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The Best Plays to Watch this Fall

Posted on September 18, 2025   |   Updated on September 30, 2025

City Cast Houston Staff

Akeelah and the Bee debuts at The Ensemble Theatre this fall. (Photo by Latrelle Allen)

Akeelah and the Bee debuts at The Ensemble Theatre this fall. (Photo by Latrelle Allen)

Houston’s theater scene is buzzing with exciting shows! From the mystery thriller “The Da Vinci Code” to the heartwarming “Akeelah and the Bee,” there’s something for everyone. Let’s take a look at what to watch this fall.

The Da Vinci Code (Sept. 19 - Oct. 19)

Enjoy this heart-pounding mystery, based on the bestselling novel and movie, at the Alley Theatre. Symbologist Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu race across Europe to solve a deadly puzzle using clues hidden in ancient symbols and imagery. Along the way, they stop at breathtaking European landmarks like the Louvre. Can’t wait to watch!

Akeelah and the Bee ( Sept. 19 - Oct. 12)

Some of you might remember watching the adorable Keke Palmer in the movie version of “Akeelah and the Bee” in 2006. Now, you can see this heartwarming story unfold at The Ensemble Theatre, one of the largest Black professional theaters in the country. Akeelah is a young woman who is remarkably gifted and overcomes challenges with the support of her community to compete in the National Spelling Bee.

Mud Row (Oct. 10 - Nov. 2)

This play by Tony-nominated Dominique Morisseau at Stages Theatre follows sisters deciding the fate of their family legacy inside a house on “Mud Row” in Pennsylvania. The sisters, who represent different generations, navigate love, race, and class in this moving story about family. Pro tip for Stages: Order a drink before the show, and take it inside for the performance 🍸

A different kind of spelling bee takes place at the Hobby Center later this fall featuring a talented cast of Houston actors. This laugh-out-loud musical, which debuted on Broadway in 2005, follows six quirky kids competing in a spelling bee showdown. Houston standout Kevin Cahoon, known for roles on Showtime and Netflix, will star as Vice Principal Douglas Panch.

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