GLASSHEART by Reina Hardy, Shrewd Productions at the Salvage Vanguard Theatre, August 30 - September 14, 2013

presents the World Premiere of 

GLASSHEART

by Reina Hardy
August 30th through September 14th
Week 1 - Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, Sunday at 6 pm
Week 2 - Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, Sunday at 6 pm
Week 3 - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm

Tickets: $15-25 sliding scale

Click here for Tickets

Salvage Vanguard Theatre: 2803 Manor Rd., Austin, TX 78722 - click for map

Beauty never showed up. After centuries under the curse, the Beast and his one remaining magical servant have moved into a shabby apartment near a 7-11, hoping for a lower cost of living and better luck with girls. In the threatening, impossible, completely ordinary world of paying rent and taking public transportation, is a happy ending even possible? Are there witches in Chicago? Is this hat sufficient? And can a good story and a little light save the day?
A romantic comedy about facing the witch in your head, and finding the wish in your heart.

About the Playwright Reina Hardy is from Chicago and recently fetched up in Texas. She is a Michener Fellow at UT Austin, a 2013 finalist for the Terrence McNally Prize, the recipient of the 2012 Interact 20/20 Commission, and a National New Play Network Playwright. Her plays,which usually contain magic, have most recently been seen at Capital Stage Sacramento, Las Vegas Little Theatre, Orlando Shakespeare, and the Great Plains Theatre Conference, where Reina was awarded the Holland New Voices Award. She spent part of this summer at the Kennedy Center, workshopping her as-yet untitled script about the universe and hangovers. Glassheart is one of two productions that Reina is enjoying in Austin this season, with Stars & Barmen to be produced at the Vortex in the fall.

About the Cast & Crew Kyle Zamcheck directs an all-star ensemble in this modern re-telling of a classic story including Lana Dieterich,*Carolyn Faye Kramer, Shannon Grounds and Michael Miller as the Beast. Award-winning designers Pam Friday (costumes), Anne-Marie Gordon (set design), Patrick Anthony (lighting design), and Buzz Moran (sound design) create Hardy's magical world of a fairytale down-sized to a one-bedroom apartment.

* Carolyn Faye Kramer appears courtesy of Actors Equity 

(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)

The Dragon Play by Jenny Connell, Shrewd Productions at the Blue Theatre, March 22 - April 14

by Michael Meigs

The Dragon Play confused me as I sat in the front row of the sparsely populated Blue Theatre on opening weekend. That was deliberate on the part of playwright Jenny Connell, abetted by Shrewds director Shannon Grounds.

The director has given away enough of the story in a second video interview just released by the company, so I'm releasing no 'spoiler' by telling you the company is presenting two dragon plays, starkly different in style, alternating scenes with one another.

One is a whimsical creature story of a boy who discovers a magic dragon in the attic and adopts it. The two live in their own little magic world sheltered from the outside and from any intrusion by adults.

The other play is a grim tale of a deeply dysfunctional marriage visited by a stiff-faced former suitor who appears to have every intention of carrying away the wife.

I found it remarkably uncomfortable to be obliged to shift the gears in my suspension of disbelief. That uneasiness pushed me to an annoyed sensitivity. Childhood's droll whimsey failed to please because it was overridden by the dark drama and sharp edges of the other story. Dialogue that I'd normally have happily swallowed sounded false because of the contrast of styles -- particularly the leaden nothings assigned much of the time to Rommel Sulit as he portrayed the working class husband aware that something was going wrong.

Read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Second Video: Director and Crew Discuss The Dragon Play by Jenny Connell

Another video from Lydia Nelson featuring director Shannon Grounds and the cast discussing the

presentation of

The Dragon Play

by Jenny Connell, directed by Shannon Grounds
March 22 through April 14, Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 pm
at The Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale (click for map)
Tickets $16.52 including service fee via

(Click to go to previous video about The Dragon Play)

Video: Director and Cast Discuss The Dragon Play by Jenny Conell, Shrewd Productions, March 22 - April 14

presents

The Dragon Play

by Jenny Connell
directed by Shannon Grounds
March 22 through April 14
Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 pm
at The Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale (click for map)
Tickets $16.52 including service fee via

Shrewd Productions is proud to present the first-ever production of Jenny Connell‘s The Dragon Play. On a lonely farm in northern Minnesota, a husband and wife's peaceful existence is shattered by the appearance of an unexpected visitor. On a hot stretch of highway in central Texas, a boy befriends a wounded dragon. Spanning two moments in time and space and blurring the lines between each, The Dragon Play explores what happens when reality and fantasy converge, when desire and duty conflict, and when our deepest secrets show up breathing fire.

