BWW Reviews: AUSTIN HOLIDAY PROJECT Is the Perfect Alternative Christmas Show
by Jeff Davis - December 18, 2013
With The Austin Holiday Project, Austin Theatre Project closes out their first full season with their first original show. While it might not be as flashy or extravagant as other holiday offerings, its phenomenal cast and intimate, personal vibe make it a show to add to your Christmas list.
by Jeff Davis - December 18, 2013
With The Austin Holiday Project, Austin Theatre Project closes out their first full season with their first original show. While it might not be as flashy or extravagant as other holiday offerings, its phenomenal cast and intimate, personal vibe make it a show to add to your Christmas list.
BWW Reviews: World Premiere of WE WERE NOTHING! Shows the Downfalls of Virtual Communication
by Jeff Davis - December 17, 2013
While Arbery does a damn good job at illustrating the limits of virtual conversation and cleverly uses text jargon in his dialogue, the piece does fall into the trap I was warned about. If the point is that the characters can't fully connect through social media, will the audience have the same problem connecting to the characters and their story?
by Jeff Davis - December 17, 2013
While Arbery does a damn good job at illustrating the limits of virtual conversation and cleverly uses text jargon in his dialogue, the piece does fall into the trap I was warned about. If the point is that the characters can't fully connect through social media, will the audience have the same problem connecting to the characters and their story?
BWW Reviews: Penfold's WONDERFUL LIFE Is Still Wonderful
by Jeff Davis - December 11, 2013
Last year, I saw Penfold Theatre Company's annual production of It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play for the first time. I loved the show and gave it a rave review. My reaction this year is no different. Now in its 3rd year, Penfold's It's a Wonderful Life is just as delightful as ever.
by Jeff Davis - December 11, 2013
Last year, I saw Penfold Theatre Company's annual production of It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play for the first time. I loved the show and gave it a rave review. My reaction this year is no different. Now in its 3rd year, Penfold's It's a Wonderful Life is just as delightful as ever.
BWW Reviews: MEMPHIS Is An Electric, Rousing Must-See
by Jeff Davis - December 11, 2013
Original musicals are tough to come by nowadays. For every mammoth hit like Wicked or Book of Mormon, there's a short-lived flop like First Date or Glory Days. And then there are shows like Memphis that wind up somewhere in the middle. The show picked up 4 2010 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Score, and had a nearly three year run on Broadway. That's not bad, but judging by the current national tour currently playing Bass Concert Hall, Memphis deserved much better. With an exhilarating blues and rock score, breathtaking choreography, and more than a few astounding performers, Memphis is a massive crowd-pleaser.
by Jeff Davis - December 11, 2013
Original musicals are tough to come by nowadays. For every mammoth hit like Wicked or Book of Mormon, there's a short-lived flop like First Date or Glory Days. And then there are shows like Memphis that wind up somewhere in the middle. The show picked up 4 2010 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Score, and had a nearly three year run on Broadway. That's not bad, but judging by the current national tour currently playing Bass Concert Hall, Memphis deserved much better. With an exhilarating blues and rock score, breathtaking choreography, and more than a few astounding performers, Memphis is a massive crowd-pleaser.
BWW Reviews: STEEL MAGNOLIAS Shines at City Theatre
by Jeff Davis - December 10, 2013
There's a lightning-in-a-bottle quality that permeates Steel Magnolias. With a cast that includes Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, and Julia Roberts, it's no surprise that the film version was such a hit and continues to be an enduring classic. But the true power of Steel Magnolias is its story and themes of the bonds between women, and that's exactly why City Theatre's production of the play is such a success. Director Andy Berkovsky and his incredible cast of six aren't interested in replicating Sally, Dolly, Shirley, Daryl, Olympia, and Julia. They're interested in creating original characters with deep friendships.
by Jeff Davis - December 10, 2013
There's a lightning-in-a-bottle quality that permeates Steel Magnolias. With a cast that includes Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, and Julia Roberts, it's no surprise that the film version was such a hit and continues to be an enduring classic. But the true power of Steel Magnolias is its story and themes of the bonds between women, and that's exactly why City Theatre's production of the play is such a success. Director Andy Berkovsky and his incredible cast of six aren't interested in replicating Sally, Dolly, Shirley, Daryl, Olympia, and Julia. They're interested in creating original characters with deep friendships.
