Get away from the crush of the city and enjoy a quiet, relaxing weekend in Washington County, only one hour from Houston. Here you will find pleasantly surprising and wonderful arts venues and performances all year long, including these selections coming soon. While you’re in Washington County, come visit us at Gates Ranch, an exclusive community of family farms.
The Diary of Anne Frank at Unity Theatre in Brenham
February 9-26
In this powerful adaptation, Anne Frank confronts her rapidly changing life and increasing horror of her time with honesty, wit, and determination. An impassioned drama about the lives of eight people hiding from the Nazis in a concealed storage attic, The Diary of Anne Frank captures the claustrophobic realities of their daily existence – their fear, their hope, their laughter, their grief. Each day of these two dark years, Anne’s voice shines through: “When I write I shake off all my cares. But I want to achieve more than that. I want to be useful and bring enjoyment to all people, even those I’ve never met. I want to go on living even after my death!”
Performances will be held at the Unity Theatre, located at 300 Church Street, in Brenham. There will be 12 shows over three weeks, from February 9 through February 26, as well as other special events including Chat with the Cast on February 9, Meet the Director on February 18 and Party with the Players on February 18.
For show dates, to purchase tickets or more information, visit www.unitybrenham.org or call 979-830-8358.
Valentine’s Concert with Dick Smith at the Round Top Festival Institute in Round Top
Saturday, February 11
“It’s All About Love!” – The World’s Greatest Love Songs will be performed in the Round Top Festival Institute’s Annual Library Benefit and Concert with Dick Smith and Friends. After the performance, join Festival Hill staff and friends on the Concert Hall stage for a reception with refreshing drinks and delectable Valentine treats. You will have an opportunity to sponsor a book of your choice for the Adopt-a-Book Program and bid on special silent auction items. Your ticket enters you in a drawing for a chance to win fantastic door prizes.
Tickets are $30 for adults with doors opening one hour prior to the concert. The Round Top Festival Institute is located at 248 Jaster Road in Round Top. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.FestivalHill.org.
The World Famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theater at the O’Donnell in Brenham
Thursday, February 16
The Popovich Comedy Pet Theater is entertainment for the whole family, featuring the unique blend of comedy and juggling skills of former Moscow Circus veteran Gregory Popovich and the extraordinary talents of his performing pets. His entourage consists of world-class jugglers, Diamond the Shetland Pony, the German goat duo Kurt and Helga and over 30 performing pets including house cats and dogs (all rescued from animal shelters), geese, white doves and parrots.
The Popovich Comedy Pet Theater has a rich performance history, presenting thousands of shows in more than 20 countries and is currently in its 6th season at the Planet Hollywood Resort/Casino in Las Vegas. Also seen on Jay Leno and a finalist on America’s Got Talent!
The show will be on February 16, the 7 to 9 p.m., at the Dr. W.W. O’Donnell Performing Arts Center, located at 600 Blinn Boulevard in Brenham. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.blinn.edu/boxoffice/.
Lee Harvey Oswald at the O’Donnell in Brenham
February 23-26
Written and produced at the Hampstead Theatre in 1966, this moving drama is told through the eyes of Oswald’s wife, his mother, and extracts from the Warren Commission’s report. The audience follows the unsettled drifting life of Lee Harvey Oswald, his loveless marriage to his Russian wife, and his pathological hatred of Kennedy’s life and achievements.
Performances will be on February 23, 24, 25, 26, at the Dr. W.W. O’Donnell Performing Arts Center, located at 600 Blinn Boulevard in Brenham. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.blinn.edu/boxoffice/.
James Dick in Concert at the Round Top Festival Institute in Round Top
Saturday, March 4
Join Pianist James Dick will once again marvel his audience with a stunning performance on the Festival Concert Hall stage. From his early years as prize winner of some of the world’s most prestigious piano awards to his current successful career as an international guest artist, James Dick is well known to music lovers as a man of great talent, vision and class. His playing melds modern-day energy and technique with an Old World graciousness and civility, resulting in a passionate sound that keeps audiences engrossed.
Tickets are $30 for adults with doors opening one hour prior to the concert. The Round Top Festival Institute is located at 248 Jaster Road in Round Top.
After the concert, spend an evening with James Dick and friends at an elegant reception and buffet dinner, starting at 6 p.m. in the Menke House Parlours. Reservation-only tickets are $48 plus tax per person.
For more information or to buy tickets for the concert and dinner, visit www.FestivalHill.org.
If you’re looking for the ideal place to create a special getaway place or your new full-time home, we invite you to come see us at Gates Ranch, a 1,500-acre community of exclusive, private ranch and farm estates. Over 87% of the farms in phases one and two have been acquired by Houstonians as their own family retreats. We are now opening the last section – Section Three – which offers nine farms ranging from 50 to 133 acres in size. For more information or to schedule your personal tour of Gates Ranch, please call Randy Hodde with Hodde Real Estate at 979-836-8532 or toll-free 888-882-1321, or visit www.gatesranchtx.com.
