CYMBELINE by William Shakespeare, EmilyAnn Amphitheatre, Wimberley, September 6 - 28, 2013

[EmilyAnn Theatre and gardens, 1101 FM 2325, Wimberley - click for map]


presents
Cymbeline

by William Shakespeare

directed by Kevin Gates

One of Shakespeare's last plays, Cymbeline is a loving stroll down memory lane, including many of his best loved plot devices: mistaken identities, disguises, sleeping potions, betrayal, and long-lost relatives. The play also has a strong fairy tale element, with a virtuous maiden fleeing a wicked stepmother into the woods.

Join the EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens, as we present Cymbeline, directed by Kevin Gates, September 6-28 (Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p,m). Featuring a cast of some of Austin and Wimberley's favorite classical actors.

CAST
Imogen - Angelina Castillo
Posthumus Leonatus - Tyler Haggard
Iachimo - Robert Deike
Pisanio - Heath Thompson
Cymbeline - Chris Casey
Queen - Leanna Holmquist
Cloten - Stephen Cook
Belarius - Andreas Stein
Guiderius - Colin Iliff
Arviragus - Carter Holland
Philario - Jennifer Fielding
Caius Lucius - Kevin Karwoski
Cornelius - Lorin Craft
Two Lords of Cymbeline's court - Becky Musser and Leah Pullin
Helen/Lady - Sara Billeaux 

(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

Photos by Andy Berkovsky: Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare, City Theatre, June 13 - July 7, 2013

Photos by Andy Berkovsky for the

Nikki Zook, Kevin Gates (photo: Andy Berkovsky)

 




production of 

Much Ado About Nothing

by William Shakespeare

directed by Bridget Fairas,

June 13 - July 7, 2013

Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 5:30 p.m.

(3823 Airport Rd. at 38 1/2 St., behind the Shell station)
 

Shakespeare’s Sublime Battle of Wits and Wills.

Considered one of the most popular and charming comedies, Much Ado About Nothing features the classic couple Benedick, an arrogant and confirmed bachelor, and Beatrice, his favorite sparring partner, who would rather exchange scorching insults than sweet nothings. However, the pugnacious pair is forced to forge a partnership in order to defend house and honor, and salvage the true love of Hero and Claudio after deceptions destroy the lovers’ wedding day. Will the earnest endeavor to restore a young romance elicit an unexpected change of heart for the effort’s unlikely collaborators as well? Witty wordplay, passionate poetry and clever plot twists make this the perfect romantic evening to share love and laughter.

(photo: Andy Berkovsky)

Click to view additional, larger photos at AustinLiveTheatre.com. . . .

AGGADOT BAYA'AR, FOLKTALES IN THE FOREST by Zachary Christman, Theatre at the J, Dell Jewish Community Center, June 9, 16, 23, 2013

presents



This one-of-a-kind, interactive performance is sure to entertain and engage every member of the family! Set on the JCC’s wooded trail, the show will transport audiences into the magical world of Jewish folktales, where you never know quite what you’ll find around the bend. Young audience members will be enlisted by our characters to assist in a special quest as they journey together through an enchanted forest, providing a fun, hands-on introduction to the world of Jewish folklore through theater. But this world-premiere production by Houston playwright Zachary Christman, commissioned especially for JCC Austin/Theater at the J, isn’t just for kids; audience members of every generation will revel in encountering the mythic scenes that await throughout each segment of this unique theatrical adventure!

Running Time: 50 Minutes; Some walking required.

Directed by Adam Roberts, this show features: Robert Deike, Toby Minor, Joseph Dailey and Evelyn Lalonde. Costumes and props by Talena and Trudy Martinez.

Registration to participate and tickets -- click image:
 







(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING by William Shakespeare, City Theatre, June 13 - July 7, 2013

(3823 Airport Rd. at 38 1/2 St., behind the Shell station)

presents

Much Ado About Nothing

by William Shakespeare

directed by Bridget Fairas

June 13 - July 7, 2013

Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 5:30 p.m.

Shakespeare’s Sublime Battle of Wits and Wills.

