Austin's Michelle Polgar Receives Equity's Lucy Jordan Award
by BWW News Desk - March 06, 2018
Michelle Polgar, a leader in the Austin arts community, has been named the recipient of the Lucy Jordan Award. Polgar was presented the award at Equity's Austin/San Antonio area membership meeting in February.
by BWW News Desk - March 06, 2018
Michelle Polgar, a leader in the Austin arts community, has been named the recipient of the Lucy Jordan Award. Polgar was presented the award at Equity's Austin/San Antonio area membership meeting in February.
The Baron's Men Present THE CURATE SHAKESPEARE AS YOU LIKE IT
by BWW News Desk - March 05, 2018
Tickets for the current production of The Baron's Men, The Curate Shakespeare As You Like It, are still available for the two final weekends. When Don Nigro, the author, was asked to adapt As You Like It so that it could be performed by seven people, he devised an original work about a ragtag group of players who must present Shakespeare's play in the face of near-impossible challenges. Since its creation, it has become an underground comic classic. This production is Austin's premiere, and it is presented with special arrangement by Samuel French.
by BWW News Desk - March 05, 2018
Tickets for the current production of The Baron's Men, The Curate Shakespeare As You Like It, are still available for the two final weekends. When Don Nigro, the author, was asked to adapt As You Like It so that it could be performed by seven people, he devised an original work about a ragtag group of players who must present Shakespeare's play in the face of near-impossible challenges. Since its creation, it has become an underground comic classic. This production is Austin's premiere, and it is presented with special arrangement by Samuel French.
BWW Review: MAME - Classic Steps Onto The Palace Stage
by Lynn Beaver - March 05, 2018
Classic stage spectacle, MAME by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee with lyrics by Jerry Herman, makes its way to the Georgetown Palace Theatre to take away the winter blues and get your toes tapping.
by Lynn Beaver - March 05, 2018
Classic stage spectacle, MAME by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee with lyrics by Jerry Herman, makes its way to the Georgetown Palace Theatre to take away the winter blues and get your toes tapping.
BWW Review: Texas Light Opera Inagural Production of THE LAST FIVE YEARS is a Winner
by Frank Benge - March 04, 2018
THE LAST FIVE YEARS is a 2001 off-Broadway musical by Jason Robert Brown that took the author's own failed marriage to Theresa O'Neill as inspiration for this intimate yet powerful musical. It was also adapted into a film in 2015. The story is a look at the five-year relationship between Jamie Wellerstein, a rising novelist, and Cathy Hiatt, a struggling actress. Structurally, it is unique in that the story is not only mostly sung through, with just the barest of spoken dialogue, but also in how it tells the story from two different perspectives. Jamie (Joseph Urick) tells the story chronologically, while Cathy (Ginger Martel) tells the story backward. They only sing together once, during their wedding in the middle of the show. While the characters do sing together at the end, the songs are counterpoint to each other rather than both characters singing the same song. THE LAST FIVE YEARS is the inaugural tour being presented by ARIA Creative in association with the newly formed Texas Light Opera.
by Frank Benge - March 04, 2018
THE LAST FIVE YEARS is a 2001 off-Broadway musical by Jason Robert Brown that took the author's own failed marriage to Theresa O'Neill as inspiration for this intimate yet powerful musical. It was also adapted into a film in 2015. The story is a look at the five-year relationship between Jamie Wellerstein, a rising novelist, and Cathy Hiatt, a struggling actress. Structurally, it is unique in that the story is not only mostly sung through, with just the barest of spoken dialogue, but also in how it tells the story from two different perspectives. Jamie (Joseph Urick) tells the story chronologically, while Cathy (Ginger Martel) tells the story backward. They only sing together once, during their wedding in the middle of the show. While the characters do sing together at the end, the songs are counterpoint to each other rather than both characters singing the same song. THE LAST FIVE YEARS is the inaugural tour being presented by ARIA Creative in association with the newly formed Texas Light Opera.
