Saturday, December 31, 2011

Upcoming: Holier Than Thou by Bastion Carboni, FronteraFest at Salvage Vanguard Theatre, January 26 - February 4


Found on-line:

Poison Apple InitiativeHolier Than Thou by Bastion Carboni Poison Apple Initiative


presents



Holier Than Thou

by Bastion Carboni (60 minutes)
directed by Bethany Perkins
with Joshua Baker, Melanie Conrad, Bethany Perkins, Kacy Todd and Bastion Carboni.
Jan 26th, 31st at 9:00pm; Jan 28th at 5:30pm; Feb 4th at 8:15pm
at the Salvage Vanguard Theatre, 2803 Manor Rd (click for map)

Comprised of candid interviews taken after the expiration of a non-disclosure agreement, Holier Than Thou centers around a reality TV show wherein the contestants compete to possess the powers of Jesus for a week. A dark comedy about what we want and why we need it.

Profile of Hidden Room Theatre by Dawn Youngs at Culturemap


On-line at www.austin.culturemap.com:

Judd Farris, Ryan Crowder (image: Kimberley Mead)

The Hidden Theater: A secretive Austin gem that's going global


By Dawn Youngs,12.31.11

As Master of Company and Theatrical Deviser Beth Burns put it, “The Hidden Room Theater is a Theatrical Curiosity Shop specializing in Original Practices classics, technologically forward-thinking works, intriguing new plays, and rarely-done oddities.” The company, critically acclaimed for its media jumping cross-Atlantic theatrical event You Don’t Know Him He Lives in Texas/You Don’t Know Her She Lives in London, will be bringing all of these diverse specialties together in this season’s production of Rose Rage.

Hidden Room has been making waves in the modern world of Shakespeare by going old school. Their recent Original Practice production of Taming of the Shrew had a historically accurate all male cast, period Elizabethan dress and stayed true to the minimalist staging of Shakespeare’s time. The company is not lost in the past, however, evidenced by a recent Kickstarter campaign which harnessed the power of the internet to take the company to the Blackfriar’s Conference at the Shakespeare Center to present the work to some of the world's most renowned Shakespeare scholars. This trip was a big success for Hidden Room Theater, solidifying their place on the international stage.

Read full text at www.austin.culturemap.com . . . .

Auditions for The Twelfth Labor by Leegrid Stevens, Tutto Theatre, January 7 and 8


Tutto Theatre, Austin TXInvitation to Audition for The Twelfth Labor by Leegrid Stevens

directed by Gary Jaffe

(A World Premiere from the author of The Dudleys!: A Family Game)*

Scheduled for August, 2012

AUDITIONS are Saturday, January 7th & Sunday, January 8th by appointment only - Callbacks Saturday, January 14th. To set up a brief audition time email daniel@danielbrock.com.

We're looking for men and women between the ages of 18 and 50 for a multitude of roles.

lodging disease cornstalks Iowa U extensionThe Twelfth Labor follows a single day, October 15, 1949, filtered through the warped and damaged mind of an Idaho farm girl. Through her memories, dreams, and swirling language, we come to understand the price she and her family have paid for a little dignity, as they await the return of their long absent father, lost somewhere in the war, half a world away.

The production will run 4 weeks at McCallum Fine Arts Academy, from August 9th – September 1st. Rehearsals will begin in June. The Twelfth Labor will be directed by Tutto Theatre Company's Artistic Director, Gary Jaffe.

WHAT TO PREPARE? We will provide you with scenes and monologues from the play at least one week prior to auditions. Please select your two favorites and prepare them. We may ask you to perform others, but we only expect two to be "prepared." Be ready to make choices and take direction.

Please also bring two copies of your headshot and resume, and--if available--send digital versions to daniel@danielbrock.com when scheduling your audition time slot.

*Tutto's May 2011 production garnered eight awards in the 37th Annual B. Iden Payne Awards this fall.

Tutto Theatre Company is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organization in Austin, Texas, and is funded in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division.



Friday, December 30, 2011

Adam Roberts Appointed Artistic Director of Theatre at the J


Published in the January 2012 edition of


The Jewish Outlook, Austin  LogoAdam Roberts Appointed Artistic Director of Theatre at the J


Adam Roberts (via www.thejewishoutlook.com)The JCC Youth and Teen Department announces the appointment of Adam Roberts as the new Artistic Director of Theatre at the J. He succeeds Trisha Reed Baughman, who also directed the JCC’s School of Dance prior to relocating to the East Coast with her family.

Roberts has served as musical director or choreographer for over one hundred productions to date, with choreography credits including two European concert tours. He has taught and coached musical theatre voice, acting and dance styles throughout the country. His students have appeared on and off-Broadway, in regional theatre and national tours, and on film and network television. In addition to his current role as Musical Director for Music Theatre Online: 1866-1923 with the New York Public Library and the University of Maryland--College Park, Adam is a contributing writer and arts critic for the Austin Chronicle and is currently writing a book focused on music analysis for practitioners of musical theatre. [. . .]

