Broadway Goes Coastal
Over the next few weeks, I will be highlighting the Coastal Bend arts community. The arts, which include local theatres, performing arts centers, artists, and musicians, continue to educate the public on the culture of South Texas and the value of self expression. This week, I will focus on Corpus Christi’s Harbor Playhouse and the Port Aransas Community Theatre (PACT). The Harbor Playhouse, a non-profit organization, is an excellent community for theatre goers, beginner and advanced actors, and anyone who is interested in a captivating story. The Port Aransas Community Theatre aims to entertain, inform, and educate, thereby enriching the cultural life of the Texas Coastal Bend area.
For over 25 years, the Port Aransas Community Theatre (PACT) has entertained locals and tourists here in Port Aransas. More than a year ago, this coastal town was hit by Hurricane Harvey. Homes and businesses across the area were impacted by the storm but continue to rebuild. The pastel yellow theater is no exception. About three inches of water stood in the main theater. Last September, The Port Aransas Community Theatre put on their first show since Harvey.
As the Port Aransas Community Theatre continues to grow, please join them for their upcoming production of “Crimes of the Heart” debuting Feb 28th and running through March 10th. Then later in the season, please join them for Roald Dah’s “James and the Giant Peach” running from July 18th to August 4th. If you would like to get involved, volunteers are always needed, no experience necessary, on the job training will be provided. The Port Aransas Community Theatre encourages the area residents and visitors to attend and participate in quality presentations of a cross-section of the finest theatrical works available. PACT provides education in the theatre arts to adults, young adults and children. Tickets and volunteer opportunities can be found by visiting the Port Aransas Community Theatre.
The history of the Harbor Playhouse Company dates to 1925 when it was formed under the name, Corpus Christi Players. During these early stages, the small company only performed 4 shows a year, but slowly grew into the Little Corpus Christi Theater in 1948. The Theater Company performed for 2 seasons at Wynn Seale Middle School until they opened a building on Alameda Street. This was their home for 27 years, but as the community and popularity of the company grew, the theater had to expand its facility and members. The group moved to the Bayfront in 1972 and was renamed the Harbor Playhouse Company. Since then, the theater has continued to grow in importance to the community. Currently, the Harbor Playhouse is in the Corpus Christi Arts District at 1802 N Chaparral Building #2 and has been a prominent outlet for Corpus Christi actors of all ages.
The Harbor Playhouse produces live theater performances ranging from Broadway musicals like “Legally Blonde” and “Les Misérables” to family-oriented shows like “A Christmas Carol” and “Peter Pan” and even works by local playwrights. The Harbor Playhouse seeks to educate the South Texas community in the art of theatre making by allowing locals to audition or volunteer for shows. Anyone interested in volunteering can learn about lights, soundboards, and other behind the scenes aspects of theater. The Harbor Playhouse welcomes community participation and encourages new people to audition for production.
Currently, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi Department of Theatre of Dance and The Harbor Playhouse are teaming up to present “Mama Mia”. The show will make its debut on March 7th and will have its final showing on March 31st. Following the performance of “Mama Mia,” The Harbor Playhouse will unveil its performance of “Peter Pan” which will be presented April 26, 2019 through June 2nd, 2019. The Harbor Playhouse will be auditioning for their summer show, “The Summer Melodrama,” in mid-April. Tickets and volunteer opportunities can be found by visiting Harbor Playhouse. For more updates on upcoming shows, auditions, and even summer camps for kids, check out the Harbor Playhouse on Instagram and Twitter @HarborPlayhouse.
As a reminder, the 86th Legislative Session is currently underway! If you would like to follow the Texas House and learn more information on news, committees or other aspects of the legislative body, you can access its website at Texas House of Representatives. The site features live streaming from the House floor and committee hearings, as well as access to several resources. If you would like to follow the Texas Senate, you can visit Texas Senate. Additionally, the Governor’s office website is full of important resources, which you can access by visiting Office of the Texas Governor.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. My offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672.
