San Jac theatre celebrates timeless comedy with a season of interactive entertainment

San Jacinto College's theatre programs are bringing audiences two distinct theatrical experiences this fall, each offering a unique take on classic comedy traditions. From the beloved audience-participation melodrama at Central Campus, to South Campus's innovative Y2K adaptation of ancient Greek comedy, both productions celebrate the power of theatre to transport audiences away from contemporary concerns through laughter and creative storytelling.

"Battle Cattle Booty Betrayed"

Central Campus Theatre is bringing back one of its most beloved traditions with the upcoming production of "Battle Cattle Booty Betrayed," a classic melodrama that promises an evening of family-friendly fun and audience participation. The production runs from Wednesday, Sept. 24 through Sunday, Sept. 28.

"We have been performing melodramas for about 20 years now. It is one of our most popular shows," said Dr. Jerry Ivins, Central Campus theatre artistic director. "People always ask, 'When are you going to do that play where you throw popcorn at the actors?' They are always well received."

This production marks the return of melodrama to the Central Campus stage after a four-year hiatus, with the last production cancelled due to COVID-19 in 2020.

Performed in the round with minimal sets and simple costumes, the production focuses on the essential elements of melodrama: larger-than-life characters and interactive entertainment.

"It is simply a lot of fun. A chance to get away from current reality. Allows them to get lost in a fun evening of cheering and booing," said Ivins.

By design, the production serves as pure escapist entertainment. For the student actors, the melodrama offers valuable lessons in character development through the genre's traditional "stock" characters, providing a practical application of classroom learning.

Don't miss your chance to participate in this interactive theatrical tradition where the audience becomes part of the show!

For more information, visit the San Jacinto College Central Theatre & Film website or contact Jerry Ivins at jerry.ivins@sjcd.edu.

When:  

• Wednesday, Sept. 24-27 – 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 28 – 2:30 p.m.

Where:

San Jacinto College Central Campus

Slocomb Auditorium (C13)

8060 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX 77505 

Tickets: 

$10 general admission at the door, $8 discount price for all who pick up tickets by Sept. 23. The box office is open Sept. 22-26, 2025, from 1:30-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

"Frogs!"

San Jacinto College South Theatre and Film presents "Frogs!," a Y2K-themed adaptation of the classic Aristophanes comedy, running Thursday, Oct. 23, through Saturday, Nov. 1.

The production, adapted and directed by theatre and film professor Jonelle Walker, reimagines the 5th-century Greek comedy through the lens of early 2000s nostalgia.

"Y2K was the time of my youth, so it's fun to view it nostalgically through my students' eyes," Walker said. "Working on theatrical classics like the Greeks can be challenging, especially with comedy — it ages like milk. However, Aristophanes' take on the perils of nostalgia and our tendency to look for ancient answers to modern questions is ironically evergreen."

The story follows Dionysus, god of theatre, as he ventures into the underworld to resurrect his favorite dead playwright after finding living playwrights inadequate. In Walker's adaptation, Dionysus and his servant Xanthias encounter singing frogs, emo monks, and preppy bullies in an underworld resembling an abandoned mall.

Walker rewrote the script with young adult audiences in mind, drawing parallels between ancient Greek society and Y2K culture.

"I feel a bit like Aristophanes with this script, poking fun at the style and culture of my youth — so loathed by society then — becoming trendy," she said.

The production team includes San Jacinto College alumni Ty James, scenic design; Kyra Nappier, lighting design; J. Salazar, sound design; and Betsy Corrick, costume design.

For more information, visit the San Jacinto College South Theatre & Film website or contact Jonelle Walker at jonelle.walker@sjcd.edu.

 

 When:  

• Thursday, Oct. 23, Friday, Oct. 24, Thursday, Oct. 30 – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 25, Saturday, Nov. 1 – 2 p.m.

Where:  

San Jacinto College South Campus
Flickinger Fine Arts Center
Black Box Theater (S15.135)
13735 Beamer Road Houston, Texas 77089 

Tickets:   

Tickets are $3 for San Jacinto College students, $5 for faculty and staff, and $7 for community members. Tickets are available at sjcstheatrefilm.ludus.com.

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About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.