Theatre at the J summer musical auditions are Tuesday, March 20 and Wednesday, March 21. Contact Adam for more details at adam.roberts@shalomaustin.org. Registration opens for Performing Arts Camp at the JCC Summer Camp Fest on Sunday, January 8 at 1:30 p.m. in the JCC Community Hall.

Click to read full article on-line at The Jewish Outlook. . . .


Thursday, December 29, 2011

Auditions for Inherit The Wind, City Theatre, January 23 and 24



City Theatre, AustinInherit The Wind, City TheatreAuditions for Inherit The Wind, directed by City Theatre guest artist Perry Crafton.

January 22 and 23, 2012 at the City Theatre. 3823 Airport Blvd. Suite D. Austin, TX 78722 (click for map)

Sunday, January 22, 5 – 8 p.m.; Monday, January 23, 6 – 9 p.m.

Ten minute slots by appointment. Callbacks January 23, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Show dates: May 10 – June 3.

Casting all roles. We would be happy to work with you if not able to make the audition or callback time. One of the greatest plays of the twentieth century inspired by the famous 1925 “Scopes Monkey Trial.” When a young teacher is arrested for teaching Darwin's Origin of the Species, the small southern town becomes the focus of the entire nation. Evolution and Creationism go head to head in one of the most momentous and groundbreaking courtroom battles in history. Bring headshot, resume, and a one minute prepared monologue. Scenes may also be performed. 512-524-2870 or info@citytheatreaustin.org to set up an appt. For more audition details, go to www.citytheatreaustin.org

Upcoming: The Alien Baby Play, Tutto Theatre at Salvage Vanguard Theatre, January 20 - February 5


Found on-line:

Tutto Theatre



presents the world premiere ofThe Alilen Baby Play (image: www.tuttotheatre.org)

The Alien Baby Play


by Nicholas Walker Herbert

directed by Gary Jaffe

Preview Performances:

Friday, 20 January 2012, 8:00p.m.
Saturday, 21 January 2012, 8:00p.m.
Sunday, 22 January 2012, 8:00p.m.

A Private Residence in Westlake* Preview Performances: $10
SEATING is LIMITED, Reserve Your Seats TODAY.
*Location sent out upon ticket purchase/reservation.
Tickets Available via TuttoTheatre.org

FronteraFest Long Fringe Performances:

Tuesday, 24 January 2012, 7:00p.m.; Saturday, 28 January 2012, 1:00p.m.; Sunday, 29 January 2012, 8:45p.m.Sunday, 5 February 2012, 7:15p.m.; all at Salvage Vanguard Theater, 2803 Manor Road (click for map)

FronteraFest Long Fringe Performances: $10
Tickets Available via FronteraFest.org

Featuring the return of Austin's own, Kathleen Fletcher.

Bethany is 15 months pregnant with an alien baby, and she's invited you to the birth! Kathleen Fletcher returns to Austin for the world premiere of Nicholas Walker Herbert's The Alien Baby Play, an interactive theatrical experience which will leave you clutching your womb with joy and terror. Presented as part of the FronteraFest Long Fringe 2012.

Click to view bios of director Gary Jaffe, Pam Fletcher Friday, Daniel Brock, Matthew Ervin, and producers David Robinson and Pidge Smith

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Images by Kimberley Mead: Arcadia by Tom Stoppard, Austin Shakespeare at Rollins Theatre, Long Center, February 2 - 19


Images by Kimberley Mead for the

Austin Shakespeare




presentation ofArcadia by Tom Stoppard Austin Shakespeare

Arcadia

by Tom Stoppard

a brilliant comedy of wit and romance


February 2-19, 2012. Thursdays - Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 3 p.m. Special low-priced preview Feb. 1

High Tea Saturday 2/11 at 5p.m. followed by performance at 8 p.m. Discussion between audience and actors to follow every performance.


Rollins Studio Theater at the Long Center for the Performing Arts (click for map)
Tickets: (512) 474-LONG or buy online.

Valentine Weekend Sat Feb. 11 “High Tea” $50 pp; $80 pp to include High Tea and Arcadia ticket (seating limited) by “Full English Cafe” (a bit of cool Britannia). For reservations, contact alex AT austinshakespeare.org.

The New York Times praised Arcadia as a ‘perfect marriage of ideas and high comedy.’ Arcadia won the Tony Award for Best Play 2005 and again this year for Best Revival of a Play.

“We love bringing scripts to life that have sparkling wit and brilliant language side by side with sex, romance and complex ideas,” said Austin Shakespeare’s Artistic Director Ann Ciccolella.

Arcadia by Tom Stoppard Austin Shakespeare (image: Kimberley Mead)Arcadia traverses the past and the present in alternating scenes at the same English country home from 1809 to 1993 when academics, mathematicians and literary types of the present seek to uncover a mystery in the home and garden two hundred years earlier. Audiences will be captivated by the whirlwind stirred up by Lord Byron, who is an unseen visitor to the 19th century characters. The parallel lives climax in a masquerade garden party with 20th Century characters waltzing the same moment of transformation with the lovers of the early 19th Century.