BWW Reviews: AND THEN THERE WERE NONE Is Enjoyable But Has Some Text Issues
by Jeff Davis - December 10, 2013
There's nothing like a good murder mystery, and writer Agatha Christie certainly made a career out of them. But while Christie penned 66 detective novels and several plays, I stop short of calling her an expert at the mystery genre. While mystery depends on surprises, Christie often uses conventional devices, and that's the only problem with Austin Playhouse's otherwise stellar production of And Then There Were None. While the company gives it their all, there's a lingering feeling that you've seen this before.
by Jeff Davis - December 10, 2013
There's nothing like a good murder mystery, and writer Agatha Christie certainly made a career out of them. But while Christie penned 66 detective novels and several plays, I stop short of calling her an expert at the mystery genre. While mystery depends on surprises, Christie often uses conventional devices, and that's the only problem with Austin Playhouse's otherwise stellar production of And Then There Were None. While the company gives it their all, there's a lingering feeling that you've seen this before.
BWW Reviews: Different Stages' ARSENIC AND OLD LACE Is Murderously Fun
by Jeff Davis - December 10, 2013
When December rolls around, it's customary for theater companies to scramble around for Holiday-themed fare. As beloved as Holiday shows are, it's refreshing when companies like Different Stages mount something decidedly in opposition of the trend. With its strong and hysterically funny production of Arsenic and Old Lace, Different Stages essentially defines how to successfully pull off counter-Holiday programming in Austin.
by Jeff Davis - December 10, 2013
When December rolls around, it's customary for theater companies to scramble around for Holiday-themed fare. As beloved as Holiday shows are, it's refreshing when companies like Different Stages mount something decidedly in opposition of the trend. With its strong and hysterically funny production of Arsenic and Old Lace, Different Stages essentially defines how to successfully pull off counter-Holiday programming in Austin.
TexARTS to Present A COOL YULE Holiday Concert, 12/20-21
by BWW News Desk - December 10, 2013
The TexARTS Cabaret Series will offer the original holiday-themed revue "A Cool Yule" Dec. 20 and 21 at 7:00 p.m.
by BWW News Desk - December 10, 2013
The TexARTS Cabaret Series will offer the original holiday-themed revue "A Cool Yule" Dec. 20 and 21 at 7:00 p.m.
THE LANGUAGE ARCHIVE to Open 1/10 at City Theater
by BWW News Desk - December 09, 2013
Different Stages continues its 2013 - 2014 season with Julia Cho's prize winning play The Language Archive. George is a man consumed with preserving and documenting the dying languages of far-flung cultures. Closer to home, though, language is failing him. He doesn't know what to say to his wife, Mary to keep her from leaving him, and he doesn't recognize the deep feelings that his lab assistant, Emma has for him. Language and love are the twin themes of this loopy excursion into the difficulty of finding words for what lies in our hearts. A Susan Smith Blackburn Prize winner, this lyrical, quirky comedy offers a gorgeous look at the power of words and the private languages that love inspires.
by BWW News Desk - December 09, 2013
Different Stages continues its 2013 - 2014 season with Julia Cho's prize winning play The Language Archive. George is a man consumed with preserving and documenting the dying languages of far-flung cultures. Closer to home, though, language is failing him. He doesn't know what to say to his wife, Mary to keep her from leaving him, and he doesn't recognize the deep feelings that his lab assistant, Emma has for him. Language and love are the twin themes of this loopy excursion into the difficulty of finding words for what lies in our hearts. A Susan Smith Blackburn Prize winner, this lyrical, quirky comedy offers a gorgeous look at the power of words and the private languages that love inspires.
