Its name couldn’t be less appropriate: the Alley Theatre actually looks like a squat castle with towers, terraces, and a spiral staircase. On the verge of its 50th anniversary, the Alley was awarded the 1996 Regional Theatre Tony in honor of its commitment to creating high-quality theater for Houston. It has continued to fulfill that mission to this day.
The company’s annual season of 11 shows is presented on two stages: the 824-seat Hubbard mainstage and the 310-seat Neuhaus (great sight-lines in both). In each new season, there’s usually a mix of the new, the classic, and the re-discovered; shows that recently enjoyed runs in New York are often on the bill, too. Several notable plays and musicals have premiered here, including The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, Paula Vogel’s The Baltimore Waltz, and the Frank Wildhorn musicals Jekyll & Hyde and The Civil War. The Alley is proud to have its own acting company and it keeps a team of designers and craftspeople busy year-round.
Discounts like student Rush and Cheap Thrills tickets ($21 tickets for people under 30 on Tuesday and Sunday nights) help make theater affordable for the younger set. 1st Act is a special subscription program that provides young professionals with social and networking events, along with great seats to the Alley’s season.
Alley Theatre Information
- Public Transportation: Very Good (a 1-minute walk from Metro buses 20, 88, 131, 221, 222, 228, 229, and 274 at Louisiana Street/Texas Avenue, buses 85, 214, 216, 219, 261, 262, 265, and 269 at Smith Street/Texas Avenue, and buses 3, 56, 78, 102, 108, 202, 204, 209, 236, 244, 246, 247, and 249 at Milam Street/Texas Avenue; and a 6-minute walk from the Light Rail at the Preston stop)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Performances/Programs: 10–11 shows per season. Performance schedule is Tuesday–Sunday
- Ticket Prices:$ 21–$39; $21 Cheap Thrills tickets available for Tuesday and Sunday evening performances, Rush tickets available for some performances, student Rush tickets sold one hour before curtain on weeknights or matinées, senior discounts available for most performances, select performances designated as pay what you can (minimum $6, max two tickets). Group discounts are available
- Subscriptions: Eight Play $225–$340 and Five Play $130–$250. Subscriber benefits include free ticket exchanges with one week’s notice and ticket insurance. Only subscribers can exchange tickets.