To enhance the romantic mood for Valentine’s Day weekend, Austin Shakespeare is hosting an unforgettable evening Saturday, February 11, 2012, including traditional English High Tea at 5 p.m. preceding the show at a lovely Austin private home, with an array of delicious teas, delectable tea sandwiches and authentic British sweets provided by Full English CafĂ©.

Click to view additional images by Kimberley Mead at AustinLiveTheatre.com. . . .


Upcoming: The Last Five Years, Brauntex Theatre, New Braunfels, January 6 and 7


Found on-line:


UnderMotion Production Corporation

is proud to present its debut productionThe Last Five Years UnderMotion Production Corporation

The Last 5 Years

with music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown

directed by Chris Berry

January 6 at 7:30 p.m., January 7 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The Brauntex Theatre- 290 West San Antonio Street , New Braunfels, TX, Texas, 78130 (click for map)

For Reservations Call the Brauntex Theatre in New Braunfels, TX at 830-627-0808 or email the box office at boxoffice@brauntex.org

This off-Broadway hit tells the story of a couple of New Yorkers who fall in and out of love over the course of 5 years; however, the way in which they tell their story is unique because Jaime, the male, tells his story chronologically while Cathy, the female, tells her story backwards. They only meet once, when they get married in the middle of the show.

Starring Lindsay Pearce from the hit tv show "Glee" and fourth place winner of the popular series "The Glee Project. Also starring Alex Trevino, a local San Antonio actor living in Los Angeles who just made his film debut in the feature film "Little Boy".

There are only 3 performances planned so far, but we will add more if we have to! You do not want to miss this exciting production!

Prices for tickets will range from $25-$35 for reserved seating.

SPECIAL DISCOUNT TO ALL UNIVERSITY OF DALLAS STUDENTS!

For more information, please contact the Brauntex Theatre at 830.627.0808 or visit their website at www.brauntex.org

Starring Lindsay Pearce from "Glee" and "The Glee Project" and Alex Trevino
Musical Director: Charles Barksdale
Assistant Director: Amanda Werley
Stage Manager: Kate Elizabeth Chiappe
Assistant Stage Manager: Dolores Hernandez
Technical Director: Phil Cerroni
Light and Sound Designer: Michael Jarvis
Costume Designer: Jessie Burke
Production Manager: Brandon Steven Cruz
Associate Producer/Creative Consultant: Michael Kerker ASCAP
Executive Producer: Gabriel Hugoboom
Producer: Alex Trevino
Director: Chris Berry


Monday, December 26, 2011

Images By Bret Brookshire: Children's Hour by Lillian Hellman, Different Stages at the City Theatre, January 6 -28


Found on-line: images by Bret Brookshire for Nikki Zook, Bridget Farias (image: Bret Brookshire)

presentation of

The Children's Hour

by Lillian Hellman

January 6 - 28, Thursdays – Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

at the City Theatre, 3823 Airport Road (behind the Shell station)(click for map)Pick your Price Tickets: $15, $20, $25, $30
** Reservations: 926-6747 **

Laura Ray, Nikki Zook (image: Bret Brookshire)








Click to view additional images by Bret Brookshire at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Scott Kanoff of UT Theatre and Speech Voted Teaching Award from Texas Exes

From UT Theatre and Dance, December 26:


Scott Kanoff Recognized with 2012 Texas Exes Teaching Award

Scott Kanoff (image: UT Theatre and Dance)


Scott Kanoff, Department of Theatre and Dance lecturer of directing, has been named a recipient of the Texas Exes Teaching Award. The student-nominated and student-selected awards were first given by the Texas Exes in 1982. The annual awards promote quality teaching at The University of Texas at Austin by publicly recognizing professors who have had a positive influence on the educational experience of university students.

A director, dramaturg and producer with a special interest in new work, Kanoff has taught at the university since 2003. His courses include graduate and undergraduate directing, advanced acting, acting Shakespeare, and a popular audition workshop. From 2000-2005, Kanoff served as producing artistic director of Austin’s State Theater Company, where he staged a range of classic and contemporary plays. Kanoff also spent nine seasons as resident director and head of new play development at The Cleveland Play House, where he collaborated on the genesis of more than 50 new works by American playwrights including Wendy Kesselman, Seth Greenland, John Henry Redwood, Joan Ackermann, Wendy MacLeod and Randal Myler.

Kanoff will be formally presented the Texas Exes Teaching Award on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center. Past Department of Theatre and Dance recipients include Joan Lazarus, Suzan Zeder and Lucien Douglas.

Click to go t Scott Kanoff's page at the website of UT Fine Arts

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Upcoming: Picasso at the Lapin Agile by Steve Martin, Texas State University, February 7 - 12


Found on-line:

Texas State University Theatre


presents

Picasso at the Lapin Agile

by Steve Martin
Link
Directed by Aaron Johnson
February 7-11 at 7:30 p.m., Februaury 12 at 2:00 p.m.

