Video with backstageviews, rehearsal shots and performance scenes, prepared by Fernando del Bosque for volunteer appreciation night at The Playhouse, San Antonio, January 11, 2012 (3 min. 45 sec.):
Showing posts with label 2012. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2012. Show all posts
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Video from Playhouse San Antonio Thanks Volunteers with Scenes from Rehearsals and Performances in 2012, by Fernando del Bosque
Video with backstageviews, rehearsal shots and performance scenes, prepared by Fernando del Bosque for volunteer appreciation night at The Playhouse, San Antonio, January 11, 2012 (3 min. 45 sec.):
Friday, January 4, 2013
Opinion: Elizabeth Cobbe Selects Top 10 Designer Contributions of 2012, Austin Chronicle
In today's weekly Austin Chronicle:
2) IA ENSTERÄ'S SET FOR 'THE TWELFTH LABOR' (Tutto Theatre Company) The roof of the family house seemed to disintegrate into the fly space.
3) ANN MARIE GORDON'S SET FOR 'WATER' (Vortex Repertory Company) The onstage waterfall introduced great potential for interaction with the dancers.
4) KATHRYN EADER'S LIGHTING FOR 'UNDER CONSTRUCTION' (Mary Moody Northen Theatre) The lighting tied together the work of a splendid design team.
5) DAVID UTLEY'S SET FOR 'THE PAVILION' (Penfold Theatre) Sometimes good, solid realism is just what you need.
6) K. ELIOT HAYNES' SOUND AND VIDEO FOR 'THE CRAPSTALL STREET BOYS' (Trouble Puppet Theater Company) One puppeteer carried a camera that projected onto a large screen, allowing for puppet close-ups.
7) GEORGE MARSOLEK'S SET FOR 'THE ATTIC SPACE' (Palindrome Theatre) The set showed literal layers, and Tara Cooper's puppets were also lovely in their detail.
8) HAYDEE ANTUNANO'S COSTUMES FOR 'PRIDE AND PREJUDICE' (Austin Shakespeare) I am a sucker for a good Empire waist dress.
9) PAM FLETCHER FRIDAY'S COSTUME FOR 'THE ALIEN BABY PLAY' (Tutto Theatre Company) By the end, the alien baby in utero glowed with colorful lights.
10) SUSAN BRANCH TOWNE'S COSTUMES FOR 'XANADU' (Zach Theatre) The centaur is what did it.
Top 10 Designer Contributions of 2012
Celebrating the year's most exquisite – and often surprising – stage designs
1) THE SEVEN DESIGNERS AND NINE ASSISTANTS FOR 'NOW NOW OH NOW' (Rude Mechanicals) The interactive set contained surprise after delightful surprise.
2) IA ENSTERÄ'S SET FOR 'THE TWELFTH LABOR' (Tutto Theatre Company) The roof of the family house seemed to disintegrate into the fly space.
3) ANN MARIE GORDON'S SET FOR 'WATER' (Vortex Repertory Company) The onstage waterfall introduced great potential for interaction with the dancers.
4) KATHRYN EADER'S LIGHTING FOR 'UNDER CONSTRUCTION' (Mary Moody Northen Theatre) The lighting tied together the work of a splendid design team.
5) DAVID UTLEY'S SET FOR 'THE PAVILION' (Penfold Theatre) Sometimes good, solid realism is just what you need.
6) K. ELIOT HAYNES' SOUND AND VIDEO FOR 'THE CRAPSTALL STREET BOYS' (Trouble Puppet Theater Company) One puppeteer carried a camera that projected onto a large screen, allowing for puppet close-ups.
7) GEORGE MARSOLEK'S SET FOR 'THE ATTIC SPACE' (Palindrome Theatre) The set showed literal layers, and Tara Cooper's puppets were also lovely in their detail.
8) HAYDEE ANTUNANO'S COSTUMES FOR 'PRIDE AND PREJUDICE' (Austin Shakespeare) I am a sucker for a good Empire waist dress.
9) PAM FLETCHER FRIDAY'S COSTUME FOR 'THE ALIEN BABY PLAY' (Tutto Theatre Company) By the end, the alien baby in utero glowed with colorful lights.