Considered one of the most popular and charming comedies, Much Ado About Nothing features the classic couple Benedick, an arrogant and confirmed bachelor, and Beatrice, his favorite sparring partner, who would rather exchange scorching insults than sweet nothings. However, the pugnacious pair is forced to forge a partnership in order to defend house and honor, and salvage the true love of Hero and Claudio after deceptions destroy the lovers’ wedding day. 

Will the earnest endeavor to restore a young romance elicit an unexpected change of heart for the effort’s unlikely collaborators as well? Witty wordplay, passionate poetry and clever plot twists make this the perfect romantic evening to share love and laughter.

THE CAST

Don Pedro- Tyler Haggard
Don John- Heath Thompson
Claudio- Clay Avery
Benedick- Kevin Gates
Beatrice- Nikki Zook
Leonato- Mick D'Arcy
Antonia- Tracy Hurd
Balthasar- Chris Casey
Conrade- Maggie Bell
Borachio- Stephen Cook
Friar Francis- Casey Weed
Dogberry- Robert Deike
Verges- Toni Baum
First Watchman- Darren Scharf
Second Watchman- Eva McQuade
Sexton- Leigh Hegedus
Hero- Laura Ray
Margaret- Terah Zolman
Ursula- Leanna Holmquist
Messenger- Lindsay Palinsky

(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE by William Shakespeare, the Baron's Men at the Curtain Theatre, April 5 - 27, 2013

[performing at the Curtain Theatre, Garriot estate, 7400 Coldwater Canyon -- click for map]
present
 
The Merchant of Venice

by William Shakespeare
April 5 - 27, Fridays and Saturdays
Thursdays – April 18 and 25
Box Office opens at 7 pm and performance begins at 8 pm

This April, we invite you to join us as The Baron's Men present William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice at Richard Garriott's Curtain Theater, the only Elizabethan style theater in Austin. In this period-themed production, we embrace and explore the dark and light of the Bard's well-known tragicomedy, noted as much for its challenging and controversial themes as its entertaining plot and captivating, memorable characters. Performances will be held every weekend in April. See our website or find us on Facebook for details. We hope to see you there!

Cast:
The Duke of Venice- Casey Weed
The Prince of Morocco- Andreas Stein
The Prince of Aragon- Andreas Stein
Antonio, a merchant of Venice- Andy Bond
Bassanio, his friend, suitor to Portia- Bradley Wright
Gratiano, friend to Antonio and Bassanio- Robert Stevens
Salerio, friend to Antonio and Bassanio- Aaron Neimuth
Solanio, friend to Antonio and Bassanio- Michael O'Keefe
Lorenzo, in love with Jessica- Harry Conner
Shylock, a Jew of Venice- Robert Deike
Launcelot Gobbo, a clown, servant to Shylock- Eva McQuade
Old Gobbo, father to Launcelot- Gene Storie
Leonardo, servant to Bassanio- James Holder
Stephania, servant to Portia- Leanna Holmquist
Portia, an heiress- Hanna Haide
Nerissa, her waiting woman- Becky Musser
Jessica, daughter to Shylock- Rachel Steed Redig
Tubal, a wealthy Jew- Jimmie Bragdon
Jailer- Chris Casey
Magnificoes of Venice- Garrison Martt, Gene Storie, Chris Casey, Jimmie Bragdon
Prince of Aragon's Train- Felix Ferris, Joanna Casey
Prince of Morocco's Train- Felix Ferris, Joanna Casey

(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

THE BROTHER'S MERLIN, Loaded Gun Theory at FronteraFest, January

Our 10th Frontera Fest Short Fringe entry is... it's that time of year and we've got a sneak peak of The Brother's Merlin Loaded Gun Theory is writing again. Feverishly. We meet every week. Sucking juices from the collective hive mind. Our new play "The Brother's Merlin and their Magnificent Menagerie of Mysteries" is heading your way this May. Carnival. Knives. Child Sacrifice. And a giant sentient reptile! Curiosity piqued? You're in luck. At Frontera Fest we're presenting a sneak preview of "The Brother's Merlin". In it the Third Reich is on the ropes. And now their last hope wants nothing but to run away and join the circus. Starring Brock England, Robert Deike, Andy Smith, and Stephen Reynolds. Tickets are going incredibly fast this year, and we share the evening with Zell Miller III who is never anything short of fantastic, so get your tickets today.    Price   Short Fringe $16.00    When   January 24th at 8:00pm   Where    Click to Buy Tickets!      Hyde Park Theatre

