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Theatre

SATURDAY MARCH 24

CLOSING

Elizabeth: Heart of a King

This new play by Lorella Loftus explores the formative times in the life of Elizabeth I of England – her days as a young woman and the main events of her life as a queen and an icon. Featuring Angela Loftus, Lorella Loftus, and Rae Petersen as the three phases of one of history's most powerful and fascinating people. Through March 24. Wed.-Sat., 8pm. $10-30.

The Vortex, 2307 Manor Rd., 512/478-5282

www.vortexrep.org

ONGOING

The Tender Trap

Max Shulman and Robert Paul Smith's bedroom farce is presented by the Way Off Broadway Community Players under the direction of Tracy Cathey. Through March 31. Fri.-Sat., 8pm. 11880 W. FM 2243, Leander. $20 ($15, seniors, students, military).

512/259-5878

A Room with a View

This adaptation of E.M. Forster's classic about a young woman's quest for happiness is a world premiere from Austin Playhouse, featuring an excellent cast directed by Lara Toner. See our review here. Through April 22. Thu.-Sat., 8pm; Sun., 5pm. Austin Playhouse at Mueller, 1800½ Simond, 476-0084. $26-35 (student discounts available).

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." The world premiere of Jenny Connell's new play is directed by Shannon Grounds for Shrewd Productions. See our review here. Through April 14. Thu.-Sat., 8pm. $15.

Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale, 512/927-1118

www.shrewdproductions.com

Wit

Margaret Edson's Pulitzer-winning drama about the struggles and tenacity of an English professor diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. Here starring Judith Laird and directed by Jeff Hinkle for City Theatre. Through April 8. Thu.-Sat., 8pm; Sun., 5:30pm. $15-25 ($10, Thursdays, ages 10 and younger).

City Theatre, 3823-D Airport, 524-2870

www.citytheatreaustin.org, info@citytheatreaustin.org

The Aliens

Read our recent review. Or read any review elsewhere in this town, even. Seriously, people. This show is so fucking good, it's such a brilliant, funny, heartbreaking, amazing, uh – just go, OK, just do yourself a solid and don't miss this thing. Through April 21. Thu.-Sat., 8pm. $17-21 (pay what you can, Thursdays).

Hyde Park Theatre, 511 W. 43rd, 512/479-PLAY

www.hydeparktheatre.org

The Schooling of Bento Bonchev

Breaking String Theater presents the American premiere of Maksym Kurochkin's 2010 hit play as part of its New Russian Drama Festival, directed by Graham Schmidt and featuring an opening weekend with panel discussions, a visit from the playwright, a roundtable featuring the Chronicle's own Robert Faires, and more. See "Moscow Now, Here" for details. March 9-31. Thu.-Sun., 8pm. $15-25.

The Off Center, 2211-A Hidalgo, 512/476-7833

www.breakingstring.com

The Orchid Flotilla

From Glass Half Full (the quirky puppeteers who've brought us Fup Duck and other tales-for-adults) comes this object-theatre narrative about the transformative power of companionship and a witty examination of disposable packaging. Created by Caroline Reck, performed by her and Gricelda Silva, and featuring music by Adam Sultan. (Again: Don't bring the kiddies, friend; this gig's got those grown-up sensibilities.) Through April 6. Thu.-Sat., 8pm; Sun., 6pm. $15.

Salvage Vanguard Theater, 2803 Manor Rd., 512/474-7886

www.glasshalffulltheatre.com

The Laramie Project

This theatrical experience is based on the events surrounding the Matthew Shepard story as seen through the eyes of the Wyoming townspeople who were both witnesses and participants. Starring the original ZACH cast, under the direction of Dave Steakley. Also, The Laramie Project Ten Years Later revisits the troubled town, to see what the years have wrought, and on May 12 you can even catch the two shows back-to-back with a dinner break between. This is powerful, relevant work; this is your world and what happens in it. Recommended. Through May 12. Wed.-Sat., 7:30pm; Sun., 2:30pm. $25-65.

Zach Theatre, 1510 Toomey, 512/476-0541

www.zachtheatre.org

Chrontourage