The Houston theatre company brings back their raucous, nostalgic musical production based on the familiar ‘90s cult classic.
The Garden Theatre has announced its plans to bring the stage version of a cult classic back to life in Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical at MATCH in celebration of their 5th season. Featuring the familiar story accompanied by ‘90s hits, the production will run Dec. 26-Jan. 11, 2026 at Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston (3400 Main St.) in the heart of midtown, including a special New Year’s Eve performance and ‘90s party. This production marks the return of the theatre’s sold out 2022 run of the Houston premiere of this campy, iconic story.
Founding Artistic Director and director of this production, Logan Vaden, says, “I cannot contain my excitement that we are bringing the stage version of Cruel Intentions back to Houston audiences. It really is essentially the movie we all know and love, just with every ‘90s song you can imagine stuffed into it. It is a raucous good time. As a ‘90s baby myself, there is not a single song in this show that I didn’t already know. It really is the ‘90s pop concert of your dreams.”
The original Houston cast of Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical, led by Julianne McBride as Kathryn. (Photo by Pin Lim)
Pin Lim
“When we did this show three years ago, it was like a party in the theatre every night,” Vaden continues. “I had never seen anything like it. Everyone was along for the ride, especially the ones that took advantage of the themed drinking game in the Playbill! Date night, girl’s night out… You name it! This show is perfect for anyone just looking to have a great time.”
Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical is based on the iconic 1999 film starring Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Phillippe and Sarah Michelle Geller. The musical pulls you into the manipulative world of Manhattan’s most dangerous liaisons: Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil. Fueled by revenge and passion, the diabolically charming step-siblings place a bet on whether or not Sebastian can deflower their incoming headmaster’s daughter, Annette Hargrove. As the two set out to destroy the innocent girl — and anyone who gets in their way — they find themselves playing a perilous game with only one rule: Never fall in love.
Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical features songs originally performed by ‘90s pop icons Christina Aguilera, *NYSNC, TLC, Boyz II Men, REM, and of course, Britney Spears. Entertainment Weekly described the original New York run as “the ultimate night out,” while the New York Times called it “funny and nostalgia-fueled.” BroadwayWorld said of the original Houston run (which ran over Thanksgiving, 2022), “It is the most fun you will have at any theatre this holiday season!”
The film version of Cruel Intentions premiered in 1999, written and directed by Roger Kumble. The movie was adapted into a musical by Kumble, Lindsey Rosin, Jordan Ross, and premiered in Los Angeles in 2015. Following the Los Angeles run, the musical enjoyed a healthy Off-Broadway run and a national tour.
The cast of Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical are all local professionals including Jake Cummings as Sebastian Valmont, Julianne McBride as Kathryn Mertuil, Jackie Cortina as Annette Hargrove, Morgan Kaupert as Cecile Caldwell, Daniel Edwards as Greg McConnell, Efren Calderon as Blaine Tuttle, Miles Estes as Ronald Clifford, and Wendy Taylor as Bunny Caldwell. Gillian Grace and Matt Hurt round out the cast as onstage swings. Original Houston cast member, Whitney Wyatt, will return as Bunny Caldwell for the final weekend of the musical’s run. The production team consists of Logan Vaden as director, Jake Cummings as music director, Annelea Bootle as choreographer, Whitney Zangarine as intimacy director, Nicholas White as set designer, Blake Minor as light designer, Jay Gracia as fight choreographer, and Jessica Garcia as stage manager.
The original Houston cast of Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical. (Photo by Pin Lim)
Pin Lim
Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical will run for sixteen performances only from December 26, 2025-January 11, 2025 at MATCH (Midtown Arts and Theatre Center Houston; 3400 Main St. Houston, TX 77002). Adult tickets are $30. Student and senior tickets are $25. The Garden Theatre will also host a special New Year’s Eve performance on December 31 beginning at 8:30pm, with an afterparty beginning immediately after, featuring an open bar, ‘90s music and dancing, a champagne toast, and light bites. New Year’s Eve pricing is set at $55 for individuals over 21, and $40 for those under 21. Tickets are available on the theatre’s website at www.thegardentheatre.org or by calling the MATCH box office at 713-521-4533.