Loaded Gun Theory is a theatrical production company located in Austin, TX. We were founded in November of 1998 by 5 playwrights as a means to produce more original work. We are a sponsored project of the Austin Creative Alliance. Loaded Gun Theory is committed to developing artists. We prefer original works that comment on society and politics. We want to help playwrights, actors and technical designers build the practical background they need to grow. Follow on Twitter | Friend on Facebook | Forward to Friend Copyight © 2013 Loaded Gun Theory, All rights reserved.

Upcoming: Over The River and Through the Woods by Joe DiPietro, City Theatre, November 29 - December 23

The City Theatre Company
proudly presents

Over the River and Through the Woods 

Opening November 29 – December 23, 2012

Come home for the holidays and celebrate family…faith…food!

Thursday – Saturday 8:00 p.m. Sunday 5:30 p.m.
The City Theatre. 3823 Airport Blvd. 78757 – east corner of Airport Blvd. and 38 ½ Street.
General Seating $15. Guaranteed Front/2^nd Row Reserved $25.
Students $12. Thursday all seats $10. Group discounts are available.
Reservations 512-524-2870 or info@citytheatreaustin.org
www.citytheatreaustin.org

The City Theatre Company is pleased to announce a special holiday theatre celebration with Joe DiPietro's hilarious family comedy Over the River and Through the Woods at the City Theatre on November 29 – December 23. This heartwarming show illustrates the unquestionable love between family members old and young, and how traditions, faith and loyalty not only survive, but transform throughout all generations.

The play revolves around Nick, a 32-year-old single Italian-American man who dutifully has dinner with his grandparents every Sunday. At an unscheduled visit, Nick announces that he is leaving New Jersey to take a job in Seattle. To his grandparents, whom Nick calls “the loudest people I’ve ever met,” they have already lost Nick's parents to distant cities and his desire to move makes no sense. The grandparents take his announcement as a declaration of war and pull out all the stops, including match-making, outrageous schemes and wild dinner parties to keep him home. The antics that follow are hilarious and touching and all add to a wonderful night of theatre.

Loaded with laughs, every step of the way.” – Star-Ledger 

“Over The River…a sweet, charming play that makes us feel good ..." – ChicagoCritic.com

Joe DiPietro is a Manhattan-based playwright known for many productions including the hit musical comedy I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, All Shook Up and Babes in Arms, among other productions. He is the recipient of the William Inge American Theatre Award and the O'Neill National Playwright's Conference MacArthur Award for comic writing. The production is directed by Stacey Glazer who directed City Theatre’s How the Other Have Loves, The Crucible and the award-nominated Rabbit Hole. The cast features Matthew C. Burnett (Nick), Kim Rubin (Aida), Robert Deike (Nunzio), Liz Roark (Emma), Steve Wright (Frank), and Megan M. Ortiz (Caitlin).

The City Theatre Company is an Austin-based not for profit arts organization and is sponsored in part by the Austin Creative Alliance and the Austin Cultural Arts Division. Founded in 2006, the company has been recognized by the Austin Critics Table Awards, the B. Iden Payne Awards and was twice voted “Best Theatre Company” by Austin- American Statesman’s Austin 360. CTC is dedicated in providing quality theatre experience and entertainment for Austin artists and its community.

(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

Upcoming: Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Present Company Theatre at Rain Lily Farm, October 19 - November 4

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Present Company is thrilled to present our fourth Shakespeare On the Farm, 

 
Julius Caesar
at the lovely Rain Lily Farm at 914 Shady Lane in East Austin (click for map)

Join us October 19th-November 4th, Fridays - Sundays at 7 p.m., for our journey into Shakespeare's darker side, with his classic tale of ambition and power. The Revolution begins at 7pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights with the Shakespeare Field Guide pre-show. Bring a picnic and come spread your blanket under the stars for Austin's favorite new tradition! Rain Lily Farm isa magical, organic working farm located at 914 Shady Lane, in Austin, Texas. 