[poster image: Geoffrey Douglas]

Laugh along with the noble denizens of a down-and-out Parisian bar as a youthful Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso meet in 1904 shortly before either is to become famous. As they debate art and science, they are eventually interrupted by a time-traveling stranger, the once and future King from Tupelo, Mississippi, who adds his own "twist" to the discussion. This inventive, witty comedy was the first full-length play by Steve Martin, the award-winning actor, writer, comedian, and musician.

Click for more information and performance image at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Upcoming: Funny, You Don't Look Like A Grandmother, Hill Country Community Theatre, near Marble Falls, February 16 -26


Found on-line:

Hill Country Community Theatre, Cottonwood Shores, TX





presents

Funny You Don't Look Like A Grandmother



Funny, You Don’t Look Like a Grandmother

Book and Lyrics by Lois Wyse and Sheilah Rae

Music by Robert Waldman

February 16 – 26, 2012

Hill Country Community Theatre, 4003 FM 2147 West • Cottonwood Shores, TX 78657 (click for map)

Box Office: 830-798-8944 • Box Office Opens February 6 for Patrons, February 9 for General Public: 830-798-8944

Click for additional ticket information

Fun for the whole family, this new musical comedy is based on the #1 New York Times bestseller. This humorous and heartwarming revue looks at modern grandmothers and grandfathers too, in a whole new light. No more granny glasses and shapeless black dresses! These grandmas prefer cute little tennis dresses and condos in Florida. Songs from the show include “Granny’s Gotta Dance”, “She’s Old Enough to be My Wife” and “There Oughta Be a Law to Outlaw In-Laws”. Whether you are a grandparent or a grandchild, every generation of your family will love this show!

Upcoming: Chrome Cruisin' Cabaret 50's cabaret & dinner theatre, Playhouse Smithville, February 3 - 14


Found on-line:

Playhouse Smithville TX




presentsChrome Cruisin' Cabaret 50's Playhouse Smithville

Chrome Crusin' Cabaret 50's

a dinner theatre presentatioin

February 3, 4, 10, 11, 14
Dinner at 6:30 - Show at 7:30

TICKETS: $20.00 ($10.00 show only)

Click to Purchase Tickets

Step back in time with us to the era of rock-n-roll, soda fountains and car hops as we re-visit the music of the 1950's! Enjoy a gourmet hot dog from Smithville's own Frankendog (with lots of groovy toppings), yummy sides and delicious desserts. Be sure to reserve your seats early for this rockin' good time Valentine's Day date night!


Friday, December 23, 2011

Upcoming: The Children's Hour by Lillian Hellman, Different Stages at the City Theatre, January 6 - 28


Found on-line:

presents

The Children's HourThe Children's Hour Lillan Hellman Different Stages Austin TX

by Lillian Hellman

January 6 - 28, Thursdays – Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

at the City Theatre, 3823 Airport Road (behind the Shell station)(click for map)Pick your Price Tickets: $15, $20, $25, $30
** Reservations: 926-6747 **

Different Stages continues its 2011 – 2012 season with The Children's Hour. Award–winning playwright Lillian Hellman entered the world of the theater with a resounding thunder of acclaim in 1934 with this, her first and most famous play. The Children's Hour is the story of how a selfish child's whispered accusation destroys the lives of two young schoolteachers. A devastating story of deceit, shame and courage, its potent exploration of a culture of fear remains startlingly relevant.

Karen Jambon (Mornings at Seven) is the director of The Children's Hour. Playing the two schoolteachers, Karen and Martha, are Nikki Zook (Spider's Web) and Bridget Farias (Titus Andronicus). Erich Peterson (Suddenly Last Summer) plays Doctor Joe Cardin, Karen's boyfriend, the only male character. Laura Ray (Agnes of God) plays Mary Tilford, the student who accuses the two teachers. Rae Petersen (The Red Balloon) plays Mary's grandmother, Mrs. Tilford, and Miriam Rubin (Eurydice) plays Martha's meddling aunt, Mrs. Lily Mortar. Rounding out the cast are Molly Bentley, Bethany Harbaugh, Helen Hutka, Katie Kohler, Sara Billeaux, and Nguyen Stanton.

Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets are Pick your Price: $15, $20, $25, and $30. For tickets and information call 926–6747.

Dont forget to "Like" us on Facebook!

Visit www.main.org/diffstages for more information about Different Stages!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare: 1599, by James Shaprio




James Shapiro opens his narrative with the close-up, confidential tone of a detective novel. In his first paragraph he establishes the scene as snow-covered London on December 28, 1598 and continues,

As the snow fell, a dozen or so armed men gathered in Shoreditch, in London's northern suburbs. Instead of the clubs usually wielded in London's street brawls or apprentice riots, they carried deadly weapons -- "swords, daggers, bills, axes, and the like." [. . .] The Chamberlain's Men were in trouble, and the only way out was to get in a bit deeper.

You'd be hard put to situate your story any more in medias res than that. Headed by master carpenter Peter Street, this gang is about to disassemble a theatre building and haul every bit of it away to a warehouse facing the frozen Thames. Two days earlier the Chamberlain's Men performed at Elizabeth's court at Whitehall Palace and they were expected there again on New Year's Day. In the interval their laborers were reappropriating the timbers, lumber and fittings from the site where their lease had expired and storing the dismantled theatre for later use on a south bank property with a newly signed 31-year lease.

