Theatre
Austin Theatre for Youth Academy students perform in Ducks Redux: Four Ugly Ducklings All in a Row, Sat, June 27, 2 & 7pm at the Auditorium on Waller Creek
photograph by Anne ButlerTHE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) This comedy by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield is a pie in the face to those stiff-lipped, stuffed-shirt academicians who view the Bard of Avon's work as sacred turf, a manic romp through the 36 plays currently accepted as Shakespeare's complete works. Ostensibly a Cliffs Notes condensation for those unschooled in Shakespeare, the play is actually an engaging and incisive fast-forward through a compendium denser than the Black Sea. Rightly so, the play devotes more attention to the best-known tragic works -- Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth -- distilling the conventions and gags of the comedies into just a few minutes (they could've been just one play, you know). As in Elizabethan theatre, it's all men, so the trio rarely misses an opportunity to flog that comedic cash cow: the man in drag. The three actors in this G-Ray Productions staging -- D.W. Gibson, Jerry Marco, and Ehren Conner Christian -- blend nicely as they soar through each play. Christian's wild gesticulations and shrieks/yelps/moans are probably the show's biggest crowd-pleasers, but they require a calmer neutralizing force, which a kinder, gentler Gibson and Marco ably provide. Although the play relies too heavily on audience interaction, in general the production is light, frothy fun -- at times predictable, but capable of backhanding a good belly laugh -- a dramatic expedition with only one goal in mind, one perhaps less noble than Shakespeare's but just as vital in this world: make `em laugh, make `em laugh, make `em laugh. (Sarah Hepola) FINAL WEEKEND! Through Jun 27, Thu-Sat, 8pm, at the John Henry Faulk Living Theatre, 204 E. Fourth. Tickets: $12 ($8 seniors, students, ACoT). Running time: 2 hrs. 454-TIXS.
DUCKS REDUX: FOUR UGLY DUCKLINGS ALL IN A ROW demonstrates how a good tale may be told many ways. Students in the Austin Theatre for Youth Academy have taken the familiar story of the unloved bird and re-interpreted it using four distinct theatrical styles: vaudeville, Berlin cabaret, cartoon/English pantomime, and Peking opera. Academy faculty members C. K. McFarland, Topher Olson, David Yeakle, Dora Lanier, and Deborah Alexander direct. TWO PERFORMANCES ONLY! Jun 27, Sat, 2 & 7pm, at the Auditorium on Waller Creek, 41st & Red River. Admission is Pay What You Wish. 459-2289.
THE INDIAN WANTS THE BRONX and THE SUGAR PLUM are two pieces by Obie award-winning playwright Israel Horovitz. In the companion pieces, written 30 years ago, Horovitz illuminates the tragic and comedic elements on our streets. This sophomore effort by One Theatre Company features live music performed by the cast. Jason Lehmberg and Edward Pankey direct. FINAL WEEKEND! Through Jun 27, Fri & Sat, 8pm, at The Ritz Lounge, 320 E. Sixth. Tickets: $6 Fri/Sat. 707-8464.
PLAYFEST '98 is here to take kids on fantastic journeys through the magic of live performance. Over six weeks, a variety of stage artists will be offering theatrical ventures geared especially to children. Each week is a new show. This week: Beauty and the Beast, a comical re-working of the beloved fantasy, told with hand puppets. For ages three and older. Running time: 40 min. FINAL THREE PERFORMANCES! Through Jun 27, Thu & Fri, 10am, Sat, 3pm. at the Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd. $4.50. 454-TIXS.
SAM AND DAVE'S GREATEST HITS This pairing of plays by Sam Shepard and David Mamet shows the two dramatists writing about making films -- the impulse to do it and the nasty ganglion of difficulties it entails. Mamet's piece is the 1988 play Speed-the-Plow; Shepard's is the 1980 work True West. In both, the writers see the evil that lurks in a beach of well-oiled bodies, and they home in on the spiritual bankruptcy of Hollywood. But they also recognize that no matter how vapid Tinseltown's values, in our hearts, we still want a piece of it. Everybody wants to make their movie.
