Tag: Camille Playhouse

Cowboys, Romance, and Frontier Life: ‘Oklahoma!’ Takes the Stage at the Camille

‘Oklahoma!’ is now playing at the Camille Playhouse in Brownsville. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Now playing at the Camille Playhouse in Brownsville is “Oklahoma!” – a timeless American musical that combines a compelling story with vibrant music, offering a celebration of frontier life and the complexities of love and community. It features a score by Rodgers and Hammerstein, including unforgettable songs like “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'” and “People Will Say We’re in Love.” Set in the early 1900s, it follows the lives of two rival groups—farmers and cowboys—in the Oklahoma Territory, with romance blossoming between the spirited Laurey Williams and the charming Curly McLain.

From the brilliant minds of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, the Camille takes a trip to the turn of the 20th century with “Oklahoma!” With the rivalry between local farmers and cowboys, the setting of this show is full of conflict, but it’s also a love story of a farm girl and her choice between a cowboy and a farmhand. (Camille Playhouse, 2025)

Tickets are $25 for ages 3 and up and are available online or avoid the service charge and buy them at the box office. The lobby opens 30 minutes before the curtain and seating opens 30 minutes before curtain. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

Cast includes:

Brandon Binder – Curly
Leah Hollingshead – Laurey
Daniel Ramirez – Will Parker
Grecia Ortiz – Ado Annie Carnes
Valentina Capistran – Aunt Eller

Opening night on Friday was a wonderful start to the Camille’s presentation of this foot-stomping musical. The narrative strikes a balance between lighthearted moments and deeper themes and explores issues like jealousy, societal norms, and personal independence. The character-driven plot shines with its dynamic, well-developed roles, with excellent portrayals of Laurey by Leah Hollingshead and Curly by Brandon Binder. Their relationship stands at the forefront of the emotional core. A standout performance comes courtesy of Dean McElyea (Jud Fry) during the melancholy “Lonely Run” where Jud sings about his longing for a woman of his own and showcases the depth of the character. The lively choreography, paired with the energetic ensemble, brings the world of Oklahoma to life at the local level. Outstanding performances all around.

Despite some of its dated views on gender roles, “Oklahoma!” remains an important part of American musical theatre history. Its infectious energy, catchy tunes, and memorable characters continue to captivate audiences, making it a must-see for lovers of classic musicals. Do yourself a favor and stop by the Camille to experience this magical performance at its very best and discover the talent that Brownsville has to offer. Try and get the catchy “Oklahoma” tune out of your head. Congratulations to the cast and crew!

Now playing – February 1, 2, 7,8, and 9

Showtimes:

Friday 7p.m.
Saturday 2p.m. and 7p.m.
Sunday 2p.m.

Theater review: ‘Carrie the Musical’ at the Camille Playhouse

‘Carrie the Musical’ is now playing the Camille Playhouse.

This year, the Camille Playhouse is celebrating their 60th anniversary and is currently performing ‘Carrie the Musical.’ If you are looking for an indoor activity this Halloween weekend, consider checking it out on its closing weekend. Upcoming showtimes are Friday 10/27 at 8p.m. and Sunday 10/29 at 2p.m. There will not be a performance on Saturday 10/28. Tickets are $25 for general admission and are available at the box office one hour before the performance, which I recommend to avoid additional fees, or online. I am sure most of us are familiar with the story of Carrie, either the book or the movie, or both. It has become a Halloween staple, but suffice it to say, it does contain adult themes, so it might not be suitable for younger audiences.

‘Carrie the musical’ is adapted from Stephen King’s 1974 horror novel “Carrie” and focuses on an awkward teenage girl with telekinetic powers whose lonely life is dominated by an oppressive religious fanatic mother. She is a teenage outcast who only longs to fit in. At school, she is bullied by the popular crowd and is virtually invisible to everyone else. What none of them know is that Carrie just discovered that she has a special power and if pushed too far, she is not afraid to use it. So when she is humiliated by her classmates at the high school prom, she gets vengeance by unleashing chaos on everyone and everything in her path. Cast includes Renata Treviño, Stephanie Zamora, Abigail Crum, Sebastian Peña, Natalia Garza, Raul Lozano, and Lydia Castillo.

