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!

Menopause: The Musical

"Menopause: The Musical" is consistently a lot of fun and very entertaining. This musical has taken very well-known songs and replaced the original lyrics with new subjects of interest to older women. Therefore, “Staying Alive” becomes “Staying Awake” to describe insomnia. “Chain of Fools” becomes “Change of Life” and so on. Some of these lyrics are so funny, I had tears rolling down my face the first time I saw this show because I was laughing so hard! This performance at the Long Center is as successful as past performances I’ve seen. It is made up of energetic actresses with marvelous singing voices, and fun choreography. As always, women in the audience are invited to come up and dance onstage at the end. Although there are not typically many men in attendance at this show, those who do brave the subject matter end up laughing and clapping even louder than the women, at times! That is to say, there is nothing offensive to men. So come on out and celebrate the change of life!
For more information, see http://www.thelongcenter.org/performances.aspx?id=3766

"Becky's New Car" is Fast and Furious

This is a very enjoyable show, as the plot twists and turns unexpectedly. It features some of Austin’s finest talent and teachers, who do a great job on Zachary Scott’s intimate theater-in-the-round.
The actors explore the “Fourth Wall” as they refer to the audience, and interact with us at unexpected times throughout the performance. This works well and causes the audience to feel like we are welcome in their homes. The writer also uses the delightful device of jumping from home to work in a split-second. Wouldn’t that be convenient if we could all do that? Since I have two degrees in Psychology, I thoroughly enjoyed the psychological references and terminology. The terms made the audience laugh yet added extra depth for me.
Especially the second act will keep you on your toes, as it is very fast-paced, with actors coming and going. I am confused by the ending, since it does not follow the New Car metaphor that Becky explains early on, but I don't wish to ruin the ending for you! Enjoy!
For more information, see http://www.zachtheatre.org/show/beckys-new-car

Enchanted by Sleeping Beauty: The Musical

The ever-popular fairy tale is wakened back to life in Vortex's original new musical which is so aesthetically beautiful it is a delight to behold. From the minute you walk into the theater, you will be enchanted by the fairies who interact with the audience in the front row, and the magical laser lights dancing around the darkened theater. The set is impressive is size and function, and I loved the "living" vines that trap all the princes that were unable to make it into the castle. The costumes, makeup, and hair arrangements are all exquisite and beautiful. The theater itself has been recently improved as all the seating is now on one side, making it easier for the cast to play to the entire audience, compared with its historical setup. Unlike other Vortex shows, this play has no nudity and so is appropriate for children. The best part is the non-traditional, yet strong and happy ending. Well done Bonnie Cullum and Content Love Knowles! I predict it will be a hit and will go far.

For more information, see http://www.vortexrep.org/22_2010/22_sleeping.htm

"A Little Night Music" is Fantastic!

Sit back and relax while you enjoy a fantastic night of music and theater. The singing quality is top-notch, and is as powerful as an opera. The costumes were phenomenal. It is simply amazing what Mary Ellen Butler and Sara De Cuir did with a mixture of dyed wedding dresses from local thrift shops, jackets, and other miscellaneous items. The director keeps the actors moving with intention, so that even the invalid grandmother stands and walks around during her pieces. The set is quite impressive, and appropriate in the setting of the Georgetown Palace Theater. The script is sexy and the dialogue makes you laugh. What better combination for a night of theater? The plot is a bit complicated and so you may prefer to read a copy of the synopsis before it begins for best results. All in all, it was such fun and delightful musical entertainment that both my companion and I are considering a repeat drive to Georgetown from Austin. Way to go, Georgetown Palace and Stephen Sondheim!

The Opera "Star" is a humorous and visual delight

"A Delight to all the Senses"
Review posted by: Pammyla Brooks from Austin, Texas, Feb 01, 2010
Whether you like opera or not, you are in for a treat. Although most operas are tragic, this French opera promises fun and laughter for everyone who attends. The set and the costumes will immediately capture your attention. The set is made up of bright colors, mirrors, and an oversized “throne” for the king. The costumes range from the colorful to classic, black for the chorus. The choreography works well and makes full use of the stage and the singers’ dancing skills. (However, it must be more difficult than it looks to dance on a tilted stage like that!) The music and singing are also captivating. All performed well, yet Deborah Domanski steals the show playing the male lead, by having as much fun with the role as she possibly could. Did I mention that an astrolger plays a major role in all of the action? I had no trouble hearing from the fourth row, but a friend sitting farther back could not hear as well. Don't speak French? Never fear, English translations float above the action onstage. Go and Enjoy!