BWW Review: Ken Webster Gives Tour de Force Performance in WAKEY WAKEY
by Frank Benge - March 03, 2018
'Is it now? I thought I had more time.' So begins Will Eno's new play WAKEY WAKEY, currently receiving a regional premiere production at Hyde Park Theatre. It is, in fact, only the second production of Eno's new work. These first words are spoken by Guy (Ken Webster), a man who is coming to terms with the knowledge that his time here on Earth is extremely limited. He is about to die. In a profoundly moving and luminously human meditation, Guy proceeds to utterly shatter the fourth wall in order to engage the audience in questioning why we are here and examining the various paths we take only to all arrive at the same place when all is said and done. WAKEY WAKEY is a subtly sublime examination of what, in the human experience, is actually worth celebrating and treasuring; and it does it while maintaining a decidedly dark, yet humorous tone. While this may sound like a depressing subject, Guy reminds us that 'We're not here to mope, right? We're here to listen to music and drink some grape juice, maybe get a free T-shirt. We're here to say goodbye, of course - there's always someone or something to say goodbye to, and it's important to honor the people whose shoulders we stood upon and fell asleep against.'
by Frank Benge - March 03, 2018
'Is it now? I thought I had more time.' So begins Will Eno's new play WAKEY WAKEY, currently receiving a regional premiere production at Hyde Park Theatre. It is, in fact, only the second production of Eno's new work. These first words are spoken by Guy (Ken Webster), a man who is coming to terms with the knowledge that his time here on Earth is extremely limited. He is about to die. In a profoundly moving and luminously human meditation, Guy proceeds to utterly shatter the fourth wall in order to engage the audience in questioning why we are here and examining the various paths we take only to all arrive at the same place when all is said and done. WAKEY WAKEY is a subtly sublime examination of what, in the human experience, is actually worth celebrating and treasuring; and it does it while maintaining a decidedly dark, yet humorous tone. While this may sound like a depressing subject, Guy reminds us that 'We're not here to mope, right? We're here to listen to music and drink some grape juice, maybe get a free T-shirt. We're here to say goodbye, of course - there's always someone or something to say goodbye to, and it's important to honor the people whose shoulders we stood upon and fell asleep against.'
Support Keeping Music Programs For Children Alive On Amplify Austin Day By Contributing To Grounded In Music
by BWW News Desk - March 01, 2018
Wanna hear a sad song? Throughout the country (and even here in the 'Live Music Capital of the World'), public schools are actually eliminating music programs. No band, no choir, no place for dreams to begin. Grounded in Music's sole mission is to leverage the power of music to transform young lives by creating self-confidence, opportunity and hope.
by BWW News Desk - March 01, 2018
Wanna hear a sad song? Throughout the country (and even here in the 'Live Music Capital of the World'), public schools are actually eliminating music programs. No band, no choir, no place for dreams to begin. Grounded in Music's sole mission is to leverage the power of music to transform young lives by creating self-confidence, opportunity and hope.
STRÜB Residential Announces Ninth Annual Flashback Benefit
by BWW News Desk - March 01, 2018
STRÜB Residential is thrilled to present the 9th Annual FLASHBACK, a retro dance party benefiting Explore Austin tomorrow, Friday, March 2, at The Parish, located at 214 E 6th St., Austin, TX 78701.
by BWW News Desk - March 01, 2018
STRÜB Residential is thrilled to present the 9th Annual FLASHBACK, a retro dance party benefiting Explore Austin tomorrow, Friday, March 2, at The Parish, located at 214 E 6th St., Austin, TX 78701.