It might be a few years since the world was introduced to Carrie White but her story still resonates with people who see her either as a victim of bullying or a young woman who takes out her rage on those unfortunate enough to be around her. The show begins with Sue Snell (Abigail Crum), a traumatized witness who is recounting the incidents leading up to the tragic night of the prom. The different school mates are introduced, including Tommy Ross (Sebastian Peña) and Chris Hargensen (Natalie Garza) who despite their differences, they just long to fit in “In.” When Carrie (Renata Treviño) experiences her first period in the shower after gym class, it starts off a series of events that lead to the tragedy on prom night when she uses her telekinetic powers and goes on a killing rampage. The cast consists of so much young talent and they handle the show’s tough themes with the grace of a highly experienced cast but Stephanie Zamora’s portrayal of Margaret White, Carrie’s mom, stands out. She manages to humanize her despite her shortcomings and her vocal abilities are first rate. With a minimized setting, which consists of moveable panels that change with the scenes and dark, gloomy lighting, the focus is on Carrie’s sad reality.

Show highlights include Act II, the catchy ‘A Night We’ll Never Forget’ when everyone is excited and getting ready for prom night and the final number ‘Epilogue’ whose poignant message of ‘what does it cost to be kind’ should be a wake up call to how we treat others. The iconic prom scene is well done and the blood curling screams in the dark at the end of ‘The Destruction’ is an excellent touch and will haunt you afterwards. With a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, it has lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and music by Michael Gore and runs for 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission. ‘Carrie the Musical’ is a must see this Halloween season and aside from the spooky aspect, it reminds us of the need to be kind above all.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Camille Playhouse
1 Dean Porter Park Dr
Brownsville, Tx
(956) 542-8900

Theater review: ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ at the Camille Playhouse

‘Jekyll & Hyde’ is now playing at the Camille Playhouse in Brownsville. Photo: Camille Playhouse

Now playing at the Camille Playhouse is ‘Jekyll & Hyde,’ based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic thriller. After a successful opening night, it continues this weekend for the final three performances on Friday, and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are $25 for general admission and are available online. Jekyll & Hyde was conceived for the stage by Steve Cuden and Frank Wildhorn with book & lyrics by Leslie Bricusee, music by Frank Wildhorn, orchestrations by Kim Scharnberg and arrangements by Jason Howland. ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ is the gripping tale of a brilliant mind gone horrifically awry, set to a powerful pop-rock score by Frank Wildhorn with book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse.

‘Jekyll & Hyde’ begins with the introduction of John Utterson (Raul Lozano), Jekyll’s lawyer and best friend and Sir Danvers Carew (Bobby Torres), Jekyll’s future father in law. They take the audience back to a time when Jekyll (Anthony Ruiz) is in an insane asylum singing of his comatose father “Lost In the Darkness.” Jekyll believes that the evil in his father’s soul has caused his illness and tells the audience how he wants to find out why people are both good and evil and about his attempts to separate the good from the evil in the human personality. When the Board of Governors of St. Jude’s Hospital denies him a research proposal to test his formula on a human subject “Board of Governors,” the undeterred Jekyll decides to test the formula on himself “This Is the Moment.” He inadvertently creates an alternate personality of pure evil, named Mr. Hyde, who inflicts murderous devastation on the city of London. As his fiancée Emma (Evany Jackson) grows increasingly fearful for her betrothed, a prostitute, Lucy (Jocelyn Michelle), finds herself dangerously involved with both the doctor and his alter ego. Struggling to control Hyde before he takes over for good, Jekyll races to find a cure for the demon he has created in his own mind.

