Lynn Beaver - Page 6

William Shakespeare's comedies have become a staple of summertime theatre the world over. City Theatre's production of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW is one of several of the Bard's best playing in Austin in the next few weeks. Unfortunately this lackluster presentation misses the mark on multiple levels.

In February of this year, fledgling production company RKJB Entertainment burst onto the Austin stage with an original play with music, FOR THE LOVE OF MAHALIA. Hailed by critics and audiences alike, the new work starred the amazing Jacqui Cross, who virtually transformed into the Gospel great. This month marks their second production MOAN THEM BLUES, a one woman show featuring legendary Blues pioneer, Bessie Smith (Sonia Moore). Moore's rendition of Gimme A Pigfoot And A Bottle Of Beer stopped the show, I can scarcely wait to see a show that features such powerful talent. It's time our readers are introduced to Robert King, Jr and Jeremy Brown, the men behind these shows about such important icons of American culture.

Austin Shakespeare continues its 34 year tradition of bringing free Shakespeare to Zilker Park with an hilarious take on THE COMEDY OF ERRORS.

MADAM BUTTERFLY by Giacomo Puccini, libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa is a work of tragic beauty in the hands of Austin Opera.

William Shakespeare's AS YOU LIKE IT, by The Baron's Men and playing at The Curtain Theatre is an excellent production in a perfectly idyllic setting. Arguably Shakespeare's most complicated comedy, AS YOU LIKE IT, may not be as beloved as MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING or A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM but in the hands of first time director Michael Osborn, The Baron's Men have surpassed the norm to present a flawless and professional production.

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.