Top 10 Current/Upcoming Events

1. Our Body: The Universe Within

from said:
“Our Body!”

Our Body: The Universe Within is a wonderful opportunity to view a stunning and well-presented exhibit of the human body. You WILL see and understand the body like you never have before… regardless of your background. ALL of the body “items” shown have undergone a process which preserves and make them plastic-like. There are many full bodies shown in various ways so that you may study the many different and interrelated systems that make up the human body. There are also many exhibits of body parts: hands, feet, lungs, liver, muscles, etc…. available for detailed study. In terms of logistics: The exhibit is well lit, there is quiet music playing in the background, some museum patrons are silently studying the bodies, some patrons are quietly chatting with their friends about what they are viewing, there are some benches to sit down on should you need to rest…More at nowplayingaustin.wordpress.com 

2. The Drowsy Chaperone

ZACH Theatre

June 24-August 1, 2010

Avg. Event Rating (4.2 Stars): Reviews: 6

Michael Meigs Austin Live Theatre from Austin said:
“Run, don’t walk to buy tickets!”

When I got home, still bubbling from Zach’s The Drowsy Chaperone, I was ready to write, “Run, don’t walk, to the Zach box office to get your first set of tickets for this sparkling evening of music, comedy and light-hearted fooling, a clever reincarnation of Broadway at its wonderful beginnings.” That’s hyperbole, of course. Because you don’t need to run anywhere. You just tap zachtheatre.org into your browser, click a couple of times and give them your payment details. The Drowsy Chaperone is a zinger because Lambert, Morrison, Martin and McKellar lovingly spoof those energetic, naive and amazing beginnings of what became American musical theatre, admired across the world, while giving us a contemporary moderator and chorus — in the Greek sense. Martin Burke as the anonymous Man in the Chair hosts us for an evening alone in his apartment with LP recordings of that mythical 1928 musical. Read full ALT.com review with pix & video at http://tinyurl.com/ALT702

Top Weekly Events! ( Did Your Fav Make the Cut?)

1. The Yeomen of the Guard
Gilbert & Sullivan Society Of Austin
June 10-June 20, 2010

Crystal* from Austin, TX said:
“Yo’ Man! This is an awesome Production”

I had a wonderful time at the Gilbert and Sullivan Society’s Production of Yeomen of the Guard. Across the board the performances were spot on. The singing was incredible. Reaching many comedic highs and unexpected dramatic lows, every audience member goes on an entertaining ride. I really enjoyed the full ensemble performances (the finale is simply divine)- their voices filled the auditorium with a cacophony of sound that was just spectacular. Go check it out before it closes. I highly highly recommend it.

2. The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told
The City Theatre Company
June 10-July 4, 2010

Jennifer from Austin, TX said:
“The Most Fabulous play I’ve seen in a long while!

I was at City Theatre for opening night of The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told and absolutely loved it. Based on the reactions of fellow audience members, I’d be willing to speculate it was received by all as a hit. Great cast, well-executed, and very funny. I also liked their display in the lobby demonstrating the protest responses they’ve gotten regarding the production. Definitely a must-see! (for mature audiences)

Top Weekly Events!

Review  events on NowPlayingAustin.com!

1. Our Body: The Universe Within
H. J. Lutcher Stark Center for Physical Culture & Sports
April 24, 2010 – Ongoing

Avg. Event Rating (4.3 Stars): 4.5 out of 5 stars rating

Our Body: The Universe Within is a wonderful opportunity to view a stunning and well-presented exhibit of the human body. You WILL see and understand the body like you never have before… regardless of your background. ALL of the body “items” shown have undergone a process which preserves and make them plastic-like. There are many full bodies shown in various ways so that you may study the many different and interrelated systems that make up the human body. There are also many exhibits of body parts: hands, feet, lungs, liver, muscles, etc…. available for detailed study. In terms of logistics: The exhibit is well lit, there is quiet music playing in the background, some museum patrons are silently studying the bodies, some patrons are quietly chatting with their friends about what they are viewing, there are some benches to sit down on should you need to rest…More at nowplayingaustin.wordpress.com

2. BUG

Capital T Theatre Company

May 27-June 19, 2010

Avg. Event Rating (4.5 Stars): 4.5 out of 5 stars rating

Anne deBuys from Santa Fe, NM USA said:
“capital T Astounds Again”

(Please note: this is a rewrite of a formerly submitted review.) Director Mark Pickell has again assembled the kick-ass cast from last summer’s extended-run production of “Killer Joe” for another stunning Tracy Letts drama, “Bug.” The first act builds a quirky love story between two lonely misfits, with a backdrop of menacing domestic violence and moments of humor. So, going into the second act, the audience is disarmed as tension builds around interlocking conspiracies much bigger and more terrifying than the lead characters’ relationship first implied. Both action and emotions explode as revelations build on each other. Performances by the five-member cast are intense and visceral. Images from this powerful production have stayed with me for days. Do NOT miss seeing “Bug.”