BWW Review: ENRON Engaging and Thought Provoking High Tech Entertainment
by Frank Benge - February 27, 2018
ENRON is a 2009 play by British playwright Lucy Prebble. The play is based on the financial scandal and eventual collapse of the American energy corporation, Enron, based in Houston,Texas. Enron executive Jeffrey Skilling (Annemarie Alaniz) and his boss Ken Lay (Kayla Johnson) are the main characters along with Skilling's protege Andy Fastow (Caroline Beagles), who rises to become the chief financial officer. Prebble's play is a heady mix of multimedia razzle dazzle, morality play and political satire. To avoid being dry as dust, Prebble has taken complex financial concepts and framed them in terms of the entertainment world: market analysts become a boy band, the Lehman Brothers are presented as Siamese twins, Arthur Anderson is a ventriloquist act, to name just a few. Capitalism is, in general, presented as the tricks and illusions of the sideshow con man. Spanning the years between 1992 and the present, Prebble's play does take some dramatic license. Prebble makes Jeffrey Skilling, Enron's top executive, the main villain, instead of founder Kenneth Lay. Skilling gets the top job because of his vision of the future: Enron won't just provide natural gas; it will trade in energy, the internet, video streaming and even the weather. Skilling makes Andy Fastow the chief financial officer when he comes up with the plan to create shadow companies to disquise Enron's escalating debts as assets. Eventually, the whole corrupt bubble bursts.
by Frank Benge - February 27, 2018
ENRON is a 2009 play by British playwright Lucy Prebble. The play is based on the financial scandal and eventual collapse of the American energy corporation, Enron, based in Houston,Texas. Enron executive Jeffrey Skilling (Annemarie Alaniz) and his boss Ken Lay (Kayla Johnson) are the main characters along with Skilling's protege Andy Fastow (Caroline Beagles), who rises to become the chief financial officer. Prebble's play is a heady mix of multimedia razzle dazzle, morality play and political satire. To avoid being dry as dust, Prebble has taken complex financial concepts and framed them in terms of the entertainment world: market analysts become a boy band, the Lehman Brothers are presented as Siamese twins, Arthur Anderson is a ventriloquist act, to name just a few. Capitalism is, in general, presented as the tricks and illusions of the sideshow con man. Spanning the years between 1992 and the present, Prebble's play does take some dramatic license. Prebble makes Jeffrey Skilling, Enron's top executive, the main villain, instead of founder Kenneth Lay. Skilling gets the top job because of his vision of the future: Enron won't just provide natural gas; it will trade in energy, the internet, video streaming and even the weather. Skilling makes Andy Fastow the chief financial officer when he comes up with the plan to create shadow companies to disquise Enron's escalating debts as assets. Eventually, the whole corrupt bubble bursts.
BWW Review: AGENT ANDROMEDA: THE ORION CRUSADE Comical Camp Cosmic Circus Caper
by Frank Benge - February 27, 2018
AGENT ANDROMEDA: THE ORION CRUSADE answers that age old question: 'what would the love child of Cirque du Soleil and Flesh Gordon look like?'. The answer is this riotously funny burlesque science fiction production that is part brilliant aerial work and part circus spectacle. The piece may have been inspired by sci-fi classics like Barbarella, but it has become its own wholly unique work that is simultaneously sexy, visually arresting and funny.
by Frank Benge - February 27, 2018
AGENT ANDROMEDA: THE ORION CRUSADE answers that age old question: 'what would the love child of Cirque du Soleil and Flesh Gordon look like?'. The answer is this riotously funny burlesque science fiction production that is part brilliant aerial work and part circus spectacle. The piece may have been inspired by sci-fi classics like Barbarella, but it has become its own wholly unique work that is simultaneously sexy, visually arresting and funny.
Different Stages Presents YANKEE TAVERN By Steven Dietz
by BWW News Desk - February 26, 2018
Different Stages continues its 2017 - 2018 season with Steven Dietz's Yankee Tavern. Just when you thought you'd heard every crazy 9/11 conspiracy theory, a guy walks into a bar and orders two beers, one for himself and one for his absent buddy. Yes, it sounds like the set-up for a joke, but with his chilling play, the prolific Steven Dietz has something darker and more sobering in mind. There, inside the walls of this crumbling New York tavern, a young couple find themselves caught up in what might be the biggest conspiracy of all.
by BWW News Desk - February 26, 2018
Different Stages continues its 2017 - 2018 season with Steven Dietz's Yankee Tavern. Just when you thought you'd heard every crazy 9/11 conspiracy theory, a guy walks into a bar and orders two beers, one for himself and one for his absent buddy. Yes, it sounds like the set-up for a joke, but with his chilling play, the prolific Steven Dietz has something darker and more sobering in mind. There, inside the walls of this crumbling New York tavern, a young couple find themselves caught up in what might be the biggest conspiracy of all.