ZACH to Present IN THE NEXT ROOM, OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY, 1/29-2/23
by BWW News Desk - December 08, 2013
ZACH Theatre is pleased to bring you IN THE NEXT ROOM OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY playing January 29-Feburary 23, 2013 on stage at the Topfer Theatre. A stimulating, funny and provocative new Broadway hit set in a prim upper class Victorian home, where a gentleman doctor has invented an extraordinary and mysterious device for treating 'hysteria.' His wife overhears mystifying sounds emanating in the next room and sees patients leaving in blissful health. This smart comedy ponders marriage and intimacy, and what it truly means to find connection. Contains adult situations and brief nudity.
by BWW News Desk - December 08, 2013
ZACH Theatre is pleased to bring you IN THE NEXT ROOM OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY playing January 29-Feburary 23, 2013 on stage at the Topfer Theatre. A stimulating, funny and provocative new Broadway hit set in a prim upper class Victorian home, where a gentleman doctor has invented an extraordinary and mysterious device for treating 'hysteria.' His wife overhears mystifying sounds emanating in the next room and sees patients leaving in blissful health. This smart comedy ponders marriage and intimacy, and what it truly means to find connection. Contains adult situations and brief nudity.
A Chick & A Dude Productions to Stage THE WHALE, 2/20-3/15
by BWW News Desk - December 08, 2013
Samuel D. Hunter's haunting Off-Broadway smash-tragicomedy The Whale will receive its fifth production worldwide in Austin TX-Spring 2014-following successful runs at The Denver Center, Victory Gardens, South Coast Rep, and Playwrights Horizons in NYC. Austin's own A Chick & A Dude Productions will present the show at Hyde Park Theatre (511 W. 43rd St.) Thursdays through Saturdays, February 20-March 15, 2014. Curtain at 8pm. Tickets are sliding-scale "pick-your-price," $15-$30 ($10-$30 Thursdays.) Discount tickets for $10 good for any show are available to all Active Duty or retired Military, Police, Fire Department, EMS, and Medical Field employees. For more information, tickets or reservations, please visit www.achickandadude.com
by BWW News Desk - December 08, 2013
Samuel D. Hunter's haunting Off-Broadway smash-tragicomedy The Whale will receive its fifth production worldwide in Austin TX-Spring 2014-following successful runs at The Denver Center, Victory Gardens, South Coast Rep, and Playwrights Horizons in NYC. Austin's own A Chick & A Dude Productions will present the show at Hyde Park Theatre (511 W. 43rd St.) Thursdays through Saturdays, February 20-March 15, 2014. Curtain at 8pm. Tickets are sliding-scale "pick-your-price," $15-$30 ($10-$30 Thursdays.) Discount tickets for $10 good for any show are available to all Active Duty or retired Military, Police, Fire Department, EMS, and Medical Field employees. For more information, tickets or reservations, please visit www.achickandadude.com
12th Annual Cherrrywood Art Fair Kicks Off Today
by BWW News Desk - December 07, 2013
Once again, the Chula League's 12th annual Cherrywood Art Fair (CAF) has succeeded in cherry-picking the top artists and makers in Central Texas for its annual two-day event, perfect for celebrating the holiday spirit and the Maker Movement with unique, locally made art, live music and creative activities for the whole family.
by BWW News Desk - December 07, 2013
Once again, the Chula League's 12th annual Cherrywood Art Fair (CAF) has succeeded in cherry-picking the top artists and makers in Central Texas for its annual two-day event, perfect for celebrating the holiday spirit and the Maker Movement with unique, locally made art, live music and creative activities for the whole family.
BWW Reviews: World Premiere of THE FAULT Runs into Character Development Problems
by Jeff Davis - December 06, 2013
Original pieces of theater are a tricky business. For every well-crafted, well-received new work, there are countless others that are less successful, to put it mildly. The Fault, a new drama by UT-Austin M.F.A. candidate Katie Bender, falls into the second category. While Bender does have a few interesting idea and glimmers of a strong central character, the ideas and the play as a whole feel unfinished, underdeveloped, and tediously dull.
by Jeff Davis - December 06, 2013
Original pieces of theater are a tricky business. For every well-crafted, well-received new work, there are countless others that are less successful, to put it mildly. The Fault, a new drama by UT-Austin M.F.A. candidate Katie Bender, falls into the second category. While Bender does have a few interesting idea and glimmers of a strong central character, the ideas and the play as a whole feel unfinished, underdeveloped, and tediously dull.
