Lynn Beaver - Page 5

Austin Shakespeare has long ruled the 'Bard scene' in Shakespearean production here in central Texas. Oh, sure, others produce a play or two, but Austin Shakes has been the top of the heap for decades. Their productions have always been filled with the best Austin has to offer and have delighted audiences time and time again. More recently there are some serious contenders for the throne, Something for Nothing, Present Company and The Hidden Room produce stellar Shakespearean fare with their own unique spin. I for one am excited to watch the healthy competition between these various companies because I know who the winner will be...us, the viewing public and what could be better than that?

Austin Opera continues its tradition of masterfully recreating classic operas with Bizet's CARMEN currently playing at The Long Center.

The Georgetown Palace Playhouse has audiences rolling in the aisles with classically drawn farce DRINKING HABITS by Tom Smith.

Texas State University's celebrated Department of Theatre and Dance produces game changing musical A CHORUS LINE with sensational style.

Jarrott Productions continue their tradition of producing quality shows with some of Austin's best actors in their production of John Patrick Shanley's biographical drama, PRODIGAL SON.

Shakespeare's HENRY IV (Part 1) is easily the most entertaining of his history plays and Hidden Room pulls out all the stops to wring every moment of excitement from the story. Director Beth Burns, using a script cut by American Shakespeare Center's Dr. Ralph Alan Cohen, presents a stellar cast at the top of their game to the utter delight of every audience member.

Award winning Austin actress and master storyteller Bernadette Nason, has written a memoir of her time working as a secretary for an Italian oil company in Libya under the repressive rule of dictator Muammar Gaddafi. TEA IN TRIPOLI is an utterly delightful, intimate tale of this extraordinary woman and her adventures halfway across the globe.

For decades ZACH Theatre has been the jewel in Austin's crown of arts, setting the tone for others with style and quality, once again they have brought the best live entertainment around to the Topfer Stage in collaboration with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma located in Oklahoma City. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is nothing short of fantastic from beginning to end.

Shakespeare's RICHARD III, is one of his best in terms of sheer drama, but Last Act Theatre takes it a step further by filling the traditionally male dominated world with an all female cast; the result is dazzling and inspiring.

The Georgetown Palace Theatre has long been known as a place to see classic musical theatre sprinkled with a few Disney shows over the years, but with ROCK OF AGES they venture into the modern adult musical world and the result is not only brilliant, it's hilarious and hugely entertaining.

THE DRESSER by Ronald Harwood is a powerful piece by itself, but in the hands of Different Stages it is a rare and perfect gem.

Lake Travis Musical Theatre production, the iconic 1954 musical PETER PAN, makes for an entertaining evening.

Austin Theatre Project's current production BARE, playing at the Trinity Street Theatre, is a work of love and stunning beauty.

Something For Nothing Theatre Company has a reputation for performing little known Shakespearean works on a shoestring budget, this year it's TROILUS AND CRESSIDA, and it's brilliant.

ZACH Theatre,Austin's premier regional theatre wows with their current production of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Tony winning first musical with book by Quiana Agra Hudes.

William Shakespeare's comedies have become a staple of summertime theatre the world over. City Theatre's production of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW is one of several of the Bard's best playing in Austin in the next few weeks. Unfortunately this lackluster presentation misses the mark on multiple levels.

In February of this year, fledgling production company RKJB Entertainment burst onto the Austin stage with an original play with music, FOR THE LOVE OF MAHALIA. Hailed by critics and audiences alike, the new work starred the amazing Jacqui Cross, who virtually transformed into the Gospel great. This month marks their second production MOAN THEM BLUES, a one woman show featuring legendary Blues pioneer, Bessie Smith (Sonia Moore). Moore's rendition of Gimme A Pigfoot And A Bottle Of Beer stopped the show, I can scarcely wait to see a show that features such powerful talent. It's time our readers are introduced to Robert King, Jr and Jeremy Brown, the men behind these shows about such important icons of American culture.

Austin Shakespeare continues its 34 year tradition of bringing free Shakespeare to Zilker Park with an hilarious take on THE COMEDY OF ERRORS.

MADAM BUTTERFLY by Giacomo Puccini, libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa is a work of tragic beauty in the hands of Austin Opera.

William Shakespeare's AS YOU LIKE IT, by The Baron's Men and playing at The Curtain Theatre is an excellent production in a perfectly idyllic setting. Arguably Shakespeare's most complicated comedy, AS YOU LIKE IT, may not be as beloved as MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING or A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM but in the hands of first time director Michael Osborn, The Baron's Men have surpassed the norm to present a flawless and professional production.