(05/16/2018) - How far would a man go to protect his family from the past? Arthur Miller's award-winning stage classic tells the story of patriarch Joe Keller, desperately wanting to secure the financial security of his family and the legacy he spent so many years building. But the dark shadows of his business, those hurt and punished, and the hopeful arrival of a son who may not return from fighting abroad, create a post-war American family in a tragic downfall of lies, greed, love, and loss. This gripping and emotional story demands its audience examine the definition of social and personal responsibility, and the distance we may travel in search of the American dream.
(04/16/2018) - "All the world's a stage!" proclaims William Shakespeare in his most famous romantic comedy. Exiled under threat of death, the irresistible heroine Rosalind, escapes into the wild and unpredictable Forest of Arden.
(03/21/2018) - BAD JEWS. Family and faith are not always kosher. Joshua Harmon's acclaimed comedy asks questions about family, belief, and the true meaning of legacy. The patriarch of a Jewish family passes away, and his very different grandchildren, gather together to relive, share, and remember.
(03/14/2018) - Before the cast of THIS IS US even entered the large ballroom at the Austin Convention Center, the place was buzzing. The audience was full of true Pearson Family Fans who felt that they had become a part of this family. The show takes a look at the Pearson Family and all the joyous and tragic moments that may be close to the audience members' own moments.
(02/19/2018) - NOISES OFF. Called the funniest farce ever written, Michael Frayn's Noises Off is the most outrageous comedy about putting on a comedy. With rollicking wildness centering on a second-rate theatrical troupe, the show within a show combines classic slapstick, British naughtiness, and non-stop humor from a manic menagerie of performers rehearsing a flop with a doomed opening night. Doors slamming, mischief onstage and off, and an errant herring all figure in the plot of this uproarious comic play.
(02/15/2018) - TexARTS closes its record-breaking box office season with the Tony Award-nominated and Grammy Award-winning musical Smokey Joe's Cafe. This tribute to legendary songwriters Leiber and Stoller is a dazzling, song-and-dance celebration featuring 40 of rock 'n' roll's greatest hits, including 'Hound Dog,' 'Stand by Me,' 'Yakety Yak,' 'Jailhouse Rock,' 'Spanish Harlem,' 'On Broadway,' 'Kansas City,' 'Love Potion #9,' and 'Fools Fall in Love.' Smokey Joe's Cafe plays on stage February 15 - March 4 at the Kam & James Morris Theatre in Lakeway.
(02/05/2018) - Winner of the 2015 Tony Award ® for Best New Play, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a "dazzling, pulse-pounding and remarkable" (Time Out New York) adaptation of Mark Haddon's internationally best-selling novel.
(02/01/2018) - With the history of ARIADNE AUF NAXOS as rich and complicated as the melodrama within itself, the reinvention presented by the Austin Opera this season is reminiscent of this Opera's rich history and beginnings. Premiering initially in 1912, Richard Strauss conceived a performance mixing the comedic style of Moliere' with the musically focused German-style melodrama opera. Appearing originally in two contrasting acts, the first begins as a play, and the second transitions into a full-fledged opera with comedic highlights. Historically, audiences were flustered in Munich and London by the contrasting art forms rolled into one night of entertainment - specifically, opera aficionados were loathe to sit through an entire act of a performance, before hearing the opera they were expecting in act two. After a variety of attempts with different versions and audience locations, Strauss' Libretto partner Hofmannsthal proposed a new first act be written to provide context on marrying the dramatization of operatic performance style with less prestigious but entertaining commedia dell'arte. Thus the second version of ARIADNE AUF NAXOS was presented in 1916 in Berlin and despite unsuccessful returns of a few productions, this opera/commedia concoction went on to be performed all over European Opera houses until it's first presentation in the United States in 1925. This rich history and reworking lend well to the present production at The Long Center presented by Austin Opera.