Speed-the-Plow , directed by Whitney Milam, tells the story of Bobby Gould (Peter Malof), a newly promoted Hollywood "whore" in the business of making movies that make money. When his longtime friend and doggedly underachieving colleague Charlie Fox (Jon Geiger) happens upon the deal of his life -- an agreement with a Hollywood megastar to make a film -- he brings it to Gould with the idea that they will share producing credit and score a helluva lot of money. But a monkey wrench is thrown into the plan in the form of Karen (Amy McAndrew), a leggy, earnest temp secretary. Gould asks her to give a "courtesy read" to a book on radiation (in order to lure her to his home later that night), then finds himself awed by her wide-eyed enthusiasm. In her, the lost, lonely Gould sees a ladder upon which to climb out of the hole in his soul. Milam's production handles the script nicely, maintaining a fast and furious pace, and, despite a few missteps, building solidly to the ending. Milam elicits solid performances from each of his cast members, especially Malof, who never misses a beat and is positively convincing in his moral waffling. The show is thoroughly enjoyable, though it lacks some of the nuances which could add layers of meaning, something wholly individual to this production. It misses that thing which could push this from an enjoyable production to an unforgettable one.
True West, directed by Michael Stuart, is a remarkably realized vision of Shepard's play. The story concerns brothers Austin (Ken Bradley), a successful, bookish screenwriter, and Lee (Stuart), a grunting, crotch-grabbing nightmare of the American housewife, who reunite at their mother's house while she is visiting Alaska. Austin is toiling away at a screenplay when the monosyllabic Lee captures the attention of agent Sal (J. Damian Gillen) with his true-life stories of the west. The brothers wind up trying to collaborate on a screenplay, and as they grapple over the story, they wrestle to find their "way out" of a world they feel closing in on them. Stuart does a masterful job of capturing the deadly serious family drama of Shepard while maintaining his dark, absurdist humor (furious fights in which one character has an empty Schlitz 12-pack container on his head). It remains both engrossing and disturbing, primarily through the energy of its two stars. Bradley's Austin undergoes a believable transformation as a man pushed to his limits, and Stuart's Lee runs the show. His physical presence is awesome, but beyond that is his raw anguish and humor, his terrifying possession that makes you feel this is a character in the grip of something demonic. And yet, Stuart keeps this ogre endearing; underneath the layers of snarling, spitting trailer park trash is a man desperately trying to find his place, his family, his calling, his something.
The University of Texas Opera Theatre presents The Fantastiks, the longest running musical in the world, now through July 5.Second Stone offers up two plays that for many are wholly familiar -- but they are worth revisiting nonetheless. These are two playwrights with an intricate knowledge of Tinseltown and testosterone, but also of the follies of the human spirit and of our combative nature. And they are aware that most men aim to live a good life -- and few ever do. (Sarah Hepola) FINAL WEEKEND! Through Jun 27, Plow: Thu, 8pm, Sat, 7pm; West: Fri, 8pm, Sat, 9pm, at Planet Theatre, 2307 Manor Rd. Tickets: $12. 454-TIXS.
RED, HOT, AND ROMANTIC gives life to one of a writer's worst nightmares: characters who jump off the page and try to dictate their fate. In this new comedy by local novelist Jeanne Feldin and local screenwriter Drew Grindstaff, the authors forced to endure the interference of their "living" characters are a pair of playwrights at work on a new comedy. The Way Off Broadway Community Players stage this fanciful tale with assistance from the Friends of the Cedar Park Library. Proceeds benefit both groups. FINAL WEEKEND! Through Jun 28, Fri & Sat, 8pm, Sun, 2pm, in the Cedar Park Public Library, 550 Discovery Blvd., Cedar Park. Tickets: $8 ($7 seniors, students). 331-2012.
CAROUSEL reminds us that "You'll Never Walk Alone." That anthem by the inimitable team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II is the signature piece of this 1945 adaptation of Molnar's fantasy Liliom, spinning the tale of the scoundrel Billy Bigelow, who is given a chance at redemption from beyond the mortal plane. Directing this revival for Southwestern University Summer Stage is Jim Fritzler. Music direction is by David Utterback. Choreography is by Judy Thompson-Price. Jun 25-7, Thu-Sat, 8pm, Jul 2-5, Thu & Fri, 8pm, Sun, 2pm, Jul 9-11, Thu-Sat, 8pm, at the Jones Theatre on the SU campus, Georgetown. 512/863-1378.
THE FANTASTICKS has been entertaining audiences all over the world for decades, its simple and charming tale of young lovers and meddling fathers, of human frailty and folly, never seeming to grow old. Now, after all its globe-hopping, this enduring musical by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt returns "home," to the campus where Jones and Schmidt first hatched their beloved tale as students in the UT Drama Department. UT Opera Theatre produces this revival. Jun 25-7, Thu-Sat, 8pm, Jul 2-5, Thu & Fri, 8pm, Sun, 7pm, in the McCullough Theatre, UT campus. Tickets: $12 ($9 w/UT ID). 471-1444.