Texas State's Department Of Theatre And Dance Presents RAGTIME
by BWW News Desk - February 24, 2018
Texas State University's Department of Theatre and Dance is proudly presenting Ragtime. Book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty. The show is under the direction of Michael Rau April 17-April 22 in the Patti Strickel Harrison Theatre.
by BWW News Desk - February 24, 2018
Texas State University's Department of Theatre and Dance is proudly presenting Ragtime. Book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty. The show is under the direction of Michael Rau April 17-April 22 in the Patti Strickel Harrison Theatre.
Kate Clark on THE CURATE SHAKESPEARE AS YOU LIKE IT
by Frank Benge - February 24, 2018
Coming in March, The Baron's Men will be presenting the rarely performed The Curate Shakespeare AS YOU LIKE at the Curtain Theatre. This unique piece of theatre is subtitled 'the record of one company's attempt to perform the play by William Shakespeare.' The piece came about when the playwright, Don Nigro, was asked by a professional theatre company to adapt AS YOU LIKE IT for performance by a company of seven. Mr. Nigro wrote an original play about a motly company of actors, led by a daft curate, who present Shakespeare's AS YOU LIKE IT. The result is a comedy about their attempts to impersonate all of Shakespeare's characters. The play has had numerous productions nationwide and has become a cult theater classic. We recently had an opportunity to sit down with director Kate Clark for a deeper look at bringing this wholly unique piece to Austin audiences.
by Frank Benge - February 24, 2018
Coming in March, The Baron's Men will be presenting the rarely performed The Curate Shakespeare AS YOU LIKE at the Curtain Theatre. This unique piece of theatre is subtitled 'the record of one company's attempt to perform the play by William Shakespeare.' The piece came about when the playwright, Don Nigro, was asked by a professional theatre company to adapt AS YOU LIKE IT for performance by a company of seven. Mr. Nigro wrote an original play about a motly company of actors, led by a daft curate, who present Shakespeare's AS YOU LIKE IT. The result is a comedy about their attempts to impersonate all of Shakespeare's characters. The play has had numerous productions nationwide and has become a cult theater classic. We recently had an opportunity to sit down with director Kate Clark for a deeper look at bringing this wholly unique piece to Austin audiences.
The Hill Country Community Theatre to Hold Fundraising Event, Broadway Revue – Let's DUET!
by BWW News Desk - February 23, 2018
The Hill Country Community Theatre will hold a fundraising event, "Broadway Revue - Let's DUET!" for two performances only, Friday, March 16 at 7:30 pm (doors open at 6:30) and Sunday, March 18 at 2:15 pm (doors open 1:15).
by BWW News Desk - February 23, 2018
The Hill Country Community Theatre will hold a fundraising event, "Broadway Revue - Let's DUET!" for two performances only, Friday, March 16 at 7:30 pm (doors open at 6:30) and Sunday, March 18 at 2:15 pm (doors open 1:15).