Promoting the philosophy of accessible and sustainable art, Shakespeare On the Farm is FREE, but a suggested donation of $10 helps support the event.
Generously sponsored by Rain Lily Design and Landscaping, Dripping Springs Vodka, and Farmhouse Delivery.

Courageously led by Director Joseph Garlock, Julius Caesar features the talents of Sergio Alvarado, Laura Artesi, Mateo Barrera, Aaron Black, Stephanie Carll, Robert Deike, Renee Fulton, Shannon Grounds, Omid Ghorashi, Kelly Sardinas, Feliz Dia McDonald, Toby Minor, and Ian Ramos.

Visit www.presentcompanytheatre.com or email presentcompanyaustin@gmail.com for more information.

Hail Caesar! And see you on the Farm!

(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

La Fenice's Backyard Circus Party Fundraiser, September 7

LA FENICE'S GATSBY BACKYARD CIRCUS

Friday, September 7

7713 Woodrow Ave, Austin, TX 78757

What better way to end the summer with a 1920s-themed backyard circus, complete with tasty cocktails, intimate circus performances, music and dancing? Performances by: La Fenice (Sparrow of Roma - encore performance!) Illusionist John Maverick Aerialist Michele Francis Music by The Inheritance emceed by Richard Dreyfus's long lost love-child, Robert Deike! With a glamorous photo booth courtesy of Neon Beige Photography! Plus tasty gimlets and Manhattans! $10 entry! Thrills! Chills! Spills! Please park on side roads or the parking lot of Crestview United Methodist Church, just south of the venue. Or, you can take public transportation: the #5 bus stops one house north of our venue. All funds go to participating artists and the purchase of exotic costumery.

Upcoming: Sloop of the Damned, La Fenice at Whip-In, April 20 - 28

La Fenice

presents

Sloop of the Damned

directed by Kate Meehan

Opening postponed; now April 20 - 28, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.

Whip In - 1950 IH35 South, Austin, TX 78704

View Map · Get Directions

$5-15 sliding scale. WARNING: Grown up type sexy smut, gratuitous circus violence, culturally unaccepted depictions of undead, crotch grabbing, fat people dancing in formation, Pat Benetar songs.

Evil Dead + Clue + Beetlejuice+ Commedia dell'Arte. It can't be done, you say? Freakin' watch us.

Starring Robert Deike, Tate Green, Genevieve Kinney, Matt McClish, Kate Meehan, and Adam Rodriguez. Directed by Kate Meehan, with Olly Crick and Dr. Gian Giacomo Colli. With original and pirated music by Adam Rodriguez, Bruce Salmon, and the Tulstin Troubadors.

April 13th - 28th, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, followed by rotating gypsy musical magic:

April 13th: Wild Romance
April 14th: Mazel Tov Kocktail Hour
April 20th: The Inheritance
April 21st: Steampunk Troubadors
April 27th: Vana Mazi
April 28th: Wino Vino

Upcoming: Glengarry Glenn Ross, A Chick and a Dude Productions at the Hyde Park Theatre, February 24 - March 10

Received directly:

presents

David Mamet's Pulitzer-Prize-winning play

Glengarry Glen Ross

directed by Melissa Livingston-Weaver

February 23 - March 10, Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m.

Hyde Park Theatre, 511 W. 43rd St. at Guadalupe (click for map)

Tickets are "sliding scale": Thursdays $10-20, Fridays-Saturdays $15-25.

For tickets/reservations, visit www.achickandadude.com, call (512) 921-4264 or email achickandadude@gmail.com.

This production contains very mature themes and strong language.

A Chick & A Dude Productions presents David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross--a hard-hitting portrayal of cutthroat office politics--through sharp dialogue and strong social commentary. The 1984 Pulitzer Prize winner for drama is directed by Melissa Livingston-Weaver (2003 B. Iden Payne winner for Best Director of a Drama and 2011 B. Iden Payne nominee for Best Director of a Drama).

