Covering our Remarkable Houston Theater Scene – Brett Cullum

One of the many benefits of living in Houston is our extraordinary theater scene. Few cities can rival the breadth and depth of performances available to us on any given night, from major productions at the Alley Theatre and the Hobby Center to the passionate, inventive work being staged by smaller professional and community theater companies across the city. With so many choices, however, comes a familiar question: where do we go, and what should we see?

Fortunately, Houstonians have a trusted guide.

Through comprehensive theater listings and insightful reviews published on Broadway World, critic Brett Cullum helps audiences navigate this rich cultural landscape. Brett has been writing reviews for as long as I have known him, and his work consistently demonstrates a rare and valuable gift. His reviews do far more than offer a simple thumbs-up or thumbs-down. Instead, he approaches each production as both a critic and a historian, providing readers with a layered understanding of the performance, the text, and the artists involved.

A Brett Cullum review is never confined to what happens onstage during a single evening. He brings extensive research to his writing, often exploring the history of the play, the intent of the playwright, and the legacy of past productions, both celebrated and controversial. In doing so, he places the current performance within a broader theatrical and cultural context. The result is a review that educates as much as it evaluates, giving readers a deeper appreciation of what they are about to experience, or have just seen.

This approach reflects Brett’s deep-rooted connection to both Houston and the theater itself. Though he grew up here, his journey has taken him well beyond the city limits. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, where he pursued a dual major. Brett said, “I completed a dual major in International Business and Modern Asian Economic History, but I also did a lot of shows at the school’s theater.” That combination, practical, analytical, and deeply artistic, has shaped the way he views performance. He understands theater not only as an art form, but as a living, breathing ecosystem shaped by economics, culture, and community.

That dual perspective serves Houston audiences well. Brett writes with intelligence and candor, but also with empathy, for the artists who dedicate themselves to their craft and for the audiences seeking meaningful, entertaining experiences. He recognizes the risk inherent in live performance and respects the vulnerability of those who step onto the stage. Even when he is critical, his writing remains thoughtful and fair, grounded in knowledge rather than ego.

In a city as large and diverse as Houston, theater thrives because it is supported by informed, engaged audiences. Brett Cullum plays an essential role in fostering that engagement. His reviews encourage curiosity, spark conversation, and invite readers to see theater not as a passive diversion, but as a dynamic exchange between artists and community.

For those of us who love the performing arts, Brett’s work has become an invaluable resource, and for those just beginning to explore Houston’s theater scene, his writing offers a welcoming and enlightening entry point. Thanks to critics like Brett Cullum, we don’t just attend performances; we understand them, appreciate them, and carry them with us long after the curtain falls.

For thoughtful, insightful, and deeply informed theater reviews, be sure to follow Brett Cullum’s work at www.broadwayworld.com/houston.