HEY-STOP-THAT exposes one of the most insidious conspiracies to beset our modern world: Mary Kay saleswomen covertly planning to make the world beautiful through widespread destruction and thermonuclear warfare. Too wild to be true? Reserve judgment until after you've seen the Salvage Vanguard Theater production of this Thalia Field comedy. Starring Court Borgman, Emily Cropper, Sarah Ing, Charlotte Keith, Tiana Hux, and Aimee McCormick. Katie Pearl (Physical Plant Theater's The Whimsy) directs. Jun 26 & 27, Fri, 8pm, Sat, 8 & 10pm, Jul 2-5, Thu, 8 & 10pm, Fri & Sun, 8pm, Jul 9-11, Thu, 8pm, Fri, 8 & 10pm, Sat, 2 & 8pm, at The Public Domain, 807 Congress. Tickets: $5 Thu; $7.50 Fri-Sun. 454-TIXS.
J. Adams, M. Robertson, A Mitrovich, and C. Wissinger surround C. Pollock, who takes on the title role in The Who's Tommy, currently at Zachary Scott Theatre.
photograph by Kirk R. TuckNO SAFE LIVING ROOM makes a psychological battlefield of that ordinarily sedate lounging area of the home, as a brother-and-sister team of terrorists break in on a seemingly normal couple, tie `em up on the sofa, and assault their belief systems. But are the terrorists the only pair with an agenda? Austin playwright Richard Hinojosa (The All-Night Unlikely Teacup) tackles questions of faith and revolution in this comedy of ideas, produced by the sketch comedy troupe KAIROS! Company. Jul 2-11, Thu-Sat, 8pm, at the John Henry Faulk Living Theatre, 204 E. Fourth. Tickets: $8 (discounts for seniors, students, ACoT).
WATSONVILLE: SOME PLACE NOT HERE transports us to a small California town where a labor struggle prompts the Latino residents to reveal their dreams of a place for themselves in the land of their ancestors. With humor, passion, and maybe a little tequila, too, playwright Cherrie Moraga provides a deeply felt examination of the powerless finding power. Joining hands to stage the play's regional premiere are Frontera@Hyde Park Theatre and Teatro Humanidad Cansada. THC artistic director Rodney Garza directs. Post-show dinner onstage with the cast, Jun 26, Fri. (Review on this issue's "Exhibitionism" arts review page.) Through Jul 11, Thu & Fri, 8pm, Sat, 5 & 9pm, at Hyde Park Theatre, 511 W. 43rd. Tickets: Pay What You Wish on Thu; $10 Fri & 5pm Sat ($8 seniors, students, ACoT); $12 9pm Sat ($10 seniors, students, ACoT). 454-TIXS.
THE KATHY & MO SHOW: PARALLEL LIVES gives us a pair of gals whose spirits are in sync, and they use that as a departure point for a theatrical carnival ride of scenes and stories about human relationships. The show was originally the creation of writer-performers Mo Gaffney and Kathy Najimy, but Mary Moody Northen Theatre has gotten hold of it as a vehicle to enliven its summer season. Students Mandi LeBlanc and recent Austin Critics' Table Award winner Lee Eddy star; Melba Martinez and Sonora Chase co-direct. Jun 25-Jul 12, Thu-Sat, 7:30pm, Sun, 2pm, at the MMNT, SEU campus, 3001 S. Congress. Tickets: $12 ($10 seniors, $6 students). 448-8484.
NIGHT OF THE WEREWOLF (LA NUIT DU LOUP GAROU) mixes Jewish legend and Forties B-movie to tell the story of a "semi-civilized suburb" that loses control when a child goes missing under a full moon. Can there be a (shudder) wolf-man on the prowl? Newly relocated performance company Theater'less Theater Core (originally from New York City) makes its Austin debut with this moody modern folk drama with cinematic stylings -- a "filmplay" -- written and directed by company head honcho Josh Frank. Jun 30 & Jul 1, Tue & Wed, Jul 9 & 10, Thu & Fri, Jul 17 & 18, Fri & Sat, 8:30pm, at Spider House, 2908 Fruth. Tickets: $5. 707-7797.
