Top Weekly Events: Did Yours Make the Cut?

For these events and other arts listings, or to post your reviews, visit NowPlayingAustin.com

1. Sleeping Beauty
Vortex Repertory Company
April 2-May 2, 2010

Jarred from Austin, TX said:
“absolutely magnificent”

this is the best musical/play i have seen in a long while and contrary to the posted review, my daughter (8) was not at all scared, on the contrary, she is still in awe about the castle and the fairies …

2. Excuse Me While I Change
The City Theatre Company
April 22-April 25, 2010

Angelique Zuniga from San Antonio, TX said:
“Excuse Me While I Change

Michelle is thoroughly entertaining. A very fun and funny evening. I will go again and take my friends who couldn’t get in to the sold out show. Loved it!

3. How the Other Half Loves
The City Theatre Company
March 25-April 18, 2010

Jay Y. from Austin, TX said:
“A Must-See”

How the Other Half Loves is one of the best productions that City Theatre has put on- and that’s saying something. The play is about two couples- the Phillips and the Fosters- the spouse in one, Bob Phillips is having an affair with the spouse of the other, Fiona Foster- with a third couple, the Featherstones, caught in the middle. We see the Phillips and Fosters and get to know the way their marriages are working. They share the same stage and sometimes the same props, but are clearly supposed to be in their own homes and unaware of each other- the way that was pulled off was very clever. In addition, toward the end of the first act, both of the troubled couples agree to have the Featherstones over for dinner, though the Featherstones are clearly supposed to be in different houses at the same time. The acting was uniformly satisfying, and the staging keeps one’s attention throughout. Derek Jones was particularly good as the working-class Bob Phillips. Highly recommended.


4. American Letterpress: The Art of the Hatch Show Print

Austin Museum of Art
February 13-May 9, 2010

Ruby Sinclair from Austin, TX said:
“AMAZING”

This is one of the most beautifully and artistically curated shows I have seen in awhile. Between the vibrant colors of the circus prints to the iconic images of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Grand Ol’ Oprey’s Minnie Pearl, these images tell the history and culture of our country. The “Make Readies” by Charles Anderson were outstanding and made you awe in wonder that they were created from one some may have considered “garbage”. This show is a MUST SEE!!

5. City of Angels
Mary Moody Northen Theatre
April 8-April 18, 2010

kholenkhov from Austin, TX said:
“Film noir meets musical comedy”

City of Angels is a clever show with a fun nod to film noir. The score isn’t particularly notable with some songs feeling completely unnecessary. There are exceptions, such as the fantastic act one closer where author and creation confront each other, but this is musical where the script is the star. This production manages to be very entertaining, with sharp performances from David Long and Jamie Goodwin in the lead roles, but the space proves to be a liability at times, causing serious sight line problems. Ultimately, a fun production of a little seen musical from the early 90s, performed by an enjoyable cast and an incredibly tight band, that manages to sound bigger than it really is.

6. Desire
The Blanton Museum of Art
February 5-April 25, 2010

Contessa from Austin, TX said:
“Unleash Inibitions and Cross Boundries”

Titillating and Tantalizing come to mind when describing the wonderfully curated new show at The Blanton! Desire is just that. Prepare to push any old-fashioned or conservative boundaries aside! Favorite pieces to make sure to check out include Robert Kushner’s “Scriptorium, Georganne Deen’s “The Inner Cry” and Petah Coyne’s “Untitled #1103. Also, The Blanton has added some pieces from their collection that represent Desire including Paul Cezanne’s “Les Baigneurs”!


7. Picasso at the Lapin Agile

Austin Playhouse
March 26-May 2, 2010

Vicki from Austin, TX said:
“Absurdity with thought”

This play is for those who enjoy absurdist humor and slapstick with their philosophy. It revolves around musings on art, science, and the 20th century. It is fast paced and the cast(Einstein and Picasso are not the only stars.) portray their colorful characters well. The characters propose ideas, spout one-liners, and provide surprises. There is much saucy humor along with some serious ideas. The audience frequently erupted with laughter over silly happenings and conversations. This imaginary meeting results in humorous ideas and insights about the creative process and events in the last century.


8. Miguel Santana – The Marien Revelation

BookPeople
April 23, 2010

Avg. Event Rating (5.0 Stars): 5 out of 5 stars rating Reviews: 1

Stephen from Austin, TX said:
“A stimulating book!”

Don’t read this book if you are one of those who have chosen not to think, learn and revise what you thought you knew. This is a book that begs to be read again and again.


9. Connect: Four Short Plays

Abby Productions
April 1-April 17, 2010

Jamie from Austin, TX said:
“Totally Connected”

These four short plays, all “connected” by the theme of connections, make for a remarkable night of theatre. Each play is a stand alone story, showing the many ways people connect. I loved all of them, but felt especially connected to “Voices”, the story that takes place in a small Texas cemetary as the residents welcome a new member and share their stories with each other and with the audience. I felt completely drawn in to the stories of their lives. And be prepared with a box of kleenex for the stories in “Five Minutes.” The actors in all the plays were great, but I have to give special recognition to Gina Houston and Feliz Dia McDonald in “Five Minutes,” to the cast of “Voices” and to the amazing Jude Hickey. And of course to the playwright who brought these stories to life, Allan Baker. This is a theatre event you don’t want to miss.

10. Harvey
Georgetown Palace Theatre, Inc.
March 26-April 18, 2010

Jane F. from Austin, TX said:
“A Must See Play!”

If you’ve ever felt a little bit different or misunderstood, you MUST see Harvey. A warm-hearted, screwball comedy with a beautiful message. As professional a production as any on Broadway, the power and talent of this cast really got to me! I’m coming to see it again!!

1 thought on “Top Weekly Events: Did Yours Make the Cut?

  1. In the Heights No wonder In the Heights won 4 Tonys including Best Musical. It’s really a universal cheer for hope, home and dreams. The music is rich and kaleidoscopic, from jazz to hip-hop all within New York’s 181st Street A-train stop to the G.W. Bridge. The Sultry Salsas to Caribbean dances feel like they may have jumped off the street. This musical is high energy and very engaging from beginning to end. A must-see: it’s still running on Broadway and now touring fewer than 20 cities–and Austin gets the treat.

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