Austin Theatre + Broadway News

Street Corner to Arts Opens GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES Tonight

(5/17/2013) - Street Corner Arts is delighted to announce for release the details of their upcoming production, GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES by Rajiv Joseph. This stunningly beautiful script will be brought to life by two of Austin's most talented actors - Benjamin Summers & Molly Karrasch. Featuring choreography by A. Skola Summers, costume design by Glenda Barnes, and video/audio design by Jim Hickcox.. Set and musical elements have been contributed by Austin's own creative community.

BWW Reviews: Haves and Have Nots Square off in Last Act's HAPPY COUPLE

(5/16/2013) - No story is completely original. It's all been done before. Surely we've seen shows that involve a crumbling marriage or others that involve class struggle, but rarely are those themes seamlessly interwoven as they are in James Venhaus's daring play The Happy Couple, currently playing The White House Ranch in Austin thru May 25th. This remarkably bold production by Austin's Last Act Theater Company, while highly entertaining and at times laugh-out-loud funny, will leave you a bit uneasy, and that's precisely the point.

BWW TV Exclusive: On the Road with PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT- Episode 13!

(5/16/2013) - BWW is excited to spend a year on the road on the bus with the cast of PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT! In Episode 13 of our On the Road series, Wade McCullum brings us along for his adventures in Austin, Texas. Check out this installment below and tune in later for more episodes as the cast journeys across the country!

Paper Chairs to Present MURDER BALLAD MURDER MYSTERY, 5/21-22

(5/15/2013) - For two nights only, paper chairs will haunt our neighborhood bar, the Long Branch Inn, with a workshop resurrection of Murder Ballad Murder Mystery on May 21 and 22, 2013.

Martin Burke Stars in Pulitzer Prize-Winning HARVEY at Topfer Theatre Now thru 6/16

(5/15/2013) - In the first season on the Karen Kuykendall Stage in the new Topfer Theatre, ZACH Theatre presents Harvey. Previews are tonight, May 15-22, with opening set for May 23 at 7:30 p.m., followed by a reception with the stars of show. Performances continue through June 16, 2013 every Wednesday - Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Now Playing Onstage in Austin - Week of 5/12/2013

(5/12/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 5/12/2013 for Austin

Street Corner to Arts to Open GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES, 5/17

(5/10/2013) - Street Corner Arts is delighted to announce for release the details of their upcoming production, GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES by Rajiv Joseph. This stunningly beautiful script will be brought to life by two of Austin's most talented actors - Benjamin Summers & Molly Karrasch. Featuring choreography by A. Skola Summers, costume design by Glenda Barnes, and video/audio design by Jim Hickcox.. Set and musical elements have been contributed by Austin's own creative community.

THE SECRET GARDEN Opens Sam Bass Community Theatre Tonight

(5/10/2013) - 'The Secret Garden' Adapted by Pamela Sterling and 'The Yellow Boat' by David Saar opens tonight, May 10th at Sam Bass Community Theatre. 'The Secret Garden' is directed by Laura Vohs. 'The Yellow Boat' is directed by Ashley Zeh.

BWW Reviews: PRISCILLA Is Anything But a Drag

(5/9/2013) - I never thought I'd see the day where a bus and truck company would actually put their bus on stage. The national tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert is here to delight Austin audiences through May 12th, and there must be a RuPaul's Drag Race contestant somewhere out there who is completely out of glitter and sequins. This is one production that does everything it can to entertain and please the audience. Though it may be light on plot (at times It makes Mamma Mia look like Les Miserables), the lavishly flamboyant look and feel more than make up for any shortcomings. Priscilla is a campy, overblown, over the top, jeweled showgirl of a musical. Even Cher might suggest that the show could tone it down a bit. She'd be wrong. The zanier the show gets, the more the audience eats it up.

Photo Flash: More Photos of Trouble Puppet's Upcoming CRUEL CIRCUS

(5/8/2013) - BroadwayWorld is pleased to share more images from Trouble Puppet Theater Company's upcoming production, THE CRUEL CIRCUS, an original play by Connor Hopkins.