Given the dispute over the ownership of the building that would become the Globe, the enterprise had the makings of a conspiracy. It was also a new type of business venture. Richard Burbage had convinced five company members to invest the enormous sum of 70 pounds each for the new construction. In exchange, each was to receive ten percent of the profits of the new venture. Among those investors were Will Kempe, the company's renowned clown and jig-maker, and William Shakespeare, its principal playwright.

The theatre raid isn't the only developing story available to Shapiro with his choice of the final year of the sixteenth century. Shakespeare was at mid-career, of course, and in the following twelve months he and the company would be premiering Henry the Fifth, Julius Caesar, and As You Like It. At the end of the year Shakespeare would be writing Hamlet, a remarkably different type of play both for him and for the English stage. In addition, intrigue and politics at Elizabeth's court would be deeply marked by the mercurial Robert Devereux, second earl of Essex, who had ambitiously courted the queen. Elizabeth would send him off to Ireland with the assignment to put down Tyrone's rebellion; Essex would fail, negotiate ineptly with the adversary, and then abruptly sail home and ride back in haste to burst in upon Elizabeth in her private quarters. By Easter of 1601 he would be dead -- executed for conspiracies against the queen.

Click to read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Upcoming: Southern Fried Chickie by Christy McBrayer, FronteraFest at Salvage Vanguard, January 25 - February 4

Found on-line:

(www.southernfriedchicken.com) Christy McBreyer


Southern Fried Chickie



Written and performed by Christy McBrayer, Southern Fried Chickie is a one-woman play about a “fortyish” actress returning from Hollywood to her hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi. Without ever leaving stage, McBrayer narrates while becoming ten characters with the help of musicians called her “Red Neck Greek Chorus.” The show was called “clever, funny and beguiling” by New Orleans Times-Picayune and “an impressive array!” by Variety. www.southernfriedchickie.com

Jan 26th, Feb 1st at 7:00pm; Jan 28th at 9:00pm; Feb 4th at 4:45pm

FronteraFest Announces Long Fringe Productions for January 24 - February 5


UPDATE: Lisa Scheps and Stuart Moulton interview organizers Ken Webster and Christi Moore, January 11






The FronteraFest Long Fringe schedule was published by the Hyde Park Theatre on December 20. FronteraFestFronteraFest Long Fringe shows are 45 to 90 minutes long and staged at the Blue Theatre and Salvage Vanguard Theatre. Click where indicated to purchase tickets


Capital T TheatrePrecious Little Talent
by Ella Hickson (Capital T Theatre) (90 minutes) at the Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale
Precious Little Talent is a refreshing story of love's triumph over loss and what it means to arrive at adulthood during a time when the rules seem to be shifting and the ground is unsteady. Capital T is proud to present the US Premiere of the latest breakout hit from London penned by Britain's hottest young playwright, Ella Hickson, starring Joe Penrod, Joey Banks, and Melissa Drew, directed by Scott Tipton.
Jan 25th, Feb 3rd at 7:00pm; Jan 27th at 9:15pm; Jan 29th at 2:00pm
Click here to purchase tickets for Precious Little Talent


Akimbo Bubble Scuttle
by Topping Haggerty (Da Foundry) (60 minutes) at the Salvage Vanguard Theatre, 2803 Manor Road.
Akimbo Bubble Scuttle Ruckus is the dark adorable sketch comedy extravaganza you've been waiting for from DA Foundry. Do all puppets have a violent nature? What do rocks feel? Why are suicidal zombies so easy to empathize with? How did you really learn about sex? And why, oh, why is Evil so verbally incontinent? Come experience this hilariously touching, disturbing, raucous display of comedy-licious-ness.
Jan 29th at 6:45pm; Jan 31st at 7:00pm; Feb 4th at 1:00pm; Feb 5th at 3:00pm
Click here to purchase tickets for Akimbo Bubble Scuttle



Tutto TheatreThe Alien Baby Play
written by Nicholas Walker Herbert, directed by Gary Jaffe
(Tutto Theatre) (90 minutes) at the Salvage Vanguard Theatre, 2803 Manor Road.
Bethany is 15 months pregnant with an alien baby, and she's invited you to the birth! Kathleen Fletcher returns to Austin for the world premiere of Nicholas Walker Herbert's The Alien Baby Play, an interactive theatrical experience from Tutto Theatre Company which will leave you clutching your womb with joy and terror. www.TuttoTheatre.org
Jan 24th at 7:00pm; Jan 28th at 1:00pm; Jan 29th at 8:45pm; Feb 5th at 7:15pm
Click here to purchase tickets for The Alien Baby Play

Click to go to AustinLiveTheatre.com to view full list of 17 productions for the FronteraFest Long Fringe . . . .

Upcoming: For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enough, Uprise! Productions at the Vortex Repertory, February 16 - 25


Found on-line:

Uprise Productions




brings back

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf

Cast photo by Zell Miller III (via Austin Chronicle)


Weekends Thursday, February 16 until Saturday, February 25 at 8 p.m.