10) SUSAN BRANCH TOWNE'S COSTUMES FOR 'XANADU' (Zach Theatre) The centaur is what did it.
Opinion: Dan Solomon's Top 10 Arts Events of 2012, Austin Chronicle
In today's weekly Austin Chronicle:
Remembering the year onstage in dynamic acting, atmospheric design, and unexpected beauty
By Dan Solomon, Fri., Jan. 4, 2013
Top 10 Arts Events of 2012
Remembering the year onstage in dynamic acting, atmospheric design, and unexpected beauty
By Dan Solomon, Fri., Jan. 4, 2013
in no order:
 |
| Zac Crofford (Trouble Puppet Theatre Co.) |
1) FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY FOR 'TOIL AND TROUBLE' (Trouble Puppet Theater Company) Trouble Puppet has proven itself good at everything, and when it pulls off the unexpected – like compelling, well-articulated stage combat – it just serves notice that they're still finding new ways to impress you.
2) NOEL GAULIN IN EVERYTHING Gaulin had a hell of a year – screaming, jumping, moving-as-if-on-strings, and otherwise turning himself into a live-action cartoon character in The Bear, Accidental Death of an Anarchist, and Vodka, Fucking, and Television.
3) RACHEL WEISE'S DIRECTION Yeah, my wife wrote one of the lovely plays Weise directed this year, The Man Who Planted Trees. But I also loved her staging of The Bear by Anton Chekhov, and I've never even met him.
4) THE SCRIPT FOR 'MESSENGER NO. 4 (OR ... HOW TO SURVIVE A GREEK TRAGEDY)' (Cambiare Productions) Will Hollis Snider's charming and inventive epic blended Back to the Future, The Matrix, and Euripedes into something altogether new.
5) THE FINAL MINUTES OF 'JUBILEE' (Rubber Repertory) Making your cast jump up and down for an interminable amount of time sounds boring, and making boring-sounding things beautiful was what Jubilee did best.
6) THE ATMOSPHERE OF 'DREAM CABINET' (Salvage Vanguard Theater) Few productions set a mood more effectively.
7) EVERYTHING ABOUT 'LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL' (Summer Stock Austin) I'm not made of stone, you guys.
8) BETH BRODERICK IN 'JUST OUTSIDE REDEMPTION' (Theatre en Bloc) Broderick stole every scene by balancing charm, humor, and gravity.
9) KACY TODD IN 'HOLIER THAN THOU' (Poison Apple Initiative) Todd carried the emotional climax of a play consisting of interconnected monologues – no mean feat.
10) SOUND DESIGN FOR 'SPACESTATION1985' (Natalie George Presents) I didn't love the play, but the sound by Buzz Moran made the outer space setting come to life.
Opinion: Jillian Owens' Top 10 (+1) Theatrical Joys of 2012, Austin Chronicle
In today's weekly Austin Chronicle:
Top 10 (+1) Theatrical Joys of 2012
Recalling a year of Shakespeare on bikes, masterful Miller, and a one-woman eco-soap
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| Liz Beckham (photo: Bret Brookshire) |
By Jillian Owens, Fri., Jan. 4, 2013
In chronological order:
1) PUPPET THEATRE Connor Hopkins (Trouble Puppet Theater Company) and Caroline Reck (Glass Half Full Theatre) have done Jim Henson proud this year with original works The Crapstall Street Boys and FupDuck.
2) LIZ BECKHAM The charming actress stormed Austin stages this year in Arcadia, Dividing the Estate, and Pride and Prejudice.
3) 'CL1000P'/'NOW NOW OH NOW' (Rude Mechanicals) The Rudes' colorful February workshop evolved into May's epic mystery, in which the audience accidentally let a character die.
4) 'THE ALIENS' (Hyde Park Theatre) I laughed. I cried. And so did everyone else, thanks to Ken Webster and the dynamic trio of Jon Cook, Jude Hickey, and Joey Hood.
5) 'MIDSUMMER IN MOTION' (Austin Bike Zoo) Killer Queen Rudy Ramirez, who directed, combined well-performed Shakespeare with stunning visuals: Sky Candy stunts and creatures escaped from the Austin Bike Zoo.