About the Playwright Jenny Connell is a Brooklyn-based playwright and teacher, a member of Austin Script Works, Ars Nova's Play Group, The Dramatists Guild, The Playwrights Center of Minneapolis, and a graduate of UT's MFA Theater program. Her plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Austin, and have been finalists for BAPF, the Heideman, Seven Devils, and the O'Neill conference.

About the Cast & Crew Directed by Shrewd Artistic Director, Shannon Grounds, The Dragon Play stars Liz Fisher (Uncle Vanya), Rommel Sulit (Big Love), Joseph Garlock (Servant of Two Masters), Amelia Turner (LEAR) and Xander Slay-Tamkin (The Physicists), with set design by Shrewd company member and Trouble Puppet Artistic Director, Connor Hopkins (Civilization), lights by Patrick Anthony (Big Love) and original compositions by founding Shrewd T. Lynn Mikeska (The Long Now).

The Dragon Play is presented with the assistance of Script Works through their Finer Point Fund for New Play Production. Shrewd Productions is a sponsored project of VORTEX repertory and a member of the Austin Creative Alliance and the Austin New Works community. This project funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division.

Upcoming: The Dragon Play by Jenny Connell, Shrewd Productions at the Blue Theatre, March 22 - April 14

presents

The Dragon Play

by Jenny Connell

directed by Shannon Grounds

March 22 through April 14
Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 pm

at The Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale (click for map)

Tickets $16.52 including service fee via

On a lonely farm in northern Minnesota, a husband and wife's peaceful existence is shattered by the appearance of an unexpected visitor. On a hot stretch of highway in central Texas, a boy befriends a wounded dragon. Spanning two moments in time and space and blurring the lines between each, The Dragon Play explores what happens when reality and fantasy converge, when desire and duty conflict, and when our deepest secrets show up breathing fire.

Shrewd Productions is proud to present the first-ever production of Jenny Connell‘s The Dragon Play.

About the Playwright Jenny Connell is a Brooklyn-based playwright and teacher, a member of Austin Script Works, Ars Nova's Play Group, The Dramatists Guild, The Playwrights Center of Minneapolis, and a graduate of UT's MFA Theater program. Her plays have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Austin, and have been finalists for BAPF, the Heideman, Seven Devils, and the O'Neill conference.

About the Cast & Crew Directed by Shrewd Artistic Director, Shannon Grounds, The Dragon Play stars Liz Fisher (Uncle Vanya), Rommel Sulit (Big Love), Joseph Garlock (Servant of Two Masters), Amelia Turner (LEAR) and Xander Slay-Tamkin (The Physicists), with set design by Shrewd company member and Trouble Puppet Artistic Director, Connor Hopkins (Civilization), lights by Patrick Anthony (Big Love) and original compositions by founding Shrewd T. Lynn Mikeska (The Long Now).

Video: Cast and Director Discuss Big Love by Charles Mee, Shrewd Productions, November 10 - 27

Video by Lydia Nelson via link provided by Shrewd Productions:

presents

Big Love

a comedy by Charles Mee

directed by Robert Faires

November 10 - 27, Thursdays - Sundays at 8 p.m.
Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, Riverside at S. First (click for map)

Buy Tickets through The Long Center -- Thursdays & Sundays: $20; Fridays & Saturdays: $25
Students: $15; Special industry night peformance: Wednesday, November 16 - $17

50 runaway brides seek refuge in a villa on the Italian coast in this hilarious and heartbreaking comedy by Charles Mee. When 50 determined grooms drop out of the sky, the villa erupts in a clash of wills, song and dance, romantic reverie, violent fits, satin ribbon, and one final, unforgettable showdown.