Gale Theatre to Stage FLORENCE, 12/6-15
by BWW News Desk - December 06, 2013
From the newly formed Gale Theatre Company, in collaboration with the City of Austin and Bottle Alley Theatre Company, comes FLORENCE. Directed by Katherine Wilkinson, choreographed by Celina Chapin, and created by the Gale Ensemble, Florence tells the story of Florence Lawrence, America's "First Movie Star."
by BWW News Desk - December 06, 2013
From the newly formed Gale Theatre Company, in collaboration with the City of Austin and Bottle Alley Theatre Company, comes FLORENCE. Directed by Katherine Wilkinson, choreographed by Celina Chapin, and created by the Gale Ensemble, Florence tells the story of Florence Lawrence, America's "First Movie Star."
Christopher Durang's MRS. BOB CRATCHIT'S WILD CHRISTMAS BINGE Opens Tonight at Sam Bass Community Theatre
by BWW News Desk - December 06, 2013
'Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge' by Christopher Durang opens tonight, December 6th at Sam Bass Community Theatre. Directed by Laura Vohs. Choreography by CiCi Barone.
by BWW News Desk - December 06, 2013
'Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge' by Christopher Durang opens tonight, December 6th at Sam Bass Community Theatre. Directed by Laura Vohs. Choreography by CiCi Barone.
Artist's Way with Ann Ciccolella Held Every Wednesday Through 12/18
by BWW News Desk - December 05, 2013
Ann Ciccolella (Artistic Director of Austin Shakespeare) welcomes everyone who is intrigued by refreshing their creative spirit to join her Artist's Way group from 12 noon-1 pm Wednesdays at THE HIDEOUT, 617 CONGRESS usually in the theater.
by BWW News Desk - December 05, 2013
Ann Ciccolella (Artistic Director of Austin Shakespeare) welcomes everyone who is intrigued by refreshing their creative spirit to join her Artist's Way group from 12 noon-1 pm Wednesdays at THE HIDEOUT, 617 CONGRESS usually in the theater.
BWW Exclusive: Blue Lapis Light's REMAKE HOME Brings Dance to Teens
by Jeff Davis - December 04, 2013
Last night, Blue Lapis Light, Austin's renowned aerial Dance Company, opened Remake Home. The two night event, which closes this evening, is produced by Blue Lapis Light's youth outreach program, Youth Taking Flight. Youth Taking Flight focuses on teenagers and uses movement to instill confidence and open students to new paths of listening and learning.
by Jeff Davis - December 04, 2013
Last night, Blue Lapis Light, Austin's renowned aerial Dance Company, opened Remake Home. The two night event, which closes this evening, is produced by Blue Lapis Light's youth outreach program, Youth Taking Flight. Youth Taking Flight focuses on teenagers and uses movement to instill confidence and open students to new paths of listening and learning.
BWW Reviews: Wimberley Players Presents Charming, Professional YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN
by Jeff Davis - December 03, 2013
In the final number of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, the world's favorite blockhead and his iconic pals reflect on what happiness is. In a moment that mixes existential philosophy and childlike curiosity in a way that only Charles Schultz can do, the Peanuts gang determines that happiness is as simple as finding a pencil or three kinds of ice cream.
by Jeff Davis - December 03, 2013
In the final number of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, the world's favorite blockhead and his iconic pals reflect on what happiness is. In a moment that mixes existential philosophy and childlike curiosity in a way that only Charles Schultz can do, the Peanuts gang determines that happiness is as simple as finding a pencil or three kinds of ice cream.
BWW Interviews: MEMPHIS Tour Star Jasmin Richardson
by Kathy Strain - December 03, 2013
Jasmin Richardson joined the touring cast of MEMPHIS in September and she talked to me about what it's like to play Felicia and how she grew up in Houston, Texas.
by Kathy Strain - December 03, 2013
Jasmin Richardson joined the touring cast of MEMPHIS in September and she talked to me about what it's like to play Felicia and how she grew up in Houston, Texas.
UT at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance Debuts Katie Bender's THE FAULT, Now thru 12/7
by BWW News Desk - December 03, 2013
The University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance presents the premiere engagement of new a play by Katie Bender, The Fault today, December 3-7 at the Oscar G. Brockett Theatre.
by BWW News Desk - December 03, 2013
The University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance presents the premiere engagement of new a play by Katie Bender, The Fault today, December 3-7 at the Oscar G. Brockett Theatre.