6) 'THE SOUND OF MUSIC' (Zilker Theatre Productions) I loved it unequivocally.
7) 'ALL MY SONS' (Palindrome Theatre) The company's penultimate production was a masterful reissue of Arthur Miller's tragedy. Nigel O'Hearn's contributions to Austin theatre will be missed.
8) 'ROSE RAGE' (The Hidden Room Theatre) This famously melted my face off. I am still recovering.
9) ZACH'S TOPFER THEATRE Cheers to Eric Scott's special events team, which produced to perfection two back-to-back celebrations, unhindered by even the most obnoxious thunderstorm.
10) HEATHER WOODBURY'S 'AS THE GLOBE WARMS' (Vortex Repertory Company) The one-woman theatrical soap opera was addictive enough to keep me (and Richard Linklater) coming back for more.
11) 'The POISON SQUAD' (The Duplicates) A beautiful/grotesque workshop production from this theatrical supergroup. Look for a full production at Fusebox 2013.
Opinion: Robert Faires' Top10 Theatrical Wonders of 2012, Austin Chronicle
In today's weekly Austin Chronicle:
Top 10 Theatrical Wonders of 2012
History plays with contemporary urgency and giddy surprises made the year memorable in theatre
By Robert Faires, Fri., Jan. 4, 2013
1) 'ROSE RAGE' (The Hidden Room Theatre) Shakespeare's left-for-dead histories of Henry VI charged to vital, absorbing life by director Beth Burns and the year's most vigorous, committed ensemble. Her Original Practices crew made arcane family feuds over the English crown as urgent as this season's high-stakes political battles and made four hours race by.
2) 'RAGTIME' (Zach Theatre) More than a showpiece for the new Topfer Theatre's bells and whistles, this deeply felt drama of humanity and history threaded together in a tapestry by turns tragic and inspirational said as much about us today as about Americans a century past.
3) BERNADETTE PETERS/BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL (Zach Theatre) Broadway royalty blessed Zach's Topfer Theatre in separate concerts with distinct characters – the queen's poised and glamorous, the king's informal and boisterous – but the same peerless musical-theatre artistry in this deliriously intimate space.
4) 'NOW NOW OH NOW' (Rude Mechanicals) A mind-tickling foray into the natures of beauty, society, evolution, and chance, with attendees teamed in quests, teased with puzzles, toasted with cordials, and treated to a series of giddy surprises.
5) 'SUPER NIGHT SHOT' (Fusebox Festival) Visiting troupe Gob Squad played tricksters along SoCo, drawing passersby into an improvised drama, captured in realtime on video, then screened on completion. Wicked fun.
6) 'THE ALIENS' (Hyde Park Theatre) A detailed portrait of friendship, etched in silences more than words. Beautifully acted, with a fearless Jude Hickey scratching 130 layers under his character's skin just by repeating "ladder."
7) 'JUBILEE' (Rubber Repertory) Watching this show felt rather like spying on endurance tests at a theatre camp, but its odd exercises also tapped some essence of drama in presenting the thrillingly unexpected and unpredictable.
8) 'BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON' (Doctuh Mistuh Productions) Screw the history books. This gloriously messy musical reveled in irreverence, ditching the same-old, same-old "Old Hickory" for an emo rock god, fiercely embodied by David Gallagher.
9) 'UNDER CONSTRUCTION' (Mary Moody Northen Theatre) Another exhilarating spin with director David Long and playwright Charles Mee, this time across the USA, circa midcentury, joyously celebrating and subverting those happy days and American values.
10) 'BOTTLED-IN-BOND: THE DECLINE AND FALL OF A THUG AS TOLD IN FIVE DRINKS' (Fusebox Festival) Patrons were drafted to act out a cornball melodrama of love among thieves, but who minded when served with such good humor, sweet theatricality, and intoxicating craft cocktails? As fun as audience participation gets.