A dark dramatic comedy, Glengarry follows the lives of four smalltime, cutthroat real estate salesmen grinding out a living by pushing overpriced, undesirable plots of land on reluctant buyers in a never-ending scramble for their share of the American dream. Company big wigs Mitch and Murray declare a month-long 'sales contest'. The top salesman wins a new Cadillac and the bottom two men lose it all--egos, money and their jobs. The four salesmen sweet-talk, plan, and scheme for the perfect client and the hot 'Glengarry' leads, which Mitch and Murray make clear are for 'closers' only. How far will the four go to get to the leads in order to schedule a 'sit' at the perfect victim's residence?

Click to read more and view a video and image at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

The Tempest, EmilyAnn Theatre, September 9 - October 1

In this hottest Texas summer on record you could be pardoned for suffering a touch of cognitive dissonance when you decide to drive through the beginnings of the Hill Country, 45 minutes southwest of Austin, to attend Shakespeare's last work, set upon a magical island surrounded by the Mediterranean. Wimberley, Texas, is ranch country, and these days the rolling landscape is starkly dry. Even the EmilyAnn's illustration reveals the situation: Laura Ray, portraying magician's daughter Miranda, stands in the low waters of the Blanco River. These days the water is Prospero's refuge and the ocean is the countless miles of sun-toasted ranchland.

The EmilyAnn is a special place, however, something of a magic refuge all to itself. The play begins at dusk, so my wife K. and I had plenty of time to chat with the friendly folk at the ticket window and the concession stand. One strolls through a carefully tended garden on the way to the outdoor amphitheatre. My wife stopped and listened -- one could hear the distinct cheerful trickle of water slipping from pool to pool. With that prelude it became that much easier to enter the agreed meeting place of Prospero's imaginary island.

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

The Servant of Two Masters, Penfold Theatre outdoors in amphitheatres, Round Rock 8/04-21, Wimberley, 8/26-27

by Michael Meigs

I always enjoy watching the handsome and talented Penfold Theatre folk. Not only onstage in their accomplished presentations, of which The Servant of Two Masters directed by Beth Burns is only the latest shining example, but also as with considerable skill they build their presence and reputation.

Austin attracts graduates of theatre programs the way that Nashville attracts banjo pickers, and with not much effort I could name you half a dozen groups of friends who are putting their work up in dusty rented venues throughout this town. Talent is not lacking, and there's plenty of courage and ingenuity.

The Penfold team is grouped around funnyface Ryan Crowder, playing the leading rascal in this show, and Nathan Jerkins, who gives his self-assured ironic humor to the stock role of Brighella the innkeeper. In 2007 they founded the company with their Abilene Christian University classmate Sean Martin, at about the same time I arrived in Austin.

Penfold formed an early alliance with St. Ed's musical jack of all trades Dr. Michael McKelvey (director of their sparkling chamber musical theatre pieces The Last Five Years, John and Jen and I Love You Because). Company members' work with Austin Shakespeare and with recent arrival from California Beth Burns helped build networks including many of the liveliest and most dedicated theatre folk in Austin. They won B. Iden Payne awards.

And unlike most other young devotees of the theatre, they looked around for a promising home in the greater Austin area. Penfold made friends in Round Rock, the rapidly growing community just north of Austin, and has secured support from businesses, the municipality and potential arts patrons for their vision of a resident theatre company in that town.

Their summer shows at the Round Rock amphitheatre, open to all without charge, are splendid marketing devices, making Round Rock residents aware both of their talents and of their intentions to put down roots in that town. Last summer they put on the frantic crowd-pleaser The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) and through most of this month they've been performing this late classic of the Italian commedia dall'arte by Carlo Goldoni. In addition to the Penfold founders the cast of The Servant of Two Masters features lively character actors familiar to Austin audiences from many venues (for example, Robert Deike, Alejandro McDonald-Villarreal, Griçelda Silva, Andréa Smith and the recently arrived Toby Minor).