(01/20/2018) - Celebrated as a revolutionary playwright in turn of the century Industrial Russia, Anton Chekhov delivers an examination of urban and country life in his play, UNCLE VANYA. Now playing at The City Theatre in East Austin, this famous playwrights works are brought to stage for the first time at this community theater. New beginnings of this play date back to 1898 with publishing and debuting a year later in full production by the Moscow Art Theatre. Directed by the godfather of modern acting, Konstantin Stanislavski brings the struggle of class and love to the stage. Set on a run-down estate in the woods of Russia, our hometown family of characters are disrupted by an elderly professor and his much younger, and very attractive second wife, Yelena. The pining title character of the play Vanya is the long running estate manager and brother to the sickly professors first wife. Intimated and teetering on the edge of patience, Vanya befriends the towns local doctor, Astrov in an effort to pass the time and pontificate his frustrations and helplessness. Quickly into the play, Astrov and Vanya fall under the spell of the beautiful Yelena, throwing themselves in circumstances unbecoming of a married woman. Into the mix is Vanya's niece, Sonya who lives in a lonely love with doctor Astrov. With the demise of characters and the estate at risk, our characters desperately attempt to navigate the tough terrain ahead of them.
(01/19/2018) - ZACH Theatre in partnership with Teatro Vivo, Glass Half Full, and the Kindness Campaign will start the 2018 Moody Theatre for Families Series with the world premiere bilingual production for youth audiences, Las Aventuras de Enoughie (The Adventures of Enoughie) as part of ZACH's 85th Anniversary season. Written by Caroline Reck and based on the character Enoughie created by the Kindness Campaign, this bilingual production, Las Aventuras de Enoughie (The Adventures of Enoughie) plays at the Mexican American Cultural Center January 19, 2018 February 25, 2018 under the direction of Caroline Reck.
(01/15/2018) - UNCLE VAYNA, Anton Chekhov's most revered work of hope, love, and loss in an exhilarating Austin premiere. When a retired professor and his beautiful young wife are forced to withdraw to an estate in the vast country emptiness, their arrival explode hidden passions and the lives of the entire family come undone. Shattered illusions, deep secrets, and the desire for love run thru the acclaimed play, which has been staged in theatres for over one hundred years. Both joyously comic and poignantly tragic, this newly adapted interpretation written and staged by Rod Mechem, captures all of Chekhov's characters, that have been embraced by audiences for their extraordinary insight into the lives of the ordinary. Uncle Vanya is a classic of world drama still expressing themes that are just as recognizable and resonant today. A must-see for any theatre lover!
(12/24/2017) - With a variety of holiday classics opening all over the greater Austin area this season, PEOPLE OF COLOR CHRISTMAS is a breath of fresh air entangled with a modern festive twist many can relate to. Color Arc Production is tackling the white elephant in the room, with an amalgam of millennials gathering to discuss their colorful lives involving their background, ethnicity and occupations.
(12/20/2017) - With the Christmas holiday around the corner, we are reminded of our families' traditions and the joy that the spirit of Christmas brings this time of year. As many of our traditions revolve around presents, food and giving, CHARLES DICKENS': A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a cautionary tale about miser Ebenezer Scrooge's hardened heart and greedy nature during the holiday season. After being visited by his late business partner Jacob Marley (who is definitely dead), a mirror is held to Scrooges deeds and mean spirit as he is visited by three entities that examine his past, present and what may be his future. Everyone has witnessed this tale through a variety of mediums the classic novel by Charles Dickens, the recent movie adaption starring Jim Carrey, or the staged play of this holiday classic. Regardless of how an individual has come to know Scrooge and his greed, this Christmas classic echoes in our hearts and minds the power of kindness and the impact we have on those around us. Even though this story was originally published in 1843, it appears fresh at The Palace Theater as the recent adaption CHARLES DICKENS: A CHRISTMAS CAROL, this rendition reimagines this old story in a new, more musical, way. With book, lyrics and music by Texas natives Keith Ferguson and Bruce Greer, this version sticks with the classic tale but adds more performance opportunity with the musical numbers and ballad for the performers.
(12/13/2017) - In Fayro, there's a charming and pleasant climate where even the worst disputes can be resolved with a bit of hope and optimism. We can all use a bit of that.
