BWW Review: GOODNIGHT MOON is Delightful EntertainmentMarch 8, 2018GOODNIGHT MOON is delightful children's entertainment and sure to please any young fans of the original story. Brown's beloved tale is beautifully reimagined by Zach Theatre and provides non-stop fun the whole family will enjoy. Be sure to check out the petting zoo on your way into the theatre for some up close interaction with your child's favorite furry or feathery friends.
BWW Review: SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE is Energetic, Must-See Fun at TexArtsFebruary 22, 2018SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE is a fun, energetic, must-see production with a powerhouse cast and performances. Whether you are already a fan of Leiber and Stoller's classic hits or are just looking a great show, this rollicking revue makes the drive to Lakeway well worth the trip.
BWW Review: WHEN WE ARE MARRIED is a comedic look at the absurdity of past societal standards.January 18, 2018When We When Are Married is the first production of 2018 from Different Stages. Penned by J.B. Priestly, the original production opened in London in 1938 and the 1985 West End revival went on to win the Oliver Award for Best Play. It also holds the distinction of being the first play to be televised unedited when it was broadcast by the BBC in 1938. In addition to receiving film and TV adaptations over the years, the play has also been broadcast several times by radio across the U.K.
BWW Review: MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERELY at Austin Playhouse is a Charming Holiday ComedyDecember 7, 2017Austin Playhouse's production of MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY, continues the season of holiday-themed entertainment in Austin. Written by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon, but taking the characters from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, this play endeavours to be a potential sequel to the beloved classic. This time, however, the focus is shifted from previous heroine, Elizabeth to her sister, Mary.
BWW Review: SANTALAND DIARIES is Quick-Witted Holiday FunNovember 30, 2017Ringing in the holiday season is Georgetown Palace Theatre and their production of SANTALAND DIARIES. Originally written as an essay by humorist, David Sedaris, it was first read on National Public Radio's Morning Edition in 1992. An instant crowd-pleaser, the essay gave Sedaris his first major break and lead to a much longer version that debuted on-air in 1996. In that same year, Joe Mantello began adapting Sedaris' work into a one-man stage show. The one-act play premiered in on November 7th, 1996 at New York's Atlantic City Theatre Company starring Timothy Olyphant. Since its first initial run, the show has gone on to become a seasonal standard for regional and college theatre.
BWW Review: ANNIE Delights at Georgetown Palace TheatreOctober 26, 2017Presented by Georgetown Palace Theatre, ANNIE features a large and talented cast that knows how to entertain an audience. The performances of the characters played by children, however, are where the production shines brightest.
BWW Review: FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS is a humorous, yet timely feminist pieceSeptember 28, 2017FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS is presented by Southwestern University's Sarofim School of Fine Arts. Written by Alan Ball, this comedy premiered in 1993 at New York's Manhattan Class Company. Although the play was written over twenty years ago and is set in the late 80's, it tackles many topics still relevant today. From personal issues such as love, relationships, and marriage; to societal matters like gender inequality, homophobia, and religion.
BWW Review: ENFRASCADA is an Engaging Story about the Magic of WomenSeptember 21, 2017The latest offering from Austin's Teatro Vivo is ENFRASCADA, a comedic tale of love, heartbreak, and the magical relationships of women. Written by Tanya Saracho, this dark comedy premiered as a part of the 2011 Clubbed Thumb Summerworks in New York City under the direction of Jerry Ruiz.
BWW Review: A PERFECT LIFE is a touching new musical with potential.September 8, 2017A PERFECT LIFE is presented by Austin Theatre Project as part of its 2017 season. This world premiere is based on the musical, One Man Band by Tony and Emmy Award winner Larry Hochman, Marc Elliot, and James Lecesne. The original One Man Band enjoyed a well-received New York run in 1985. Original composers Larry Hochman and Marc Elliot, who is also the show's lyricist, have teamed up with playwright Laurie Hochman, to tell this bittersweet, but ultimately hopeful story of life, love, and loss.
BWW Review: A CLOSER WALK WITH PATSY CLINE is an intimate tribute to a musical giant.July 27, 2017Considered by many to be one of the top country artists of all time, Patsy Cline was a pioneer for women in country music and as a crossover artist. Her story is one of personal struggle and determination, overcoming obstacles from poverty to a devastating car accident; but none of that comes to mind when thinking of this country music legend. What does is her tough as nails resolve, smiling face, and emotionally charged voice that has sold millions of records and is one of the reasons most country artists count her as a major influence.
BWW Review: GUYS AND DOLLS at Austin Playhouse is Lighthearted Fun.June 1, 2017GUYS AND DOLLS is presented by Austin Playhouse as part of their 2016-2017 season. Directed by Don Toner and with musical direction by Susan Finnigan, this musical theatre gem tells the story of rolling the dice and taking a gamble on love. The musical, based on two short stories by Damon Runyon, originally premiered on Broadway in 1950 with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. It went on to win the Tony in 1950 for Best Musical and was later adapted into the 1955 film starring Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando.
