Wortham Center is home to Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera. Since its opening in 1987, funded entirely by the private sector during the height of the 1980s oil bust, Wortham has entertained audiences totaling more than five million people. It has also served as the backdrop for hundreds of social galas, civic meetings, corporate and group events, and even weddings, further underscoring its role as a community center as well as a performing arts venue. The Wortham Center features two theaters, grand lobbies, and extensive space for performers and support personnel.
Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera Schedules
OPERA - The Elixir of Love (Oct. 23 to Nov. 7, 2009)
This sparkling folktale is one of Donizetti’s most popular operas. Lovesick Nemorino falls madly in love with the young landowner Adina knowing well that she is out of his league. Luckily, the scheming Dr. Dulcamara has just the cure to what ails him.
OPERA - Lohengrin (Oct. 30 to Nov. 15, 2009)
One secret protects one great love in Wagner’s mystical romantic opera. Celebrated Wagnerian tenor Simon O’Neill makes his Houston Grand Opera debut as the knight Lohengrin, whose pure love is threatened by common human greed.
BALLET - The Nutcracker (Nov. 27 to Dec. 27, 2009)
Set in 19th century Germany, the ballet opens at a charming Christmas party at which the mysterious Dr. Drosselmeyer gives his little niece Clara a magical toy that takes her on an unforgettable journey. From the Christmas tree that grows to a towering 40 feet in the first act to the cooks who fly magically through the air in the second act, The Nutcracker is sure to enchant audiences of all ages.
OPERA - Tosca (Jan. 22 to Feb. 7, 2010)
Renowned soprano Patricia Racette makes her role debut as the passionate Floria Tosca in Puccini’s timeless drama. Tenor Marcus Haddock is the painter Mario Cavaradossi, whom Tosca adores and Raymond Aceto sings the menacing Baron Scarpia who will stop at nothing to destroy the object of Tosca’s affections.
BALLET - La Bayadere (Feb. 25 to Mar. 7, 2010)
Set in the Royal India of the past, La Bayadère is a story of eternal love, mystery, fate, vengeance, and justice. The ballet relates the drama of a temple dancer (bayadère), Nikiya, who is loved by Solor, a noble warrior. She is also loved by the High Brahmin, but does not love him in return, as she does Solor. FEB. 25, 27 and MAR. 5, 6 at 7:30 p.m., and FEB. 28 and MAR. 6, 7 at 2:00 p.m.
OPERA - The Turn of the Screw (Jan. 29 to Feb. 13, 2010)
In this operatic thriller two children are pulled toward the world of the dead by the ghosts of their prior governess Miss Jessel and her lover Peter Quint. Internationally acclaimed soprano Amanda Roocroft plays the governess whose obsessive efforts to protect the children may prove more of a threat than the spirits themselves.
BALLET - American at Heart (Mar. 11 to 21, 2010)
Fancy Free (Jerome Robbins), Apollo (George Balanchine), and Hush (Christopher Bruce). MARCH 11, 13, 19, 20 at 7:30 p.m., and MARCH 14, 21 at 2:00 p.m.
OPERA - The Queen of Spades (Apr. 16 to May 1, 2010)
One man’s obsession with a lucky card trick turns the fates of three in Tchaikovsky’s vibrant melodrama. Russian tenor Vladimir Galouzine returns to HGO as the tormented Hermann, internationally renowned soprano Tatiana Monogarova makes her HGO debut as his beloved Lisa, and Vasily Ladyuk is the dashing Prince Yeletsky.
OPERA - Xerxes (Apr. 30 to May 14, 2010)
One of Handel’s most popular operas, Xerxes is a feast for the ears, and the eyes in this classic eighteenth-century production. A mad entanglement of love stories, the opera follows the tyrannical and flamboyant Xerxes (Susan Graham) in his quest for Romilda (Laura Claycomb), who is beloved by his very own brother Arsamene, sung by David Daniels.
BALLET - Pecos (May 27 to Jun. 6, 2010)
Sandpaper Ballet (Mark Morris), Pecos Bill (Stanton Welch), and Ballo Della Regina (George Balanchine). MAY 27, 29, and JUNE 4,5 at 7:30 p.m., and MAY 30 and JUNE 5, 6 at 2:00 p.m.
BALLET - La Fille mal Gardée (Jun. 10 to Jun. 20, 2010)
A glorious romantic comedy full of color and laughter set in the countryside in eighteenth century France. The ballet tells the story of Lise, a young maiden who must choose between the handsome, penniless farmer Colas and the wealthy simpleton Alain whom her meddling mama wishes her to marry. JUNE 10, 12, 18, 19 at 7:30 p.m., and JUNE 13, 19, 20 at 2:00 p.m.
Wortham Center