Lynn Beaver - Page 6

William Shakespeare's HAMLET is arguably one of the most universally popular plays ever written, but it's only one half of Redux in Rep at City Theatre. Along with ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD by Tom Stoppard, a play that comically deconstructs the iconic tragedy, the combination of the two shows give us a deeper look at the characters, motivations and plot of the famous tragedy.

Tom Stoppard's ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD opened last week at City Theatre alongside Shakespeare's HAMLET in REDUX IN REP, both shows with the same cast on alternate nights.

Celebrating their 20th anniversary production with ROBOT DADDY, Electronic Planet Ensemble (ELP) gives an exciting performance at The Vortex theatre.

OLD TIMES is an enigmatic play by Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter that centers on a trio of characters and produced flawlessly by Austin Shakespeare at Austin's Long Center.

Fledgling theatre company, RKJB Entertainment's production of an original work by Robert King, Jr, FOR THE LOVE OF MAHALIA, currently playing at the Boyd Vance Theatre, has problems, but ultimately its message is poignant and important.

ZACH Theatre's production of ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE'S, WE ARE IN A PLAY delightfully brings characters from the popular early reader's book series by Mo Willems to life.

Texas State University Musical Theatre Department has long been an exemplary program, but with the debut of THE WORLD ACCORDING TO SNOOPY, they move into the realm of the best professional companies around.

Scottish Rite Theatre has long been one of Austin's premier children's theatres, PUFF THE MAGIC DRAGON continues their rich tradition of excellence with an enchanting tale.

Peanuts fans rejoice! THE WORLD ACCORDING TO SNOOPY, a re-imagined sequel to YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN runs at Texas State University from February 14 - 19. A massive undertaking in the debut of this re-worked show, has Peanuts fans, like myself giddy with excitement. Head of Texas State University's Musical Theatre Department, Kaitlin Hopkins, took time from her busy schedule to answer some questions for BWW.

Some comedies tickle the funnybone, some evoke a warmth that makes your heart glow, Different Stages current production, THE NOISY NEIGHBORS OR IL CAMPIELLO by Carlo Goldoni and adapted by Richard Nelson succeeds on both levels, resulting in a completely delightful evening at the theatre.

A TUNA CHRISTMAS, currently playing at the Georgetown Palace Playhouse, is a brilliant pairing of actors and hilarious writing that will have you laughing through the holidays.

Neil Simon's autobiographical comedy about his days as a writer in 1950's television, LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR, currently playing at City Theatre is an excellent way to spend an evening with charm and nostalgic wit.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens, adapted and directed by Dave Steakley, currently playing at ZACH Theatre, has become an Austin tradition and is by far the best way to kick off the holiday season. Retooled to include new contemporary songs every year, the musical is performed by a Broadway caliber cast. The Dickens' classic has never been more entertaining, and with the addition of GREATER TUNA star Jaston Williams as Scrooge, this year is an extra special treat with a cherry on top.

There are problems inherent in producing a modern Broadway play. A musical based on an animated movie raises the difficulty level unbelievably high. The Georgetown Palace's current production of DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID is a prime example of just how high the bar is set in trying to reproduce what looks seamless in New York. Unfortunately the result is a somewhat bumpy voyage under the sea.

David Mamet's hard hitting drama GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, has never claimed to be an easy play to produce. Seven strong male actors and a commanding director are required to begin the undertaking, and even then, pitfalls abound. Thankfully City Theatre's production has all the elements to make this difficult play work on every level.

Hidden Room Theatre has a reputation for bringing life to the obscure and the unusual, they have once again struck gold with their latest endeavor. HOUDINI SPEAKS TO THE LIVING, an original work by director Beth Burns and Patrick Terry, brings the enigmatic magician to the stage with an interactive experience that is thrilling and certain to please.

Currently playing at The Georgetown Palace Theatre, 1776 THE MUSICAL, has a new concept on the popular, patriotic show that succeeds on every level. Director Clifford Butler has assembled a top notch cast with an added bonus. He chose to blind cast the roles in the musical, making fully half of the traditionally male roles, female.

Christopher Marlowe's iconic work, DOCTOR FAUSTUS, currently playing at The Curtain Theatre, produced by The Baron's Men, is not only a well done piece of historical theatre, it's downright fun.

Austin Shakespeare's short run, staged reading of WOLF HALL, PART 1, transports the audience to the court of King Henry VIII with smooth staging and lavish costuming.

Terrence McNally's take on the dog eat dog world of producing on Broadway, IT'S ONLY A PLAY, currently playing at Sam Bass Theatre, is a bitingly funny regional premiere.