Vortex Repertory, 2703 Manor Rd. (click for map)

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf
by Ntozake Shange, Directed by Zell Miller, III received standing ovations and rave reviews through its entire run at The VORTEX last September. We are delighted to announce that this vibrant production of Ntozake Shange’s award-winning play will be returning to The VORTEX by popular demand, with the same stellar cast for two weekends in February!

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf
is directed by award-winning theatre artist Zell Miller, III. Choreography by Ananda Mayi Moss and Sadé Jones.

The stellar cast features Whitney Weathersby, Sadé Jones, Chelsea Manasseri, Patricia Robinson, Ebony Stewart, Minerva Villa, and Chandra Washington.

For ticket info and reservations, contact www.vortexrep.org or call 512-478-5282.

Upcoming: Vortex Repertory's Fire and Brimstone Awards Party, January 6


Found on-line:

Vortex Repertory, Austin TX


VORTEX’s Annual Fire and Brimstone Awards

Friday, January 6, 2012

8:30 pm until 12:00am at the Vortex, 2703 Manor Rd. (click for map)

Join VORTEX friends and family to celebrate VORTEX’s Annual Fire and Brimstone Awards, honoring our recent 23th season. For many years, VORTEX Producing Artistic Director, Bonnie Cullum, has given dozens of Fire Awards to honor artists and technicians for their achievements and Brimstone Awards to roast notable gaffs about which we can finally laugh. We are thrilled to welcome The Late Joys to play for our party!

In celebration of VORTEX’s 23 years of theatre in the Austin community, we gather together to remember a notable artistic year, our 23th Season, 2010-11: Vampyress, GAYlicious! Planet of The Mermaids, The Elementals: AIR, Footnotes for People Who Don’t Speak Spanish, Ecosexology, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf, LEAR, and Summer Youth Theater’s The Physicists, as well as the fabulous new addition of The Butterfly Bar.

Admission to the party is FREE. Donations are welcome. Come celebrate Friday, January 6th, 8:30pm to midnight with a fabulous spread in The Butterfly Bar. Cash bar.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Arts Reporting: San Pedro Playhouse Trades 'Streetcar' for 'My Fair Lady', by Deborah Martin, San Antonio Express-News

Found on-line at


My San Antonio Express-News




San Pedro’s ‘Streetcar’ jumps the tracks

Posted on 12/19/2011 by Deborah Martin

The San Pedro Playhouse has made a change to its spring lineup.

“A Streetcar Named Desire,” slated to open in March, has been pulled from the schedule. The show was to be directed by Carol Lee Klose, who had cast Sam Gilliam, Rick Frederick and Susanna Morrow in the leads.

In a statement, Artistic Director Frank Latson explained that “The move comes in the interest of continued economic growth and a move closer to family friendly programming in its Russell Hill Rogers Theater.

“Replacing Streetcar was a very difficult decision, particularly with the stellar Director and Cast which had been assembled for it. However, the Playhouse is at a crossroads, and many tough choices are being made in order that we enter our second century with a strong and steady foundation.”

In its place, the theater will stage “My Fair Lady,” which Latson is planning to direct.

Click to see article at www.mysanantonio.com . . . .

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Upcoming: Earth Beat Life New Year's Eve, Blue Theatre, December 31

Found on-line:

Blue Theatre New Year's Eve 2011-2012


Earth Beats Life:

Blue Theatre Annual Fundraiser Party!


916 Springdale (click for map)

New Year's Eve, December 31, 6 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Come One; Come All To The MARVELS of CARNIVAL
. . . .
A night of Carnival is always a whimsical affair
filled with bevies of burlesque beauties
remarkable human marvels
bizarre sideshow wonders
and all the sights of the cabaret artistique.
. . . .
This NEW YEAR'S EVE, we transform the BLUE THEATRE into the deep, dark, mysterious world of Carnival. We invite you to step into our whimsical carnival playground of delights.
. . . .

999 Eyes Freak Show
Sky Candy Aerialists
Minor Mishap Marching Band
Interstellar Transmissions
Savonne the Minx
Ciara Blossom
Holding Space
The Wave Farmers
Strawberry
and Iris the Artiste
. . . .

Cocktails and Carnival Desserts courtesy of TITO'S HANDMADE VODKA and APHRODITE DIVINE CONFECTIONS.


Tickets Are All-Inclusive and include: admission, bar, carnival eats and games!


$30 Door


MOREMOREMORE


Oddities, Curiosities, the strange, the bizarre, and the beautiful...999 EYES Vaudevillian Freakshow is the last genuine traveling freakshow in the U.S. featuring authentic human oddities, an authentic freakshow museum, Lowrent the Clown, and LIVE music from their dark carnival jug band -That Damned Band. SEE THE HISTORY AND PRESENT OF FREAKSHOW!


Sky Candy Aerialists presents Chelsea Laumen on Silks. Chelsea Laumen is a professional performance artist, teacher and community activist. An integral part of the Birimbau Academy of Capoiera, Chelsea has served as a co-choreographer, core artist, student and also teacher of the Afro-Brazilian martial dance form in her beloved New Mexican community.


