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Hill Country Community Theatre Presents Rodgers And Hammerstein's STATE FAIR
by BWW News Desk - June 27, 2018
The Hill Country Community Theatre presents its summer musical production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "State Fair", July 19 through August 5.  Based on the screenplay by Oscar Hammerstein II and the novel by Phil Strong, "State Fair" is written by Tom Briggs and Louis Mattioli, with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.  It is directed by Les Young with choreography by Kristi Stere.
J. Robert Moore on Sixty Years of the Zilker Summer Musical and ALL SHOOK UP
by Frank Benge - June 27, 2018
Who hasn't been to one of the Broadway musical gems that play out in the open air amphitheatre during these blistering hot Austin summers? A gift to the community, the Zilker Summer Musical has been part of Austin for sixty years now. Always free to the public, this year's offering is ALL SHOOK UP, a jukebox musical from 2004 setting Elvis Presley's music to a book by Joe DiPietro. The story is based on William Shakespeare's 1602 play Twelfth Night. Since 1959, audiences have placed their blankets and lawn chairs under the stars at the Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater to be treated to such Broadway hits as Hairspray, The Sound of Music, The Music Man, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Oklahoma, The Unsinkable Molly Brown and L'il Abner to name just a few. Shows that, in many cases, no other theatre in town would produce. BroadwayWorld recently had the opportunity to sit down with J. Robert Moore, the Artistic Director of Zilker Theatre Productions to talk about the Zilker musical as well as the organization.
April De Angelis' PLAYHOUSE CREATURES To Make Austin Premiere
by BWW News Desk - June 25, 2018
Continuing the 2018 sizzlin' summer season, The City Theatre Company presents the celebrated stage play Playhouse Creatures by April De Angelis. The inspiring story of the first actresses of England and their determination to transform all of the theatre world. The production makes its Austin premiere, directed by guest artist Lindsay McKenna, and running July 13 - August 5.
BWW Review: HEISENBERG at Zach Theatre
by Rex Stanfield - June 24, 2018
Jaston Williams Stars in I'M NOT LYING at The Grand 1894 Opera House
by BWW News Desk - June 23, 2018
On Today, June 23 at 2pm and 8pm, The Grand 1894 Opera House kicks off their Summer Season of 'Music & Laughter this Summer at The Grand' with Greater Tuna's award-winning star, Jaston Williams. Williams will perform in the new production 'I'm Not Lying!' Tickets may be purchased at The Grand's Box Office, 2020 Postoffice Street, by calling 409.765.1894, 800.821.1894, or online at www.thegrand.com.
Photo Flash: ZACH Theatre Stages HEISENBERG
by BWW News Desk - June 22, 2018
ZACH Theatre presents the Austin premiere of the play, Heisenberg.  Written by the same Tony Award-winning playwright as The Curious Incident of the Dog of the Night-Time, Heisenberg plays The Kleberg at ZACH Theatre from June 20-July 22, 2018 under the direction of Nat Miller, Director of Education at ZACH Theatre.
Jarrott Productions Announces Cast Of SIGNIFICANT OTHER
by BWW News Desk - June 19, 2018
Jarrott Productions is pleased to announce the cast of its opening play of Season IV, Joshua Harmon's SIGNIFICANT OTHER. Will Douglas plays Jordan Berman who is looking for 'Mr. Right' and finds that it's easier said than done! Playing his three closest friends are Susan Myburgh (Laura), Kelsey Mazak (Kiki) and Natalie Garcia (Vanessa). Austin theatre veteran Janelle Buchanan returns to Jarrott Productions as Jordan's grandmother, Helene. Rounding out the cast are Tanner Smith and Sam Howard, each playing multiple roles as some of the men who connect with Jordan-or don't.
BWW Review: THE AFTERPARTY Moves Through The Metaphor in East Austin, TX
by Amy Tarver - June 19, 2018
Entering through a doorway into a hazy house, AFTER PARTY tells the story of young Claire Leverrier tormented by the death of her childhood crush Devon. Or is it? Written by Reina Hardy in its world premiere, AFTER PARTY moves through a love story creating a modern day mythological tale of how stargazing can score you a ticket to a party at the end of the universe. Beginning with a small light in the darkness, much like the known universe, the light grows to reveal a hillside perfect to observe the stars. Playfully interacting with one another, Claire and Devon wrestle and dance but never kiss. Creating tension of young love that propels Claire's journey to self-discovery as she embarks on her search for life.
BWW Review: BOOTH'S RICHARD III - Gloriously Reborn
by Lynn Beaver - June 18, 2018
Recreated from John Wilkes Booth's personal prompt book, The Hidden Room in conjunction with The Harry Ransom Center present a hybrid version of RICHARD III that hasn't been seen on stage since 1864. Gloriously reborn from the pages of history, this is the villain king like you've never seen him before.
Photo Flash: First Look at RUTHLESS! The Dream-Big, Malicious (but Delicious) Musical Comedy
by BWW News Desk - June 18, 2018
To kick-off the summer 2018 season, City Theatre Austin is thrilled to present Marvin Laird and Joey Paley's wild musical comedy Ruthless! The Musical.