This production is different than the past ones this season at the Camille Playhouse. With themes including violence, lies and deceit, repression, and mankind’s duality (good vs. evil), it is darker than most audiences are used to but is well worth experiencing. The talented cast, which includes Anthony Ruiz as Dr. Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde, Evany Jackson as Emma Carew, and Jocelyn Michelle as Lucy Harris, does an impressive job of bringing this classic but relevant story to life on the local stage. The vocal talent is some of the best seen this season, especially Evany Jackson, whose scene stealing portrayal of the loving but long suffering Emma Crew is outstanding. Unfortunately, the sound system did not cooperate on opening night but hopefully this has been fixed. Anthony Ruiz does an excellent job depicting both the timid but brilliant Jekyll and the aggressive and murderous Mr. Hyde. He effortlessly switches between the personalities and manages to elicit the audience’s sympathy up to his tragic end. The costumes are gorgeous and the brilliant use of red lighting when Jekyll is transforming into Mr. Hyde, “First Transformation,” shows the darkness of the moment, especially at the end when he is struggling between both personalities. Show highlights include “Take Me As I Am” which emphasizes the strength of Jekyll and Emma’s relationship, “Bring On the Men” by Lucy and the prostitutes that temporarily lightens the mood, and “This Is the Moment” when Jekyll decides to throw caution to the wind and test the formula on himself. Overall, ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ is an intense and tragic tale of man’s constant struggle with his inner demons; it is a definite must-see production.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

‘Jekyll & Hyde’ at the Camille Playhouse

‘Jekyll & Hyde’ opens at the Camille Playhouse on Friday April 1, 2022. Photo: Camille Playhouse

Coming up at the Camille Playhouse is ‘Jekyll & Hyde,’ based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic thriller. Opening night is Friday April 1 and the show will run until Sunday April 10, 2022. Performance dates are Friday, and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are $25 for general admission and are available online or at the box office by calling (956) 542-8900. ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ was conceived for the stage by Steve Cuden and Frank Wildhorn with book & lyrics by Leslie Bricusee, music by Frank Wildhorn, orchestrations by Kim Scharnberg and arrangements by Jason Howland. The performance will run approximately 90 minutes without intermission. (Camille Playhouse, 2022)

‘Jekyll & Hyde’ is the gripping tale of a brilliant mind gone horrifically awry, set to a powerful pop-rock score by Frank Wildhorn with book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. In an attempt to cure his ailing father’s mental illness by separating “good” from “evil” in the human personality, talented physician Dr. Jekyll inadvertently creates an alternate personality of pure evil, dubbed Mr. Hyde, who wreaks murderous havoc on the city of London. As his fiancée Emma grows increasingly fearful for her betrothed, a prostitute, Lucy, finds herself dangerously involved with both the doctor and his alter ego. Struggling to control Hyde before he takes over for good, Jekyll must race to find a cure for the demon he has created in his own mind.

Camille Playhouse
1 Dean Porter Park
Brownsville, TX 78520

Photo: Camille Playhouse

Theater review: ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ at the Camille Playhouse

‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ is now playing at the Camille Playhouse until Sunday September 19, 2021. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Now playing at the Camille Playhouse is ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ and after a successful opening weekend, there are only three chances left to experience this lighthearted musical. It is based on a story by Texas local legend Larry L. King that was inspired by the real-life Chicken Ranch in La Grange, Texas. This happy go lucky view of small town vice and statewide political side-stepping recounts the good times and the demise of one of the better pleasure palaces in all of Texas. Governors, senators, mayors, and even victorious college football teams frequent Miss Mona’s cozy bordello until that puritan nemesis Watchdog focuses his television cameras and his righteous indignation on the institution. It will run until Sunday September 19 with showtimes Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online for $25. All seats are general admission.