1) 'ROSE RAGE' (The Hidden Room Theatre) Shakespeare's left-for-dead histories of Henry VI charged to vital, absorbing life by director Beth Burns and the year's most vigorous, committed ensemble. Her Original Practices crew made arcane family feuds over the English crown as urgent as this season's high-stakes political battles and made four hours race by.
2) 'RAGTIME' (Zach Theatre) More than a showpiece for the new Topfer Theatre's bells and whistles, this deeply felt drama of humanity and history threaded together in a tapestry by turns tragic and inspirational said as much about us today as about Americans a century past.
3) BERNADETTE PETERS/BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL (Zach Theatre) Broadway royalty blessed Zach's Topfer Theatre in separate concerts with distinct characters – the queen's poised and glamorous, the king's informal and boisterous – but the same peerless musical-theatre artistry in this deliriously intimate space.
4) 'NOW NOW OH NOW' (Rude Mechanicals) A mind-tickling foray into the natures of beauty, society, evolution, and chance, with attendees teamed in quests, teased with puzzles, toasted with cordials, and treated to a series of giddy surprises.
5) 'SUPER NIGHT SHOT' (Fusebox Festival) Visiting troupe Gob Squad played tricksters along SoCo, drawing passersby into an improvised drama, captured in realtime on video, then screened on completion. Wicked fun.
6) 'THE ALIENS' (Hyde Park Theatre) A detailed portrait of friendship, etched in silences more than words. Beautifully acted, with a fearless Jude Hickey scratching 130 layers under his character's skin just by repeating "ladder."
7) 'JUBILEE' (Rubber Repertory) Watching this show felt rather like spying on endurance tests at a theatre camp, but its odd exercises also tapped some essence of drama in presenting the thrillingly unexpected and unpredictable.
8) 'BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON' (Doctuh Mistuh Productions) Screw the history books. This gloriously messy musical reveled in irreverence, ditching the same-old, same-old "Old Hickory" for an emo rock god, fiercely embodied by David Gallagher.
9) 'UNDER CONSTRUCTION' (Mary Moody Northen Theatre) Another exhilarating spin with director David Long and playwright Charles Mee, this time across the USA, circa midcentury, joyously celebrating and subverting those happy days and American values.
10) 'BOTTLED-IN-BOND: THE DECLINE AND FALL OF A THUG AS TOLD IN FIVE DRINKS' (Fusebox Festival) Patrons were drafted to act out a cornball melodrama of love among thieves, but who minded when served with such good humor, sweet theatricality, and intoxicating craft cocktails? As fun as audience participation gets.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Jeff Davis's 2012 Favorite Stage Productions in Central Texas, Broadwayworld.com
Jeff Davis lists his 20 favorites for July-December 2012 at www.austin.BroadwayWorld.com:
As 2012 comes to a close, it's a given that BroadwayWorld will reflect on all the fantastic theatrical productions and events that have entertained audiences all across America. Here in Central Texas, theater-goers had plenty to see in 2012. As a new resident of Austin, I sadly only got to enjoy the Central Texas theater scene for the last half of the year, but still all 49 productions I saw and reviewed in that short amount of time were delightful.
Here is a list of my favorite productions produced in Austin, San Antonio, San Marcos, and the surrounding areas during the last half of 2012. As all of the productions listed were spectacular, it proved impossible for me to rank them, so here they are presented in alphabetical order.
Congratulations to all of Central Texas's theatres, performers, and creative professionals on an astounding and successful year.
-Jeff Davis
Contributing Editor
1. Always...Patsy Cline
Georgetown, TX, Produced by Georgetown Palace Theatre
With its simple staging and excellent performances from skilled comedienne and storyteller Linda Brandshaw and Patsy doppelganger Yesenia McNett, Always...Patsy Cline turned this city slicker into a country music fan and solidified my fandom of the Georgetown Palace.
2. Baby
Austin, TX, Produced by Austin Theatre Project
Austin Theatre Project closed out its inaugural season with the forgotten musical, Baby. Filled with warmth and heart and backed by six fantastic leads, the show was phenomenal. We can all expect great things from Austin Theater Project in 2013. They already are a force to be reckoned with in Austin's theatre scene, and they've only just begun.
