Things to Do: Law’s Anatomy at Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

If the idea of a show put on by an all-lawyer theater company leaves you just a bit skeptical, don’t worry. Attorney Tara Taheri has heard it before.

“Some people say, ‘Oh my gosh, that just sounds so boring. You’re just going to watch a bunch of lawyers on stage? What can possibly be fun about that?’” says Taheri, who serves as one of the executive producers, as well as media chair and cast member, of Night Court. “I always say this, and I really feel this way: Our shows are so entertaining for lawyers and non-lawyers alike. We poke fun at lawyers, pop culture, politics, and Houston stories.”

Night Court has been staging original musical comedies annually for more than 30 years and, along the way, has raised more than $1.6 million for local charities providing free legal services to Houstonians in need. This week, the musical comedy theater troupe will present its 2025 production, titled Law’s Anatomy, at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

A creative production committee determines each production’s theme, and a certain long-running, Shonda Rhimes-created ABC medical drama won out for this year’s show.

“I think for a couple of years there’s been a desire to do like a doctor-lawyer-type of Grey’s Anatomy theme,” says Taheri. “But, of course, the show is extended with so many other characters and themes.”

During Law’s Anatomy, audience members will check into the fictional Houston Hope Hospital, where, for the sake of transparency, lawyers are accompanying doctors while they make their rounds.

“The thing about doctors and lawyers is that they have a lot in common to begin with. They both take oaths. Doctors pledge first, do no harm. And lawyers pledge first, admit no harm,” jokes Taheri.

Because of the setting, there will be some surgeries on stage as well as a trial scene. And like all of Night Court’s productions, the show will include an orchestra and musical performances featuring parodies of popular songs from artists like the Bee Gees to Chappell Roan. It also includes plenty of lawyer gags.

“It’s full of those, and they’re well written. They’re funny. We really do make fun of ourselves. You have to,” says Taheri.

In the show, Taheri will play a character called Med Mal Maggie – as in, Medical Malpractice Maggie.

“I am searching for doctors to sue in the hospital. I am watching every single move they make so I can file lawsuits,” says Taheri. “I get to give the doctors a hard time.”

Playing an antagonist is familiar to Taheri, who last played Stranger Things villain Vecna in 2023’s production, The Law Files. Though it’s not intentional, and Taheri says she doesn’t know how she’s cast until close to the show, she does see it as a positive.

“It’s a really good area to grow as an actor,” says Taheri, adding, “Being angry and nasty takes a lot of energy. That’s what I’ve learned.”

Taheri says Law’s Anatomy will feature new, and semi-new, blood in the cast and creative team in several ways.

New members make up almost half the cast for the first time, which Taheri describes as “an anomaly.” And three of those new cast members, Taheri says, are her own associates.

“I did help recruit quite a bit,” explains. “I reached out to law schools and really made a push to get new blood. I was happy with the outcome.”

Also, when the troupe hits the stage, it will be after two years away (due to a leadership change that left Night Court unable to mount a production in 2024) and with Judy Frow back at the helm as director. Frow spent over 25 years with Night Court before stepping down as director after its 2022 show.

“Believe it or not, she is back this year, and we’re so happy to have her. We also have our music director back,” says Taheri. “So, I think putting everything together and having somewhat new, but returning directors has been really interesting and exciting. They really do know Night Court. They know how it operates, and they’re just extremely talented.”

Night Court’s commitment to charity remains unchanged, however, with proceeds from this year’s show set to go to Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, Child Advocates, The Children’s Assessment Center Children’s Court Services Program, Foster Care Advocacy Center, Houston Volunteer Lawyers, Lone Star Legal Aid Military Veterans Unit, and the South Texas College of Law Houston Legal Clinics.

If you do happen to be a lawyer and need another reason to check out Law’s Anatomy, you can now earn two-and-a-half hours of ethics continuing legal education credit, up from the two hours offered to lawyers since 2015.

And if you’re not a lawyer, Taheri has a simple invitation to extend.

“Come out and have a great time,” says Taheri. “Enjoy yourself. Laugh with us, sing with us, and have a fun night out while benefiting some amazing charities.”

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 20, through Saturday, August 23, at The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby. For information, call 713-315-2525 or visit nightcourt.org or thehobbycenter.org. $45-$49.