Houston’s Alley Theatre is set to stage English, a moving and comedic exploration of language, culture, and connection, from February 13 through March 8 in the Neuhaus Theatre. Written by Sanaz Toossi and directed by Evren Odcikin, the play follows five Iranians as they navigate the challenges of learning English, revealing what can be lost and found in translation.

The cast features Vaneh Assadourian as Goli, Pantea Ommi as Roya, Nima Rakhshanifar as Omid, Jaime Rezanour as Marjan, and Shadee Vossoughi as Elham. The production’s creative team includes scenic designer Afsaneh Aayani, costume designer Shahrzad Mazaheri, lighting designer Sherrice Mojgani, sound designer James Ard, dialect coach and cultural dramaturg Ana Bayat, and fight director and intimacy specialist Adam Noble. Stage management is led by Kaylee Sarton McCray with Meagan Rachelle Smallwood as assistant stage manager.

English is part of Alley Theatre’s 2025-26 season and is supported by sponsors Joelle and Jeff Berlat, Connie and Roger Plank, United Airlines, and Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites Downtown Houston. The play includes a range of accessible performances, including captioned, audio-described, ASL-interpreted, and Spanish-translated shows to ensure broad audience engagement.

Tickets start at $45, with discounts available for military personnel, seniors, educators, and students. They can be purchased online at alleytheatre.org or by phone at 713-220-5700. Press night is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18 at 7:30 PM.

Alley Theatre, one of the nation’s leading nonprofit theatres, produces up to 11 plays each season and serves more than 200,000 people annually through performances, education, and community programs. The theatre is located at 615 Texas Avenue in Houston, featuring the 774-seat Hubbard Theatre and the 296-seat Neuhaus Theatre.