BWW Review: THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU: A FEVER DREAM STEEPED IN BLOOD is a Riveting Tour de ForceApril 13, 2017THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU: A FEVER DREAM STEEPED IN BLOOD is presented by The Paladin Theatre Company. Written, directed, and performed by Charles P. Stites, this one-man play is an adaptation of the H.G. Wells science fiction classic. The play first premiered at Frontera Fest in 2014 and later moved on to San Francisco's Emerald Tablet, where it went on to win Best Solo Performance from the San Francisco Bay Area Critics Table Awards.
Review: GONDAL - New Play Misses The Mark, But Shows PromiseMarch 9, 2017GONDAL is presented by the University of Texas at Austin's Theatre and Dance department, as part of UT New Theatre showcase. Now in its tenth year, UTNT presents newly created works of theatre from UT graduate playwrights. Created to facilitate these emerging artists, UTNT serves as the jumping off point for their original and imaginative creations. In the words of curators, Steven Dietz and Liz Engelman, these plays, "seek to delight and disrupt you; to turn the familiar inquiry of the name "play" on its head.
BWW Review: Theatre En Bloc's NEVA is Must-See TheatreFebruary 23, 2017NEVA is the latest offering from Austin's Theatre En Bloc. Written by Chilean playwright, Guillermo Calderon, this politically charged play is a brutally honest and timely look at the precarious relationship between art, politics, and social justice. Set in Russia at the dawn of the revolution, this explosive production raises more questions than it answers with ferocity and biting humor.
BWW Review: THE SECRET GARDEN enchants at The EmilyAnn TheatreFebruary 9, 2017Nestled away in the hills of Wimberely, the EmilyAnn Theatre is its own kind of secret garden. Standing as a lasting tribute to the memory of Emily Ann Rolling, this landmark of the community has been fulfilling its mission of 'Reinvesting in the human spirit through the performing arts' since 1998. An idea born out of tragedy, the EmilyAnn Theatre has flourished and become a place of acceptance and arts education. Theatrical productions, workshops, and classes give local aspiring actors the opportunity to nurture their artistic needs.
BWW Review: CRIMES OF THE HEART Enjoyably Revisits Beth Henley's 1981 ClassicJanuary 25, 2017CRIMES OF THE HEART, produced by City Theatre, is the Pulitzer prize-winning comedy by Beth Henley. Originally premiering in 1979, the show ran on Broadway in 1981 and garnered a New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best American Play. In 1986, a film adaptation starring Jessica Lange, Diane Keaton, and Sissy Spacek was released. The film received three Academy Award nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay. In recent history, the play was revived and presented at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in 2007, directed by Kathleen Turner. The revival also enjoyed a brief off-Broadway run in 2008 with Sarah Paulson, Lily Rabe, and Jennifer Dundas in the starring roles.
BWW Review: CONSTELLATIONS is an Exhilarating Gift For the Mind and SensesDecember 13, 2016CONSTELLATIONS is a British drama by playwright, Nick Payne and is presented in Austin by Street Corner Arts. Originally premiering in 2012, the play is an exploration of love, fate, and quantum physics. After mesmerizing audiences and receiving rave reviews from London critics, it went on to win the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Play. In 2015 CONSTELLATIONS transferred to Broadway, with Jake Gyllenhaal and Ruth Wilson in the starring roles, and played 76 performances.
BWW Review: Teatro Vivo's NUESTRA PASTORELA is a Heartwarming Holiday Comedy For All AgesDecember 6, 2016NUESTRA PASTORELA is written by David Lozano and Jeffry Farrell and is presented in Austin by Teatro Vivo. This is an adaptation of a Mexican Pastorela; a traditional retelling of the Nativity told from the shepherds' perspective. Traditionally, the shepherds must defy the temptations of the seven deadly sins set posed by the devil follow the star to Bethlehem. This story sets the tone for the holiday season with the important message that good will always triumph over evil. In this comedic variation, the traditional Pastorela receives a humorous makeover and the three shepherds at the center of the story are portrayed as clowns.
BWW Review: GOODBYE, CHARLIE Charms Audiences at Way Off Broadway Community PlayersNovember 18, 2016Just a short drive from Austin, the Way Off Broadway Community Players have been bringing theatrical productions to the Cedar Park and Leander communities since 1997. Now in their 20th season, WOBCP prides themselves on being a place where theater lovers, both young and old and with varying experience, can have a creative home. Entering the Way Off Broadway Theater in Leander, the variety of patrons ranging from senior citizens to high school students confirms that this is truly an organization for the community.