THE WHO'S TOMMY takes one of rock & roll's most enigmatic and enduring characters -- that "deaf, dumb, and blind kid" -- off the turntable and lets him loose inside the theatre. In 1990, composer Pete Townshend revisited his Sixties masterpiece with the idea of fleshing it out onstage. With director Des McAnuff, he created a new vision of Tommy's tale that had Broadway audiences cheering. Now, Zachary Scott Theatre Center artistic director Dave Steakley puts his spin on this rock musical, with help from Charlie Pollock, Andra Mitrovich, Meredith Robertson, Rolán, Scott Schroeder, and Joe York. Musical direction is by Allen Robertson. Through Jul 26, Thu-Sat, 8pm, Sun, 6pm, at ZSTC, Kleberg Stage, 1421 W. Riverside. Tickets: $23-$30. 476-0541.
MURDER ON THE MOVIE SET puts you in the midst of motion picture mayhem, with a cinematic spectacle stalled by murder. Whodunnit? The frustrated director, the flamboyant wardrobe master, or the egotistical actress? You figure it out -- and enjoy dinner in the Driskill, to boot -- in this new comedy from the Capital City Mystery Players. Ongoing, Sat, 7pm, at the Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos. Tickets: $47. 474-5911, x5219.
Theatre Classes, Etc.The Public Domain has theatre space available for rental, Nov 16-Jan 9, Feb 15-Mar 27, 1999, May 3-Sep 5, 1999 (full wks); Sep-Aug (top of the week, late nights). The Public Domain, 807 Congress. 474-2448.
The Live Oak Theatre School of Acting is offering Improvisation Camp (ages 8-12, Jul 6-17, Mon-Fri, 9am-noon, $200); and Creating Characters for the Play Camp (ages 12-18, Jul 6-17, Mon-Fri, 3-6pm, $200); Film Scene Study, Beg. & Adv. Beg. (Jul 7-Aug 11, Tue, 7-10pm, $140). 472-3160.
Acting Classes With C.K. McFarland empower the artist to explore new creative territory, make bold artistic choices, and strengthen self-esteem. Jul 7-Aug 18, Tue, 7-9:30pm. 441-3738.
Austin Musical Theatre Summer Camp teaches singing, dancing, showmanship, and more for young performers ages 9-18 (Jul 20-31, Mon-Fri, 9am-noon for ages 9-12; 1-4pm for ages 13-18; $300) and ages 5-8 (Aug 3-7, 9am-noon or 1-4pm; $175). Camps are taught by AMT's Richard Byron and Scott Thompson. 292-9696.
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. 5811 Burnet. 458-KIDS.
The Public Domain Theatre Company is offering a workshop for actors on the importance of understanding their relationship to their body. In six sessions, Robi Polgar and Martin Blacker will explore awareness of physical control, isolation of body and mind, vocals as physical activity, expanding understanding of textual analysis and physical impulse, and more. Jul 11-Aug 15, Sat, at The Public Domain, 807 Congress. 474-2448.
Ken Webster, award-winning director, is offering a Scene Study class. 444-4553.
Patricia Pearcy offers private acting lessons. A member of Equity and SAG, Pearcy has worked on All My Children and One Life to Live and at the Alley and Long Wharf Theatres. 328-2475.
AuditionsAltamont Now, a multimedia work by David Bucci: Jun 27 & 28, Sat & Sun. Roles available: one woman, 25-30; one man, 20-25; two men, 25-30; one man, 50-60. Auditions will consist of cold readings. Actors will be compensated. The production will run Sep 4-26. Produced by Salvage Vanguard Theater. By appointment. 474-SVT6.
The Apocalytes, a multimedia work: Jun 28, Sun, 3-5pm, at Planet Theatre, 2307 Manor Rd. Needed: performers for video segment to be integrated into performance of The Apocalytes. Especially interested in one older male; several females, 20-30, including one with Asian features. Roles may involve partial nudity. The production will open September 24 at the Planet. Produced by Electronic Planet Ensemble. 478-LAVA.
The Powerhouse Cafe, a San Antonio supper club with stage show: through Jul 11. Needed: singers and dancers for Alamotion!, a high quality, high energy variety show running five nights weekly at the cafe. Needed: One male and one female dancer with strong technical skills in contemporary jazz styles (tap, acrobatic, aerialist, clowning skills a plus); Latina "New Vaudevillian" actress with specialty skills; African-American male tap dancer with dynamic personality and acting skills (singing a plus); bold female actress who sings and dances. The show opens in late August in San Antonio. Salary range: $350-450 weekly. By appointment. 458-4258.
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