Set in Texas, the bulk of the story takes place in the 1970s. ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ begins as Shy (Isabella Barrios) and Angel (Jocelyn Michelle) arrive at the Chicken Ranch asking for a job from Miss Mona (Velma De Los Santos), the proprietor of the place. Miss Mona likes their honesty, hires them, and gives them the rundown of the place “A Lil’ Ole Bitty Pissant Country Place.” They are getting ready for the big night of the Texas Aggies/Longhorn football-game party and on any given day, everyone from political to business leaders frequent the chicken ranch as well. This has caught the attention of Melvin P. Thorpe (Francisco Partida), a Houston TV reporter and do-gooder who is on a mission to shut them down for good “Texas Has a Whorehouse in It.” He has yet to convince Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd (Ronnie Rodriguez) to do so, partly because he has a relationship with Miss Mona. As a last resort, Thorpe raids the Ranch with his camera crew and proves to be highly embarrassing for everyone involved.  The Chicken Ranch is now in the public eye and is getting too much attention, so Miss Mona has no choice but to shut down the Ranch and send the girl packing.

Despite the obvious focus of the story, the general ambiance is cheerful as the audience is witness to the retelling of the demise of the Chicken Ranch. The combination of adult entertainment, catchy tunes, and political side-stepping makes for an entertaining musical. Velma De Los Santos does an excellent job of bringing Miss Mona to life onstage and has the onstage chemistry with Ronnie Rodriguez (Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd) that makes this complicated relationship work. Some of the highlights include the romping good-time of ‘The Aggie Song’ and ‘Doatsey Mae’ the poignant solo by Sylvia Lester that slows the action and shines the spotlight on a lesser known character. The cast is big, but they all work together wonderfully under the guidance of choreographers Andrew Smith and Tanya Swayze Miller (on ‘Twenty Four Hours of Lovin.’) Some of the dancing is risqué and there is some adult language involved but overall, it all makes for a “toe-tappin’” good time and the cast and crew do a fantastic job of bringing ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ to the Brownsville stage. 

Rating: 3 out of 5.
Photo: Sandra Cruz

‘Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ opens next Friday at the Camille Playhouse

‘Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ opens September 10, 2021. Photo: google

Opening next Friday September 10 at the Camille Playhouse is ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.’ The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is a musical with a book by Texas author Larry L. King and Peter Masterson and music and lyrics by Carol Hall. It is based on a story by King that was inspired by the real-life Chicken Ranch in La Grange, Texas. It will run until Sunday September 19 with showtimes Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online for $25. All seats are general admission. The performance will run approximately 90 minutes without intermission and no concessions will be sold. (Camille Playhouse, 2021)

‘Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ – Based on a story by Texas local legend Larry L. King and inspired by the real-life Chicken Ranch in La Grange, Texas, this happy go lucky view of small town vice and statewide political side-stepping recounts the good times and the demise of one of the better pleasure palaces in all of Texas. Governors, senators, mayors, and even victorious college football teams frequent Miss Mona’s cozy bordello until that puritan nemesis Watchdog focuses his television cameras and his righteous indignation on the institution.

Cast includes:
Mona Stangley – Velma De Los Santos
Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd – Brian Warren
Angel – Tirzah Claus
Shy – Isabella Barrios
Melvin P. Thorpe – Francisco Partida
Jewel – Leslie Willard
Governor – David Salinas
Doatsey Mae – Sylvia Lester
Ginger – Melanie Claire

Please be advised that performers will NOT be wearing masks therefore all seating will begin on the fifth row back from the stage for everyone’s safety. Camille Playhouse will be following CDC recommendations and temperatures will be taken so please arrive early. Visitors must wear masks at all times. 

2021-09-10T12:44:00

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Opening night of ‘Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’

Camille Playhouse announces new season

The Camille Playhouse announced its 58th season this week. Photo: google

This week, the Camille Playhouse in Brownsville announced its 58th season. The season consists of ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ in September, ‘Our Lady of the Tortilla’ in October, ‘Humbug’ in December, ‘Sweet Charity’ in February, ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ in April, and “Lucky Stiff’ in May. Ticket information is available online. (Camille Playhouse, 2021)

‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’
September 10-19
This happy-go-lucky view of small-town vice and statewide political side-stepping recounts the good times and the demise of the Chicken Ranch, known since the 1850s as one of the better pleasure palaces in all of Texas. Governors, senators, mayors, and even victorious college football teams frequent Miss Mona’s cozy bordello, until that Puritan nemesis Watchdog focuses his television cameras and his righteous indignation on the institution. Music and lyrics by Carol Hall; book by Larry L. King.