[Apple users: can't see the video? Click to go to YouTube]

Robert Faires directs this tulle covered, rice throwing, dangerous confection of a play. Big Love features some of Austin's finest theatrical talent, including Aaron Alexander, Lana Dieterich, Shannon Grounds, Anne Hulsman, Rob Matney, Nathan Osburn, Michael Slefinger, Andrea Smith, Rommel Sulit and Julianna Elizabeth Wright with lighting design by Patrick Anthony, set by Ia Enstara, costumes by Pam Friday, choreography by Toby Minor and sound by Buzz Moran.

Sharing the Love...
Shrewd Productions has set aside a small number of discounted tickets offered via Austix.

[11 left as of 2:45 p.m., Wednesday, November 9]

Click the heart below to purchase from Austix

Buy Tickets through Austix

Images by Kimberley Mead: Big Love by Charles Mee, Shrew Productions at the Rollins Theatre, November 10 - 27

Images by Kimberley Mead, received directly:

presents

Big Love

a comedy by Charles Mee

directed by Robert Faires

November 10 - 27, 2011
Thursdays - Sundays at 8 p.m.
Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center for the Performing Arts

50 runaway brides seek refuge in a villa on the Italian coast in this hilarious and heartbreaking comedy by Charles Mee. When 50 determined grooms drop out of the sky, the villa erupts in a clash of wills, song and dance, romantic reverie, violent fits, satin ribbon, and one final, unforgettable showdown.

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

Upcoming: Big Love by Charles Mee, Shrewd Productions at the Rollins Theatre, Long Center, November 10 - 27

Received directly:

presents

Big Love

a comedy by Charles Mee

directed by Robert Faires

November 10 - 27, 2011
Thursdays - Sundays at 8 p.m.
Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center for the Performing Arts

50 runaway brides seek refuge in a villa on the Italian coast in this hilarious and heartbreaking comedy by Charles Mee. When 50 determined grooms drop out of the sky, the villa erupts in a clash of wills, song and dance, romantic reverie, violent fits, satin ribbon, and one final, unforgettable showdown.

Based on the oldest play in the western world, The Suppliants by Aeschylus, Mee's modern take is at once an unflinching look at the themes of justice and revenge, and an ode to the enduring power of love.

Robert Faires directs this tulle covered, rice throwing, dangerous confection of a play. Big Love features some of Austin's finest theatrical talent, including Aaron Alexander, Lana Dieterich, Shannon Grounds, Anne Hulsman, Rob Matney, Nathan Osburn, Michael Slefinger, Andrea Smith, Rommel Sulit and Julianna Elizabeth Wright with lighting design by Patrick Anthony, set by Ia Enstara, costumes by Pam Friday, choreography by Toby Minor and sound by Buzz Moran.

Presented by special arrangement with International Creative Management, Inc.

Images by Kimberley Mead: MilkMilk Lemonade, Shrewd Productions, September 8 - 25

Images by Kimberley Mead for Shrewd Productions' second staging:

MilkMilk Lemonade

by Joshua Conkel

September 8 - 25, Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m.

at the Hideout Theatre, 617 Congress Avenue (click for map)

Tickets: $15-25 - Buy online

“*Saturday, September 17th is “Prom Night”, with a portion of all
proceeds going to benefit Austin Out Youth and the annual Queer Prom!

Meet Emory, an 11-year-old boy who lives on a farm with his chain-smoking Nanna and his only friend, a giant chicken named Linda. Nanna wishes Emory would put that barbie down, stop choreographing elaborate dance numbers and act more like a boy. Elliot, the bully down the road, wishes the parasitic twin living inside him would stop making him do awful things. Linda wishes she could pursue a career as a stand-up comedian instead of a main course meal. And Emory… he just wants to reach for the stars!

Shrewd Productions is proud to present this wickedly funny, delightfully strange and decidedly shrewd exploration of sex, gender, growing up - and how we fight to be who we are, no matter what.