BWW Review: Austin Shakespeare Presents a Wonderful Adaption of Anton Chekhov's THE SEAGULL in Austin, TX
by Amy Bradley - February 23, 2018
Austin Shakespeare known predominantly for their love of the renaissance, jumps to the turn of the century Russian dramatist, Anton Chekhov, for his beloved play THE SEAGULL. Set aside a lake, our cast of characters desperately seek happiness despite the tragedy that befalls them during the play. Beginning with a play within a play, Konstantin (played by Andrew Matthews) is pining over his latest production and his love of the Russian countryside girl next store, Nina (play by Corinna Browning). Plagued by uncertainty, Konstantin debuts his original work to his family and house workers to receive mixed reviews from the onlookers and nasty commentary from his actress mother, Irina (played by Tyler Layton). Presenting all the relationships at once in the lakeside audience of Konstantin's play, all members seem to have mixed intentions with each other, with a majority of the characters loving the wrong person. Nina, the Russian countryside girl next door, ends up falling in love with a famous novelist Trigorin (played by Matt Radford Davies) attached to Irina, Konstantin's mother. Within the premise of love and ego, Austin Shakespeare brilliantly found Chekhov's comedy within character relationship and premise. The tragedy that unravels offstage to our cast of characters is equally as heart-breaking when reflecting on the hope our characters began with.
by Amy Bradley - February 23, 2018
Austin Shakespeare known predominantly for their love of the renaissance, jumps to the turn of the century Russian dramatist, Anton Chekhov, for his beloved play THE SEAGULL. Set aside a lake, our cast of characters desperately seek happiness despite the tragedy that befalls them during the play. Beginning with a play within a play, Konstantin (played by Andrew Matthews) is pining over his latest production and his love of the Russian countryside girl next store, Nina (play by Corinna Browning). Plagued by uncertainty, Konstantin debuts his original work to his family and house workers to receive mixed reviews from the onlookers and nasty commentary from his actress mother, Irina (played by Tyler Layton). Presenting all the relationships at once in the lakeside audience of Konstantin's play, all members seem to have mixed intentions with each other, with a majority of the characters loving the wrong person. Nina, the Russian countryside girl next door, ends up falling in love with a famous novelist Trigorin (played by Matt Radford Davies) attached to Irina, Konstantin's mother. Within the premise of love and ego, Austin Shakespeare brilliantly found Chekhov's comedy within character relationship and premise. The tragedy that unravels offstage to our cast of characters is equally as heart-breaking when reflecting on the hope our characters began with.
BWW REVIEW: BAREFOOT IN THE PARK delivers light-hearted charm at Georgetown Palace Playhouse
by Joni Lorraine - February 22, 2018
Simon fans won't be disappointed, and if you're one of the few of us who aren't you'll enjoy this sweet production as well.
by Joni Lorraine - February 22, 2018
Simon fans won't be disappointed, and if you're one of the few of us who aren't you'll enjoy this sweet production as well.
BWW Review: SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE is Energetic, Must-See Fun at TexArts
by Lacey Cannon Gonzales - February 22, 2018
SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE is a fun, energetic, must-see production with a powerhouse cast and performances. Whether you are already a fan of Leiber and Stoller's classic hits or are just looking a great show, this rollicking revue makes the drive to Lakeway well worth the trip.
by Lacey Cannon Gonzales - February 22, 2018
SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE is a fun, energetic, must-see production with a powerhouse cast and performances. Whether you are already a fan of Leiber and Stoller's classic hits or are just looking a great show, this rollicking revue makes the drive to Lakeway well worth the trip.
HAMILTON, THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, ANASTASIA, and More Lead Broadway in Austin's 2018/2019 Season
by BWW News Desk - February 20, 2018
Lexus Broadway in Austin presented by Texas Performing Arts announced the seven-show 2018-2019 Season; including the anchor HAMILTONplaying its Austin engagement May 28 - June 16, 2019. The new season represents a wide range of Tony Award® winners and five Austin premieres for audiences to enjoy.
by BWW News Desk - February 20, 2018
Lexus Broadway in Austin presented by Texas Performing Arts announced the seven-show 2018-2019 Season; including the anchor HAMILTONplaying its Austin engagement May 28 - June 16, 2019. The new season represents a wide range of Tony Award® winners and five Austin premieres for audiences to enjoy.
