Jeff Davis - Page 15

While Shakespeare's comedy The Merchant of Venice is not considered by all as one of his 'problem plays,' there are certainly many aspects about it that are problematic, namely its length and the latent anti-Semitism apparent in the text. These problems and more must be addressed for a production of the play to succeed. Sadly, as skilled as The Baron's Men are at bringing the Bard to life, they struggle with their current production of The Merchant of Venice, now playing Austin's Curtain Theater.

It's rare for a play, especially a social satire, to endure for over a century. Times change and what was once topical and funny often loses its punch. Thankfully, Oscar Wilde's 1895 masterpiece The Importance of Being Earnest has endured, and in its current production at St. Edwards University, Wilde's witty play flourishes and shines.

I'm sad to report that I may have missed several moments of The Producers, currently playing at San Antonio's Woodlawn Theatre. The downside of having to wipe tears of laughter out of your eyes is that you miss a few seconds of action. Of course, that's hardly a complaint about this solid, polished, and professional production. Woodlawn Theatre's current production of The Producers illustrates exactly why the show was such a hit when it opened in 2001 and why it continues to please audiences. Despite the occasional offensiveness and cheekiness, the show is an enjoyable laugh riot that you can't help but love.

You may see some construction around Downtown Austin next week, because the National Tour of Million Dollar Quartet just blew the roof off of the Bass Concert Hall. The show, a rollicking 110 minute salute to iconic, classic rock and rollers, seems almost tailor made for Austin, the live music capitol of the world. The only thing louder than the music is the screams and hollers from the crowd.

Actress Maureen O'Hara once said, "Comedy is difficult, especially slapstick. The trick is to have fun while you're performing it." As much as I love Ms. O'Hara, there seem to be a few tricks she's ignored. Though it's clear that the cast of City Theatre's current production of Moon Over Buffalo is having fun, they are unable to make Ken Ludwig's mediocre screwball comedy take off. While pratfalls are a dime a dozen, laughs seem hard to come by.

As successful and ground-breaking as My Fair Lady was, there has not been a successful musical adaptation of any of Shaw's other plays…until now. A Minister's Wife, now playing in Austin through a new production by Penfold Theatre, is a delicate, understated, and exceedingly beautiful piece that wonderfully adapts Shaw's play Candida into musical theatre form.

While the title may suggest that the play may be a run of the mill romantic comedy, Gurney's play is more of a character study, and through Sam Bass's sturdy production, those characters vividly come to life.

Anyone who pays a visit to the theater during their current production of Lady Windermere's Fan will certainly be captivated by stars on display. With a splendid cast, fantastic direction, and Oscar Wilde's trademark wit, Lady Windermere's Fan is an astounding treat.

There's a strange thing about roads. They must be carefully paved and must lead somewhere before they're driven upon. Such is the problem with ROADS COURAGEOUS, the highly problematic new musical enjoying its World Premiere at The Playhouse San Antonio.

Truth be told, I'm a bit unsure how to start this review. When I see something as astonishing and extraordinary as Intimate Apparel, I try to come up with something clever, witty, or poetic to kick off my critique, but I am so wonderfully flustered by this beautifully acted and well-crafted production that all I can think off to kick off this review is "Wow."

While it certainly doesn't have the lofty goals of some shows, The Full Monty easily accomplishes its goal to entertain. It's a silly, raunchy, foul-mouthed good time at the theater. High brow it's not, but high entertainment it is, and Woodlawn Theatre's current production of The Full Monty will have you hooting, hollering, and digging for singles.

Love is the true center of this show, and that's what takes center stage, turning this production of South Pacific into a modern fairy tale.

It seems fitting that the young, new Austin Theatre Project should kick off their 2nd Season with a young, new musical. The little-known song cycle Edges is the perfect choice. With its complex score, its energetic tone, and its themes about growing pains and becoming what we envision for ourselves, Edges is a captivating and engaging new work.

The force is strong with this one. I'm sure it's been said before, but praise is often worth repeating. With One Man Star Wars Trilogy, the show's star and creator, Charles Ross, takes us on a crazy 75 minute ride that both respects and reveres the classic original Star Wars trilogy while also playing up the series's unintentional camp, humor, and numerous implausibilities and plot holes. This love letter to nerddom is a must see for any fan of the films.

With its simple production design, its attention to the text and characters, and flawless performances from the leads, Othello is sure to be a highlight of the City Theatre's season.

Asleep at the Wheel's love letter to Bob Wills, the King of Western Swing, is a vibrant, fun, feel-good time.

Early in Measure for Measure, the wise lord Escalus says, "Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall," a miscarriage of justice that is at the forefront of Shakespeare's infrequently produced comedy. While some of Shakespeare's characters here are sinful while others virtuous and even more are somewhere in between, St. Edward's University current production of Measure for Measure has virtues by the score, and thankfully those virtues make the play rise rather than fall.

Texas State University-San Marcos Department of Theatre and Dance's current production of Richard III borrows heavily from recent and modern history, and while many of the unconventional choices pay off, some are a bit puzzling. Still, with its strong leading players, Richard III gives us an exciting and entertaining look at one of the most ruthless and evil leaders of all time.

To see, or not to see. That's not the question. If you're up for a frivolous parody of the entire Shakespeare cannon, then you must see The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). It's silly and pointless, but you'll love every moment of it.

It's remarkable that The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, a stage piece that owes so much to a 90 year old film, feels so fresh and original, but it is without a doubt one of the most memorable and astonishing works of theater I've seen in years. Not many artists have the courage or even the know-how to stage something this bold, but I'm glad Overtime Theatre has moxie to spare. If you are a fan of theater, film, or both, you need to see this glorious production.