BWW Interviews: Jeffrey Eckstein Discusses Conducting Ballet Austin's GISELLE

(5/8/2013) - This Mother's Day weekend, Ballet Austin will present Giselle, the classic and beloved ballet of love, heartbreak and madness. Giselle is among ballet's great classics, with a lead role so challenging it has been known to make and break careers. Theophile Gautier-the influential French poet, author, critic and champion of the Romantic ballet-conceived Giselle in honor of ballerina Carlotta Grisi. With love, betrayal, heartbreak and forgiveness, Giselle brings a romantic close to the season. Giselle features choreography by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, Music by Adolphe Adam. The score will be performed live by the Austin Symphony Orchestra. BroadwayWorld had a chance to discuss the ballet with Maestro Jeffrey Eckstein who will be conducting the Austin Symphony Orchestra.

BWW Reviews: Half & Half's PASSING STRANGE is a Funky, Fun Inaugural Production

(5/8/2013) - There's a song titled "It's Alright" that comes up time and time again in Passing Strange, the rock musical serving as Half & Half Productions' inaugural production. The words "It's Alright" don't come close to describing this high octane show. While the content in Passing Strange may be a bit bizarre and occasionally jarring, this production is a rousing, thrilling introduction to a newer, little-known musical and to Austin's newest theater company.

BWW Interviews: Wade McCollum of PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT Tour Discusses Touring and Performing in High Heels

(5/8/2013) - I left high school a year early to go to a small acting conservatory in California called PCPA, the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts. It was a perfect training program for me, focused on acting, Shakespeare, voice and movement. It was a rigorous schedule, 10-6 every day except Monday and then rehearsal and performances at night. It was a challenge to find time to do homework. You could find me performing in 'The Miracle Worker' or 'Tommy' and meanwhile, offstage, I'd be trying to read 'Othello' and memorize 'A Lie of the Mind' for class the next day. It was a great place to train because there is a huge regional theatre intertwined with the conservatory, so we would take classes during the day and then act alongside our professors that night. It was an incredible way to see and honor everyone's unique process of crafting character, and begin to forge one's own process.

AVENUE Q to Play Austin Theatre Project, Beg. 5/30

(5/6/2013) - Every few years or so a show comes to Broadway that takes the world by storm. Even rarer... when that show wins the coveted Tony Award 'triple crown!' Avenue Q shocked the theatre world when it walked away with Best Show, Best Book, and Best Score - defeating Wicked, the odds-on favorite to sweep the awards that season.

Penfold Theatre Company Presents SHIPWRECKED!, 6/6-29

(5/6/2013) - Penfold Theatre Company presents Shipwrecked! June 6-29 at the newly renovated Round Rock Amphitheater.

Austin Theatre Project to Present AVENUE Q, 5/30-6/16

(5/6/2013) - Joining the Avenue Q cast is Michelle Alexander (Gary Coleman), Isaac Arrieta (Princeton), Matthew Charles Burnett (Rod/Bad Idea Bear), RMichael Clinkscales (Brian), Marett Hanes (Kate Monster) Rachel Hoovler (Mrs. Thistletwat/Bad Idea Bear), June Julian (Christmas Eve), Ashley Laverty (Lucy T. Slut), and Eric Meo (Nicky/Trekkie Monster).

ZACH's Upcoming Season Will Include LES MISERABLES, IN THE NEXT ROOM and More

(5/6/2013) - ZACH Theatre has announced its 2013-14 season-the second in the acclaimed new Topfer Theatre-with a lineup of six plays and musicals chosen to build on the dynamic and intimate experiences audiences are enjoying in this spectacular first season.

BWW Reviews: A Chick and A Dude Productions Revives Dark Drama HIT

(5/6/2013) - In the second act of Hit, currently playing at Hyde Park Theatre and produced by A Chick and A Dude Productions, the tough, dangerous Asher states that the identity of the hit man has changed over the years. No longer are hit men Italian goons who kowtow to an old guy by kissing his ring or conniving thugs making offers no one can refuse. That idea of the true identity of a hit man is the clear focus of Hit, the gritty, daring drama written by and starring Shanon Weaver, Co-Artistic Director of A Chick and A Dude. Hit effortlessly goes underneath the tough guy exterior and reminds us that even killers-for-hire have a heart and a moral compass. They too can feel love and compassion, and they too have families. They're just like us, and the notion that these sinister characters are human after all makes Hit all the more stimulating.