Savonne The Minx is a versatile-vixen who can point tootsies en pointe, tappa-tappa tap dance, and saunter and twirl to a mishmash beat. A magnetic medley of the magical kind let her exceed your expectations, unbind your boundaries, and find your fancies. Savonne danced with the award-winning dance troupe, Eye Candy Burlesque, and has performed everywhere from Kansas City to Little Rock.


Ciara Blossom, a.k.a. the Hula Hoop Enchantress specializes in spiral seduction with 2 tiny fire-hoops, and the smooth fluid movements of L.E.D glow hoops. Armed with a giggly golden smile, ornate handmade costumes, and wicked sick tricks to mesmerize and inspire audiences long after the show is over.


Strawberry ignites her hoops of fire to manipulate the flame through play and dance. This fire twirling Sprite is sure to delight!


Iris the Artiste transforms into the bodyart painting Gypsy who won't tell you your future but will help create one with you. Just give her a section of your body, details of your New Year's Resolution and let the creation begin.


BANDS:


MINOR MISHAP MARCHING BAND is a renegade brass band- Bourbon Street meets Budapest. An absurd expression of boisterous pandemonium and washboard-tuba-punk-rock ridiculousness: fun, loud and in the streets.

INTERSTELLAR TRANSMISSIONS is carnivalesque Shamanic Tribal Rock Fusion blending exotic sacred healing scales and frequencies with dynamic fast changing, primal rhythms. Let them take you on an epic journey of the soul that encompasses a vast spectrum of emotional depth, magic, excitement and color.


THE WAVE FARMERS cover a wide variety of sonic landscape from glitchy/psychedelic downtempo to electro-acoustic breaks. With collective music releases on Psymbolic--sounds, Organic Records, and Latchkey Records, The Wave Farmers is sure to bring you a night of experimental crossover electronic jam music that is not to be missed.


HOLDING SPACE adds the triply elements of Jazz Psychedelic Funk.

Upcoming: Searching for Eden by James Still, after Mark Twain, Paradox Players, February 10 - 26


Found on-line:

Paradox Players, Austin TX




presentMarsha Sray Searching For Eden James Still (image: Joni McLain)

Searching for Eden

Written by James Still, after Mark Twain
Directed by Joni McClain

February 10 - 26
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm • Sundays at 3 pm
HOWSON HALL THEATER, Unitarian Universalist Church, 4700 Grover Avenue (click for map)
Tickets -- $20 Opening Night Gala, Friday, Feb 10th (includes a special reception with refreshments)
$15 all other performances ($10 for seniors and groups of 10 or more)
Reservations by web
, phone 744-1495 or Purchase via Paypal
Free childcare Feb 12 Matinee if reserved by Feb 5. Email childcare@austinuu.org or call 452-6168, ext. 313

Adam and Eve meet in paradise and embark on an epic, exuberant battle of the sexes. Several thousand years and a fall from grace later, the middle-aged couple returns to present-day Eden, now an upscale resort. Searching for Eden is a fresh, funny new look at the question of how to make the magic last, and a tender testament to enduring love.

Adam's Diary Mark Twain (via Sacramento Press)The play is inspired by and adapted from a pair of short stories by Mark Twain. Says director Joni McClain, “Several thousand years after Adam and Eve meet in paradise, they return to a very different Eden. It’s a comic testament to enduring love; a fresh look at how to make the magic last.”

Variety Magazine called Searching for Eden “An engaging blend of wit and whimsy.” The Indianapolis Star wrote, "Eden is a paradise of a play, a captivating romantic comedy that captures the wit and warmth of Mark Twain's timeless paeans to love and marriage and updates them for today.”

Searching for Eden will be presented at the Howson Hall Theater, located in the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin, 4700 Grover Road, Austin, TX 78756. Performances are February 10 – 26, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, and Sundays at 3:00 pm.

Tickets for the Opening Night Gala are $20, and for all other performances $15 General Admission and $10 for Seniors and groups of 10 or more. Purchase tickets online at www.paradoxplayers.org or phone 512-744-1495 for reservations.

Searching for Eden features actors Matt Gauck as Adam and Marsha Sray as Eve.


Saturday, December 17, 2011

Upcoming: A Neon Christmas dance party, Paper Chairs at Cheerup Charlies, December 21

Found on-line:

Paper Chairs invites you to

A Neon Christmas dance party A Neon Christmas dance party Paper Chairs

December 21, 6:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.

Cheer-Up Charlie's, 1104 E. 6th Street (click for map)


We don't care if you've been bad or good. Frankly, we don't really care! This has been a milestone year for paper chairs as we said goodbye to some, bon voyage to others, and hello to still more as we grow our collaborative efforts. We'd love for you to join us in celebrating our favorite time of year! Tis the season to be jolly, and we've put together an electrifying evening of enjoyment for you.

