AUSTIN THEATER REVIEWS

It's tough to make a romantic comedy work. The genre so easily gives way to unrealistic scenarios and corniness. The odds of someone standing on your front lawn with a boom box blasting "In Your Eyes" a la Say Anything or a wealthy businessman climbing your fire escape with a bouquet of flowers co...

While Shakespeare's comedy The Merchant of Venice is not considered by all as one of his 'problem plays,' there are certainly many aspects about it that are problematic, namely its length and the latent anti-Semitism apparent in the text. These problems and more must be addressed for a production o...

It's rare for a play, especially a social satire, to endure for over a century. Times change and what was once topical and funny often loses its punch. Thankfully, Oscar Wilde's 1895 masterpiece The Importance of Being Earnest has endured, and in its current production at St. Edwards University, W...

You may see some construction around Downtown Austin next week, because the National Tour of Million Dollar Quartet just blew the roof off of the Bass Concert Hall. The show, a rollicking 110 minute salute to iconic, classic rock and rollers, seems almost tailor made for Austin, the live music capi...

Actress Maureen O'Hara once said, "Comedy is difficult, especially slapstick. The trick is to have fun while you're performing it." As much as I love Ms. O'Hara, there seem to be a few tricks she's ignored. Though it's clear that the cast of City Theatre's current production of Moon Over Buffalo ...

As successful and ground-breaking as My Fair Lady was, there has not been a successful musical adaptation of any of Shaw's other plays…until now. A Minister's Wife, now playing in Austin through a new production by Penfold Theatre, is a delicate, understated, and exceedingly beautiful piece that ...

While the title may suggest that the play may be a run of the mill romantic comedy, Gurney's play is more of a character study, and through Sam Bass's sturdy production, those characters vividly come to life....

Anyone who pays a visit to the theater during their current production of Lady Windermere's Fan will certainly be captivated by stars on display. With a splendid cast, fantastic direction, and Oscar Wilde's trademark wit, Lady Windermere's Fan is an astounding treat....

Truth be told, I'm a bit unsure how to start this review. When I see something as astonishing and extraordinary as Intimate Apparel, I try to come up with something clever, witty, or poetic to kick off my critique, but I am so wonderfully flustered by this beautifully acted and well-crafted product...

Love is the true center of this show, and that's what takes center stage, turning this production of South Pacific into a modern fairy tale....

It seems fitting that the young, new Austin Theatre Project should kick off their 2nd Season with a young, new musical. The little-known song cycle Edges is the perfect choice. With its complex score, its energetic tone, and its themes about growing pains and becoming what we envision for ourselve...

The force is strong with this one. I'm sure it's been said before, but praise is often worth repeating. With One Man Star Wars Trilogy, the show's star and creator, Charles Ross, takes us on a crazy 75 minute ride that both respects and reveres the classic original Star Wars trilogy while also pla...

With its simple production design, its attention to the text and characters, and flawless performances from the leads, Othello is sure to be a highlight of the City Theatre's season....

Asleep at the Wheel's love letter to Bob Wills, the King of Western Swing, is a vibrant, fun, feel-good time....

Early in Measure for Measure, the wise lord Escalus says, "Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall," a miscarriage of justice that is at the forefront of Shakespeare's infrequently produced comedy. While some of Shakespeare's characters here are sinful while others virtuous and even more are some...

Texas State University-San Marcos Department of Theatre and Dance's current production of Richard III borrows heavily from recent and modern history, and while many of the unconventional choices pay off, some are a bit puzzling. Still, with its strong leading players, Richard III gives us an exciti...

To see, or not to see. That's not the question. If you're up for a frivolous parody of the entire Shakespeare cannon, then you must see The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). It's silly and pointless, but you'll love every moment of it....

Though murder mysteries are a dime a dozen, mysteries this fun are not. It Could be Any One of Us is an absolute joy and a fantastic parody that pays reverence to the mystery genre as it simultaneously rips it to shreds with its witty script and flawless performances. This much fun should be deadl...

There have been many things said about playwright Noel Coward over the years, but here's one more: his last name is one of the best red herrings of all time. The prolific writer and artist was unafraid to tackle topics that were considered risque and unspeakable, as proved by his somewhat forgotten...

Though it does have a few flaws, The Edge of Peace is an enjoyable and entertaining look at small town America during times of war and uncertainty....

With its fantastic script, brilliant direction, and flawless performances 33 Variations is an incredible piece of theater the likes of which are rare. This is one orchestra that hits all the right notes....

With its funny text, strong performances, and brilliant direction, Almost, Maine is a love letter to love itself. Guys who still need to plan the perfect Valentine's Day date, this is it....

We've all had one at one point in our life. That one friend who we know we probably shouldn't have in our life that for some reason has burrowed his or her way in and just won't leave, probably because for some inexplicable reason we don't want them to. That type of unhealthy friendship is at the ...

Austin Lyric Opera's current production of The Marriage of Figaro clearly illustrates the brilliance and artistry of Mozart's music while poking fun at the hypocrisies of the upper class....

Ever been to Palm Springs? It's that strange Californian land were a few glistening and brilliant buildings punctuate the otherwise cold, desolate and uninteresting landscape. The same can be said of the Palm Springs set play Other Desert Cities. While the play, now playing at the Austin Playhous...