Click to view additional images at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Upcoming: MilkMilk Lemonade, Shrewd Productions at the Hideout Theatre, September 8 - 25

Received directly:

presents

MilkMilk Lemonade

by Joshua Conkel

September 8 - 25, Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m.

at the Hideout Theatre, 617 Congress Avenue (click for map)

Tickets: $15-25 - Buy online

Meet Emory, an 11-year-old boy who lives on a farm with his chain-smoking Nanna and his only friend, a giant chicken named Linda. Nanna wishes Emory would put that barbie down, stop choreographing elaborate dance numbers and act more like a boy. Elliot, the bully down the road, wishes the parasitic twin living inside him would stop making him do awful things. Linda wishes she could pursue a career as a stand-up comedian instead of a main course meal. And Emory… he just wants to reach for the stars!

Shrewd Productions is proud to present this wickedly funny, delightfully strange and decidedly shrewd exploration of sex, gender, growing up - and how we fight to be who we are, no matter what.

Shrewd's production of MilkMilkLemonade in September of 2010 received 5 Austin Theatre Examiner nominations and 4 Austin Critics' Table nominations, winning Best Supporting Actress for Shannon Grounds and receiving a special citation award for Amelia Turner's makeup design. MilkMilkLemonade is directed by Jason Hays and stars Chris Hejl, Joe Hartman, Chris Humphrey, Shannon Grounds and Mike Slefinger, with set design by Nick Renaud, lights by Jon Derrington, sound by Bryan Schneider, makeup by Amelia Turner, choregraphy by Sharon Sparlin and costumes by Pam Friday.

“In this Shrewd Productions rendition of Joshua Conkel's play, the actors put themselves on the line, and the story stays with you after you leave."
- Barry Pineo - Austin Chronicle, "Top 10 Most Memorable Locally Produced Live Performance Offerings That I Chanced To See in 2010"

“by far the most non-stop hilarious show I have seen in a very, very long time."
- Olin Meadows, AustinOnstage.com

“A bizarre, but beautiful, journey into the world of youth...one of the most original, but delightful plays to hit the scene in some time“
- Ryan Johnson, Austin Theatre Examiner

"a touching and charismatic romp through childhood dreams and disillusions“

- Cate Blouke, Austin American-Statesman

Images by Kimberley Mead: Lear, Vortex Repertory, May 20 - June 18

Images by Kimberley Mead:

presents

Lear

by William Shakespeare in a new adaptation by Rudy Ramirez

starring Jennifer Underwood

directed by Rudy Ramirez

May 20 - June 18

Thursdays - Sundays at 8 p.m.

Vortex Repertory, 2307 Manor Rd. (click for map)

(Jennifer Coy as Regan, Suzanne Balling as Cordelia)

In an age when women hold more power and in a time when the media turns the private into the public a mother divides her empire among her daughters. As her world crumbles and her family turns its back on her, can she face the storm and find love, forgiveness, and peace? A Celtic legend made into a Renaissance masterpiece, The VORTEX now re-imagines William Shakespeare's King Lear as a female leader for the modern world, where globalization blurs the line between governments and corporations and names like Clinton, Palin, Thatcher, Stewart, Wintour, and Winfrey have inspired admiration, contempt and controversy. Jennifer Underwood leads a cast of Austin's finest actors in a story of gender and power, family and business, compassion and betrayal.

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

Short Take: Lear by Shakespeare, Vortex Repertory, May 20 - June 18

Short take:

The Vortex version of Lear features several accomplished Austin actors, including most notably Jennifer Underwood in the title role, but director Rudy Ramirez trivializes Shakespeare's great epic of royal folly and delusion. Lear's rage against the storm is converted into a confused confrontation with paparazzi, and key narration is projected as sound-bites from MSNBC-style talking heads, proving that style can defeat substance. Cross-gender casting for the roles of Kent and Edda (Edgar) is puzzling; less so for Shannon Grounds as the Fool. Underwood doesn't really get going until the mad scene in Act IV, scene 6. Other standouts in the cast include Micah Goodding as the wily and wicked bastard Edmund, Jen Coy as Regan and Tom Truss as Cornwall. The last third or so of the production -- from the blinding of Gloucester onward -- has impact and conviction.

