Austin Theater Reviews

Review: GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY at Bass Concert Hall
by Victoria Schwarz - April 25, 2024

As many students of history know, 1929 was the beginning of a chaotic, and often tragic, decade for the United States. Seven months after a small stock market crash and recovery on March 25, the bottom fell out....

Review: ABOVE THE FOLD at Factory On 5th
by Victoria Schwarz - April 19, 2024

Julie Zaffarano’s ABOVE THE FOLD, set in 1935, is a play about three investigative reporters and a photographer who are staying in the same hotel as they cover a grand jury. The work of this particular grand jury is to determine if there is sufficient evidence to conduct a trial for the murder of si...

Review: DISASTER! THE MUSICAL At Georgetown Palace Theatre
by Lynn Beaver - April 12, 2024

The Georgetown Palace production is jammed full of talent and fun with a brilliant cast and crew. DISASTER! THE MUSICAL quite simply highlights what the Palace does best, technically difficult shows that make us roar with laughter....

Review: PRELUDE TO A KISS at the The Bastrop Opera House
by Victoria Schwarz - April 08, 2024

What did our critic think of PRELUDE TO A KISS at The Bastrop Opera House? PRELUDE TO A KISS is the story of Peter and Rita, a couple who meet at a party at one of Rita’s neighbors and later, fall in love. Although there are some personal differences, they decide to get married after a few weeks....

Review: DANCING AT LUGHNASA at Genesis Creative Collective
by Victoria Schwarz - March 18, 2024

What did our critic think of DANCING AT LUGHNASA at Genesis Creative Collective?...

Review: WICKED - Musical Magic At Bass Concert Hall
by Lynn Beaver - March 17, 2024

There’s a reason why WICKED has become one of the most beloved musicals in the history of theatre, it is quite simply fantastic in every aspect....

Review: UNDARK at Trouble Puppet Theatre Company
by Lynn Beaver - March 12, 2024

Trouble Puppet Theatre Company continues its superb storytelling tradition with UNDARK: A Radioactive Puppet Play at the Vortex. ...

Review: GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS at Trinity Street Playhouse
by Victoria Schwarz - February 24, 2024

What did our critic think of GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS at Trinity Street Playhouse?...

Review: BARNEY CAREY GETS HIS WINGS at Austin Scottish Rite Theater
by Victoria Schwarz - February 22, 2024

It is so delightful to walk into a theater and see chairs moved to the side so children can sit on the floor directly in front of the stage to see a show. Indeed, backing up a bit, it is even more delightful to walk into a theater and see children excited about seeing a show. Despite an increasing a...

Review: O. HENRY STORIES
by Victoria Schwarz - February 18, 2024

Written by O. Henry (William Sydney Porter 1862-1910) and adapted for stage by Ann Ciccolella, Austin Shakespeare’s O. HENRY STORIES is an evening of delight, laughter, and surprise....

Review: NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 at ZACH Theatre
by Sabrina Wallace - February 12, 2024

With its infectious score, witty lyrics, and flawless execution by a stellar cast, Zach Theatre's rendition of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 delivers an exhilarating and uplifting theatrical experience. It has swiftly secured its place at the top of my favorite Zach Theatre productions....

Review: THE MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Rocks the Stage at TexArts Theatre
by Sabrina Wallace - February 05, 2024

'Million Dollar Quartet' is a must-see musical that transports audiences back in time to witness the genesis of rock 'n' roll and the seismic impact of Sun Records on popular music. With its stellar cast, electrifying performances, and unforgettable soundtrack, it's a celebration of creativity, inno...

Review: CRUZAR LA CARA DE LA LUNA at Austin Opera
by Victoria Schwarz - February 04, 2024

Music by José “Pepe” Martinez, Lyrics by José “Pepe” Martinez and Leonard Foglia, Book by Leonard Foglia, Orchestration by David Hanlon, CRUZAR offers a deeply moving and acutely transparent experience....

