The Catastrophic Theatre presents the world-premiere of:
THE UNITED STATES OF TAMARIE
An All-American Revue (Made in China)
Conceived and directed by Tamarie Cooper
July 15 – August 20, 2011 at DiverseWorks Artspace
"The theatrical equivalent of a handmade gift"
– Everett Evans, Houston Chronicle
For 13 consecutive summers, Tamarie Cooper wowed Houston audiences with an entirely original, full-scale, musical comedy extravaganza, filled to the brim with songs and gags and hi-jinx from some of Houston's funniest theatre artists. Without question, her original plays have been among the most wildly popular summer offerings. Tamarie's shows truly are a unique, and uniquely Houstonian phenomenon. And Houston audiences have loved her for it.
"It’s not really summer in Houston without a freshly cooked-up musical from Tamarie Cooper"
– Nancy Wozny, Houston Arts Week
But last year was different. Tamarie took a time-out from this tremendous creative output to care for her newborn daughter, Rose. We can't blame her for her choices, but it was a long, hot, and sad sad summer without the respite of a new Tamarie Cooper musical.
But now she's back.
"Truly remarkable and engaging comedic writing"
– Buzz Belmont, Chron Commons
Over the years, Tamarie has taken on everything from love to camping, speakeasies, time travel, domesticity, neuroscience, and cocktail parties. This time she turns her comic attention on, well, us.
The United States of Tamarie is an unflinching look at the inherent absurdity of our modern national identity. Protest culture, patriotic machismo, education, international affairs, pop culture, religion, jazz, conspiracy theories, political deadlock, and american nostalgia are all skewered by Tamarie's signature zany wit.
"Like you're sitting at a party full of very funny people"
– Lee Williams, Houston Press
The United States of Tamarie was written by Patrick Reynolds and Tamarie Cooper with original music and lyrics by Tamarie Cooper, John Duboise, Joe Folladori, DeWitt Gravink, and Patrick Reynolds.
Conceived, directed, and choreographed by Tamarie Cooper with music and vocal direction by Miriam Daly.
Featuring Catastrophic company members Kyle Sturdivant, Walt Zipprian, Noel Bowers, Seán Patrick Judge and Karina Pal Montaño-Bowers joined by Christian Holmes, Richard Lyders, Elissa Levitt, Ivy Rush, Sara Jo Dunstan, Rebecca Randall, Dennis Draper, Abe Zapata, and Vinicia Smothers. Chris Bakos, Cathy Power, Kirk Suddreath, and Miriam Daly comprise the band.
And, of course, starring Tamarie Cooper.
The United States of Tamarie opens Friday July 15 at DiverseWorks Artspace and runs Wednesday – Saturday evenings at 8pm through August 20. All regular performances are PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN. Suggested ticket price is $20 but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Or join us opening night Friday July 15th and party with Tamarie and the cast. Opening night tickets are $50 and include all the food, drink, and fun you can handle.
For tickets, visit catastrophictheatre.com or call the box office at 713-522-2723.