Art Fun in the Summertime

Alan Roth: Robotics

Script Works Ahead Three nights of new plays by member playwrights of Austin Script Works, a support organization for committed dramatists. Two plays each night: Lea Matthews/John Walch Thu; C. Francis Blackchild/Amparo Garcia Crow Fri; Paulette MacDougal/David Gunderson Sat. May 20-22, Thu-Sat, 7pm. State Classroom Studios, 719 Congress. $3 suggested donation. 454-9727.

Red, White, and Tuna The third time around with the citizens of Texas' third smallest town is a charm -- but so were the first two. We expected no less from masters of comedy Jaston Williams and Joe Sears. In the shenanigans surrounding the July Fourth Tuna High Reunion, they serve more funny lines than Didi Snavely could shake a sawed-off shotgun at and a sweetness to rival Pearl's potato salad. Through May 30, Tue-Sat, 8pm, Sat-Sun, 2pm, Sun, 7:30pm. Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress. $17-35. http://www.greatertuna.org. 472-5470.

Alan Rath: Robotics Whimsical comment on human imagery and activity through mechanical re-creation and interpretation. Through June 12, Tue-Sat, 10am-6pm, Sun, noon-5pm. Austin Museum of Art -- Downtown, 823 Congress. $3. http://www.amoa.org. 495-9224.

Beehive, The 60s Girl Group Musical After giving those towering 'dos a three-year rest, the Zachary Scott Theatre Center brings back the big-hair musical, with Felicia Dinwiddie, Lisa Robert, Meredith Robertson, Rebecca Schoolar, and Andra Mitrovich. Dave Steakley directs. Through July 4, Thu-Sat, 8pm, Sun, 6pm. ZSTC, Kleberg stage, 1421 W. Riverside. http://www.zachscott.com. 476-0541.

Groundswell: Artists and the Earth Austin Museum of Art's annual family exhibition gets down and dirty, showing us the earth through the eyes of artists. Masterful artist Tré Arenz provides the exhibit's hands-on gallery for young creators. Through August 15, Tue-Sat, 10am-5pm, Sun, noon-5pm. Austin Museum of Art -- Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th. $2. http://www.amoa.org. 458-8191.

Ninth Annual Tapestry Tap Jam Our most joyful and eclectic dance company hosts its annual salute to National Tap Day, with performances by Nicholas Young and Tapestry co-director Acia Gray and a party on the Tapestry parking lot. Sat, May 22, 2pm. Tapestry Studios, 507-B Pressler. $3 donation. http://www.tapestry.org. 474-9846.

Naked Man Season finale for Capital City Men's Chorus with guests Alamo City Men's Chorale of San Antonio. The title piece by composer Robert Seeley and lyricist Philip Littel explores the vulnerability of the gay man in our society. Sat, May 22, 8pm. First Unitarian Church of Austin, 4700 Grover. Free! http://www.io.com/~ccmcaus. 477-SING.

Neworks The heir to 10 Minutes Max, Dance Umbrella's showcase of short performances, this program of 10-minute dance and dance-theatre pieces is curated by Toni Bravo, drawn from a workshop she's holding with Suzannah Kincannon and Pepa. Wed, May 26, 8pm. Ballet Austin, 3002 Guadalupe. $3 suggested donation. 345-0370.

An Evening With Nanci Griffith The Austin Symphony Orchestra shares the stage with the former Austinite and enduring folk favorite in a special end-of-season crossover concert. Mon, May 24, 8pm. Bass Concert Hall. $11-31. http://www.austinsymphony.org. 476-6064, 477-6060.

Artistic Centers in Texas: Houston/Galveston Texas Fine Arts Association show spotlighting contemporary artists in these Southeast Texas cities. May 27-September 5, Tue-Fri, 11am-7pm, Sat, 10am-5pm, Sun, 10am-5pm. Jones Center for Contemporary Art, 700 Congress. $2. 453-5312.

New Texas Festival: "History into Music" Annual fest of vocal music kicks off with a presentation about this year's premiere piece, JFK: The Voice of Peace, by Austin composer Dan Welcher. A wine & cheese reception follows. Fri, May 29, 5pm. Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center. Free. http://www.main.org/newtexas. 476-5775.

New Texas Festival: Celebration of American Song Solo recital of American music new and old, sung by soprano Jennie Olson. Pianist Joey Martin accompanies. Sat, May 29, 8pm. St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 8134 Mesa. $20. http://www.main.org/newtexas. 476-5775.New Texas Festival: William Byrd: Mass for Five Voices Sacred music by the Renaissance composer that will no doubt have its soulfulness heightened in the lovely setting of the Carillon. Sun, May 30, 10pm. The Carillon, 2630 Exposition. $20. http://www.main.org/newtexas. 476-5775.New Texas Festival: Welcher: JFK: The Voice of Peace/Bach: Cantata BWV 39Southwest premiere of Austin composer Welcher's oratorio in tribute to the founding of the Peace Corps. With Paul Tobias as cellist. And a Bach cantata for dessert! Mon, May 31, 8pm. St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 8134 Mesa. $25. http://www.main.org/newtexas. 476-5775.

