Classical Theatre Company

The Classical Theatre Company opens its 19th Season with the master of wit and language, George Bernard Shaw, and his hilarious farce, Arms and the Man. It is the first time since 20017’s Mrs. Warren’s Profession that CTC has produced a play by the playwright.

Arms and the Man follows Raina Petkoff and the idealistic view of war she holds until she shelters Captain Bluntschli, a practical Swiss mercenary who values survival over heroics. As misunderstandings and romantic entanglements unfold, the characters' illusions about love, courage, and social status are challenged by Bluntschli's realism. By the end, the play satirizes romantic ideals and shows that honesty, practicality, and genuine affection are more valuable than appearances and empty notions of glory.

Directed by John Johnston, who most recently directed the critically-acclaimed Othello for Classical Theatre Company.

The winter production will be CTC’s return to the Norwegian master himself, in Henrik Ibsen’s iconic tragedy, Hedda Gabler. This will be the company’s first foray into Ibsen since 2020’s award-winning Peer Gynt, which director John Johnston also helmed.

Hedda Gabler follows the newly married Hedda, who feels trapped by her conventional life and seeks excitement by manipulating the people around her. As her schemes grow more reckless, they contribute to the unraveling of relationships and the destruction of those closest to her. Unable to escape the consequences of her actions or the constraints of society around her, Hedda hurtles towards a dark destiny.

Directed by CTC Executive Artistic Director, John Johnston, who most recently directed last season’s critically-acclaimed Othello, and appeared on CTC’s stage when he portrayed Joseph Surface in The School for Scandal in 2023.

This production will be held at Main Street Theater’s Rice Village location, 2540 Times Blvd. Houston, TX 77005.