3. Chess
Austin, TX, Produced by SummerStock Austin and The Austin Playhouse
All three of SummerStock Austin's offerings this year were stellar, but Chess was the stand-out of the trio. While certainly more challenging that SummerStock Austin's other two shows, A Year with Frog and Toad and Legally Blonde, the young ensemble handled the material with a level of polish and professionalism that often goes, pardon the pun, unchecked.
4. A Chorus Line
Georgetown, TX, Produced by Georgetown Palace Theatre
With its direction and choreography by Broadway veterans Danny Herman and Rocker Verastique and its hard-working cast, Georgetown Palace's production of A Chorus Line holds a spot in my book as the best production of the show that I've ever seen, and I am certain my esteem of this intimate, visceral production will remain the same for years to come.
5. Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean
Austin, TX, Produced by The City Theatre
While the dramedy by Ed Graczyk sometimes bites off more than it can chew regarding themes and subject matter, director Andy Berkovsky managed to keep The City Theatre's production on track, and his ensemble cast of women were nothing short of sensational.
6. Heaven-Earth-One
Austin, TX, Produced by Blue Lapis Light
Heaven-Earth-One was by far the best dance show I saw in Austin this year and quite frankly the best and most inventive dance show I've ever seen in my lifetime. The piece seamlessly blended movement, music, and the iconic architecture of The Long Center for the Performing Arts into a unique and unforgettable theatrical experience.
7. Into the Woods
San Marcos, TX, Produced by Texas State University - San Marcos
Into the Woods has always been one of my favorite musicals. It was my first introduction to the work of Stephen Sondheim, and I wrote a paper on the show in college. So when this self-proclaimed Sondheim snob dubbed this production the best Into the Woods he's ever seen live, that was indeed the highest praise I could give, and it still didn't feel adequate.
8. Miracle on 34th Street
Georgetown, TX, Produced by Georgetown Palace Theatre
With Miracle on 34th Street, Georgetown Palace had a miracle of their own. They managed to take this old, clunky, forgotten show by Meredith Wilson and infused it with a strong dose of charm, wit, and humor. In their hands, this rarely-produced flop shined and sparkled.
9. Moonlight and Magnolias
Austin, TX, Produced by Penfold Theatre Company
Frankly, my dear, I'm still chuckling over this behind the scenes story of Gone with the Wind. The hijinks were an over-the-top laugh riot and a treat for everyone, even those not familiar with the classic film.
10. November
San Antonio, TX, Produced by The Playhouse - San Antonio
Just the word "November" is enough to make me smile and reminisce about The Playhouse's hysterical political satire about an unpopular president who abuses his power and clout in order to fund his campaign. It's a good think no elected officials are this corrupt [insert sarcasm here].
Click to go to www.austin.broadwayworld.com for Jeff Davis's comments on the rest of the score:
As 2012 comes to a close, it's a given that BroadwayWorld will reflect on all the fantastic theatrical productions and events that have entertained audiences all across America. Here in Central Texas, theater-goers had plenty to see in 2012. As a new resident of Austin, I sadly only got to enjoy the Central Texas theater scene for the last half of the year, but still all 49 productions I saw and reviewed in that short amount of time were delightful.Here is a list of my favorite productions produced in Austin, San Antonio, San Marcos, and the surrounding areas during the last half of 2012. As all of the productions listed were spectacular, it proved impossible for me to rank them, so here they are presented in alphabetical order.
Congratulations to all of Central Texas's theatres, performers, and creative professionals on an astounding and successful year.
-Jeff Davis
Contributing Editor
1. Always...Patsy Cline
Georgetown, TX, Produced by Georgetown Palace Theatre
With its simple staging and excellent performances from skilled comedienne and storyteller Linda Brandshaw and Patsy doppelganger Yesenia McNett, Always...Patsy Cline turned this city slicker into a country music fan and solidified my fandom of the Georgetown Palace.
2. Baby
Austin, TX, Produced by Austin Theatre Project
Austin Theatre Project closed out its inaugural season with the forgotten musical, Baby. Filled with warmth and heart and backed by six fantastic leads, the show was phenomenal. We can all expect great things from Austin Theater Project in 2013. They already are a force to be reckoned with in Austin's theatre scene, and they've only just begun.