BWW: Review: A DELICATE SHIP - Way Off Course
by Lynn Beaver - February 19, 2018
Fledgling company Filigree Theatre brings its second production, A DELICATE SHIP, to Santa Cruz Theatre running from February 15th thru 25th. Unfortunately this play sinks not far from shore.
by Lynn Beaver - February 19, 2018
Fledgling company Filigree Theatre brings its second production, A DELICATE SHIP, to Santa Cruz Theatre running from February 15th thru 25th. Unfortunately this play sinks not far from shore.
Photo Flash: City Theatre Austin Mounts Raucous Comedy NOISES OFF
by BWW News Desk - February 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.
by BWW News Desk - February 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.
BWW Review: NOISES OFF First-Rate, Fast, Furiously Funny Farce
by Frank Benge - February 18, 2018
NOISES OFF, English playwright Michael Frayn's 1982 farce, had its start as a one-act play called Exits, written in 1977. The title comes from the theatrical stage direction used to indicate when a sound comes from offstage. The three act comedy is three looks at the first act of a British sex farce called 'Nothing On'. 'Nothing On' is your run of the mill sex farce where young girls run around in their underwear, old men drop their pants and a multitude of doors are constantly opening and closing. Act One is the less than perfect final technical rehearsal of the play. Act Two takes place backstage, during a matinee performance a month later, showing the audience the complete chaos that has erupted behind the scenes and is mostly done in silence. Act Three is the final performance of the tour where everything that can possibly go wrong does. The audience never sees the rest of 'Nothing On'.
by Frank Benge - February 18, 2018
NOISES OFF, English playwright Michael Frayn's 1982 farce, had its start as a one-act play called Exits, written in 1977. The title comes from the theatrical stage direction used to indicate when a sound comes from offstage. The three act comedy is three looks at the first act of a British sex farce called 'Nothing On'. 'Nothing On' is your run of the mill sex farce where young girls run around in their underwear, old men drop their pants and a multitude of doors are constantly opening and closing. Act One is the less than perfect final technical rehearsal of the play. Act Two takes place backstage, during a matinee performance a month later, showing the audience the complete chaos that has erupted behind the scenes and is mostly done in silence. Act Three is the final performance of the tour where everything that can possibly go wrong does. The audience never sees the rest of 'Nothing On'.
BWW Review: THE FATHER - Prospective Shifting Production
by Lynn Beaver - February 17, 2018
What is reality? What comprises our perception of what is true? What is memory, and what happens when our sense of self and our world is challenged by others? Written by Florian Zeller and translated from French by Christopher Hampton, THE FATHER explores the shifting reality of title character Andre (David Jarrott).
by Lynn Beaver - February 17, 2018
What is reality? What comprises our perception of what is true? What is memory, and what happens when our sense of self and our world is challenged by others? Written by Florian Zeller and translated from French by Christopher Hampton, THE FATHER explores the shifting reality of title character Andre (David Jarrott).
SVT Announces CON FLAMA By Sharon Bridgforth
by BWW News Desk - February 16, 2018
Salvage Vanguard Theater announces con flama by Sharon Bridgforth. Set in Los Angeles in the 1940s -1970s, con flama gives a glimpse of a Black gurl's coming of age, through Ancestral passages and her family history. The gurl's story unfolds as she makes her way through the cultural landscape of Los Angeles on the bus.
by BWW News Desk - February 16, 2018
Salvage Vanguard Theater announces con flama by Sharon Bridgforth. Set in Los Angeles in the 1940s -1970s, con flama gives a glimpse of a Black gurl's coming of age, through Ancestral passages and her family history. The gurl's story unfolds as she makes her way through the cultural landscape of Los Angeles on the bus.