BWW Review: RUTHLESS! Unfortunately Misses The Mark
by Frank Benge - June 18, 2018
RUTHLESS! is a musical spoof of show business with music by Marvin Laird and book and lyrics by Joel Paley that not only spoofs Broadway musicals, but is also a satire of non-musical movies about showbiz such as All About Eve. The musical premiered Off-Broadway in 1992. The show won the 1993 New York Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical.
BWW Review: RUDDIGORE - Gilbert & Sullivan Austin's Summer Grand Production
by Lynn Beaver - June 16, 2018
Gilbert & Sullivan Austin has a long, glorious past of traditionally amazing shows. Unfortunately their current production of RUDDIGORE is a mixed bag and doesn't come off as well as it likely could.
BWW Review: THE BOOK OF LIZ - Different Stages Strikes Comic Gold
by Lynn Beaver - June 15, 2018
Different Stages has a reputation for bringing excellent theatre to the Austin stage and THE BOOK OF LIZ is no different. Supreme silliness and laughs galore fill the performance space at Trinity Street Theatre for the space 90 minutes of great, quirky entertainment.
Austin Opera, Ballet Austin, Paramount Theatre And Zach Theatre Announce The 2018–19 ATX Arts Pass
by BWW News Desk - June 15, 2018
Austin's four premier nonprofit performing arts organizations-Austin Opera, Ballet Austin, The Paramount Theatre, and ZACH Theatre-have partnered to create the ATX Arts Pass. The 2018-19 ATX Arts Pass gives a taste of Austin's performing arts organizations at one low price with four hand-picked performances: Shinyribs (The Paramount Theatre), The Nutcracker (Ballet Austin), Hedwig and the Angry Inch (ZACH Theatre), and La boheme (Austin Opera). ATX Arts Pass holders are encouraged to have their passport stamped at all four events, allowing them the opportunity to attend a special Passport Holder Season End Celebration.
'A' (WHAT THE BLACK GIRL FOUND WHILE SEARCHING FOR GOD) Heads to Ground Floor Theatre
by BWW News Desk - June 13, 2018
'A' is at war. In a constant battle with herself and the world around her, 'A' takes comfort in her relationship with God, her patient and compassionate friend who offers 'A' stillness and understanding. But just as she thinks she's finally come to understand her own existence, God goes missing leaving 'A' to confront an antagonistic Narrator whose true identity may lead her to the peace she so desperately hopes to find.
New Web Series Announced About The Black Theatre Circuit
by BWW News Desk - June 13, 2018
Austin award nominated Playwright Robert King Jr. (' For The Love Of Mahalia', ' CICI', ' The Voices Of Donny Hathaway') partners with newcomer Terrance Jamal to bring the Black Theatre Scene to TV in their new web series 'Sun-Kissed'. The new urban dictionary phrase used to describe a person of color or African- American decent who has been tinted by the sun. This new web series is centered around the life of gay black playwright Sonny Henderson.
Peter Bay on Texas-sized production of 'MASS: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players and Dancers'
by Frank Benge - June 13, 2018
Leonard Bernstein is an American treasure. He was one of the first American born conductors to receive worldwide acclaim. His fame is derived not only from his long tenure as the music director of the New York Philharmonic, but also from his conducting most of the world's leading orchestras, and from his prodigious body of music as the composer of West Side Story, Peter Pan, Candide, Wonderful Town, On the Town, On the Waterfront, MASS and a range of other compositions, including three symphonies and many shorter chamber and solo works. Bernstein was the first conductor to give a series of television lectures on classical music, primarily aimed at youth, starting in 1954 and continuing until his death. As a composer, he has created pieces that are, without question, part of the fabric of our lives. 'MASS: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers' was composed by Leonard Bernstein with text by Bernstein and additional text and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Commissioned by Jacqueline Kennedy, it premiered on September 8, 1971. The performance was part of the opening of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Austin will have the rare opportunity to experience this glorious piece as part of the Bernstein at 100 celebration this month. BroadwayWorld recently had the opportunity to talk to conductor Peter Bay, Musical Director and Conductor of the Austin Symphony Orchestra about the upcoming production.
TexARTS Academy Presents SHREK THE MUSICAL, JR
by BWW News Desk - June 13, 2018
Join TexARTS Youth Musical Theatre Academy for their Summer production of Shrek The Musical, Jr. Performances are scheduled for June 22 - 24 at the Kam & James Morris Theatre at TexARTS (2300 Lohman's Spur, Suite 160 Austin, Texas 78734).
BWW Review: STATIC AN EVENING CASEY WIMPEE TRANSMISSIONS - A Work of Stunning Lyrical Genius
by Lynn Beaver - June 12, 2018
Theatre Synesthesia scores again with three short pieces by playwright Casey Wimpee. Directed by America Archer, and acted by a talented quartet of actors the evening of theatre is filled with a poetic rhythm that is awe inspiring and compelling.
