Johanna Whitmore

Austin Shakespeare will bring Jane Austen's clever and comedic Sense and Sensibility to the Long Center's intimate Rollins Theatre Nov. 11 to 27.

Rita Anderson's new play premiered with Mèlange Theatre Company last week at Trinity Street Theatre. The fascinating story is worthy of notice by any audience interested in American history or the human struggles that face us all.

Attending performances at Zilker's Hillside Theatre is always a delight because of the wonderful experience offered. That combined with an entertaining production with laugh out loud antics, makes this perfect outdoor entertainment.

Austin Shakespeare will transform the Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater into the world of a classic '50s sitcom for their Free Shakespeare in the Park production of The Merry Wives of Windsor. Produced in collaboration with the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department for the 34th year, Shakespeare's famous comedy will be performed under the stars from May 3 - May 27 on Thursdays - Sundays at 8 pm, with a preview performance on Wednesday, May 2. Co-directed by artistic director Ann Ciccolella and Gwendolyn Kelso, this year's play will be a nostalgic tribute to shows like "I Love Lucy."

Austin Shakespeare is kicking off the 2016-2017 season with a staged reading of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall (Part I only), running September 22 - 25, 2016 at the Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Mantel's best-selling novel, which was adapted for stage by Michael Poulton, is a thrilling reimagining of life under Henry VIII with an unlikely hero at the center, Thomas Cromwell, the son of a blacksmith who rose to become one of the most powerful men in England. After a sold-out Broadway run and rave reviews, Austin Shakespeare is thrilled to produce the Southwest premiere of Wolf Hall with a fully costumed staged reading directed by Artistic Director Ann Ciccolella.

Based upon the Greek legend, after betraying her family to get the Golden Fleece for the hero, Jason, he brings Medea and their sons to Corinth where he unexpectedly decides to marry the princess. Faced with the ultimate betrayal, Medea exacts her revenge.

The Greek tragedy Medea by the irreverent Euripides slashes across the stage with the revenge of a woman scorned, starring nationally-acclaimed classical actress, Franchelle Stewart Dorn in the title role. The production runs at the Long Center for the Performing Arts (701 W. Riverside Drive), February 17-March 6, 2016 and is presented by Austin Shakespeare.

Jacob's Ladder is described in the Book of Genesis as a staircase to heaven that the biblical Patriarch Jacob dreamed about during his flight from his brother Esau. It is often used as an analogy for the spiritual ascetic of life. JACOB'S LADDER, a new play by Dennis Bailey & David Mixner, now in its World Premiere staging by Theatre en Bloc, tells the story of a hero, also named Jacob, who's not born but cornered as he wrestles with the idea that all evil needs to triumph is for good men to do nothing.

When Austin Shakespeare announced that their 2013-2014 season would feature a production of Othello, my immediate response was "Why?" After all, Austin's City Theatre produced the show just last season, and it was, as I mentioned in my review, "the highlight of the City Theatre's season."

Austin Shakespeare will present OTHELLO on Sundays, February 13 - March 2. 8PM Thu-Sat; 3PM Sun at The Rollins Theatre at the Long Center. For tickets, http://thelongcenter.org/event/othello/.

Celebrating its 30th year in 2014, Austin Shakespeare announces its cast for Shakespeare's greatest tale of jealousy and passion: Othello, to be presented February 13 - March 2 at The Long Center's Studio Theatre, where Austin Shakespeare is a resident company. Marc Pouhe will return in the title role; "Othello". The title character was also Pouhe's first major Shakespeare role in 2005; subsequently he starred as Macbeth for then new Artistic Director, Ann Ciccolella, who will direct this new Othello production.

I must confess that I came to Austin Shakespeare's current production of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE with no prejudices of my own. I've never read the original Jane Austen novel, and I've never seen any of the film versions with the exception of Bridget Jones's Diary, which is very loosely based on the Austen classic. However, prior knowledge of Austen and her work is not needed whatsoever to enjoy this pristine production. Whether you are an Austen fan or are a newcomer like myself, there is much to love about this spectacular show.

Kicking off subscriptions for its 29th Season, Austin Shakespeare announces Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice at the Long Center's intimate Rollins Theater tonight, Nov. 7-25. The professional (Actors' Equity) company brings back award-winning actress Liz Beckham now as the smart, delightful "Elizabeth Bennet." Beckham recently won the Austin Critics Table award Best Actor for the company's production of Tom Stoppard's Arcadia last spring.

Kicking off subscriptions for its 29th Season, Austin Shakespeare announces Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice at the Long Center's intimate Rollins Theater Nov. 7-25. The professional (Actors' Equity) company brings back award-winning actress Liz Beckham now as the smart, delightful "Elizabeth Bennet." Beckham recently won the Austin Critics Table award Best Actor for the company's production of Tom Stoppard's Arcadia last spring.