Review: PHOTOGRAPH 51 at The Filigree Theatre
by Sabrina Wallace - January 29, 2024

Under the skillful direction of Elizabeth V. Newman, Photograph 51 is a tribute to Dr. Rosalind Franklin and her unaccredited contributions to science. Entertaining, poignant, and relevant to the ongoing conversations about the role of women in a male-dominated society....

Review: THE LIBRARY at Different Stages
by Sabrina Wallace - January 27, 2024

Different Stages’ production of 'The Library' by Scott Z. Burns is a powerful and thought-provoking play that tackles difficult subject matter with grace and intelligence. It offers a nuanced exploration of the human experience in the aftermath of tragedy, leaving a lasting impact on those who witne...

Review: TINA - THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL at Bass Concert Hall is Simply The Best!
by Sabrina Wallace - January 19, 2024

Tina - The Tina Turner Musical stands as a masterful exposé of the icon's life, ranking among the best in its genre in my humble opinion. The entire cast of this Broadway touring production deserves commendation, with each performer and the orchestra paying much-deserved homage to the queen of rock ...

Review: BACK TO YOU at Austin Rainbow Theatre
by Sabrina Wallace - January 18, 2024

Austin Rainbow Theatre (ART) brings a poignant tale of friendship, love, and the challenges of growing up gay in the Texas Valley with Back to You. The script is simple yet profound and delivers likable and relatable characters through the brilliant performances of Joe Montoya (Mateo) and Chris Rive...

Review: QUEER TO TELL: AUSTIN HOLIDAY EDITION at Soundspace at Captain Quack's Was a Joyful Party!
by Sabrina Wallace - December 21, 2023

Led by a charismatic EMCEE, a group of brave storytellers shared their unique LGBTQIA+ stories, weaving a rich tapestry of emotions that sparked laughter and tears. The one-night-only event, “Queer to Tell: Austin Holiday Edition”, kicked off the holiday season with a powerful message—or rather six—...

Review: UNA NOCHE BUENA - ZACH Theatre Presents A Holiday Treat For The Whole Family
by Lynn Beaver - December 17, 2023

UNA NOCHE BUENA at ZACH Theatre is a wonderful holiday musical that will become a holiday tradition....

Review: AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE at Austin Shakespeare
by Sabrina Wallace - December 17, 2023

Austin Shakespeare presents 'An Enemy of the People' as a staged reading. With an exceptional cast that includes actors from Austin and Hollywood, the play delivers thought-provoking theatre, that touches on themes that resonate in the context of contemporary America: the moral dilemma between self-...

Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL at ZACH THEATRE is A Joyful Yuletide Extravaganza!
by Sabrina Wallace - December 08, 2023

Zach’s festive production of A Christmas Carol, weaves together an outstanding cast, catchy choreography, lively musical numbers, and Charles Dickens’ enchanting tale of redemption that never fails to warm the hearts of audiences during the Holiday Season....

Review: THE WOLVES at Mary Moody Northen Theatre
by Sabrina Wallace - November 15, 2023

Under the skillful direction of Anna Skidis Vargas, this production of 'The Wolves' delivers thought-provoking theatre with quality and poise. The cast showcases a group of talented young women engaging in authentic conversations, mourning, arguing, laughing, and playfully offering a behind-the-scen...

Review: THE BOOK OF MORMON Rocks Bass Concert Hall
by Lynn Beaver - November 15, 2023

Broadway in Austin brings the absolutely hysterical, very adult THE BOOK OF MORMON to Bass Concert Hall to an appreciative audience this week. ...

Review: EL CID at The Rollins Theatre At The Long Center
by Sabrina Wallace - November 13, 2023

Presented as a bilingual play, 'El Cid' captivates the audience with moments of theatrical brilliance, courtesy of the outstanding and diverse ensemble cast. They adeptly navigate the moral dilemmas surrounding honor, love, and justice, contributing to the play's overall impact....

Review: IT'S ONLY A PLAY at City Theatre Austin
by Sabrina Wallace - October 24, 2023

Terrence McNally’s 'It's Only a Play' is a masterful exploration of the entertainment world, brought to life by the talented ensemble of City Theatre and McNally's insightful writing, making it a must-see for those seeking both entertainment and introspection on the theater industry and its colorful...