Top Weekly Events!

Top 10 Current/Upcoming Events

For these events and other arts listings and reviews, visit NowPlayingAustin.com!

1. “Bash: Three Plays”

The Vestige Group

closing tonight~!

Avg. Event Rating (4.1 Stars): Reviews: 13

John Fitchen from Tucson, AZ said:
“You must see this”

Wow! If you like to see plays about “happily ever after” then this is not the play for you. But if you believe in live theatre and your taste runs a little (or a lot) darker and deeper, this production will remind you why you believe. It is intimate, gut-wrenching, tender, horrible, powerful, and thought-provoking. There’s nothing cheerful here (the third part is Medea Redux, so what would you expect) but you’ll be richer for having seen it. The other reviews correctly praise the performances of all the actors, especially Jen Brown. On a personal note, I drove from Houston to see this play, knowing nothing of the company and not having seen any reviews. The delivery of the opening sentence let me know it was worth it. By the time the plays had finished it was clear this had been a highlight of a long journey. Even seeing only the third play (Medea Redux) would have justified a drive from much further away than Houston. “Bash” has gotten under my skin and it won’t let go!

2. Our Body: The Universe Within

H. J. Lutcher Stark Center for Physical Culture & Sports

April 24, 2010 – Ongoing

Avg. Event Rating (4.3 Stars): Reviews: 6

from said:
“Our Body!”

Our Body: The Universe Within is a wonderful opportunity to view a stunning and well-presented exhibit of the human body. You WILL see and understand the body like you never have before… regardless of your background. ALL of the body “items” shown have undergone a process which preserves and make them plastic-like. There are many full bodies shown in various ways so that you may study the many different and interrelated systems that make up the human body. There are also many exhibits of body parts: hands, feet, lungs, liver, muscles, etc…. available for detailed study. In terms of logistics: The exhibit is well lit, there is quiet music playing in the background, some museum patrons are silently studying the bodies, some patrons are quietly chatting with their friends about what they are viewing, there are some benches to sit down on should you need to rest…More at nowplayingaustin.wordpress.com 

3. The Red Balloon

Tongue and Groove Theatre

May 20-May 30, 2010

Avg. Event Rating (4.4 Stars): Reviews: 4

from said:
“The Red Balloon”

Adults and children both will be carried away in this fun and fascinating hour of theatre–all without a spoken word. Experience the magic–from a kid’s point of view–of a day played out in mime, live music, dance, and mixed with animation! Yes, animation, what a creative media to weave with other theatrical elements to support a delightful narration. Enjoy a night where dancing with umbrellas, playground shuffles and even finding a magical balloon seem so natural and believable. Excellent acting by adults playing kid, and original music by a pot-pourri pit orchestra of fine musicians makes The Red Balloon a superbly woven, heartwarming story where you’ll float away on the magic of the story. 

4. Get Yourself into Trouble

TroublePuppet Theater Company

May 27, 2010

Avg. Event Rating (5.0 Stars): Reviews: 2

from said:
“Trouble like this comes but once a year”

This event is always amazing! Fun, creative, interactive. Plus the raffle tickets are included in the entry fee, so everyone who shows up has a chance to win the really whimsical little puppet prizes. 

5. Chris Jordan: Running the Numbers

Austin Museum of Art

May 22-August 15, 2010

Avg. Event Rating (5.0 Stars): Reviews: 1

Ruby Sinclair from Austin, TX said:
“Inspiring and Thought-Provoking!”

I continue to be amazed and delighted by the work that AMoA is bringing here to Austin!! Chris Jordan’s work is profound and I highly recommend everyone to go and see it. His large-scale digital prints resonate the true impact that today’s society has made on waste, the environment, and quality of life.

6. Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Georgetown Palace Theatre, Inc.

May 7-June 6, 2010

Avg. Event Rating (5.0 Stars): Reviews: 1

Larry G. from Austin, TX said:
“Great family entertainment!”

I took my family to Joseph last Saturday night and it was well worth the drive to Georgetown. The show rocked from start to finish, even better than the Donny Osmond movie. The leads were wonderful, especially Joseph and the Narrator, and everyone in the place is having a great time. You know how much we enjoyed it? We’ve bought the CD and we’re going back next weekend! 

Top Weekly Events: Sound off!

Top 10 Current/Upcoming Events

1. A Chorus Line

Texas Performing Arts

May 11-May 16, 2010

Avg. Event Rating (4.9 Stars): Reviews: 8

Linda M. from Austin, TX said:
“Loved the show!!”