Now Playing Onstage in Austin - Week of 5/05/2013

(5/5/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 5/05/2013 for Austin

Voting Opens for the 2013 BroadwayWorld Awards! Vote Now for the Best of the 2012-13 Theatre Season...

(5/2/2013) - The Tony Awards Nominators had their say earlier this week and now it's your turn! We're pleased to announce that voting has now opened for the 11th Annual BroadwayWorld.com Awards!

BWW Preview: Surprise Visit from WAR HORSE at Texas Performing Arts

(5/2/2013) - Austin's Texas Performing Arts had a Season Preview Party on Thursday, April 25, 2013.

Bradley Campbell, Liz Mikel and More Set for WaterTower Theatre's XANADU

(5/2/2013) - WaterTower Theatre Producing Artistic Director Terry Martin announced today the cast forXanadu, running July 26 - August 18, 2013 at the Addison Theatre Centre. The cast includes Brittany Danielle (Kira), Sean McGee (Sonny), Bradley Campbell (Danny), Liz Mikel (Melpomene) and Stacia Goad-Malone(Calliope). The Chorus includes Jessi Little, Mallory Michaellann, Thomas Renner and Darius-Anthony Robinson.

a chick & a dude productions Remounts HIT, Now thru 5/18

(5/2/2013) - In celebration of its tenth anniversary, a chick & a dude productions has announced the remount of its very first show, HIT. by Co-Artistic Director Shanon Weaver. This award winning show will return to Hyde Park Theatre (511 W. 43rd Street,) Thursdays through Saturdays, tonight, May 2-18 at 8 PM.

PASSING STRANGE Makes Texas Premiere with Half & Half Productions, Now thru 5/12

(5/2/2013) - Following nearly a decade of acclaimed works, big and small, with the students of McCallum Fine Arts Academy, Zilker Theatre Productions, Second Youth Family Theatre, and others, Co-Directors M. Scott Tatum and Julianna Elizabeth Wright bring to Austin the Texas Premiere of the groundbreaking, genre smashing, rock'n'roll performance art piece cum musical PASSING STRANGE.

BWW Interviews: Q&A with James Venhaus, Playwright of THE HAPPY COUPLE

(5/1/2013) - Austin's Last Act Theater Company continues their 2012-2013 Season with THE HAPPY COUPLE by Texan playwright James Venhaus. James Venhaus recently answered some of BroadwayWorld's questions about his daring play.

Mary Moody Northen Theatre Opens THE SECRET GARDEN, 6/13

(5/1/2013) - Mary Moody Northen Theatre, the award-winning producing arm of the St. Edward's University professional theatre training program, concludes its 40th anniversary season with The Secret Garden, music by Lucy Simon, book and lyrics by Marsha Norman, based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett and directed by Broadway veteran Robert Westenberg, running June 13 - 30, 2013.

BWW Previews: Trailer for Last Act Theater's HAPPY COUPLE

(5/1/2013) - Austin's Last Act Theater Company continues their 2012-2013 Season with THE HAPPY COUPLE by Texan playwright James Venhaus. BroadwayWorld is pleased to share a short preview of this Austin premiere production of THE HAPPY COUPLE.

BWW Blog: Derek Vandi on Rehearsals for Last Act Theater's THE HAPPY COUPLE

(5/1/2013) - Austin's Last Act Theater Company continues their 2012-2013 Season with THE HAPPY COUPLE by Texan playwright James Venhaus. The entire rehearsal process has been documented by cast member Derek Vandi via his blog on the Last Act Theater Company website which he has allowed us to post below. BroadwayWorld extends its gratitude to Mr. Vandi and the Last Act Theater Company for sharing this content with us.

BWW Interviews: Scot Friedman and Suzanne Balling of Last Act's HAPPY COUPLE

(5/1/2013) - Austin's Last Act Theater Company continues their 2012-2013 Season with THE HAPPY COUPLE by Texan playwright James Venhaus. Michael Meigs of AustinLiveTheatre.com recently sat down with the Happy Couple themselves, Austin favorites Scot Friedman and Suzanne Balling, to discuss this thrilling production. We are grateful to Mr. Meigs for sharing this content with BroadwayWorld.

