Review: MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS at ZACH
by Joni Lorraine - February 19, 2026
What did our critic think of MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS at ZACH?...
Review: BEEHIVE: THE 60S MUSICAL at TexArts
by Sabrina Wallace - February 17, 2026
Big hair, bigger voices, and zero apologies. Beehive: The 60s Musical at TexARTS is pure jukebox joy: love songs turn into liberation anthems, wigs rise as the decade unfolds, and seven powerhouse women keep the audience laughing and singing along. Profound? No. A ridiculously good time? Abso-freaki...
Review: URINETOWN at Mary Moody Northen Theatre
by Sabrina Wallace - February 14, 2026
Urinetown now playing at MMNT - A musical so funny it hits like a warning. Corporate greed, drought, revolt—and the water still runs out. Laugh. Think. Repeat....
Review: SWING! at Georgetown Palace Theatre
by Sabrina Wallace - February 14, 2026
Swing! at Georgetown Palace Theatre proves that when the set disappears, the rhythm takes over. A bare stage, a blazing live band, powerhouse vocals, and choreography that fills every inch of space. The audience was tapping along all night, me included. Theatre adapts, communities rally, and the sho...
Review: THE LAST MATCH at FILIGREE THEATRE
by Sabrina Wallace - February 10, 2026
'The Last Match' by Anna Ziegler centers on U.S. Open semifinalists Tim Porter and Sergei Sergeyev, and their partners, blending onstage action with flashbacks and fourth-wall narration. The play explores ambition, love, and the personal cost of success....
Review: THE MOUNTAINTOP at Georgetown Palace Theatre
by Sabrina Wallace - February 10, 2026
Georgetown Palace’s The Mountaintop skips the monument and gives us the man. A powerful reminder that history isn’t made by saints, but by people who keep walking anyway....
Review: THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Bass Concert Hall
by Joni Lorraine - February 04, 2026
Few titles in the musical theatre canon are as instantly recognizable—or as enduringly beloved—as the SOUND OF MUSIC. Featuring music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, with a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, the musical premiered on Broadway in 1959 and quickly beca...
Review: THE WOLF YOU FEED at The Vortex Theatre
by Lynn Beaver - January 22, 2026
Darcy Parker Bruce’s the wolf you feed (the playwright stylizes the title without capital letters) howls into The Vortex Theatre for its American debut and what a gift it is. In the hands of Bottle Alley founder Chris Fontanes and the Vortex team, this production becomes a singular theatrical expe...
Review: THE MAN OF THE PEOPLE at Different Stages
by Sabrina Wallace - January 11, 2026
Different Stages’ “The man of the people”reveals how easily authority can be built on confidence rather than evidence, and how hard it is to dismantle once the audience is convinced....
Review: PARADE at Ground Floor Theatre
by Joni Lorraine - December 10, 2025
While Austin stages overflow in December with CHRISTMAS CAROLS (three!), TUNA CHRISTMASES (two!), and all manner of holiday theatre cheer, a brilliant star shines at Ground Floor Theatre: Alfred Uhry’s PARADE. First produced in 2015 during GFT’s inaugural season, this remount stands as a strikin...
Past Shows
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
Nov 14 – Dec 6, 2025
When Mrs. Ferrars is discovered dead from an apparent suicide, the tiny village of King’s Abbot is rocked by scandal. Her fiancé, Roger Ackroyd, the...
For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again
May 30 – Jun 14, 2025
A masterpiece from one of Quebec’s most celebrated and iconic playwrights, this is Michel Tremblay’s moving homage to his incredible mother. The play recounts the...
The Talk: A Pep Rally Purity Play
May 23 – May 24, 2025
The Talk: A Pep Rally Purity PlayA solo comedy that playfully tackles abstinence cultureLet’s go LIONS! It’s the big Homecoming Pep Rally at Christian High...
A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie
Nov 22 – Dec 14, 2024
An announcement in the local paper states the time and place when a murder is to occur in Miss Blacklock’s Victorian house. What follows is...