3. Chess
Austin, TX, Produced by SummerStock Austin and The Austin Playhouse
All three of SummerStock Austin's offerings this year were stellar, but Chess was the stand-out of the trio. While certainly more challenging that SummerStock Austin's other two shows, A Year with Frog and Toad and Legally Blonde, the young ensemble handled the material with a level of polish and professionalism that often goes, pardon the pun, unchecked.
4. A Chorus Line
Georgetown, TX, Produced by Georgetown Palace Theatre
With its direction and choreography by Broadway veterans Danny Herman and Rocker Verastique and its hard-working cast, Georgetown Palace's production of A Chorus Line holds a spot in my book as the best production of the show that I've ever seen, and I am certain my esteem of this intimate, visceral production will remain the same for years to come.
5. Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean
Austin, TX, Produced by The City Theatre
While the dramedy by Ed Graczyk sometimes bites off more than it can chew regarding themes and subject matter, director Andy Berkovsky managed to keep The City Theatre's production on track, and his ensemble cast of women were nothing short of sensational.
6. Heaven-Earth-One
Austin, TX, Produced by Blue Lapis Light
Heaven-Earth-One was by far the best dance show I saw in Austin this year and quite frankly the best and most inventive dance show I've ever seen in my lifetime. The piece seamlessly blended movement, music, and the iconic architecture of The Long Center for the Performing Arts into a unique and unforgettable theatrical experience.
7. Into the Woods
San Marcos, TX, Produced by Texas State University - San Marcos
Into the Woods has always been one of my favorite musicals. It was my first introduction to the work of Stephen Sondheim, and I wrote a paper on the show in college. So when this self-proclaimed Sondheim snob dubbed this production the best Into the Woods he's ever seen live, that was indeed the highest praise I could give, and it still didn't feel adequate.
8. Miracle on 34th Street
Georgetown, TX, Produced by Georgetown Palace Theatre
With Miracle on 34th Street, Georgetown Palace had a miracle of their own. They managed to take this old, clunky, forgotten show by Meredith Wilson and infused it with a strong dose of charm, wit, and humor. In their hands, this rarely-produced flop shined and sparkled.
9. Moonlight and Magnolias
Austin, TX, Produced by Penfold Theatre Company
Frankly, my dear, I'm still chuckling over this behind the scenes story of Gone with the Wind. The hijinks were an over-the-top laugh riot and a treat for everyone, even those not familiar with the classic film.
10. November
San Antonio, TX, Produced by The Playhouse - San Antonio
Just the word "November" is enough to make me smile and reminisce about The Playhouse's hysterical political satire about an unpopular president who abuses his power and clout in order to fund his campaign. It's a good think no elected officials are this corrupt [insert sarcasm here].
The Nutcracker (Ballet Austin), Over the River and Through the Woods (City Theatre), Pagliacci (Austin Lyric Opera), Pride and Prejudice (Austin Shakespeare), Ragtime (Zach Theatre), Rock of Ages (national touring company), Vampire Lesbians of Sodom (City Theatre), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Woodlawn Theatre, San Antonio), You Can't Take It with You (Different Stages) and Xanadu (Zach Theatre).
Sunday, December 30, 2012
San Antonio: Deborah Martin's Best of SA Stages in 2012, San Antonio Express-News
The Best of 2012: Stage
Tracy Letts' works stood out in S.A. theaters
By Deborah Martin, December 29, 2012
[CLICK ILLUSTRATION TO GO TO A 15-IMAGE SLIDE SHOW FROM WWW.MYSANANTONIO.COM]
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| Rusty Thurman, Allan S. Ross, Kat Connor (image: Dwayne Greene) |
This was a big year for playwright Tracy Letts' work on local stages.
Letts wrote three of 2012's strongest productions. The biggie was the Sheldon Vexler Theatre's stunning San Antonio debut of his masterpiece, “August: Osage County.” Every aspect of the director Paul Fillingim's production was rooted in truth, resulting in a show about family that was both funny and shattering.