(12/10/2017) - A MIRACLE ON 34th STREET is presented as a classic radiocast that reignites our love for Santa Claus and examines the commercialized spirit in the heart of New York City during the busiest shopping crowds of the year - Christmas. Beginning with a drunken Santa too intoxicated to perform in the historic Macy's holiday parade, Kris Kringle (played by Robert L. Berry) steps up to the float to wave at children and fill this required role for any festive affair. When the parade ends, our story's newly-appointed Santa, Kris Kringle, keeps the magic going by serving as Macy's full-time Santa Claus announcing to all those around, that he is the real deal. Doris Walker (played by Sarah Marie Curry), the skeptic and realistic retail operations manager, reluctantly allows Kringle to infiltrate not only the parade but Macy's itself., Children and parents everywhere come into Macy's requesting the perfect present except with the new Kris Kringle, if Macy's did not have the new toy, Kringle would send the family (and their money) to the competitor, Gimballs! Initially outraged by this unspeakable action, Gimball's eventually follows suit, creating some forced harmony between all THREE toy giants, Macy's, Gimballs and Santa himself. All seems harmonious and grand until Kris Kringle pronounces himself the real Santa Claus, much to the embarrassment of his bosses and new- found friends. With the trial of the century scheduled to determine Kris Kringle's sanity and the fate of one little girl's Christmas, Penfold Theatre Companies presentation of A MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET is a Christmas classic all ages can enjoy.
(12/04/2017) - Austin's most rockin' holiday tradition returns to make merry with a new music to get the party started! ZACH's inspired adaptation of the Dickens' classic is a musical sleigh ride through rhythm and time, infusing the traditional Victorian story with a musical score that spans all genres and eras.
(12/04/2017) - CHRISTMAS BELLES. Christmas-time in the Lone Star State - but the Futrelle sisters of Fayro, Texas, are not exactly in a festive mood. Frankie is overdue with twins, Twink's in jail, and Honey Raye is trying to keep the Tabernacle of the Lamb's Christmas pageant from spiraling out of control. Throw in a kidney-stone passing Santa, vengeful sheep, an Elvis impersonator, and a long-kept family secret and, in true Texas fashion, you've got joy to the world.'
(11/16/2017) - Arthur Miller's THE CRUCIBLE is powerful, infuriating and heartbreaking, and the UT Department of Theatre and Dance does a mighty job of doing his script justice.
(11/15/2017) - Creating a show as captivating as Homer's Odyssey is no easy task. Playwright Naomi Lizuka attempts to capture the adventure and concept of home, while reimagining the long journey home as told in Homer's Odyssey. ANON(YMOUS), now playing at St. Edward's Mary Moody Theatre, is inspired by this ancient Greek work of art than it is an accurate retelling. As in the original epic poem, Odysseus travels far, clashing with many monsters and adversaries along the way. Anon, a young refugee also searching for his home, represents Odysseus in Lizuka's fresh take on this long journey. There are stark differences between the classic and this new version. A few obvious changes involve a swap for a mother to son relationship versus the classic loving wife relationship in the original story. The timeline in Homer's Odyssey is not relative in Lizuka's new telling. Years passing add more passion and drive to Odysseus' journey as he makes his way back to his wife, Penelope. Anon, however, passes through scenes, and different characters pay homage to the monsters originally faced but with a more relatable modern twist. For example, the seductress is a bartender with patrons whom oink like pigs. This is a clear reference to the original telling, but as quickly as Anon enters this scene, he runs away as fast as he can - apparently, he did not want to dance. In the original story, Odysseus spends much more time being tempted. As the similarities occur to the audience during the show, the difference in relative subject matter makes the connection to the audience more powerful. Tackling immigration, cultural diversity and sorrow, much more meaning is added, and people can relate to and learn something from the story.