BWW Reviews: PETER PAN at Georgetown Palace Is A Magical Delight
by Jeff Davis - December 02, 2013
Anyone who's seen a production of Peter Pan, or at least one of the televised versions starring Mary Martin or Cathy Rigby, knows that there's a moment late in the evening in which Peter turns to the audience and begs everyone to clap their hands if they believe in fairies. It's a moment that easily measures the success of the production. If the show isn't connecting with the audience, Peter's pleas are met with a smattering of golf claps. But at the Georgetown Palace, that iconic moment is met with deafening applause and cheers.
by Jeff Davis - December 02, 2013
Anyone who's seen a production of Peter Pan, or at least one of the televised versions starring Mary Martin or Cathy Rigby, knows that there's a moment late in the evening in which Peter turns to the audience and begs everyone to clap their hands if they believe in fairies. It's a moment that easily measures the success of the production. If the show isn't connecting with the audience, Peter's pleas are met with a smattering of golf claps. But at the Georgetown Palace, that iconic moment is met with deafening applause and cheers.
Salvage Vanguard Theater to Present YOU'RE THE BOSS! Camp, 1/6-2/10
by BWW News Desk - December 02, 2013
Salvage Vanguard Theater has announced You're The Boss!, a playmaking workshop.
by BWW News Desk - December 02, 2013
Salvage Vanguard Theater has announced You're The Boss!, a playmaking workshop.
Hideout Theatre Presents BIG BASH HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA this Month
by BWW News Desk - December 02, 2013
This Holiday season, The Hideout Theatre is welcoming a new show to its line-up. This new creation is a perfect night out for improv comedy fans and people who have never seen improv. Beginning in December, every Friday night at 8 p.m., The Big Bash Holiday Extravaganza will feature an all-star line-up of performers giving audiences a funny, smart, and entertaining evening out. Once the holiday run is over, the show will switch to The Big Bash: All-Star Improv and will continue its run. Tickets to each show cost $15 and are available online at www.hideouttheatre.com. Performances start December 6 at 8 p.m. The Hideout Theatre is located at 617 Congress Ave. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.
by BWW News Desk - December 02, 2013
This Holiday season, The Hideout Theatre is welcoming a new show to its line-up. This new creation is a perfect night out for improv comedy fans and people who have never seen improv. Beginning in December, every Friday night at 8 p.m., The Big Bash Holiday Extravaganza will feature an all-star line-up of performers giving audiences a funny, smart, and entertaining evening out. Once the holiday run is over, the show will switch to The Big Bash: All-Star Improv and will continue its run. Tickets to each show cost $15 and are available online at www.hideouttheatre.com. Performances start December 6 at 8 p.m. The Hideout Theatre is located at 617 Congress Ave. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.
Gale Theatre to Stage FLORENCE, 12/6-15
by BWW News Desk - November 30, 2013
From the newly formed Gale Theatre Company, in collaboration with the City of Austin and Bottle Alley Theatre Company, comes FLORENCE. Directed by Katherine Wilkinson, choreographed by Celina Chapin, and created by the Gale Ensemble, Florence tells the story of Florence Lawrence, America's "First Movie Star."
by BWW News Desk - November 30, 2013
From the newly formed Gale Theatre Company, in collaboration with the City of Austin and Bottle Alley Theatre Company, comes FLORENCE. Directed by Katherine Wilkinson, choreographed by Celina Chapin, and created by the Gale Ensemble, Florence tells the story of Florence Lawrence, America's "First Movie Star."
Photo Flash: City Theatre's STEEL MAGNOLIAS Opens Tonight
by BWW News Desk - November 30, 2013
Robert Harling's wisecracking and wise southern hit comedy STEEL MAGNOLIAS, serving up life, love and laughter that's as warm and comforting as sweet potato pie, will run at the City Theatre, tonight, November 30 through December 22, 2013. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!
by BWW News Desk - November 30, 2013
Robert Harling's wisecracking and wise southern hit comedy STEEL MAGNOLIAS, serving up life, love and laughter that's as warm and comforting as sweet potato pie, will run at the City Theatre, tonight, November 30 through December 22, 2013. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!
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