera score from Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse and the soaring voice of Deborah Cox, the musical is a must-see for Houston audiences at an ideal time of year--Halloween. Conceived for the stage by Tony and Grammy Award nominee Wildhorn and Steve Cuden, Jekyll & Hyde actually got its start on the Houston stage in 1990…

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$40M Center for Texas Cultural Heritage to Take Shape Downtown

Oct. 04, 2012

City officials unveiled plans in early October for the Center for Texas Cultural Heritage-a $40 million project that will serve as a visitors' center, museum and tourism hub in Downtown Houston. At a kickoff event held Oct. 4, Mayor Annise Parker and others discussed the importance of the new center, which will be a place for visitors to explore and experience the history that built and continues to define Houston and the region. Project Chairman John Nau also announced his contribution of $8…

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Rida Development to Build New Convention Center Hotel

Sep. 25, 2012

Houston officials have chosen Rida Development Corp. to build the new 1,000-room convention center hotel adjacent to the George R. Brown. The hotel will be developed on the block immediately north of Discovery Green and attached via a skybridge to the convention center. Houston-based Rida will team up with Morris Architects, a well-established local firm with almost 75 years of experience in the Houston area. "We are so excited to be developing this transformational hotel in our home city…

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And Then There Were Two

Sep. 24, 2012

Houston First has narrowed the field of candidates vying to build a new 1,000-room convention center hotel down to two. Rida Development and TRT Holdings/Omni Hotel were chosen out of 11 groups that originally responded to a request for proposals, according to the Houston Chronicle. Rida Development is a Houston-based developer that's built major hotels and other projects in Texas, Florida and eastern Europe. TRT Holdings is a Irving-based holding company whose assets include Omni Hotels &…

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Sorella Earns Top Honor Among Lifestyle Properties

Sep. 21, 2012

Score another accolade for Hotel Sorella in CityCentre. The three-year-old boutique West Houston property was named Lifestyle Hotel of the Year at the Boutique & Lifestyle Hospitality Awards this week. The awards, handed out by the Boutique & Lifestyle Lodging Association at its annual event in Miami, honor properties in six categories. Sorella took the top spot in the lifestyle category. The Betsy Hotel in Miami Beach took Boutique Hotel of the Year and Jonathan Plutzik, principal owner of…

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