Upcoming: Lear by WIlliam Shakespeare with Jennifer Underwood, Vortex Repertory, May 20 - June 18

Found on-line:

presents

Lear

by William Shakespeare

starring Jennifer Underwood

directed by Rudy Ramirez

May 20 - June 18

Thursdays - Sundays at 8 p.m.

Vortex Repertory, 2307 Manor Rd. (click for map)

In an age when women hold more power and in a time when the media turns the private into the public a mother divides her empire among her daughters. As her world crumbles and her family turns its back on her, can she face the storm and find love, forgiveness, and peace? A Celtic legend made into a Renaissance masterpiece, The VORTEX now re-imagines William Shakespeare's King Lear as a female leader for the modern world, where globalization blurs the line between governments and corporations and names like Clinton, Palin, Thatcher, Stewart, Wintour, and Winfrey have inspired admiration, contempt and controversy. Jennifer Underwood leads a cast of Austin's finest actors in a story of gender and power, family and business, compassion and betrayal.

Produced by VORTEX Repertory Company. Adapted from Shakespeare and Directed by Rudy Ramirez. Scenic Design by Ann Marie Gordon, Lighting Design by Jason Amato, Video Design by Sergio R. Samayoa, Costume Design by Pam Fletcher Friday. Stage Management by Tamara L. Farley.

Starring Jennifer Underwood as Lear with Suzanne Balling as Cordelia, David Boss as France/Ensemble, Jennifer Coy as Regan, Mick D'arcy as Gloucester, Trey Deason as Oswald, Joseph Garlock as Burgundy/ Ensemble, Micah Goodding as Edmund, Shannon Grounds as The Fool, Chelsea Manasseri as The Doctor/Ensemble, Toby Minor as Albany, Mindy Rast as Curan/Ensemble, Laura Ray as Lear's Gentlewoman/ Ensemble, Andrea Smith as Goneril, Tom Truss as Cornwall, Amelia Turner as Edda, and Julianna Elizabeth Wright as Kent.

VORTEX Repertory Company is funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division, by the Texas Commission on the Arts, and by a and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.

Upcoming: God's Ear by Jenny Schwartz, Biophiliac Productions at the Blue Theatre, April 22 - May 2

UPDATE: Review by Virginia Heckenlaible for the Daily Texan, April 28

UPDATE: Second NowPlayingAustin podcast about God's Ear, April 26

UPDATE: Creative Alliance podcast interviewing Shannon Grounds about God's Ear, April 19 (6 min.)

Received directly:
The recently transplanted Biophiliac Productions
presents

God's Ear
the Off-Broadway play by Jenny Schwartz
directed by Amelia Turner in its regional premiere
at the Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale Road
April 22 – May 2, Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 5 p.m.
with a matinee performance on Saturday, May 1 at 2 p.m.
General admission $15, $12 for seniors, military, and students with ID, available through www.biophiliacproductions.com, at www.smarttix.com, or fromSmartTIX at (212) 868-4444. Group discounts for 6 or more available through Biophiliac Productions. Cash only at the door.

God's Ear introduces us to Ted and Mel, a devastated young couple trying to come to terms with their son’s accidental death as their marriage and lives begin to disintegrate. Lost in their bizarre labyrinth of grief, Ted seems continually to run into parents with dead children. Everything Mel touches turns to stone. Their daughter Lanie starts receiving counseling from a G.I. Joe doll and from the Tooth Fairy. Central to God’s Ear is the concept of language, inventively explored as the characters rely on repeated expressions and clichés in an attempt to navigate their grief.

The cast features Shannon Grounds (Austin Critic’s Table Award Winner and seven-time B. Iden Payne Nominee) and Phil Aulie (Austin Slam Poetry Finalist), Senait Fessehaye, Lindsley Howard, Felix Rivas, Greg Spencer, and Amelia Turner.