Glass Half Full Theatre Presents: La Maleta de Maebelle
Jun 15 – Jun 29, 2024
La Maleta de Maebelle is a heartwarming bilingual journey inspired by "Maebelle’s Suitcase" by Tricia Tusa, brought to life for audiences of all ages in...
Glass Half Full Theatre Presents: La Maleta de Maebelle
Jun 15 – Jun 29, 2024
La Maleta de Maebelle is a heartwarming bilingual journey inspired by Maebelle’s Suitcase by Tricia Tusa, brought to life for audiences of all ages in...
The 10th Annual OUTsider Fest, coming to the Vortex Feb. 15-18
Feb 15 – Feb 18, 2024
Austin’s premier transmedia nonprofit OUTsider is having their 10th annual OUTsider Fest, happening Feb. 15 - 18, 2024, mainly taking place at The Vortex (located...
Miss Lulu Bett by Zona Gale
Nov 17 – Dec 9, 2023
Different Stages opens its 2023-2024 season with Miss Lulu Bett (An American Comedy of Manners) by Zona Gale. Lulu lives with her sister's family and does...
CABAREX: ORIGENES
Sep 23 – Oct 8, 2023
ProyectoTEATRO, in collaboration with The VORTEX, Escándalo! and a butt load of other Latinx artists, invite you to jump back in time with this comedic...
Sunny Days - A Work-in-Progress
Aug 17 – Aug 20, 2023
A workshop of a new play by Reina Hardy. Inspired by the actual Sesame Workshop that develops new versions of Sesame Street for other nations to...
Sunny Days - A Work-in-Progress
Aug 17 – Aug 20, 2023
A workshop of a new play by Reina Hardy. Inspired by the actual Sesame Workshop that develops new versions of Sesame Street for other nations to...
Sunny Days
Aug 18 – Aug 19, 2023
The VORTEX presents two nights of staged readings of this dynamic play by Reina Hardy featuring people and puppets, set in the broken worlds of...
The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body
Aug 12
The VORTEX presents a one-night-only staged reading of a new choreopoem by Lisa B. Thompson. This new theatre piece offers a spiritual mixed tape, praise...
Malum Malus Burlesque: Lammas
Aug 3 – Aug 5, 2023
The wheel of the year inspires Malum Malus, an occult burlesque chantry of witches. Lammas, also known as Lughnasad, is a pagan holiday that marks...
Malum Malus Burlesque: Lammas
Aug 3 – Aug 5, 2023
The wheel of the year inspires this occult-based burlesque performance art ensemble. Join The VORTEX for the next performance of Malum Malus, new Burlesque performance...
The Memo
Jul 21 – Jul 29, 2023
THE MEMOBY VÁCLAV HAVEL JULY 21-29, 2023Summer Youth Theatre8:00 p.m. | Sunday 6:00 p.m.ASL Interpretation Saturday July 22, 8:00 p.m.ABOUT THE SHOWThe VORTEX’s award-winning Summer...
The Memorandum
Jul 21 – Jul 29, 2023
Now in its 31st year, The VORTEX's Summer Youth Theatre program presents The Memorandum by Václav Havel. Directed by Jelena Stojiljkovic Rhynes. This 1966 Czech modern...
The Art of Martyrdom (A Comedy)
Jun 23 – Jul 9, 2023
Born 500 years before Shakespeare, the first female playwright of the Western world, Hrosvitha, wrote from behind the walls of a convent, under the disapproving...
The Art of Martyrdom (A Comedy) by Rita Anderson
Jun 23 – Jul 9, 2023
Different Stages continues its 2022-2023 season with The Art of Martyrdom (A Comedy) by Rita Anderson. Born 500 years before Shakespeare, the first female playwright of...
Trouble Puppet: Year of Fundraising Dangerously Fundraiser Performance
Jun 17
Trouble Puppet presents a one-night-only fundraiser performance showcasing the work of first-time puppet-makers. Exploring elements of American Blood Song, Trouble Puppet's 2019 operetta about the...