“Oh strut your stuff! ” “Can’t get enough!” Then go see A CHORUS LINE, it’s Fantastic! 

2. “Bash: Three Plays”

The Vestige Group

May 6-May 22, 2010

Avg. Event Rating (4.1 Stars): Reviews: 13

John Fitchen from Tucson, AZ said:
“You must see this”

Wow! If you like to see plays about “happily ever after” then this is not the play for you. But if you believe in live theatre and your taste runs a little (or a lot) darker and deeper, this production will remind you why you believe. It is intimate, gut-wrenching, tender, horrible, powerful, and thought-provoking. There’s nothing cheerful here (the third part is Medea Redux, so what would you expect) but you’ll be richer for having seen it. The other reviews correctly praise the performances of all the actors, especially Jen Brown. On a personal note, I drove from Houston to see this play, knowing nothing of the company and not having seen any reviews. The delivery of the opening sentence let me know it was worth it. By the time the plays had finished it was clear this had been a highlight of a long journey. Even seeing only the third play (Medea Redux) would have justified a drive from much further away than Houston. “Bash” has gotten under my skin and it won’t let go

3. The Taming of the Shrew- Original Practices

The Hidden Room Theatre

April 30-May 23, 2010

Avg. Event Rating (4.5 Stars): Reviews: 5

Contessa from Austin, TX said:
“Fantastic!”

This was an AWESOME performance. The setting, the costumes, the music, and the actors were outstanding! This is not a performance to miss! Regardless of your feelings about Taming of the Shrew, GO SEE THIS PRODUCTION!!! You won’t be sorry!

4. Agnes of God

The City Theatre Company

April 29-May 23, 2010

Avg. Event Rating (4.6 Stars): Reviews: 8

Jo Ann Farrell from Austin said:
“Agnes of God”

Agnes of God is an outstanding production. The acting, direction, lighting, and stage design are all excellent. We are regular Austin theater-goers and this is one of the most impressive productions we have seen. It is surprisingly objective and painfully sensitive. Don’t miss the opportunity to see Agnes of God.

5. Our Town

ZACH Theatre

April 15-May 23, 2010

Avg. Event Rating (4.3 Stars): Reviews: 4

Steven Fearing from Austin, Texas said:
“Our Town’s Message”

Director Dave Steakley has brought Wilder’s Our Town to Austin with a contemporary yet timeless feel. This is commentary on our town anywhere, anytime – on human life transitions and our short time on Earth. It could easily be the small town of Grover Corners, Texas. No matter, Our Town says: pay attention to what life brings and accept the inevitable seasons of change. Jaston Williams is a perfect Stage Manager to share the story of Grover Corners and invite us to learn Wilder’s universal lessons. Jordan McRae as Emily Webb is radiant and convincing but the entire cast is great, too many to mention. The audience moved into the rehearsal studio for Act II’s wedding. We were a community together, enjoying fantastic soloist, Laura Benedict. Staging in two places worked remarkably well. Performances aside, Our Town is about the opportunity (taken or missed) of human connection during “Life”, “Love”, and “Death.” I recommend seeing this play and hearing this message again. 

6. Our Body: The Universe Within

H. J. Lutcher Stark Center for Physical Culture & Sports

April 24, 2010 – Ongoing

Avg. Event Rating (3.5 Stars): Reviews: 2

Lassie from Austin, TX said:
“The Body – Uncovered”

This is a very interesting exhibit. To be able to view bodies, inside and out, up so close – was fascinating. It’s remarkable how the texture of the muscles has remained – the tendons of the arms and legs – all so perfect. I overheard a young student comment that she wished she’d come prior to her exam that day – she was sure she would’ve scored higher on it. It is a very frank showing – if you bring children make sure you’re prepared to answer their questions about anatomy – or prepare them in advance as to what they’ll see. The various systems of the body are shown in separate rooms – giving you plenty of room to move about and spend time taking in the different presentations. Several of the exhibits show diseased organs alongside healthy ones, making it easier to see the difference from a layman’s point of view. If you have any curiosity about the internal workings of your own body – seeing the exhibit is a great way to know it better.

7. The DREAM: A Midsummer Night’s Dream with A Rock ‘N Roll edge

Austin Shakespeare

April 29-May 30, 2010

Avg. Event Rating (4.5 Stars): Reviews: 1

Ruby Sinclair from Austin, TX said:
“Bottoms Up!”

There is such a wonderful feeling about seeing Shakespeare in the park. Austin Shakes is back with another wonderful and free performance at Zilker Park! The Dream is just that as fairies and wonderment come alive to lights, colors, and a live rock band! And Bottom’s performance is AWESOME! This really is a must see! And with it being free…you can see it again, and again (well…until May 30th!)

Review your own at NowPlayingAustin.com