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JUNE

New Texas Festival: Kallen Esperian Soprano star of New Texas' spring performance of the Verdi Requiem returns to deliver an evening of arias, folk songs, and more. Tue, June 1, 8pm. Bates Recital Hall. $25. http://www.main.org/newtexas. 476-5775.

A Dance Inquiry with Deborah Hay Noted dancer/choreographer Hay and colleagues Diana Prechter, Heloise Gold, and Emily Vorspan explore the relationship between the human form and the robotics of Alan Rath via movement in the gallery. Public Choreography Sessions: June 1, 2, 3, noon; Presentation: June 3, 7pm. Austin Museum of Art -- Downtown, 823 Congress. Free. 495-9224.

A Day in Hollywood/A Night In the Ukraine

New Texas Festival: Lourdes Perez Esteemed singer and songwriter Perez blends the past of her Puerto Rican roots with the present of her life in Texas in a concert with pianist Kay Sparks and violinist Javier Chaparro. Wed, June 2, 7:30pm. Jessen Auditorium. $15.http://www.main.org/newtexas. 476-5775.New Texas Festival: Songs of Garcia Lorca The Festival's Conspirare Choir performs Lorca's "Poema de la Ciguiriya Gitana" as set to music by Carmen Cavallaro. Wed, June 2, 9pm. First English Lutheran Church, 3001 Whitis. $15. http://www.main.org/newtexas. 476-5775.

Millennium Bug Incisive and captivating monologist Steven Tomlinson (Free Trade, Managed Care) weighs in on Y2K, with onstage assistance from Frontera@Hyde Park company member Annie Suite. Christina J. Moore directs. June 2-26, Thu-Sat, 8pm, Sun, 2:30pm. Hyde Park Theatre, 511 W. 43rd. $8-12. http://www.frontera.org. 452-6688.

Torch Song Trilogy Harvey Fierstein's popular saga of a gay man coming of age in the Eighties as revived by the Public Domain with Ehren Connor Christian in the lead role. Kevin Remington directs. June 2-12, Thu-Sat, 7:30pm, Sun, 5pm. The Public Domain Theatre, 807 Congress. $15. 454-TIXS.

New Texas Festival: A Cappella Evening with the Conspirare Choir New Texas' resident chorus goes unaccompanied for this program of Bach, Schoenberg, F. Martin, and Stockhausen. Thu, June 3, 8pm. University Methodist Church, 24th & Guadalupe. $15. http://www.main.org/newtexas.
476-5775.

New Texas Festival: Rachmaninoff: All-Night Vigil The Conspirare Choir performs a classic of Russian sacred music (and don't worry about it taking all night; the piece is only 90 minutes). Fri, June 4, 8pm. First English Lutheran Church, 3001 Whitis. $20. http://www.main.org/newtexas. 476-5775.

New Texas Festival: Late Night Songs and Stories Cynthia Clawson and Craig Hella Johnson close the festival with a musical feast that ranges from original material to old hymns. Fri, June 4, 10pm. The Carillon, 2630 Exposition. $25. http://www.main.org/newtexas. 476-5775.

Hay Fever Noel Coward confection of a loopy clan and their affaires de couer wins a revival from the State Theater Company. Alan Waldock (Twelfth Night) and Babs George (As Bees in Honey Drown) star. Jill Parker-Jones directs. June 4-27, Wed-Sat, 8pm, Sun, 5pm. State Theater, 719 Congress. http://www.statetheatercompany.com. 472-5143.

My Children! My Africa! One of Athol Fugard's last dramas from the era of apartheid is also one of his finest, the tale of a black student and a white student and the teacher they share. Ann Ciccolella directs. June 4-27, Wed-Sat, 8pm, Sun, 5pm. Zachary Scott Theatre Center, Whisenhunt Arena Stage, 1510 Toomey. 476-0541.

Promenade Pops Austin Symphony Orchestra delivers an All-American Show in this year's annual pops vehicle. Again, the lively Timothy Muffitt wields the baton. Pianist Jeffrey Biegel is guest. June 4-6, Fri-Sun, 8pm. Palmer Auditorium. $15-$25. http://www.austinsymphony.org. 476-6064.

Third Annual Chamber Music Festival The Austin Chamber Music Center delivers its third orgy of good sounds, this time with guests Cafe Noir, Dorian Wind Quartet, Maia Quartet, Sorrell Quartet, and Westwind Brass, plus festival concerts featuring Peter Bay and Robert deSimone; clarinetist Mitchell Lurie; and members of the ASO, ALO, and ACMC going for Baroque. June 6-19, various locations.http://www.AustinChamberMusic.org.

Las Nuevas Tamaleras One-act comedy about Chicanas making tamales for the first time, directed by the playwright, San Antonio theatre artist Alicia Mena. Produced by Pro Arts Collective. June 4-6, