Jeff Davis - Page 16

There have been many things said about playwright Noel Coward over the years, but here's one more: his last name is one of the best red herrings of all time. The prolific writer and artist was unafraid to tackle topics that were considered risque and unspeakable, as proved by his somewhat forgotten 1932 play Design for Living which is practically a love letter for adultery, bisexuality, and other acts which are viewed unwholesome by many.

Though it does have a few flaws, The Edge of Peace is an enjoyable and entertaining look at small town America during times of war and uncertainty.

With its fantastic script, brilliant direction, and flawless performances 33 Variations is an incredible piece of theater the likes of which are rare. This is one orchestra that hits all the right notes.

With its funny text, strong performances, and brilliant direction, Almost, Maine is a love letter to love itself. Guys who still need to plan the perfect Valentine's Day date, this is it.

We've all had one at one point in our life. That one friend who we know we probably shouldn't have in our life that for some reason has burrowed his or her way in and just won't leave, probably because for some inexplicable reason we don't want them to. That type of unhealthy friendship is at the core of Capital T's production of Gruesome Playground Injuries, a highly entertaining and engrossing dramedy about the friends we just can't shake.

Austin Lyric Opera's current production of The Marriage of Figaro clearly illustrates the brilliance and artistry of Mozart's music while poking fun at the hypocrisies of the upper class.

The Playhouse invites audiences into RED, the intimate world of Mark Rothko, the abstract expressionist painter known for his blocks of color.

Ever been to Palm Springs? It's that strange Californian land were a few glistening and brilliant buildings punctuate the otherwise cold, desolate and uninteresting landscape. The same can be said of the Palm Springs set play Other Desert Cities. While the play, now playing at the Austin Playhouse, has a few shimmering moments and features an incredible cast, the majority of the play is bleak, flat, and barren.

Though some moments certainly work more than others, West Side Terri is an amusing and enjoyable show carried by a skilled performer.

I've heard it said that we are our most authentic selves when no one else is around and it's just us with our thoughts. Perhaps that's why Tru is so effective. By giving us a one man play in which Truman Capote can contemplate his life and the people in it, Jay Presson Allen has given us a fascinating portrait of the famous writer. Buoyed by Jaston Williams's fearless performance, this production is not to be missed.

Though there have been a few modifications to the tour over the last few years (the set design is slightly simpler and some moments have been cut for time) The Lion King is still majestic, astonishing, thrilling, and thoroughly entertaining.

When the Georgetown Palace announced that they'd be producing Dearly Beloved by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten, the team behind Dixie Swim Club and The Hallelujah Girls, I expected that I would have lots of fun, and I did. That may be the only problem with this frivolous character comedy. It's just a tad predictable.

I hoped to enjoy the World Premiere of Elizabeth: Heart of a King, now playing Austin's Vortex Theatre as it had many elements I generally gravitate towards. However, though Queen Elizabeth may be one of the most successful monarchs in history, Elizabeth: Heart of a King does not fare so well.

While there are still a few kinks in the material, Invisible Inc. is a must-see production of an engrossing and enchanting new play.

Everyone knows many of Sherlock Holme's signatures, including the arrogant and infamous retort of, "Elementary, my dear Watson." With The Game's Afoot, an enchanting and exciting new play by Ken Ludwig, the Austin Playhouse proves that their skills and talents are anything but elementary as they present a tricky and detailed murder mystery comedy with ease.

Oscar Wilde once said, "A work of art is the unique result of a unique temperament." Indeed, it is the "unique temperament" of the Marquis de Sade which is on display in Different Stages' outstanding production of Quills, written by Doug Wright. With its hysterical text, its magnificent cast, and its wonderful creative team, Quills is a fantastic start to Austin's 2013 theater scene. This is one show that knows how to shock and delight audiences. I doubt the Marquis is smiling upon Different Stages from heaven, but if you look a bit further south you may find him smirking...

As 2013 begins, there are already several productions that are on BroadwayWorld's radar. Here is a brief list of some of the most highly anticipated productions Austin has to offer in the coming year…

BroadwayWorld has closely followed the story of Sonja Hansen, the director/choreographer of Ohio's Loveland High School's recent production of Legally Blonde: The Musical. Ms. Hansen was pressured into resigning after school officials claimed her production of Legally Blonde was inappropriate. Below is an open letter to Loveland High School's Principal, Christopher Kloesz.

Here is a list of my favorite productions produced in Austin, San Antonio, San Marcos, and the surrounding areas during the last half of 2012. As all of the productions listed were spectacular, it proved impossible for me to rank them, so here they are presented in alphabetical order. Congratulations to all of Central Texas's theatres, performers, and creative professionals on an astounding and successful year.

As 2012 comes to a close, many Austin theater companies are putting together their 2013-2014 season. Given the incredible talent in this town and the large number of daring, courageous theater groups in the Austin area, here are my picks for 13 musicals that I'd love to see produced in the 2013-2014 season.