ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

their 2021 season opener, and it should give audiences a taste of what the rest of the season offers.

“The Great Gatsby went into public domain in 2020, so Colton got the idea to adapt the book into a musical. Our first show will be Gatsby, with a full original score by the two of us,” Hamilton adds. Their world premiere of Gatsby, based on the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, runs September 10–26.

Appropriately timed for Halloween, Monster: The Music of Lady Gaga will run October 22–31 and give Houston’s little monsters a chance to witness a Vegas-style concert event bursting with dazzling visuals and show-stopping live music.

Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning Company will then run December. 3–19.

In the new year, artFACTORY will transport audiences to the questionable and turbulent world of Sally Bowles and Cliff Bradshaw with Cabaret, running February 11–27, 2022.

Another Sondheim favorite is the twisted musical haunt Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, which will run April 22–May 8, 2022.

The Houston premiere of Head Over Heels, featuring songs by The Go-Go’s, will run July 15–31, 2022. This show holds a special place in LGBTQ history, as the original Broadway run cast RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Peppermint as the oracle Pythio. That casting decision made her the first openly trans woman to originate a principal role on Broadway.

“Oh my God, you guys!” Mark your calendars for the return of Elle Woods, her chihuahua, Bruiser, and the Delta Nu sisterhood in Legally Blonde: The Musical, running September 16–October 2, 2022.

Rounding out the season is a tale as old as time—Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, a Broadway staple that originated in Houston and will play on the artFACTORY stage December 2–18, 2022.

For those wanting a closer look at artFACTORY’s offerings before buying tickets, Berry and Hamilton will host a Grand Re-Opening Celebration on August 28. Tickets are $40, and attendees can expect an evening of complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres, short performances from their upcoming season of live theater, guided tours, behind-the-scenes glances from the creative team, and more.

artFACTORY is located at 1125 Providence St. Visit artfactoryhouston.com or call 832-210-5200 for individual show tickets or season subscriptions.

MELISSA MURRAY

Platinum Realtor®

In Memoriam

Eva Janice “Jan” Summer

February 13, 1944—June 25, 2021

On June 25, 2021 Eva Janice “Jan” Summer passed away. Jan was born February 13, 1944 in Cherryville, North Carolina but spent the rest of her life exploring the many worlds and adventures that life presented. A brilliant lawyer, faithful friend, loving partner and loyal family member, Jan lived her life joyfully, responsibly and with humility. Her home, whether in Austin, Houston or in the mountains of North Carolina was full of good food, music, arts and crafts, acceptance and joy.

In 1993, Jan became the founding director of The Center for Public Policy Dispute Resolution at the UT School of Law. There she mentored community leaders, aspiring arbitrators and elected o cials in their roles as facilitators for consensus. She served in that capacity for 17 years, retiring in 2010.

She leaves behind three brothers Larry, Garry and Oren Summer and their wives, nieces and nephews, two godsons, many dear friends and her loving wife, Kay Little of Houston. Memorial contributions in Jan’s memory can be made to: annrichardsschool.org; Travisaudubon.org; or Penland.org. There will be a celebration of life in Austin at the Chez Zee Gallery on September 14, 2021 at 3 p.m.

Photos by DALTON DEHART & CREW

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Mint Julep Watch Party July 18, 2021

Legacy Community Health hosted a watch party for its virtual Mint Julep event at La Griglia. Emceed by Ginger Grant and Domenic Cusano, proceeds from the online fundraising celebration went to Legacy’s HIV/AIDS programs and services.

PrEP is an FDA-approved medica�on that, when taken once daily, offers people who do not have HIV a powerful way to protect themselves. PrEP significantly reduces the risk of contrac�ng HIV.