(11/08/2017) - Lakeway Activity Center plays host to Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's fantastic musical comedy INTO THE WOODs. Beginning with the words, Once upon a time , the combination of twisted fairytales that follow, present moral lessons for all ages to enjoy. Pulling premises from the stories of Rapunzel, Jack and the Bean Stock, Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella, our characters collide in the woods attempting to fulfill their dreams, or more specifically, their wish. The wish of the village's baker and his wife tie these tales together. Years before our story begins, the bakers neighbor, The Witch, placed a curse on the baker's family to always be a barren one leaving the baker and his wife unable to have children.
(11/08/2017) - Continuing the fall 2017 season, City Theatre Austin presents the Austin premiere play THE SEAFAER, written by celebrated playwright Conor McPherson. The production runs three weeks at City Theatre, November 8th 26th. City Theatre will also be presenting FREE NIGHT OF THEATRE with the Wednesday, November 15th performance. The show information and dates are below.
(10/20/2017) - The TexARTS Professional Series presents Wait Until Dark, the groundbreaking thriller that follows a blind woman who finds herself the victim of scheming conmen and in the middle of a murder. Jeffrey Hatcher's adaptation of Wait Until Dark, written by Frederick Knott, plays now through October 29, 2017 at the Kam & James MorrisTheatre in Lakeway. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!
(10/19/2017) - If your idea of celebrating Halloween season leans more toward the imaginative and cerebral, skip the line outside the House of Fright and head to Scottish Rite Theatre for WOMAN IN BLACK.
(09/29/2017) - CATCH ME IF YOU CAN is a musical with a libretto by Terrence McNally and a score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. It follows the story of con artist named Frank Abagnale, Jr. The plot borrows heavily from the 2002 film of the same name, which in turn was based on Abagnale's 1980 autobiography. The musical received four 2011 Tony nominations. The current production is directed by Joshua Denning.
(08/24/2017) - As I hear it, The Palace in Georgetown was due to produce Grease in the spot where LOVE ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE resides now. All I'll say about that is, thank goodness it worked out this way! This production is adorable and entertaining from start to finish. I smiled through most of the show, and even leaned into the fairly loose premise. Story line is not the intent of most jukebox musicals, but this one fared relatively well in the hands of its Director/Musical Director/Conductor/Bassist Lannie Hiboldt. Lannie also did the set design. Generally, this could be seen as overextending one's self, but it Lannie's case, it worked out nicely.
(08/21/2017) - CHICAGO. Give 'em the old razzle dazzle in the smash hit musical which is sure to deliver! Chicago has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame and fortune, one show-stopping-song after another, and the best dancing you've ever seen. It's no wonder it has been honored with countless awards and thousands of standing ovations worldwide.
(08/18/2017) - The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is a political satire full of flirty fun and gusto. Based on a true story, the show recounts the heyday and demise of the infamous "Chicken Ranch."
(08/07/2017) - The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is a political satire full of flirty fun and gusto. Based on a true story, the show tells of the demise of a brothel located just down the road from Austin.
(07/27/2017) - Few modern plays have experienced the immediate love and adoration Tracy Letts garnished from her 2008 Pulitzer Prize-winning dark comedy, AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY. Originally premiering at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago close to a decade ago, the story of the dysfunctional Weston family has travelled beyond the mid-western plains they call home. After secluding themselves inside their home to nurse a nasty pill and alcohol addiction, Beverly Weston, the family patriarch, goes missing for five days. The family's desperate search brings the Westons and their skeletons together again. Violet Weston, Beverly's wife, displays her intense pill dependency and cruel disposition while her daughters try to piece together where their father may be. As the story develops, the mystery of Beverly's whereabouts are brought to light, while simultaneously highlighting the disturbing reality of the Weston's existence. AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY examines the portrait people present of a modern family and tests the boundaries of sympathy.
(07/24/2017) - AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY. Winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best New Play, Tracy Letts' dark comedy centers around the Weston family, who all come home to the desolate plains of Oklahoma, after their famous poet and patriarch father disappears. Tensions heat up and boil over in the ruthless August heat as the three strong-willed sisters finds themselves holed up with their ferocious and equally strong-willed mother.
