Charleston’s Rising Star: Manny Houston Bursts Onto the Scene with New Music and Theater Adventures
Charleston is buzzing with excitement over the latest musical sensation, Manny Houston, a 30-year-old graduate from the College of Charleston, who’s making waves across multiple platforms. After making his impressive Broadway debut this summer in the Tony Award-winning production of Illinoise, Houston is back in Charleston, ready to take the stage once again!
The Journey So Far
Born in Greenville, Houston’s artistic journey began in an unconventional way. He was homeschooled and surrounded by a close-knit community of older Black adults and Mexican families in his neighborhood. Those colorful experiences, along with his classical piano training, have profoundly influenced his music and theatrical career. Houston’s path hasn’t always been easy, and he openly acknowledges the struggles he faced growing up in poverty before attending an all-white charter high school. “I had to navigate a complex world,” he recalls, reflecting on his formative years.
Broadway to Local Stages
This summer, Manny stepped into the spotlight as the piano player and singer in Illinoise. “It felt like being a backup quarterback,” he explained, and he was ready for the challenge. Houston ended up performing 13 times in this crucial role, which included shows during the busy Tony Award-voting season.
But his journey didn’t end there! Houston has taken to the stage again this November in Charleston, co-leading Pure Theatre’s heartbreaking production of The Last Five Years alongside singer Heather Rice.
A New Musical Project
Manny is also all set to release his second EP named young black peter pan (the battle) and the exciting single “Go Me!”, which marks the first release from his upcoming project, Manny’s House Party. If that hasn’t got your toes tapping yet, there’s more! In early 2024, he plans to drop a short film that ties into this vibrant musical journey.
The Heart of the Artist
Life hasn’t always been smooth for Houston. This year brought heartbreak with the unexpected passing of his father. Manny reflects on how his father’s dedication to his calling as a pastor—even while working at Papa John’s on the side—instilled a strong work ethic in him and his siblings. “It’s changed everything: who I am, my personality, my beliefs,” Houston shares.
Despite the challenges, he draws inspiration from the struggles of being a young Black man in South Carolina. Houston is currently drawing from these experiences to develop two original musicals, with one of them focusing on the racial divide in Charleston, aptly titled When Sunday Comes.
Creating Vibes Everywhere
With a mission to uplift others, Houston believes that everyone deserves a shift in their vibrations, no matter where they are. “Whether I’m in a bar or on a Broadway stage, my job is to use the vibrations coming out of my body to lift others up,” he explains with a passion that resonates.
What’s Next for Manny Houston?
As we dive into the holiday season and move towards the new year, keep your ears open for Manny’s latest tracks. For those in Charleston, you can catch him at the International African American Museum and check out his work in various pop-up exhibitions around town.
Houston is confident that his story, struggles, and triumphs will make waves in the industry. Though he might not have a Wikipedia page just yet, it won’t be long before this vibrant artist secures his place in the music and theater history books!
Stay tuned, because if there’s one thing we know about Manny Houston, it’s that he’s just getting started!