Read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Upcoming: The Tempest by Shakespeare, EmilyAnn Theatre, Wimberley, September 9 - October 1

Found on-line:

presents

The Tempest

by William Shakespeare

"We are such stuff as dreams are made on; and our little life is rounded with a sleep."

directed by Bridget Farias

featuring Kevin Gates as Prospero

at the amphitheatre at the EmilyAnn, 1105 FM 2325, Wimberley (click for map)

Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.

In Shakespeare's final work, The Tempest, Prospero is exiled to an enchanted island where he harnesses the powers of magic and masters the spirits that dwell there. His desire for revenge drives him to conjure a mighty storm trapping his enemies on the island. Join the EmilyAnn Theatre and experience the magic that is The Tempest on our magical outdoor amphitheatre stage under the stars. Directed by Bridget Farias and featuring Kevin Gates as Prospero.

The Tempest Cast

• • Prospero - Kevin Gates
  • Miranda - Laura Ray
  • Ferdinand - Patrick Byers
  • Alonso - DeWayne Mangan
  • Antonio - Robert Deike
  • Gonzalo - Judd Farris
  • Sebastian - Jason Foreman
  • Caliban - Wesley Riddle
  • Ariel - Molly McKee
  • Stephano - Heath Thompson
  • Trinculo - Austen Cabler
  • Adrian - Colin Iliff
  • Spirits : Jessica Allen, Hanna Haide, Kate Clark, Allison Huston

Images by Will Hollis Snider: Uncle Vanya, Breaking String Theatre Company, June - July 3

Performance photos taken by Will Hollis Snider for

Anton Chekhov’s

Uncle Vanya

directed by Graham Schmidt

June 16th - July 2nd

Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 5 p.m., Monday, June 27 at 8 p.m.

at the Off-Center, 2211-A Hidalgo Street (click for map)

Chekhov's meditation on hope and environmental stewardship speaks with increasing urgency a century after its first performance.

Tickets available at breakingstring.com/tickets and 512-784-1465

General Admission: $15 - 25, Sliding scale;Monday, July 27th is a Pay-What-You-Will Industry Night

Click to view additional images by Will Hollis Snider at AustinLiveTheatre.com. . . .

Upcoming: A Servant of Two Masters by Goldoni, Penfold Theatre , Round Rock Amphitheatre, August 4-21 & EmilyAnn Amphitheatre, Wimberley, August 26-27

Received directly:

presents

Servant of Two Masters
By Carlo Goldoni
Adapted and directed by Beth Burns
Featuring Katie Blacksmith, Ryan Crowder, Robert Deike, Joseph Garlock, Nathan Jerkins, Alex McDonald-Villareal, Toby Minor, Gricelda Silva and Andrea Smith
Comedy, "Penfold in the Park" series
Running time: About 1 hour 40 minutes, with one intermission.
Content advisory: For all ages.

August 4-21, 2011
Round Rock Amphitheater, 301 W. Bagdad Ave, Round Rock TX 78664 (Map it)
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm
Special encore performance Sunday, August 21, at 8:00pm
Free admission (donations accepted)

August 26-27, 2011
EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens, 1101 Ranch Road 2325, Wimberley TX 78676 (Map it)
Friday and Saturday at 8:15pm
Regular $15, Students $10
To make reservations, visit the EmilyAnn website or call (512) 847-6969 .

Mistaken identities, reunited lovers, and over-the-top hilarity! When a man thought dead shows up at the house of his former fiancee, all sorts of madcap mayhem breaks loose! Filled with disguises, plot twists and Marx brothers-style slapstick, Servant of Two Masters is a laugh-out-loud comedy for all ages based on the beloved characters of commedia dell’arte. With nightly pre-shows by other performing arts groups around Austin, this free outdoor performance at the Round Rock Amphitheater is pure summer fun.

Upcoming: Uncle Vanya, Breaking String Theatre Company at the Off-Center, June 23 - July 2

Received directly:

presents

Anton Chekhov’s

Uncle Vanya

directed by Graham Schmidt

June 16th - July 2nd

Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 5 p.m., Monday, June 27 at 8 p.m.

at the Off-Center, 2211-A Hidalgo Street (click for map)

Chekhov's meditation on hope and environmental stewardship speaks with increasing urgency a century after its first performance.

