Jeff Davis - Page 6

From 'Rhapsody in Blue' to 'Porgy and Bess' to 'An American in Paris' to a treasure trove of great American songs, George Gershwin is widely thought of as one of our nation's greatest composers. Conceived and written by ATP's David Blackburn, 'S Gershwin will take you on a journey through the life and music of this great American icon as seen through the eyes of the people he shared his life with.

BOB: A LIFE IN FIVE ACTS Half and Half Productions presents this new comedy by Peter Sinn 'Boom' Nachtrieb, in which nine actors play more than 30 characters in relaying 'the hilarious and poignant story of one man's dream.'

Sky Candy, east Austin's aerial and circus arts company, is collaborating with acclaimed Austin theatre director, Rudy Ramirez on an aerial theatre production of COSMICOMICS, Italo Calvino's beloved collection of short stories of the same name. Italo Calvino's Cosmicomics, a beautiful and unique achievement in storytelling, tells tall tales about creation-magical, fantastical, adventurous stories-but it bases those stories on the findings of science and does not ask that we give these stories our belief, the way that countless creation myths have done over the centuries. In doing so, these stories insist that science and magic are not mutually exclusive: that the discoveries of science can give us meaning and show us miracles through the bridge of our imagination.

BroadwayWorld is pleased to share an interview with James Brownlee and Bill Claussen regarding The Wimberley Players' production of Thornton Wilder's The Skin of Our Teeth. Bill Claussen stars in the production in the leading role of Antrobus. The production is directed by James Brownlee.

Below, BroadwayWorld is pleased to share a few production and promotional photos from The Wimberley Players' production of Thornton Wilder's The Skin of Our Teeth!

There's no shortage of incredible pieces of art and theater that were lost, at least temporarily, during the Stalinist era of Communist Russia. Thank God, though, that Nikolai Erdman's absurdist masterpiece The Suicide somehow survived. Had it not, the world would be without one of the best commentaries on Communist society's impact on the freedom of the individual to think, feel, and be for themselves. Additionally, Austin theatergoers would be without one of the best theatrical productions of the year.

It's the perfect excuse for an Austin girl's night out. 50 Shades! The Musical-The Official Parody, a hilarious take on the global Fifty Shades of Grey phenomenon, will premiere at Austin's Long Center June 3 and 4. Think: 90 minute SNL skit!

'Ladies and gentlemen, you are about to see a story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery-all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts.' So begins the classic Kander and Ebb musical, Chicago. Of course, there are some other things that we hold near and dear to our hearts, such as pitch perfect voices, showy choreography, imaginative staging, and a good rum and coke. Thankfully, all are present and accounted for in Half and Half's current production of Chicago. Whether you've seen the show or the Oscar-winning movie before, you owe it to yourself to see this uniquely immersive production.

From 'Rhapsody in Blue' to 'Porgy and Bess' to 'An American in Paris' to a treasure trove of great American songs, George Gershwin is widely thought of as one of our nation's greatest composers. Conceived and written by ATP's David Blackburn, 'S Gershwin will take you on a journey through the life and music of this great American icon as seen through the eyes of the people he shared his life with.

The words 'a collection of original short plays' have a tendency to either excite the seasoned theatergoer or strikes fear in their hearts. Every brilliant work was once original, and therefore some original work can be brilliant. On the other hand, a night of original short plays can be like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get. Sam Bass Theatre's current offering, Refried Flimflammery is occasionally the former, but more often the later. There are some moments of brilliance, but most of the evening is uneven.

There are a few performances that I've seen in my lifetime that have stayed with me for years. Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard? Unforgettable. Michael Crawford in Phantom? I was six when I saw his performance, and I still remember it.

Austin Playhouse is proud to present one of the funniest comedies ever written. Shy Englishman, Charlie Baker has a hard time speaking to strangers. To help him out, his gregarious friend 'Froggy' LeSeur tells the residents of a rural fishing lodge that Charlie is a foreigner who doesn't understand English. Assuming their secrets are safe, chaos ensues when Charlie overhears dastardly plots involving the residents of Betty Meeks' lodge! Hailed as 'a charming comedy about the magic of kindness' by Chicago Theater Beat, The Foreigner is chock full of hilarious slapstick and witty wordplay.

The production may feature performers ranging in age from 13 to 18, but the entire cast is polished and poised well beyond their years.

There's something to be said for shattering expectations, and M. Scott Tatum and Julie Wright have much to say about the topic. It's clear that the Co-Artistic Directors of Half and Half Productions are passionate about finding creative and innovative ways to expand the reach of theater by breaking theater conventions while engaging and entertaining their audience.

Oh, Edward Albee. No one writes an American family drama quite like you.