In 14 of the shows performed by Night Court — an all-lawyer musical theater troupe that raises money for legal charities — South Texas College of Law Houston Dean Emeritus Helen Jenkins played lead roles and helped attract large crowds from the legal community and beyond.
“In the late ’90s when Night Court came to be, I was a practicing lawyer,” Jenkins said. “Several lawyers who had been in theater came together and wanted to do something to benefit charities. One of the directors knew I had a musical background and taught music, so they asked me to come in to audition. I did, and I kept coming back because it was fun and for a great cause.”
One of Jenkins’ biggest fans through the years was her daughter, Crystal Washington, who now serves as a staff attorney in South Texas Law’s Randall O. Sorrels Legal Clinics — one of the beneficiaries of Night Court’s philanthropic gifts.
“I loved seeing all that happened backstage, and the performances were great,” Washington said. “The family and the law school faculty and staff always looked forward to my mom’s debut on stage. We knew she would have at least one memorable singing number that would bring the house down. The performers always got a standing ovation, and the night was always something to remember. It made me very proud of her from a young age.”
More than 30 years later, Night Court continues to put on original parody shows, now at The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Houston.
This year’s musical comedy show, “Dial L for Lawyer,” is scheduled Aug. 26-29. Opening night is South Texas Night at Night Court, and Jenkins — along with South Texas Law’s President and Dean Reynaldo Anaya Valencia — will be present to network with guests from the law school community.
The entire show — including sets, technical support, and performances — is put together by lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals. The beneficiaries are nonprofits that provide free legal aid.
Night Court had humble beginnings, starting as skits performed at a Houston Bar Association luncheon. For 13 years, creative lawyers staged performances at Hamman Hall at Rice University. Since it moved to Zilkha Hall at the Hobby Center, it has become a major summer tradition and has raised nearly $2 million for local nonprofits.
“I am sincerely grateful for all the hard work the Night Court performers and crew put into their annual show,” Washington said. “As an attorney in the clinics, I can truly tell you that the clients are well represented and they have their cases taken care of with diligence. Thank you, Night Court participants, for lending your time and expertise to generate funds to make this possible.”
Jenkins loves that Night Court continues to benefit the legal clinics at South Texas Law.
“The Randall O. Sorrels Legal Clinics provide access to legal services for people who could not afford them otherwise, and the attorneys and students serve the clients gladly,” Jenkins said. “This is just one of the wonderful things we do at South Texas Law to show we care — and to demonstrate that the law is for everyone.”
To credit the law school with your Night Court ticket purchase, please use this link: stcl.edu/night-court-rsvp
