Kate Paulsen

I have to admit, when I first saw that WaterTower Theatre's season touted a modern adaptation of A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen, I was wary. Modernizing a classic is a risk whose success depends largely on motive. If done as a conscious and careful choice, it can deepen an audience's understanding of the piece. If done haphazardly, perhaps to cover an inadequate budget or a director's cursory understanding of the original text, it may have some fun modern elements, but they will likely be distracting rather than illuminating. Thankfully, WaterTower offers a sophisticated and enlightening modernization. Director and adapter Joanie Schultz modernizes the language and keeps the design firmly rooted in history. The choice to adapt does not hide a lack of understanding on Schultz's part - it in fact shows a true depth of understanding and familiarity with the text. It certainly does not disguise an insufficient budget; elaborate and historically correct fashions created by Melissa Panzarello and Amy Poe, in conjunction with a marvelous set designed by Chelsea M. Warren, convincingly portray the wealth of the late 17th century family at the heart of the drama. And if Schultz feared the audience might not understand? Rather than putting a band aid on that fear with some flashy modern props, she digs into the root of the misunderstanding, the translation from old Norwegian into modern English.

WaterTower Theatre Artistic Director, Joanie Schultz, today announced casting and creative team details for A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen, adapted and directed by Joanie Schultz.

MainStage Irving-Las Colinas will present Alec Coppel's suspenseful and funny comedy THE GAZEBO, running January 19 through February 3, 2018, at the Irving Arts Center's Dupree Theater (3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, TX 75062). All evening performances are at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Single tickets range from $21-31 and are on sale now at the Irving Arts Center Box Office (972.252.2787/ www.irvingartscenter.com). Ticket discounts are available for seniors and students.

MainStage Irving-Las Colinas will present Alec Coppel's suspenseful and funny comedy THE GAZEBO, running January 19 through February 3, 2018, at the Irving Arts Center's Dupree Theater (3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., Irving, TX 75062). All evening performances are at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Single tickets range from$21-31 and are on sale now at the Irving Arts Center Box Office (972.252.2787/ www.irvingartscenter.com). Ticket discounts are available for seniors and students.

Apollinaire Theatre has announced that it will reopen Uncle Vanya tonight, October 10th, featuring six members of the original cast, including Ronald Lacey reprising his role as Astrov (Elliot Norton nominee Outstanding Performance) and Kevin Fennessy as Telegin. We are thrilled to welcome Diego Arciniegas, Kate Paulsen, and Jack Schultz to the cast. (complete cast list and bios below) Apollinaire's artistic director, Danielle Fauteux Jacques (Elliot Norton Award Outstanding Director), directs.

Last season's Uncle Vanya played to sold out houses, was honored with three Elliot Norton Award nominations, and left many on the waiting list hoping for a return engagement. Apollinaire Theatre is excited to announce that we will reopen Uncle Vanya on October 10th, featuring six members of the original cast, including Ronald Lacey reprising his role as Astrov (Elliot Norton nominee Outstanding Performance) and Kevin Fennessy as Telegin. We are thrilled to welcome Diego Arciniegas, Kate Paulsen, and Jack Schultz to the cast. (complete cast list and bios below) Apollinaire's artistic director, Danielle Fauteux Jacques (Elliot Norton Award Outstanding Director), directs.