Lynn Beaver - Page 9

Theatre Synesthesia scores again with three short pieces by playwright Casey Wimpee. Directed by America Archer, and acted by a talented quartet of actors the evening of theatre is filled with a poetic rhythm that is awe inspiring and compelling.

The Georgetown Palace Theatre has a reputation for doing the big, classic musicals, those huge shows that are barely contained within the walls of the Springer Stage. In contrast 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is a modern show with an ensemble cast of just nine actors (a very small cast by Palace standards) it certainly overwhelms in entertainment value.

The current production of UPSTAGED at the Back Pack is absolutely one of the most creative, surprising and entertaining pieces of theatre I've seen in years.

Austin Opera never fails to dazzle, but their current production of LA TRAVIATA is so incredibly stellar, superlatives fail to describe its glittering pageantry.

I admit freely that I'm a huge fan of silly. I love English television comedy most because the Brits have a way of making fun of themselves in the most outrageously ridiculous situations, they never take comedy seriously. The Georgetown Palace Playhouse's production of DEARLY DEPARTED, while far from British, takes a page from the same book of silly with a no holes barred approach to laugh out loud theatre.

YANKEE TAVERN by prolific playwright Steven Deitz, is a labyrinthine journey through the mind of conspiracy theorist Ray (Bill Karnovsky). Through all the crazy scenarios Ray spouts, there may just be a kernel of truth.

The Baron's Men are well known for their faithful presentations of the works of William Shakespeare. They have, for years, treated the Bard's plays with a fulsome reverence, including strict adherence to Elizabethan period costume and traditional interpretation of material. This production is an abrupt about-face.

Classic stage spectacle, MAME by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee with lyrics by Jerry Herman, makes its way to the Georgetown Palace Theatre to take away the winter blues and get your toes tapping.

Fledgling company Filigree Theatre brings its second production, A DELICATE SHIP, to Santa Cruz Theatre running from February 15th thru 25th. Unfortunately this play sinks not far from shore.

What is reality? What comprises our perception of what is true? What is memory, and what happens when our sense of self and our world is challenged by others? Written by Florian Zeller and translated from French by Christopher Hampton, THE FATHER explores the shifting reality of title character Andre (David Jarrott).

Austin producer Robert King and The newly re-opened Ground Floor Theatre presented an original work; THE VOICES OF DANNY HATHAWAY for an extremely limited run of just two performances. Normally we don't review such short runs, but having seen King's first original theatrical effort, FOR THE LOVE OF MAHALIA, which I loved, and I was intrigued by his concept.

Austin Shakespeare has long ruled the 'Bard scene' in Shakespearean production here in central Texas. Oh, sure, others produce a play or two, but Austin Shakes has been the top of the heap for decades. Their productions have always been filled with the best Austin has to offer and have delighted audiences time and time again. More recently there are some serious contenders for the throne, Something for Nothing, Present Company and The Hidden Room produce stellar Shakespearean fare with their own unique spin. I for one am excited to watch the healthy competition between these various companies because I know who the winner will be...us, the viewing public and what could be better than that?

Austin Opera continues its tradition of masterfully recreating classic operas with Bizet's CARMEN currently playing at The Long Center.

The Georgetown Palace Playhouse has audiences rolling in the aisles with classically drawn farce DRINKING HABITS by Tom Smith.

Texas State University's celebrated Department of Theatre and Dance produces game changing musical A CHORUS LINE with sensational style.

Jarrott Productions continue their tradition of producing quality shows with some of Austin's best actors in their production of John Patrick Shanley's biographical drama, PRODIGAL SON.

Shakespeare's HENRY IV (Part 1) is easily the most entertaining of his history plays and Hidden Room pulls out all the stops to wring every moment of excitement from the story. Director Beth Burns, using a script cut by American Shakespeare Center's Dr. Ralph Alan Cohen, presents a stellar cast at the top of their game to the utter delight of every audience member.

Award winning Austin actress and master storyteller Bernadette Nason, has written a memoir of her time working as a secretary for an Italian oil company in Libya under the repressive rule of dictator Muammar Gaddafi. TEA IN TRIPOLI is an utterly delightful, intimate tale of this extraordinary woman and her adventures halfway across the globe.

For decades ZACH Theatre has been the jewel in Austin's crown of arts, setting the tone for others with style and quality, once again they have brought the best live entertainment around to the Topfer Stage in collaboration with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma located in Oklahoma City. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is nothing short of fantastic from beginning to end.

Shakespeare's RICHARD III, is one of his best in terms of sheer drama, but Last Act Theatre takes it a step further by filling the traditionally male dominated world with an all female cast; the result is dazzling and inspiring.