Read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Upcoming: As You Like It, Scottish Rite Theatre, August 7 - 30

UPDATE: Click for ALT review




Received directly:

The Scottish Rite Theatre
presents

As You Like It

directed by Beth Burns
with music by Michael McKelvey

August 7 - 30
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
207 West 18th Street, Austin, at the corner of 18th and Lavaca, catercorner from the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum.

As You Like It follows its heroine Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle's court to find safety and eventually love in the Forest of Arden with her cousin Celia, court jester Touchstone, and many other love-sick characters. Charades and disguise lead to all manner of frolics in the forest, with the lively plot ultimately resulting in a “happily ever after“ finale.

Tickets: Friday and Saturday $12 in advance (online or at Box Office) and $15 at the door
tickets online

Sundays: $10 in advance (online or at Box Office) and $12 at the door

As You Like It is brought to you by the same team behind last year's sparkling Twelfth Night. Director Beth Burns, fresh from the run of her own play The Long Now, returns to direct Shakespeare's pastoral masterpiece, with the help of music director and composer Michael McKelvey, and some of Austin's most accomplished classical actors.

Read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

The Long Now by Beth Burns, Shrewd Productions at the Blue Theatre, May 21 - June 13

Beth Burns' The Long Now opens with the charmingly simple concept stressed in its marketing:

Tish Reilly has a very special friend – Time. Tish can go back to any place where a good memory remains and enter it, reliving the moments that please her.

We meet the winsome Tish, played by Shannon Grounds, at her dead end job of alphabetizing and filing folders beginning with the letter "F." Maybe this is an insurance company; maybe it's another bureaucracy.

Her boss Tom is a limp self-important macho dolt. Her female co-worker Sherrie laughs at Larry and at the absurdity of their assignments. Good sport Sherrie, played by Anne Hulsman, is always pressing Tish to come along for a girls' lunch or a girls' night of drinking. No wonder our Tish is a dreamer, escaping into reveries reaching all the way back to the warm, safe world of elementary school. Tish goes out to fetch coffee for the office,calls up her friend Time.

Tish receives Time's permission to transform into her tiny self, back when Mom was her best friend, and at school a cute boy named Larry was paying delighted attention to her.

So far, this could be a whimsical children's play, except for some of boss Tom's coarse har-har language and coworker Sherrie's raucous talk. Nothing too serious is going on. Work is hell, but we all knew that, and the cardboard comic figures make it palatable. There's a cute joke about misfiling the "Pf" names (such as "Pfluger") among the "F" names. We're ready to settle in and enjoy the education and vicissitudes of Tish.

But what about that figure of Time? The puppet figure is visible only to Tish and to us. Time speaks in the eerie voice furnished by T. Lynn Mikeska, patronizing but barely inflected.

We are not in Muppet land here. Time appears as a stark flat articulated figure moving on any of the several screens ranged across the set. Time appears in different sizes and faces, including one tiny face that in a spine-chilling moment simply dissolves to a gray haze.


Click to read more on AustinLiveTheatre.com . . .

Upcoming: The Long Now by Beth Burns, Shrewd Productions at the Blue Theatre, May 21 - June 13

UPDATE: ALT review of May 24



UPDATE: "Arts Eclectic" audio piece on KUT-FM, May 20 (2min)

Found on-line:

The Long Now
by Beth Burns

Tish Reilly has a very special friend – Time. Tish can go back to any place where a good memory remains and enter it, reliving the moments that please her. When she reunites with the oft-remembered Larry, her first love, she finds a reason to finally begin to push forward in her life again. But will Time, who has grown so fond of her, be willing to let her go?

The Long Now is written and directed by Beth Burns (The Groundlings Theatre LA, NEA award-winning playwright) and considers the unpredictable nature of Time, and the impossible search for capturing the present. Composer/musician Burton C. Bell (Fear Factory, G.Z.R., Ascension of the Watchers) has created original music, and renowned puppeteer Jesse Kingsely (Henson Co.) has designed shadowed sets and an ingenious new method of shadow puppeteering to represent Time.

Shrewd Productions is proud to present this world premiere, opening at the Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale Rd., on May 21st and running Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00pm, through June 13th.

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 8PM
Tickets: $15 - $25

Purchase Tickets Online at www.brownpapertickets.com

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