Photo Flash: Trouble Puppet's Upcoming CRUEL CIRCUS

(4/30/2013) - BroadwayWorld is pleased to share images from Trouble Puppet Theater Company's upcoming production, THE CRUEL CIRCUS, an original play by Connor Hopkins.

BWW Interviews: Karen Alvarado, Director of Last Act's THE HAPPY COUPLE

(4/30/2013) - Austin's Last Act Theater Company continues their 2012-2013 Season with THE HAPPY COUPLE by Texan playwright James Venhaus. BroadwayWorld Contributing Editor Jeff Davis recently interviewed the production's director, Karen Alvarado, who shared lots of interesting information about this Austin premiere.

BWW Interviews: Video Interview with James Venhaus, Playwright of THE HAPPY COUPLE

(4/30/2013) - Austin's Last Act Theater Company continues their 2012-2013 Season with THE HAPPY COUPLE by Texan playwright James Venhaus. Michael Meigs of AustinLiveTheatre.com recently sat down with James to discuss this thrilling production. We are grateful to Mr. Meigs for sharing this content with BroadwayWorld.

BWW Interviews: Half & Half Productions Founders M. Scott Tatum and Julianna Wright Dish on Inaugural Show PASSING STRANGE

(4/29/2013) - Here's what Half and Half's founders, M. Scott Tatum and Julianna Wright, have to say about their love for theater, the challenges with starting a new company, and why they decided on PASSING STRANGE as their inaugural production.

PASSING STRANGE to Make Texas Premiere with Half & Half Productions, 5/2-12

(4/29/2013) - Following nearly a decade of acclaimed works, big and small, with the students of McCallum Fine Arts Academy, Zilker Theatre Productions, Second Youth Family Theatre, and others, Co-Directors M. Scott Tatum and Julianna Elizabeth Wright bring to Austin the Texas Premiere of the groundbreaking, genre smashing, rock'n'roll performance art piece cum musical PASSING STRANGE.

BWW Reviews: Austin Playhouse Stages Riotous Comedy NOISES OFF

(4/29/2013) - There is an old adage in the theater: "Dying is easy. Comedy is hard." Comedy is certainly harder when the material is Noises Off, the ridiculously funny farce by Michael Frayn which was named "One of the Funniest comedies ever written" by the New York Post. Still, if the cast and crew at the Austin Playhouse had any difficulty with the neo-classic comedy, it certainly doesn't show. Their polished production is uproariously funny with each moment better than the last.

Now Playing Onstage in Austin - Week of 4/28/2013

(4/28/2013) - Upcoming Shows - Week of 4/28/2013 for Austin

Ramin Karimloo Kicks Off Broadway to Bluegrass U.S. Tour Today

(4/27/2013) - Ramin Karimloo continues to amaze and astound fans around the world. His talents are far beyond the musicals he is best known for. Ramin is embarking on a new U.S. city tour this week to include cities such as Hollywood, California, Austin, Texas and New York City, What's the tour called? Broadway to Bluegrass. And with a title like that, you know there will be a great diversity of music and talent. In addition to the tour dates, Ramin will be honored to perform the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium on May 18th and Baltimore's Camden Yards on May 19th.

Texas Performing Arts Announces 2013-2014 Season

(4/26/2013) - Texas Performing Arts continues a legacy of presenting world-class performances to the University of Texas at Austin and Central Texas audiences with the unveiling of the 2013-2014 season. This season highlights talent from around the world in an eclectic mix of music, theatre, dance, and conversation.

BWW Reviews: Stale Aesthetics Mar Strong Performances in Austin Lyric Opera's FAUST

(4/26/2013) - It's the timeless quality of the tale that have inspired director Bernard Uzan to set his production of Faust, first produced at Arizona Opera in 2011 and now re-staged for Austin Lyric Opera, in modern times. Unfortunately, despite the impeccable performances of the incredible cast, the tone and visuals of the production distract from Gounod's masterpiece rather than enhancing it.