See "Down the Drain" before it closes!

It is for gems like these that some of us become addicted to Theater. Like gambling addicts, we continue to attend plays because we never know when there will be another ‘pay-off’ of a fantastic script in combination with great actors and direction. I am thrilled to report that “Down the Drain,” a new play written and directed by Austin’s own A. John Boulanger, is one of those great payoffs. He admits that he wrote this script especially for the featured performers, Martin Burke and Meredith McCall, who have done countless plays together (including Boulanger’s last new piece, “House of Several Stories”). The writer describes this new piece as a “bleak” comedy and I couldn’t find a better description. The first act is so funny, I laughed so hard that I was in tears. Martin Burke pulled out all the stops and rode the emotions of his character like some kind of extreme roller coaster. The second act felt darker and more mysterious, and the audience was unsure whether Burke’s character was rooted in reality or sinking quickly into psychotic paranoia. The ending surprised me, but perhaps you will figure it out faster than I did. Meredith did a great job with her role, and her haunting melodies set the tone nicely at the beginning of the piece. Breanna Stogner also did a fantastic job playing a variety of strong characters with a variety of accents. The set featured a dramatic yet very tasteful bathroom with the most impressive mirrors I have ever seen.
Great job everyone, and the program reports that Boulanger is working on three new scripts slated to premiere in 2012. We in Austin can’t wait!
The play runs through August 28th at Hyde Park Theater. More information here:
http://www.nowplayingaustin.com/event/detail/441348793/Down_the_Drain

"A Night of Horror" Riveting and Quite Creepy

Although we are quite familiar with Horror Movies, there is nothing quite like watching a Horror Play. When done well, the audience is riveted and leaves their comfortable, predictable world to enter uncertain, foreign lands. In a small theater, the audience is not quite sure that we ourselves are safe and immune from the craziness and creepiness that the live actors bring to life onstage. In this vein, Chaotic Theater produced great renditions of two plays by David Steele at the Austin Playhouse. In both plays, the actors did a fantastic job of bringing their characters to life. Especially in the first play, the family members were very believably creepy. Instead of allowing us to distance ourselves and discount them all as crazy, the oldest daughter in the first play, and reporter in the second play seem most normal and rational. Because of them, we are intrigued and can connect to their worlds, as we follow them down the slippery slopes of the horrific stories that unfold.
For more information, see http://www.nowplayingaustin.com/event/detail/441083393/A_Night_of_Horror

Shrek: The Musical

From the beginning, I felt like I fell into a fairy tale. From the effervescent curtain to the magical set to the lighting to the costumes, the colors and characters all combined to bring this cartoon world to life like I have never seen done onstage before. Shrek, Fiona, the Donkey, and even the Dragon were simply unbelievable. The sunsets and sunrises were spectacular, walking through the fiery bridge was impressive, traveling through the forest was enchanting, and the other special effects all added up to create the Perfect Fairy Tale. All characters were played to a T, including the other fairy tale characters. (I want the Wicked Witch's dress!) Children were riveted. Adults will enjoy the jokes that are just a bit over their children's heads. Avid theater-goers will immensely enjoy all the references to other shows. From my favorite "Wicked" to "Lion King" to "Dream Girls" how many other references can you find? Fun for all! Don't miss it. Details found at http://www.texasperformingarts.org/season/shrek

Muses IV: Memories of a House

I have been curious about the Muses project where the audience moves from room to room watching scenes in a different house each year. This year, the writers were given the story of one family, and the writers wrote scenes that may have occurred in different rooms of the house. What a fascinating concept! We were treated to a spectacular house as a backdrop, with brilliant colors, eye-capturing art, fun furniture, and the best percussion instrument from Vietnam that was so much fun to play. I was fortunate to meet the owner of the house, who had a sparking presence. As you might guess, some of the 10 scenes are better than others, and all provide glimpses into the innermost workings of a family. Be warned that different actors play the same characters, and that the scenes are not time-ordered, as that threw me until the 4th scene. Also, bring bug spray because half are outside. Ok, I admit I’m hooked, and look forward to being a part of the annual lively Muses tradition.

Running through September 12th
http://www.vestigegroup.org/ for more information.

The "Drowsy Chaperone" will keep you Wide Awake!

There are so many great things to say about the “Drowsy Chaperone” – where to start? First, the deep-red stage is very inviting. Second, Martin Burke does an excellent job of hosting the play within the play. His opening line about sitting in the dark before a show begins, praying for a good show, resonated well with me, especially since we were still sitting in the dark! Since he is feeling “blue,” he puts on a record and the musical comes to life in his living room. He entertains us the whole time and brings his character perfectly to life.

I do love musicals. And this one does a fantastic job of making fun of itself at the same time that it is taking itself very seriously. How does one do that so well? It must be the ironic songs, such as a song about a dress that is hideous; the “Don’t want to show off” song where the actress cannot stop showing off; and a love song, where everyone comes out and starts dancing in Monkey suits! Be warned: Jamie Goodwin steals the show as Adolfo. Even after “Present Laughter” I didn’t realize he had the over-acting capacity within him, and didn’t even recognize him in this role at first. Robin Lewis has taken Zach choreography to the next level since he joined the company, and thus the dancing is phenomenal. The show is complete hilarious fun, and you only have one more week to enjoy it before it must close next weekend.
See http://www.zachtheatre.org/show/drowsy-chaperone for more information.

"Jersey Boys"

It was fun to finally see "Jersey Boys"after hearing about it so long. Not quite my generation, but my mother played her Four Seasons album over and over, and my grade school girlfriends were named Candy, Dawn, and Sherry. It was not only a musical, but a comedy, too. I found it to be very funny, especially through the first act. It was very clever how the plot was divided into the Four Seasons. I had no idea what had really gone on in the group, and I won’t give it away so that you can witness the story unfold onstage. It brings the personalities to life and makes them personal. The costumes, images, and video are especially remarkable, as are the live filming and the way the band performed to different angles on the stage. It was too funny when they were bowing to our applause, although they were facing the back of the stage! I will never think of the song “Oh what a night” the same, now that I understand the “ended way too soon” part! Very fun and enjoyable show.
See http://www.texasperformingarts.org/season/jersey for more information.

"Spider's Web" performed by Different Stages at Vortex Theater

The best thing about Different Stages productions is that they are consistently entertaining. Other Austinites agree, for the entire Vortex theater was filled to capacity, without one free seat. The company succeeds in delivering an Agatha Christie piece consisting of a very impressive set, and top-notch actors and actresses. Nikki Zook, as the lead, hits the mark in depicting Clarissa who is such a masterful storyteller that she observes more than once, that “No one believes me when I tell the truth.” She persuades three male friends to help her hide the dead body she trips over, just before the Inspector shows up responding to a anonymous call about a murder. As usual, Agatha Christie’s plots are so intricate and unexpected, I can never figure out “Whodunnit.” However, maybe you can, so give it a shot at this performance that is perfect for any “date night.” It consists of three acts with two intermissions and Vortex’s Café provides any drinks and food you might need. Enjoy!