Cheer Up Charlie's has graciously offered to host our bright, bright take on the holidays Wednesday, December 21. We'll kick things off with happy hour at 6:00p, get the juices flowing with Christmas Karaoke hosted by Sonny & Cher, and break it down with an all-out dance party to write home about. Throughout the night, we'll also be raffling off White Elephant Christmas gifts, and Santa and his Sexy Helper will be available for some serious photo ops.

As we prepare for the launch of our next original work - a collection of plays by Austin's own Hank Schwemmer in February - we're asking that all guests make a $5 donation to partake in the night's festivities. Friends of paper chairs will receive drink specials for the evening - including such deliciousness as soynog, peppermint coffee, spiked apple cider, and more.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me here on Facebook. Or just ask your favorite paper chair. We're looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday!

Poste Restante, The Secret Agents, Salvage Vanguard Theatre, December 15 - 17



Poste Restante (www.the-secret-agents.com)



I went up to Tim Gallagher after the Secret Agents' first run-through at the Salvage Vanguard on Thursday, congratulated him and asked, "What's the hidden message?"

I know: wrong question. But I couldn't help myself. I'm a narrative theatre guy, analyst, reporter, decipherer of mysteries. And I'd known a fair number of secret agents in my former career, even though I was in the overt diplomatic service, not the covert service.

Tim gave me a grin. "We just like to have fun!"

Spoken like a true secret agent, without a trace of guile. So you can puzzle over it as much as you like after you've experienced the multidimensional fun of Poste Restante ("dead letter office") by Tim Gallagher and Bonnie Duncan. There's a message in there; in fact, there are many messages in their post office of the mind. But they're largely wordless, expressed in an ever-surprising modulation of mime, physical comedy, contortion, ballet, puppetry, music and video projection.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Upcoming: I Hate Hamlet by Paul Rudnick, Georgetown Palace Theatre, January 13 - February 5


Found on-line:


I Hate Hamlet


by Paul RudnickI Hate Hamlet Paul Rudnick Georgetown Palace Theatre

directed by David Sray

Jan. 13 - Feb. 5 - Fri. & Sat. at 7:30 p.m. and Sun. at 2:00 p.m.

Georgetown Palace Theatre, 810 S. Austin Street, Georgetown (click for map)

Prices: General: $24; Senior(55+): $22; Student(13-22)/Active Duty Military (with ID): $14; Children(12 or younger): $10
Click to choose seats and purchase tickets on-line


This hilarious romp takes us into the life of hot, young TV star Andrew Rally who has been asked to play Hamlet in Central Park. But Andrew has two problems: he hates Hamlet, and he’s being haunted by the drunken ghost of actor John Barrymore who used to live in his apartment.

Auditions for The Dixie Swim Club, Georgetown Palace Theatre, January 29 - 30


Received directly:


Georgetown Palace TheatreThe Georgetown Palace Theatre is holding AUDITIONS for


Dixie Swim Club


directed by Mary Ellen Butler, on Sunday, January 29th from 6-9pm, and Monday, January 30th from 7-10pm.


We are looking for six women who can play 45-80 yrs old. All types, ethnicities and sizes are encouraged to audition.

Auditions will at Georgetown Palace Theater at 810 S. Austin Ave in Georgetown (Click for map). Auditions will consist of cold reads from the script only. For an audition time, please email: auditions@thegeorgetownpalace.org with your name, phone number and audition day preference.


SYNOPSIS Five southern women who were college swim teammates meet one long weekend every August in the same beach cottage in North Carolina's Outer Banks to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other's lives. The show focuses on four of those weekends, and spans a perioud of thirty-three years. The Dixie Swim Club is the story of five unforgettable women--a hilarious and touching comedy about friendships that last forever.



Click for character descriptions and additional information at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Opinion: Houston: A Town Without Critics by Robert Bales, Arts Journal


Arts writer Theodore Bale is moody about the lack of arts writing and criticism in Houston. ALT attention was caught by opening paragraphs in his blog Texas, A Concept at www.artsjournal.com:


Arts Journal blogs



A Town Without Critics

December 15, 2011 By Theodore Bale via www.artsjournal.com

Many years ago in Cambridge, I had the pleasure of meeting the esteemed former New York Times dance critic Anna Kisselgoff. The lecture she’d delivered that night at Harvard was so inspiring that I decided I was going to become a critic as well. In a hopelessly naĂŻve gesture, I went up to her after the talk and asked if she could explain my next move. “Well,” she said with a sigh, “the first thing to remember is that you’re going to have to conduct your education in public.”

Many decades later, that advice continues to ring true, and it’s particularly applicable to the contemporary blog. Gone are my fact-checkers, my editors, my copy desk, my headline writers and photo editors. Or rather, now I am all of them. This isn’t big news to anyone who started in print publications and moved to blogs. In my case, I continue to play both fields, writing for newspapers and trade publications as well as websites.

The theme of this week’s blog is so unwieldy that I couldn’t possibly cover it thoroughly within the “confines” of this ever-scrolling page. “Don’t write in a way that forces readers to click for too long,” I’m learning that lesson. With this delayed lede, however, I’ll proceed and try to convey a current crisis in Houston’s critical culture.

Read more at www.artsjournal.com . . . .