Alley Theatre will begin its 2025-26 season with an Agatha Christie play, but this time turn its attention to her other most famous sleuth: Miss Marple via The Mirror Crack’d.
In announcing the 2025-2026 Alley Theatre season, unveiled today, Artistic Director Rob Melrose said his main strategy is to increase the number of filled seats, still down a bit from before the height of the pandemic. So starting with an Agatha Christie, albeit a new one, seems to him the perfect opener.
“It’ll be the U.S. premiere and it’ll be the first time Miss Marple will appear on an American stage,” Melrose said.
This will be followed quickly by the play version of Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code, which Melrose is directing. “Part of the fun about the Da Vinci Code is it’s a mystery and I know our audience like Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie but what I like about this is it’s very modern mystery. It’s more action-packed. It’s faster driving.”
Downstairs in the Neuhaus will be the world premiere adaptation of The Body Snatcher (not to be confused with the sci-fi film Invasion of the Body Snatchers) from a short story by Robert Louis Stevenson. This concerns a scientist who is experimenting on bodies to reanimate the dead. While a truly spooky tale, it also has a lot of heart to it, he promised.
“I tell people the end of Act I will make you jump out of your seat. The end of Act II will move you to tears.”
For Christmas they are doing A Christmas Carol and bringing back The Night Shift Before Christmas. Following that they are doing Real Women Have Curves, a cast of Latina actors who work in a stitching shop.
Downstairs will be the Pulitzer Prize-winning play on Broadway right now, English which is about Iranian students going to school to learn English. In this play when they are speaking Farsi, they speak unaccented English but when they’re speaking English but they’re speaking it kind of haltingly. with an accent. We get to kind of struggle with them as they learn how to speak English.”
The Importance of Being Ernest by Oscar Wilde is up next and Melrose said it is one of his favorite plays and one he has always wanted to direct.
Ensemble Theatre Artistic Director Eileen Morris will direct August Wilson’s Fences for Alley Theatre. “We haven’t done August Wilson in more than 20 years. We feel like he’s one of the greatest American playwrights,” Melrose said.
Downstairs will be the world premiere adaptation of Dear Alien by Liz Duffy Adams whose play Born With Teeth which was started at the Alley has gone on to considerable acclaim across the country. An advice columnist on a deadline reads seven letters hoping that one will give him hope to go on.
And the grand finale goes to Misery. Based on a Stephen King novel it’s been adapted by William Goldman who also wrote the movie screenplay for this modern classic of fandom gone epically awry.
Details of the 2025-26 Season
Summer Chills
Agatha Christie’s
The Mirror Crack’d
A New Adaptation by Rachel Wagstaff
Directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenburg
U.S. Premiere
July 11 – August 17, 2025 in the Hubbard Theatre
Behind the Glamour Lies a Deadly Secret
Miss Marple, Agatha Christie’s iconic sleuth, takes center stage in this gripping, glamorous mystery. When the filming of a star-studded movie in a quaint village leads to a chilling murder, everyone becomes a suspect. Miss Marple untangles a web of jealousy, ambition, and hidden truths. Can you solve who is behind it all?The Da Vinci Code
Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel
Based on the Novel by Dan Brown
Directed by Rob Melrose
September 19 – October 12, 2025 in the Hubbard Theatre
Uncover a Secret that Could Change Everything
Join the thrilling adventure as symbologist Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu race to solve a deadly puzzle that could change history. Following the clues hidden in ancient symbols and imagery, they uncover secrets that lead them on a dangerous quest. Based on the smash hit novel by Dan Brown, embark on a journey across Europe to the Louvre, Westminster Abbey, and Rosslyn Chapel.The Body Snatcher
By Katie Forgette
Directed by Brandon Weinbrenner
World Premiere
October 3 – 26, 2025 in the Neuhaus Theatre
A Blossoming Love, a Decaying Plan
Just in time for spooky season, Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous Victorian Gothic classic comes alive onstage. A father’s love for his ailing daughter and her growing affection for his medical assistant create an ethical dilemma as they push medical boundaries. As the bodies stack up, the question is asked – how deep will you dig for the one you love?A Christmas Carol
From the novella by Charles Dickens
Adapted and originally directed by Rob Melrose
Remount directed by Amber D. Gray
November 16 – December 28, 2025 in the Hubbard Theatre
Houston’s Holiday Tradition!