The two other Letts shows that popped up to excellent effect were the Playhouse Cellar's “Superior Donuts,” including nuanced and heartbreaking turns from Bill Gundry and Kristopher “K.T.” Thomas; and the Rose Theatre Company's aptly disturbing staging of “Killer Joe.”
The other memorable shows this year included:
“King Lear,” Classic Theatre: Allan S. Ross delivered a towering performance in the title role.
“Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” AtticRep: Gloria Sanchez-Molina, who stepped into the monster role of Martha less than three weeks before the show opened, crafted one of the performances of the year. She was well-matched by the rest of the cast, especially the great David Connelly as Martha's seething husband/sparring partner, George.
“íCarpa!” Jump-Start Performance Co.: Billy Muñoz's immersive trek back in time was funny, visually striking and achingly sad.
“Open Sesame!” Overtime Theater: Playwright Rick Stemm's inventive Bollywood/panto mash-up, staged with a sense of merriment by director Kyle Gillette, may have been the most fun you could have in a theater this year.
“Firebugs,” Classic Theatre: Director Diane Malone pulled together a sizzling, unsettling take on Max Frisch's absurdist play.
“A View from the Bridge,” Sheldon Vexler Theatre: Vividly drawn performances from Scott Leibowitz and Belinda Harolds provided the foundation for director Jim Mammarella's explosive production.
“Macbeth,” Proxy Theatre Co.: Staged in a tiny space, director Nathan Thurman's production had a visceral kick that was tough to shake.
“God of Carnage,” AtticRep: The dark comedy about adults behaving childishly — complete with a set surrounded by a sandbox — was memorably tart and funny.
“I-DJ,” Overtime Theater: Rick Sanchez delivered a fierce, fantastic performance in Gregg Barrios' far-reaching piece, which helped open the Overtime's new home in fine style.
“25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” Woodlawn Black Box: The musical's misfit spellers — particularly those played by Ben Carlee, Benjamin Scharff and Walter Songer — were weird and winning.
“Les Misérables,” Broadway in San Antonio series at the Majestic Theatre: Given a complete overhaul for its 25th anniversary, the touring production earned many goosebumps and prompted many tears.
“An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein,” Cameo Theatre's Zumbro Lounge: Four versatile comics presented offbeat skits and songs.
“Hello, Dolly!” Playhouse: An excellent Katy Stafford Moore played the title role and got terrific support in the staging.
“My Fair Lady,” Playhouse: Director Frank Latson's smooth and creamy production included a superb rendering of “On the Street Where You Live” by Christopher Garcia.
“American Buffalo,” AtticRep: The company ends the year on a strong note with a pitch-perfect staging, which closes today.
Letts wrote three of 2012's strongest productions. The biggie was the Sheldon Vexler Theatre's stunning San Antonio debut of his masterpiece, “August: Osage County.” Every aspect of the director Paul Fillingim's production was rooted in truth, resulting in a show about family that was both funny and shattering.
The two other Letts shows that popped up to excellent effect were the Playhouse Cellar's “Superior Donuts,” including nuanced and heartbreaking turns from Bill Gundry and Kristopher “K.T.” Thomas; and the Rose Theatre Company's aptly disturbing staging of “Killer Joe.”
The other memorable shows this year included:
“King Lear,” Classic Theatre: Allan S. Ross delivered a towering performance in the title role.
“Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” AtticRep: Gloria Sanchez-Molina, who stepped into the monster role of Martha less than three weeks before the show opened, crafted one of the performances of the year. She was well-matched by the rest of the cast, especially the great David Connelly as Martha's seething husband/sparring partner, George.
“íCarpa!” Jump-Start Performance Co.: Billy Muñoz's immersive trek back in time was funny, visually striking and achingly sad.
“Open Sesame!” Overtime Theater: Playwright Rick Stemm's inventive Bollywood/panto mash-up, staged with a sense of merriment by director Kyle Gillette, may have been the most fun you could have in a theater this year.
“Firebugs,” Classic Theatre: Director Diane Malone pulled together a sizzling, unsettling take on Max Frisch's absurdist play.