Tickets available at breakingstring.com/tickets and 512-784-1465

General Admission: $15 - 25, Sliding scale;

Monday, July 27th is a Pay-What-You-Will Industry Night

Student rush tickets released 10 minutes before curtain for all performances: $10

Breaking String revisits the Russian canon with a production of Chekhov’s 1899 masterpiece, Uncle Vanya. Ironically sub-titled “Scenes From Country Life,” the play chronicle a climactic moment of rural Russian life. Uncle Vanya is about finding meaning, hope, and conservation in a life that seems to promise little. Chekhov revised his early play Wood Demon (1889) into the triumphant Uncle Vanya.

Uncle Vanya’s theme of ecology speaks to the world's ever-more urgent discussions of conservation and sustainability. Chekhov's insight that the fate of humankind is tied to the fate of the environment now seems prophetic: "In all of you there’s a demon of destruction. You spare neither forests, nor women, nor one another…." (Yelena speaking to Vanya)

Breaking String’s Uncle Vanya features direction and an original translation by Graham Schmidt. The ensemble cast of actors includes Robert Deike, Emily Everidge, Liz Fisher, Harvey Guion, Anne Hulsman, Chris Humphrey, Robert Matney, and Matt Radford. The production also features sound design by Adam Hilton, scenic design by Ia Layadi, costume design by Julia Howze, and lighting design by Steven Shirey.

This is the fourth work for which Breaking String Theater has commissioned an original translation from resident translator Graham Schmidt. Of the practice Schmidt observed, “It is integral to our process, our identity, and is a reflection of our desire for direct contact with Chekhov's words, tailored for this moment and for our work.”

BREAKING STRING THEATER is a sponsored project of the Greater Austin Creative Alliance, a non-profit organization. Breaking String presents drama important to Russian history and exposes Austin audiences developing Russian theater. We seek to connect people across time and culture. Our mission is threefold: We create excellent productions of Russian traditional and avant-garde plays; we provide artists with a creative, respectful and professional work environment; we pursue collaboration with Russian theater artists through our partnerships with the Center for International Theatre Development’s Philip Arnoult, and Moscow-based critic/translator John Freedman.

Hamlet, Scottish Rite Theatre, September 16 - October 3

Those lustrous eyes, that bony frame, that complexion sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought -- many of us believe that Justin Scalise was born to play Hamlet.

He has certainly trained for Shakespeare and for this role, in New Orleans, in England, and for the past three years in Austin. We have seen him as Bottom, Feste, Adam & Silvius, Don John, Mercutio and Lucio. And even Hamlet, freeze-dried, for Austin Shakespeare's 2008 and 2009 World's Fastest Hamlet.

This Hamlet drected by Andrew Matthews for the Scottish Rite Theatre is a keen, intelligent, entertaining and gripping production. Scalise has the principal role but this evening offers much more than just an outing for his fan club.

This cast knows how to speak the speech. Babs George as Gertrude, Harvey Guion as Claudius, Robert Deike as a whole suite of ordinaries, Brock England as Horatio, Chuck Ney as Polonius. . . the verse comes trippingly on those tongues. It's a thrill to hear it delivered articulately, with convincing scansion and appropriate targeting and emotion. The action is swift but unerringly certain. There are moments when one would like to see a bubble of silence as a character reflects or absorbs the meaning of something just said. But anyone who has studied the play, read it or seen any other version of Hamlet will follow the players all the way and will be on the edge of his seat.

Matthews has put them into contemporary costume but does not burden the play with unnecessary concept or gimmickry. No telephoning in performances, no AK-47s, no roller skates or cowboy hats. The familiar, haunting action develops immediately before us in the intimacy of the Scottish Rite Theatre, using a minimum of portable furniture placed as needed before various of its intricate trompe-l'oeuil 19th century painted backdrops. The striking, appropriate music before the play is recorded.

In this version, the play's the thing.

Read more and view images at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .