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THEATRE
THE HEATHER WOODBURY REPORT is New York artist Heather Woodbury's amazing "performance novel" following 100 characters through 10 hours of adventures and drama. The show is presented in eight parts, each of which is self-contained. But they also form a larger narrative, with characters re-appearing and crossing paths. The Chronicle`s Adrienne Martini called the show "awe-inspiring in its simplicity and power." Woodbury concludes her run with a last round, two parts per night: 1 & 2: May 8; 3 & 4: May 9; 5 & 6: May 10; 7 & 8: May 11. FINAL PERFORMANCES! May 8-11, Thu-Sun, 8pm, at Planet Theatre, 2307 Manor. Tickets: $12. 454-TIXS.
Blood:Shock: Boogie makes its final run at the Public Domain Theatre,through May 10.
photograph by Bret BrookshireBLOOD:SHOCK:BOOGIE weaves a creation story of a kind of superhero: a late 20th-century gay black man who has, you could say, powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men. It's an autobiographical stage collage by playwright/performer Daniel Alexander Jones, and it's rich with poetry, hip hop, jazz, pathos, and humor. Reviewing it here last year, I wrote that it has "moments of tenderness to give one pause and camp that tickles you with sharp red nails." Starring Jones, Jason Phelps, and Daniel Dodd-Ellis. ONE WEEKEND! May 8-10, Thu-Sat, 8pm, Fri & Sat, 11pm, at The Public Domain, 807 Congress. Tickets: $10 ($8 seniors, students, ACoT). 454-TIXS.
THE ODD COUPLE do their best to get along, but their styles - one fussy, one sloppy - don't mix any better than oil and vinegar. Neil Simon's durable comedy is a favorite for comic team-ups, and this national touring production features a pair from TV's M*A*S*H, Corporal Klinger and Father Mulcahy - or rather, the men who played them, Jamie Farr and William Christopher. THREE PERFORMANCES ONLY! May 10 & 11, Sat, 8pm, Sun, 3 & 8pm, at The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress. Tickets: $14-$40. 472-5411.
A SAGA OF BILLY THE KID What we know of Billy the Kid, fresh-faced youngster turned gun-toting villain, makes an excellent cautionary tale in which we all discover new respect for the law, but only because the tale's been told by Sheriff Pat Garrett, the winner in this battle, who got to be immortalized for bringing down this bloodthirsty outlaw. Playwright Johnny Simons clues us in to the other side of the legend, recasting Billy as a misunderstood lad caught in circumstances beyond his control and Garrett as a misguided sheriff more enamored of being the man who kills the Kid than trying to dispense justice. For this Tongue and Groove production, director David Yeakle enlivens Simons' work with a sackful of singing and dancing, creating a dynamic, delicate, and not-overly-sweet portrayal of an American legend. This staging is almost magical, as if it's only a pleasant fantasy about the Old West. Todd Lowe lends an air of hard-edged innocence to his baby-faced Billy, while Dana Younger's Garrett reeks of strength and persistence. There are some areas which could stand improvement, but mostly this show is a dream - visually, intellectually, and emotionally. (Adrienne Martini) FINAL WEEKEND! Through May 11,
Fri-Sun, 8pm, at Club de Ville, 900 Red River. Tickets: $10 ($8 seniors, students, children, ACoT). Running Time: 1 hr, 40 min. 454-TIXS.EDMOND is not where he belongs. That's what a fortune teller tells him, anyway, and the remark prompts this stable man to leave his job and wife and life to journey to wherever he does belong. And as this is a David Mamet play, the journey is hilarious and terrifying. Subterranean Theatre Company revives the play, with Ken Webster in the title role and directing. (Review on this issue's "Exhibitionism" arts review page). Through May 17, Thu-Sat, 8pm, May 12, Mon, 8pm, at Hyde Park Theatre, 511 W. 43rd. Tickets: Pay What You Wish on Thu; $10 Fri/Sat ($9 seniors, students, ACoT). 454-TIXS.
THE FOREIGNER has provided comic masters Joe Sears and Jaston Williams with a top touring vehicle for some time - 10 years, to be precise. Has it really been a decade that this pair has been making us laugh as shy Brit Charlie Baker and Georgia peach Betty Meeks? It has, it has. Time flies when you're having fun, and you can be sure of fun when you see these two bring Larry Shue's farce to laughing life again. ONE WEEK ONLY! May 13-18, Tue-Sat, 8pm, Sat & Sun, 2pm, Sun, 7:30pm, at the Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress. Tickets: $15-$30. 472-5411.
THE HARDY BOYS IN THE MYSTERY OF THE HAUNTED HOUSE finds the famous young sleuths jumping right off the pages of the Franklin Dixon adventure books to learn what's behind the mysterious lights in a deserted local mansion. Ghosts or maybe criminal smugglers? See Frank and Joe find out in this Austin Theatre for Youth production of Jon Klein's play. Michael Joplin and Mark Corbin star. Rick Schiller directs. Through May 18, Sat, 2 & 7:30pm, Sun, 2 & 5pm, at McCallum Fine Arts Academy Theatre, 5600 Sunshine Dr. Tickets: $7.50 ($5 youth, $6.50 seniors, students, ACoT). 459-2289.
LES MISERABLES spins a gripping drama of hunger, justice, revolution, and romance. Of late, Victor Hugo's tale has proven as entrancing to theatre audiences as readers. Now, Austinites can enjoy it in a homegrown version starring some of the city's brightest young artists in this kidsActing production. THREE PERFORMANCES ONLY! May 14, 15, & 18, Wed, Thu, & Sun, 7pm, at Scottish Rite Temple, 207 W. 18th (Lavaca & 18th). Tickets: $5 advance/$6 at door. 458-KIDS.
YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN is the affirming cry of the Peanuts gang in this musical adaptation of Charles Schulz's endearing comic strip. It's revived here with actors not too much older than the characters they play; it's a production from kidsActing. FOUR PERFORMANCES ONLY! May 10 & 18, Sat, 1 & 3:30pm, at Scottish Rite Temple, 207 W. 18th (Lavaca & 18th). Tickets: $4 advance/$5 at door. 458-KIDS.
WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? hit the American stage 35 years ago, and the boards are still scorched. In their vicious little marital war, George and Martha took personal attacks to a shocking new low, and writer Edward Albee took American drama to a new high. G-Ray Productions revives the play with Robin Carbone, Gary Payne, Holly Hepp, and Larry Averill. Jerry Marco directs. Through May 24, Fri & Sat, 8pm, at the Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd. Tickets: $12 ($8 seniors, students, ACoT). 454-TIXS.
SONG OF EVIL is another live radio serial from Salvage Vanguard Theater. The company did so well with The Interplanetary Nemesis, its first homegrown tribute to old-time broadcast drama, that it's produced a follow-up, a thriller by Adam Frank, Robert McNeill, Jason Groce, and Jessica Reisman wherein detective Nick Devereaux finds murder, morphine, and mystery at an institute for shell-shocked soldiers. Two episodes per night. Through May 25, Sun, 7pm, at Little City downtown, 916 Congress. Admission is free. 912-0331.
JACK AND JILL are like two people you know, in love but not having an easy time of it; they bill and coo and bicker and break up and bump into each other again. Dramatist Jane Martin spins their story as a romance between Everyman and Everywoman, but she makes it deeply individual, too. The Zachary Scott Theatre Center production stars Marco Perella and Meredith Robertson. Directed by Alice Wilson (Shear Madness). (Review on this issue's "Exhibitionism" arts review page). Through May 31, Thu-Sat, 8pm, Sun, 2:30pm, at ZSTC, Kleberg Stage, 1421 Riverside Dr. Tickets: $15 Thu/Sun; $18 Fri; $20 Sat. 476-0541.
PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE imagines a coffeehouse chat between two men who helped turn this century inside out, the titular Picasso and a certain scientist named Einstein. Who is audacious enough to put words in the mouths of such geniuses? A comic genius: Steve Martin. Live Oak Theatre at the State's production stars Catherine Uldrich, Daryl Boling, Steve Shearer, Daniel Potts, Melanie Renee Dean, Dirk van Allen, Michael Miller, Barry Miller, and Billy Henry. Don Toner directs. Through Jun 1, Wed-Sat, 8pm, Sun, 6pm, at the State Theatre, 719 Congress. Tickets: $16 Wed/Thu/Sun; $18 Fri/Sat. 472-5143.
THE BLANCO WAS BLAMELESS, or It Was Balcones Fault, brings back the old-fashioned fun of musical melodrama for some late spring fun in Wimberley. Russ Marlett penned this tale of the orphan child of a goat rancher whose spread is desired by a greedy banker. All might be lost but for the timely arrival of a man in white. The music is by Grammy nominee Jules Alexander. Serving this old-time fun are the Wimberley Players. Through Jun 14, Fri & Sat, 8pm, May 11 & Jun 8, Sun, 3pm, at the Greenhouse Theatre, Wimberley. Tickets: $8 Fri/Sat; $6 Sun. 512/847-2201.
GHOSTLY DREAD AT THE DRISKILL sets the Capital City Mystery Players' comedy whodunit among the haunted halls of the historic hotel. Enjoy dinner in a local landmark, match wits with some of the city's savviest actors, and solve a crime. Ongoing, Sat, 7pm, at the Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos. Tickets: $45. 474-5911, x5219.
Z CABARET is the latest addition to the hot new field of local cabaret. The Zachary Scott Theatre Center hosts this effort, which offers standards, show tunes, and more performed by different artists weekly. This week: the class act in local cabaret, Karen Kuykendall & Sterling Price-McKinney. Fri & Sat, 8pm, Sun, 6pm, at ZSTC, Whisenhunt Arena Stage, 1510 Toomey. Tickets: $10 Fri/Sun; $12 Sat. 476-0541.
LATER AT LIVE OAK CABARET offers uptown musical entertainment in the lobby of the State, courtesy of Live Oak Theatre. A rotating roster of artists provide jazz, standards, and show tunes. This week, Later is off; no show May 10. Boni Hester hosts. Sat, 10:30pm, at the State Theatre, 719 Congress. Tickets: $5. 472-5143.
Theatre Classes, Etc.KGSR 107.1 Weekly Theatre Update is on every Thursday morning with Kevin Connor. At 8am, Chronicle editor Robert Faires discusses what's happening in the week in Austin theatre.
Big Stinkin' Improv Festival II Seeks Volunteers to work phones, stuff envelopes, do PR, work computers, solicit sponsors, house artists, greet, chauffeur, usher, and more. 453-MONK.
Michael Costello offers an Advanced Scene Study class to help actors sharpen their skills and solve problem areas. Geared to actors in theatre or film. May 11-Jun 1, Sun, 7-10pm. Brite Lites Acting Studio. Cost: $100. 323-2090.
VORTEX Repertory Company offers an acting class covering monologue and scene work, poetry, movement, and experimental work. Bonnie Cullum teaches. All levels welcome. May 17-
Jul 26 (Sat, 1:30-4pm). Cost: $100. 478-LAVA.kidsActing Summer Camp for kids ages 4-18 offers activities in screenacting, improvisation, comedy, musical theatre, magic, juggling, and more. Camp ends with production starring participants. Begins Jun 2. 5811 Burnet. 458-5437.
Austin Theatre for Youth Summer Academy offers a full-day training/performance program in theatre arts for kids ages 7-17 (Jun 2-28) and a two-week morning program in creative drama for kids ages 5-7 (Jul 7-Aug 1). Classes held at 41st & Red River. aty@onr.com or 459-7144.
Austin Musical Theatre Summer Camps offer classes in singing, dancing, showmanship, and acting through song for kids ages 9-18 (Jun 23-Jul 3, $275), and 5-8 (Jul 7-11, $150), taught by AMT's Richard Byron and Scott Thompson. Classes held at St. Stephen's School. 292-9696.
Half-Price Tickets to many area performing arts events are available through AusTix, a half-price ticket service. Just drop by the big AusTix booth in BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar (11:30am-6:30pm, Wed-Sat) on the day of performance to see which shows have half-price tix for sale. 454-HALF.
The Box Office provides one-stop shopping for tickets to many area music, dance, and theatre productions. Just drop by the AusTix booth in BookPeople, 603 N. Lamar (11:30am-6:30pm, Wed-Sat) to purchase tickets or call 454-TIXS.
AuditionsThe Ravaging, a new play by Julia Edwards. Roles available: one male and one female, early 20s; one male and one female, mid-30s. The production is being directed by Jason Neulander and will run Jun 6-28 at Planet Theatre. Actors will be compensated. Produced by Salvage Vanguard Theater. By appointment. 912-0331.
Hope Floats, a feature film. The following special extras are needed: one female, age nine, brown hair, who swims and dives well; one male & one female, 4'-4'2", 15-older; elementary school age children who play musical instruments well. Interested parties should send photo and info to: Third Coast Extras Casting, 501 N. IH-35, 78702.
Best, Texas Grocery, a low-budget independent feature film: May 8 & 10, Thu & Sat, at a location to be announced on the UT campus. Roles available: three males & one female, 17-25; one male & one female, 55-older; one male, 25-40. Filming set for late June, north of Austin. Actors should send resumé/photo to: Barstool Productions, 1818 S. Lakeshore, #36, 78741. 448-9105.
An HBO film. Roles available: one female, Caucasian, 26-30; one male & one female, Caucasian, 50-55; one male and one female, African-American, 50-55. Actors should send resumé/photo to: 6028 Bluebell Circle, Austin, TX 78741.
