One-Man Show Opens at Stages

Willam Martinez attended 18 different elementary schools before he finished his primary education. He spent most of his childhood living with his mother, a situation he described as being homeless. Now, he is bringing that history to a Houston stage.

His one-person show, SIGNing the Song, opens at The Gordy theater at Stages on Wednesday, November 4. The production runs through Sunday, November 9. Tickets cost between $25 and $76. The venue is located at 800 Rosine. Performances occur at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Matinees are scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Martinez developed the piece while working as a performer on a cruise ship in 2014. Crew members were required to create a one-person show. Martinez chose to sing and sign to share his background. He said he wanted to teach passengers sign language while telling his story.

The show gained traction when Harry and Rosemary Wong attended one of his performances. The couple are celebrated education authors. They approached Martinez after the show and encouraged him to share his work with a larger audience. They told him that a five-minute interaction for the music teacher in his story represented an entire life for Martinez.

Martinez left the cruise ship and used all of his savings to develop the production. He rewrote the script and hired a Hollywood composer to arrange the music. He toured cabaret spaces and churches across Los Angeles before bringing the show to Houston.

Martinez grew up in a deaf household. His mother was strict and did not allow television, radio, or movies. She wanted him to experience the world as she did. Martinez had little access to music or pop culture. He was placed in choir in eighth grade and sat quietly with his mouth open, observing the other students.

His music teacher noticed his potential. She invited him to the piano and played a simple scale. She promised to pass him in the class if he sang. Martinez sang and revealed a beautiful voice. That experience helped him feel like he belonged. He later moved in with his hearing father, who supported his passion for music.

Martinez said he had to interpret for his mother during difficult conversations as a child. He remembered accompanying her to court at age seven to fight a speeding ticket. He noted that his spoken language was not as developed as other children's because he spoke conceptually like ASL rather than linearly like English. Arts in school helped him express himself. He earned a degree in musical theater in college. The show explores the power of educators and the importance of creating places of belonging for others.