For more than thirty years, Houston-area lawyers with a fondness for the arts have volunteered with the nonprofit Night Court, fundraising for organizations that make free and low-cost legal services accessible to everyone.

The group comes together once a year to put on a unique performance written, performed and produced by members of the legal profession.

A closer look

While it’s difficult to balance late-night rehearsals with long working hours, a few local lawyers in the group said they find relief in the art of performance.

Blair Parker practices family law at Parker & Aguilar LLP and writes and performs for Night Court.

“Family law is so difficult, and you deal with a lot of difficult situations, so doing stuff like this is fun for me and takes my mind off the tough part,” Parker said. “It's just about finding that good balance and good people, because it wouldn't be as fun if the people weren't so great.”

Parker studied music in college and also plays the saxophone for the Sugar Land Winds. She said music is in her blood, and when she heard about Night Court from a friend, she knew it was something she wanted to join.

The nonprofit has produced 34 shows since 1989, performing at venues such as Hamman Hall at Rice University, the Wortham Center and the Hobby Center. (Courtesy Night Court)
The nonprofit has produced 34 shows since 1989, performing at venues such as Hamman Hall at Rice University, the Wortham Center and the Hobby Center. (Courtesy Night Court)

How it works

The show is funded through sponsors and donations, with cast members required to bring in a certain amount of sponsorships. Sponsors can also pay for ads, which are written into the script or displayed on a screen during the show.

Anyone in the legal profession can join the nonprofit, and auditions are held to determine starring roles.

Tara Taheri, cast member and media manager for Night Court, spends her days working in compliance and data privacy for American Specialty Health. Lately, her nights have been spent singing and dancing on stage.

“We couldn’t do it without our sponsors,” Taheri said. “We are so graciously thankful for them.”

Before you go

This year’s musical comedy is titled “Law’s Anatomy,” and the receiving charities are a mix of aid groups and legal clinics. The show includes musical parodies of songs by artists ranging from Chappell Roan to the Bee Gees, with tickets starting at $45.

“Law’s Anatomy” will run through Aug. 23 at the Hobby Center for Performing Arts.