BWW Review: SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE Paints a Fantastic Piece of Theatre in Austin TX
by Amy Tarver - June 12, 2018
Utilizing his own genius and artistic experiences, Stephen Sondheim paints the picture of an artist's life work through pointillist painter, George Seurat. In SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, George's characterizations are fictionalized by Sondheim, telling the story of the artist chasing his masterpiece. However this famous artist's painting that this show is based on is very real: A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. Creatively springing to life with it's variety of personalities throughout the park, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE creates disposition and purpose for the subjects the artist is sketching. The pointillist's sweating muse is a young parisian woman named Dot, who is clearly a little grumpy from waking up so early to stand in the sun to be painted. From the top of the show, this introduces theme of sacrifice, both by the artist and those close to their work. As the Sunday morning progresses, more Parisian characters roll onto the stage displaying the Island of La Grande Jatte in 1884 as conceivably the trendiest brunching spot in modern day. As the different storylines begin to mix, much like the paint in George's brush strokes, Dot begins to feel alone posing idly. As a bystander in her own story as rather than the focus of a romance with her lover George, Dot arrives at a crossroads in her life. George's obsessing over his use of the colors red and blue in his famous painting reflect the hot and cold nature of his current love affair. Travelling a century into the future and revealing the heartache of networking within the arts community, the story quantifies the aftermath of a masterpiece. SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE examines the impact of an artist both during creation and in the distant future.
BWW Review: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Dazzles Under the Stars in Outdoor Performance in Round Rock, TX.
by Amy Tarver - June 11, 2018
Inviting guests to enjoy MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING in the open air amphitheatre in downtown Round Rock, Penfold Theatre presents a delightful adaptation of this Shakespearean classic. Traditionally classified as a comedy, the comedic elements were matched note for note with somber country western style songs - making this interpretation a dramedy for your viewing pleasure. At the heart of our story are two couples, thriving in desperation and desire at any given time in respect to their ingenue and sarcastic style of speech, they echoe classic Shakespearean qualities. As the character's continue intertwining, Claudio (played by Nathan Daniel Ford) declares his affection for fair Hero (played by Emily Christine Smith) these two are quickly swoon and a wedding date is set. A trick is hatched to play on funny man Benedick (played by Nathan Jerkins) and fiery Beatrice (played by Jennifer Coy Jennings) to falsely reveal the others affections through not-so-private conversations from other characters. Resorting back to childish tactics apparently has worked on people for centuries as their attraction for each other begins to bloom. However a more tricky foil comes to fruition when Don John (played by Suzanne Balling) falsely reveals Hero's infidelity the night before her wedding to young Claudio. Outraged by the thought of an unfaithful partner, Claudio rages away from the wedding altar cursing Hero's name for her promiscuity. The stage is set, the plot is hot and the characters are clamoring to protect one another and come out on top.
BWW Review: LUCKY STIFF Stylishly Executed Musical Souffle
by Frank Benge - June 10, 2018
LUCKY STIFF is a musical farce with lyrics and libretto by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty, that is notable historically for several things. To begin with, It was the first collaboration for the team whose later collaborations include Ragtime and Once On This Island. It was created and performed at Playwrights Horizons off-Broadway in 1988, and won the Richard Rodgers Award for that year. LUCKY STIFF is based on a 1983 novel The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo by Michael Butterworth. It received a full production in London's West End in 1997 but, to date, has never had a Broadway production. In 2015, a film version was created but it has only been seen at film festivals.
Hill Country Community Theatre Tickets On Sale For ANNIE JR.
by BWW News Desk - June 08, 2018
The Hill Country Community Theatre presents the musical "Annie Jr." for four performances only!  Tickets are now on sale!
VIDEO: First Look at SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE at ZACH Theatre
by BWW News Desk - June 08, 2018
Pulitzer and Tony Award®-winning musical, Sunday in the Park with George comes to ZACH's Topfer Stage. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, Sunday in the Park with George plays from May 30-June 24, 2018 under the direction of Producing Artistic Director Dave Steakley with musical direction by Allen Robertson.
BWW Review: 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE - Can You Spell Awesome?
by Lynn Beaver - June 08, 2018
The Georgetown Palace Theatre has a reputation for doing the big, classic musicals, those huge shows that are barely contained within the walls of the Springer Stage. In contrast 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is a modern show with an ensemble cast of just nine actors (a very small cast by Palace standards) it certainly overwhelms in entertainment value.

Videos


Anything Goes in Austin Anything Goes
Bastrop Opera House (7/17 - 8/2)
Murder on the Orient Express in Austin Murder on the Orient Express
Zach Theater (1/21 - 3/1)
C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters (Austin, TX) in Austin C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters (Austin, TX)
Bass Concert Hall (4/12 - 4/12)
Man of the People by Dolores Diaz in Austin Man of the People by Dolores Diaz
Trinity Street Playhouse (1/9 - 1/24)
Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic in Austin Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic
Bastrop Opera House (5/22 - 5/31)
Swan Lake: International Ballet Stars in Kerrville, TX! On April 09, 2026 in Austin Swan Lake: International Ballet Stars in Kerrville, TX! On April 09, 2026
The Cailloux Theater (4/9 - 4/9)
SIX in Austin SIX
Bass Concert Hall at the University of Texas in Austin (1/20 - 1/25)
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