Black Queer Emancipation Open Mic Poetry Night
Jun 2
Award-winning poet and performance artist Ebony Stewart presents an open mic poetry night honoring the Black queer community during Pride month. She will be joined...
Sprites and Spirits
May 18 – May 21, 2023
SPRITES AND SPIRITSMAY 18-21, 2023Performed by Diverse Space Dance TheatreOriginal Music by Victoria SchwarzChoreography by Michael Jahoda, Toni Bravo, and DSDT castThursday-Saturday 7:30 pm |...
Malum Malus Burlesque - Beltane
May 4 – May 6, 2023
MALUM MALUS BURLESQUE - BELTANEMAY 4-6, 20238:00 P.M.Created by Blaise Ricin and Anastasia ArsenicPresented by The VORTEXThe wheel of the year inspires this occult burlesque...
Malum Malus Burlesque: Beltane
May 4 – May 6, 2023
The wheel of the year inspires this occult-based burlesque performance art ensemble. Join The VORTEX for the next performance of Malum Malus, new Burlesque performance...
Miss. Adventure
Apr 27 – Apr 30, 2023
A “choose your own adventure” musical comedy experience, starring Rachel Pallante.What if Bette Midler and Jerry Garcia had a love child? Hop on the Magic...
Earth Day with Guy Forsyth Band
Apr 22
The VORTEX hosts Earth Day, a unique event in celebration of our 35th Coral Season, with special guests the Guy Forsyth Band.5-7 p.m. - Earth...
The Dragonfly Princess
Mar 25 – Apr 15, 2023
As one of the highlights of our 35th Coral Season, The VORTEX proudly presents a sweeping musical tale of magic, power, and transformation with an...
The Dragonfly Princess
Mar 25 – Apr 15, 2023
As one of the highlights of our 35th Coral Season, The VORTEX proudly presents a sweeping musical tale of magic, power, and transformation with an...
i see you, you're seen
Feb 25 – Mar 11, 2023
"Hey little black girl, feeling invisible and all so visceral. Staring up at the heavens, as vast as your potential. i see you. you’re seen”. Told...
i see you. you're seen.
Feb 25 – Mar 11, 2023
World PremiereWritten and Performed by Oktavea LaToiDirected by Simone Raquel Alexander“Hey little black girl, feeling invisible and all so visceral. Staring up at the heavens,...
OUTsider Fest
Feb 15 – Feb 19, 2023
OUTsider is an Austin transmedia nonprofit that celebrates the bold originality and creative nonconformity of the LGBTQ+ communities through the presentation of provocative, overlooked and...
How to Be an Ethical Slut
Jan 29 – Feb 4, 2023
An original one-woman cabaret-comedy show by Brooke McCarthy. The show follows the protagonist, Blake Valentini, as she struggles between dating the socially acceptable way -- monogamy...
Malum Malus Burlesque: Imbolc
Feb 2 – Feb 4, 2023
The wheel of the year inspires this occult-based burlesque performance art ensemble. Join The VORTEX in welcoming Malum Malus - Imbolc, an exciting Burlesque performance...
Malum Malus Burlesque: Imbolc
Feb 2 – Feb 4, 2023
The wheel of the year inspires this occult-based burlesque performance art ensemble. Join The VORTEX for the next performance of Malum Malus, new Burlesque performance...
Ride the Wave
Jan 12 – Jan 28, 2023
The VORTEX proudly presents the premiere of Ride the Wave, a new multimedia performance telling the story of 3 bros searching for an epic surf...
Ride the Wave
Jan 12 – Jan 28, 2023
The VORTEX proudly presents the premiere of Ride the Wave, a new multimedia performance telling the story of 3 bros searching for an epic surf...
Year of the Water Rabbit Party
Jan 22
Join your friends at The VORTEX to celebrate the Lunar/Chinese New Year and enter into the Year of the Rabbit—the Water Rabbit. Fire and new...
Consolation of Chaos
Dec 8 – Dec 10, 2022
CONSOLATION OF CHAOSA MULTIDISCIPLINARY PERFORMANCE BY CORPS MULTIPLE.Presented by Corps Multiple & The VORTEXChoreography by Sandie DonzicaLive Music by Key HoleVideography/Editing by Justine Spinoza &...