Rediscover the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation as he encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Be transported into Victorian England with dazzling costumes and stunning sets. Join us for a Dickensian celebration of love, redemption, and the true spirit of Christmas!The Night Shift Before Christmas
By Isaac Gómez
Directed by KJ Sanchez
Alley Theatre Commission
November 28 – December 28, 2025 in the Neuhaus Theatre
Adult Holiday Comedy
The Christmas Eve overnight shift is Margot’s personal tradition — even if that means dealing with grumpy drive-thru customers. But when her dead best friend Jackie Marley drops by to warn her of impending late-night visits by spirits, Margot has no choice but to roll with the punches and confront the very Scrooge she’s become. Experience a Christmas Eve like no other in this brand-new holiday show filled with humor and heart.Real Women Have Curves
By Josefina López
Directed by Lisa Portes
January 23 – February 15, 2026 in the Hubbard Theatre
Sisterhood, Resilience, and Self-acceptance
This vivacious comedy, which inspired the hit film, follows five Latina women navigating the pressures of body image, immigration, and cultural expectations. As they work to meet an impossible deadline, the women reveal their hopes and struggles. Experience the warmth and laughter in the beauty of embracing
who you are.English
By Sanaz Toossi
Directed by Evren Odcikin
February 13 – March 8, 2026 in the Neuhaus Theatre
Language, Connection, and Finding Your Voice
Winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize! This heartfelt, humorous play follows five strangers in an Iranian TOEFL class as they navigate language, identity, and unexpected friendships. Each brings a personal reason for learning English, discovering along the way what is lost—and found—in translation. While some things may get lost, the human spirit shines through.The Importance of Being Earnest
By Oscar Wilde
Directed by Rob Melrose
March 6 – March 29, 2026 in the Hubbard Theatre
Witty, Wonderful, and Wild(e)
This timeless comedy follows two British bachelors who invent alter egos to outwit society and find love. As their deception unravels, chaos and hilarity ensue. Experience mistaken identities, secret loves, and sparkling satire in one of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated works.August Wilson’s
Fences
Directed by Eileen J. Morris
April 17 – May 10, 2026 in the Hubbard Theatre
Enduring Strength, Timeless Classic
In this legendary Tony Award-winning drama, a former baseball player struggles with the realities of life and the pursuit of happiness. Amidst racial prejudice and unfulfilled dreams, the challenges of parenthood and the bonds of family are tested. Discover why this iconic classic has continued to resonate for decades.Dear Alien
By Liz Duffy Adams
Directed by Shelley Butler
World Premiere
May 8 – 31, 2026 in the Neuhaus Theatre
Seven Questions, Three Actors, One Alien
After captivating audiences nationwide with Born with Teeth, playwright Liz Duffy Adams returns to the Alley in her thought-provoking world premiere. An isolated advice columnist races the clock to make one last deadline before facing financial ruin. In this existential comedy, we ask ourselves: What will we do when it all becomes too much?Misery
By William Goldman
Based on the novel by Stephen King
Directed by Brandon Weinbrenner
May 29 – June 21, 2026 in the Hubbard Theatre
He’s her Obsession, She’s his Nightmare
Famous romance author Paul is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan.” As Annie nurses Paul to health, her obsession takes control. What begins as a rescue quickly turns into a dangerous entrapment as Paul writes for his life. Experience the horror as Stephen King’s chilling thriller comes to life on stage when a fan will stop at nothing for the sequel of her dreams.The Alley All New Festival will run October 24-26, 2025. Learn more about the Alley All New initiative at alleytheatre.org/allnew.