BWW Review: SCHOOL OF ROCK - THE MUSICAL Schools us in Good Fun
by Joni Lorraine - February 16, 2018
I owe an apology to some friends. I claimed recently that SCHOOL OF ROCK the movie written by Mike White was based on SCHOOL OF ROCK THE MUSICAL but it's really the other way 'round. I'm that much of a (misinformed) theatre snob. Not so misinformed usually, but I admit Andrew Lloyd Webber isn't generally one of my favorite composers, despite my love of EVITA and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. That's why I was all the more surprised that SCHOOL OF ROCK, as it turns out, isn't all that Webber-esque. I didn't know this was a movie starring Jack Black, and I didn't know Webber quietly bought the rights for it, hoping to make it into a musical some day. Webber takes the original concept, with lyrics by Glenn Slater and book by Julian Fellowes (yes, the Downton Abbey Julian Fellowes) and voila! Somehow with a little help from Lou Reed, Stevie Nicks and Mike White, and a few others, the whole thing comes together quite nicely. I'll leave you to imagine what these guys do to a story that was directed by Richard Linklater for film. But, suffice it to say, this is Andrew Lloyd Webber, but it's not your mother's Andrew Lloyd Webber.
by Joni Lorraine - February 16, 2018
I owe an apology to some friends. I claimed recently that SCHOOL OF ROCK the movie written by Mike White was based on SCHOOL OF ROCK THE MUSICAL but it's really the other way 'round. I'm that much of a (misinformed) theatre snob. Not so misinformed usually, but I admit Andrew Lloyd Webber isn't generally one of my favorite composers, despite my love of EVITA and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. That's why I was all the more surprised that SCHOOL OF ROCK, as it turns out, isn't all that Webber-esque. I didn't know this was a movie starring Jack Black, and I didn't know Webber quietly bought the rights for it, hoping to make it into a musical some day. Webber takes the original concept, with lyrics by Glenn Slater and book by Julian Fellowes (yes, the Downton Abbey Julian Fellowes) and voila! Somehow with a little help from Lou Reed, Stevie Nicks and Mike White, and a few others, the whole thing comes together quite nicely. I'll leave you to imagine what these guys do to a story that was directed by Richard Linklater for film. But, suffice it to say, this is Andrew Lloyd Webber, but it's not your mother's Andrew Lloyd Webber.
BWW Review: Cirque du Soleil's CRYSTAL A Visual Frozen Treat
by Frank Benge - February 16, 2018
Cirque du Soleil's CRYSTAL: A Breakthrough Ice Experience is their first show to marry their traditional acrobats and clowns with world-class ice skaters and the end result surpasses their usual offerings with a new kind of show. The show is a beautiful combination of skating and aerial work that takes your breath away time and again as the lead character is lifted, with a single hand, and taken aloft, for a ballet of movement far above the ice. Crystal and her partner perform a spellbinding aerial straps/skating pas de deux that blurs the boundary between ice and sky.
by Frank Benge - February 16, 2018
Cirque du Soleil's CRYSTAL: A Breakthrough Ice Experience is their first show to marry their traditional acrobats and clowns with world-class ice skaters and the end result surpasses their usual offerings with a new kind of show. The show is a beautiful combination of skating and aerial work that takes your breath away time and again as the lead character is lifted, with a single hand, and taken aloft, for a ballet of movement far above the ice. Crystal and her partner perform a spellbinding aerial straps/skating pas de deux that blurs the boundary between ice and sky.
Photo Flash: First Look at TexARTS' SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE
by BWW News Desk - February 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.
by BWW News Desk - February 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.
Videos
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Anything Goes
Bastrop Opera House (7/17 - 8/2) | |
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Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic
Bastrop Opera House (5/22 - 5/31) | |
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The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Bastrop Opera House (2/6 - 2/22) | |
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Music of Love Charity Concert benefiting Children's Health, Jan.10.2026, Robinson Fine Arts Center
Plano ISD, Robinson Fine Arts Center (1/10 - 1/10) | |
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Peril in the Alps
Austin Playhouse (11/21 - 12/28) | |
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The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight at Texas Trust CU Theatre
Texas Trust CU Theatre (5/16 - 5/16) | |
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Swan Lake: International Ballet Stars in Kerrville, TX! On April 09, 2026
The Cailloux Theater (4/9 - 4/9) | |
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