‘Our Lady of the Tortilla’
October 15-24
The Cruz family is volatile even in the best of times. On this particular day, Nelson, the youngest son, enters the house in a panic to hide the more obvious religious relics from the sight of his “gringo” girlfriend, who is visiting for the weekend. Nelson’s mother, Dahlia, is obsessed with retrieving her husband from his new girlfriend; Eddie, her elder son, shows up in a van with his failed life and pregnant girlfriend. But the “real” pandemonium is caused by sweet, long-suffering Dolores, Dahlia’s old-maid sister, when she sees the face of the Holy Virgin in a tortilla. This miracle brings hordes of believers and reporters to camp out on the Cruz’s lawn to await further miracles. As the family struggles with beliefs and conflicts, old and new, the endurance of family love is revealed to be the real miracle. Book by Luis Santeiro.

‘Humbug’
December 10-19
As ‘A Christmas Carol’ with a modern-day twist, Humbug follows the story of Eleanor Scrooge, a ruthlessly ambitious Wall Street executive who has an aversion to Christmas and an insatiable appetite for power. Locked in her office on a snowy Christmas Eve, Eleanor is determined to finish a corporate takeover proposal until three “advisors” provide her with an eye opening new appreciation for the holidays and the spirit of Christmas. An upbeat and moving adaptation of Dickens’ holiday classic, Humbug is one for the ages. With a contemporary flair, it is a tale the whole family will enjoy. Book by John Wooten

‘Sweet Charity’
February 11-20
Inspired by Federico Fellini’s Nights of Cabiria, ‘Sweet Charity’ explores the turbulent love life of Charity Hope Valentine, a hopelessly romantic but comically unfortunate dance hall hostess in New York City. With a tuneful, groovy, mid 1960s score by Cy Coleman, sparkling lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and a hilarious book by Neil Simon, ‘Sweet Charity’ captures all the energy, humor, and heartbreak of Life in the Big City for an unfortunate but irrepressible optimist.

‘Jekyll & Hyde’
April 01-10
Based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic thriller, ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ is the gripping tale of a brilliant mind gone horrifically awry, set to a powerful pop rock score by Frank Wildhorn with book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. In an attempt to cure his ailing father’s mental illness by separating “good” from “evil” in the human personality, talented physician Dr. Jekyll inadvertently creates an alternate personality of pure evil, dubbed Mr. Hyde, who wrecks murderous havoc on the city of London. As his fiancée Emma grows increasingly fearful for her betrothed, a prostitute, Lucy, finds herself dangerously involved with both the doctor and his alter ego. Struggling to control Hyde before he takes over for good, Jekyll must race to find a cure for the demon he has created in his own mind.

‘Lucky Stiff’
May 13-22
Based on the novel “The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo” by Michael Butterworth, Lucky Stiff is an offbeat, hilarious murder mystery farce, complete with mistaken identities, six million bucks in diamonds, and a corpse in a wheelchair. The story revolves around an unassuming English shoe salesman who is forced to take the embalmed body of his recently murdered uncle on a vacation to Monte Carlo. Should he succeed in passing his uncle off as alive, Harry Witherspoon stands to inherit $6,000,000.00. If not, the money goes to the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn, or else his uncle’s gun-toting ex. Music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, book by Lynn Ahrens.

The Camille Playhouse opened its doors in January 1964 after the City of Brownsville provided the land in Dean Porter Park and the Sams Foundation provided a grant to fund the construction of the facility. With a drive to stimulate interest in theatre through production of stage performances and the development and application of the arts necessary to such productions, utilizing the talents and abilities of those in the Brownsville community and neighboring communities with a passion for the art, thereby engaging audiences in the artistic process, sparking the imaginations of young children and developing the next generation of stage actors, the theater is proud to be carrying on Camille’s dream and legacy of having community theatre in Brownsville. Camille’s legacy remains the primary mission.