Water by the Spoonful
Nov 11 – Dec 3, 2022
Different Stages continues its 2022-2023 season with QuiaraAlegria Hudes' Pulitzer winning play Water by the Spoonful. Somewhere inPhiladelphia, Elliot has returned from Iraq and is working...
The Pact
Sep 30 – Oct 15, 2022
The Pact is a play about family, pizza, climate change, dating apps, and fringe religious sects...in that order! Directed by Will Gibson Douglas, the play...
Edit Annie
Sep 9 – Sep 24, 2022
The VORTEX launches its 35th Season with the world premiere of Edit Annie by Mary Glen Fredrick, directed by Will Detlefsen, an NNPN directing fellow...
Naked at My Age
Aug 26 – Aug 27, 2022
Austins own Erotic Muse, Whore, and PhD sex educator, Charla Hathaway, takes it off for you in her one-woman show about sex work, Naked at...
Austin for Ukraine, Round 2: An evening of staged readings to benefit Ukraine
Aug 20 – Aug 21, 2022
For two evenings, August 20th and 21st, 2022, The VORTEX, La Fenice, Crown Theatre, and Tooth & Claw present staged readings by Ukrainian playwrights with...
Malum Malus: Lammas B-Movie Burlesque
Aug 11 – Aug 13, 2022
Created by Blaise Ricinpresented by The VORTEXThe wheel of the year inspires this occult-based burlesque performance art ensemble. Join The VORTEX in welcoming Malum Malus:...
Mr. Burns, a post-electric play
Jul 29 – Aug 6, 2022
MR. BURNS, A POST ELECTRIC PLAYJULY 29 - AUGUST 6, 2022By Anne WashburnScore by Michael FriedmanLyrics by Anne WashburnDirected by Jennifer Jennings. The VORTEX Summer...
Tales of a Blerd Ballerina
Jul 8 – Jul 23, 2022
Written/performed by Valoneecia Tolbert and directed by Florinda Bryant, Tales of a Blerd Ballerina is a choreopoem told with humor, dance, and music, Tales of...
Tales of a Blerd Ballerina
Jul 8 – Jul 23, 2022
TALES OF A BLERD BALLERINAJULY 8-23, 2022Written and performed by Valoneecia TolbertDirected by Florinda BryantPresented by The VORTEXA choreopoem told with humor, dance, and music,...
Tales of a Blerd Ballerina (live stream)
Jul 21
Live stream filmed from INSIDE the theatre on the Eloise Brooks Cullum Stage!The VORTEX presents the world premiere of Tales of a Blerd Ballerina written...
Heartbreak House
Jun 17 – Jul 2, 2022
Different Stages returns to live performances with George Bernard Shaws Heartbreak House. When Ellie Dunn joins a house party at the home of the eccentric...
Heartbreak House
Jun 17 – Jul 2, 2022
Different Stages returns to live performances with George Bernard Shaws Heartbreak House. When Ellie Dunn joins a house party at the home of the eccentric...
UNDARK: A Radioactive Puppet Play
May 27 – Jun 11, 2022
An original historical play by Connor Hopkins, telling the story of Americas WWI-era Radium GirlsPresented by Trouble Puppet Theater CompanyUsing extensive shadow puppetry and its...
UNDARK:A Radioactive Puppet Play
May 27 – Jun 11, 2022
Trouble Puppet Theater Co. announces UNDARK: A Radioactive PuppetPlay, telling the story of Americas WWI-era Radium Girls, produced with the support of a Workshop Grant...
Systema, Axioma, Dilemma
May 12 – May 21, 2022
Some cultures are more systematic than others. Some systemic problems can only go, if the system is redone, or gone.Believe is the wrong word to...
Malum Malus: Beltane Burlesque
May 5 – May 7, 2022
The wheel of the year inspires this occult-based burlesque performance art ensemble. Join The VORTEX in welcoming Malum Malus - Beltane, a new Burlesque performance...
