Houston Cultural Weekend: Herb Alpert’s Brass Return, Harrowing Gaza Docudrama, and Interactive Bridal Comedy
A diverse lineup of cultural events is set for the Houston area this weekend, ranging from nostalgic jazz-pop to intense cinema and interactive theater. The itinerary features a legendary trumpeter in Sugar Land, an award-winning docudrama at the River Oaks Theatre, and a returning comedy favorite at Stages.
Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass at Smart Financial Centre
On Saturday, January 17, music legend Herb Alpert brings his reformatted Tijuana Brass to the Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land. At 90 years old, Alpert is touring to celebrate the enduring legacy of his 1965 album, Whipped Cream & Other Delights.
- Background: The performance features a new six-member band accompanying Alpert. The setlist is expected to cover signature hits such as “The Lonely Bull,” “Spanish Flea,” and “Tijuana Taxi,” blending jazz, pop, and Latin influences.
- Objections & Considerations: The venue is located in Sugar Land, approximately 20 miles southwest of downtown Houston, which may require significant travel time depending on traffic. Additionally, while the “Tijuana Brass” name is back, this is a modern iteration of the band, not the original lineup from the 1960s. Tickets are reported to be selling quickly for this one-night engagement.
‘The Voice of Hind Rajab’ at River Oaks Theatre
The River Oaks Theatre is screening The Voice of Hind Rajab, a highly discussed film by Academy Award-nominated director Kaouther Ben Hania (Four Daughters). This hybrid docudrama reconstructs the final moments of 6-year-old Hind Rajab in Gaza.
- Background: The film utilizes actual audio recordings from the emergency call made by Rajab in January 2024, when she was trapped in a car under fire. Ben Hania blends these real recordings with cinematic reenactments involving actors to visualize the perspective of the Red Crescent dispatchers in Ramallah. The film won the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival and is Tunisia’s entry for the 2026 Oscars.
- Objections & Considerations: Viewers should be advised that the content is described by critics as “unbearable” and “heart-shattering.” It is not a traditional documentary and deals with the traumatic death of a child and emergency workers. It is not suitable for casual viewing or younger audiences.
‘The Bride’ at Stages
Denise Fennell returns to Stages with her one-woman comedy, The Bride, Or: Does This Dress Make Me Look Married? Fennell, widely recognized for her role as “Sister” in the Late Nite Catechism series, draws from her personal experience of getting married later in life.
- Background: The show is a comedic exploration of wedding rituals, mid-life romance, and family dynamics. It employs an interactive format where Fennell breaks the fourth wall, engaging directly with the audience to answer questions and improvise based on crowd reactions.
- Objections & Considerations: The humor is specific to the “mid-life” experience and those familiar with Fennell’s previous character work. The interactive nature of the performance means the quality of the evening can vary depending on audience participation. Those preferring a traditional, passive theater experience may find the audience engagement elements distracting.