“A View from the Bridge,” Sheldon Vexler Theatre: Vividly drawn performances from Scott Leibowitz and Belinda Harolds provided the foundation for director Jim Mammarella's explosive production.
“Macbeth,” Proxy Theatre Co.: Staged in a tiny space, director Nathan Thurman's production had a visceral kick that was tough to shake.
“God of Carnage,” AtticRep: The dark comedy about adults behaving childishly — complete with a set surrounded by a sandbox — was memorably tart and funny.
“I-DJ,” Overtime Theater: Rick Sanchez delivered a fierce, fantastic performance in Gregg Barrios' far-reaching piece, which helped open the Overtime's new home in fine style.
“25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” Woodlawn Black Box: The musical's misfit spellers — particularly those played by Ben Carlee, Benjamin Scharff and Walter Songer — were weird and winning.
“Les Misérables,” Broadway in San Antonio series at the Majestic Theatre: Given a complete overhaul for its 25th anniversary, the touring production earned many goosebumps and prompted many tears.
“An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein,” Cameo Theatre's Zumbro Lounge: Four versatile comics presented offbeat skits and songs.
“Hello, Dolly!” Playhouse: An excellent Katy Stafford Moore played the title role and got terrific support in the staging.
“My Fair Lady,” Playhouse: Director Frank Latson's smooth and creamy production included a superb rendering of “On the Street Where You Live” by Christopher Garcia.
“American Buffalo,” AtticRep: The company ends the year on a strong note with a pitch-perfect staging, which closes today.
Freelance writer Michael E. Barrett contributed to this list. dlmrtin@express-news.net
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Christmas Card for Tapestry Dance Company's Of Mice and Music, December 7 - 16
Of Mice and Music - A Jazz Nutcracker
December 7th - 16th
Thursday, Friday & Saturday @ 7pm / Saturday and Sunday @ 2pm
Boyd Vance Theatre / The Carver Center
Tapestry's annual and criicaly acclaimed holiday celebration! A jazz, tap dance take on Tchaikovsky's classic with live music by Blue J and the best of Tapestry's professionals with a window into our academy best!
Upcoming: The Back Room, a New Year's Eve Speakeasy, Sam Bass Community Theatre, Round Rock, December 31
presents
| The Back Room - A New Year's Eve Speakeasy |
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December 31, 2012 Shhhh! Something is happening behind the closed doors of The Back Room at Sam Bass Theatre this New Year's Eve. Rumor has it that the infamous speakeasy is going to be back in business for just one night. Enjoy The Back Room's smooth voiced cabaret singers, then relax in The Back Room's speakeasy lounge. There are three seating times available for this event - 8:00 pm, 9:00 pm, and 10:00 pm. Each seating includes a cabaret show in The Back Room's theatre, followed by one hour of post-performance food, drinks, entertainment, and silent auction in The Back Room's speakeasy lounge. Come dressed in your best 1920's speakeasy attire. Bring your imagination and your sense of adventure, because you may find yourself playing a role in the mystery and intrigue of The Back Room. Special offer - use code SECRET when buying tickets and save $5 per ticket. Tickets must be purchased by December 15 to receive this special offer! |
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(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Opening Thanksgiving Week in Austin and (*) San Antonio, November 18 - 25, 2012
Opening Thanksgiving Week
in the Austin - (*) San Antonio region
November 18 - 25, 2012
Click images for additional information
Opening in Austin . . .
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| The Collector, Animal Cracker Conspiracy, Nov. 23-25 only |
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IN SAN ANTONIO
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Tuesday, September 18, 2012
2012-2013 Theatre Season for Renaissance Guild, San Antonio
2012 - 2013 Season
honoring Paul Riddle, Jr.
Season 12 GALA
Oct 20 at Little Carver Center
Black Nativity
Dec 14-16 at Jo Long Theatre
Martin Luther King, Jr. March
Jan 21 - MLK Academy
A Raisin In The Sun
by Lorraine Hansberry
Feb 15-24 - Jo Long Theatre
ActOne Series
May 10 & 11
Summer Camp for Kids
June- Jo Long Theatre
Summer Musical (TBA)
July 2013
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