I see you, You're seen
Apr 22 – Apr 30, 2022
Written and performed by Oktavea LaToi. Directed by Simone Alexander. Assistant Director Clarissa Smith. Choreography by Michael Love. A solo look at Oktavea LaToi’s personal...
Selfie! The Musical
Mar 31 – Apr 17, 2022
This whimsical and profound new musical by Rembert Block, directed by Bonnie Cullum, grapples with identity, image, and narcissism. Featuring live music by the Brooklyn-based...
Miss Lulu Bett
Apr 9
Different Stages presents a reading of the first play by a woman to win the Pulitizer Prize -- Miss Lulu Bett by Zona Gale. In...
Peckin the Crown
Feb 25 – Mar 12, 2022
Peckin the Crown is what happens when you combine witchcraft, puppetry, psychedelic drugs and infuse it with imagery from the dark fairy tale Little Red...
Malum Malus Burlesque - Imbolc
Jan 31 – Feb 2, 2022
The wheel of the year inspires this occult-based burlesque performance art ensemble. Join The VORTEX for the next performance of Malum Malus, new Burlesque performance...
Malum Malus Imbolc
Jan 31 – Feb 2, 2022
The wheel of the year inspires this occult-based burlesque performance art ensemble. Join The VORTEX for the next performance of Malum Malus, new Burlesque performance...
Tales of a Blerd Ballerina
Jan 13 – Jan 29, 2022
Written and performed by Valoneecia Tolbert. Directed by Florinda Bryant. Choreography by Sad M. Jones. A choreopoem of stories told with humor, dance, and music,...
The Mutt-Cracker (SWEET!)
Dec 18 – Jan 2, 2022
This years production once again stars brilliant and talented rescue dogs and a talking scarlet macaw (Lauren MaCaw). Darren Peterson brings his masterful juggling and...
The Mutt-Cracker (SWEET!)
Dec 18 – Jan 2, 2022
Circus Chickendog returns to The VORTEX with The Mutt-Cracker(SWEET!). For the 10th year, our favorite canines and circus artists transform The VORTEX for the holidays...
The Thanksgiving Play
Nov 19 – Dec 11, 2021
Ah, Thanksgiving,that most American of holidays: when families gather to bask in the bounty of the harvest, football, giant balloons and a legacy of genocide...
Obituary
Nov 13
Done through a conjuring practice, Eva Margarita will make activated charcoal as a means for creating an ink that acknowledges the personal and social stains...
Austin Puppet Incident
Nov 5 – Nov 6, 2021
The Austin Puppet Incident is a joint creation of Glass Half Full Theatre and Trouble Puppet Theatre Company to highlight short works of puppetry for...
Plagues Within Plagues
Nov 3
When COVID 19 locked down the world in 2020, cancelling live performances, Chad Salvata retreated to his BlackSun Studio and created a response with the...
Malum Malus
Oct 29 – Oct 31, 2021
The wheel of the year inspires this occult-based burlesque performance art with a small ensemble. Created by Blaise Ricin and Carmen Takeit.The show will also...
Rap Unzel
Oct 9 – Oct 31, 2021
The VORTEX and Brown Boy Productions present Rap Unzel, A Story of #BlackBoyJoy and a Journey of Hair and Self-Care, with outdoor October matinees on...
The Mamalogues
Aug 23 – Sep 7, 2019
From the award-winning writer of Single Black Female, Underground, and Monroe, comes a new play about the exhilaration and exhaustion that comes from being a...
The Mamalogues
Aug 23 – Sep 7, 2019
Color Arc Productions, in collaboration with The VORTEX, presents the world premiere of award-winning playwright Lisa B. Thompson’s new satirical comedy about black, unmarried, middle-class...
Hip Hop Theater Explosion
Jan 31 – Feb 2, 2013
The VORTEX: - Zell Miller III; dir: Zell Miller III....
Elizabeth: Heart of a King
Jan 11 – Jan 26, 2013
The VORTEX: - Lorella Loftus; dir: Lorella Loftus....
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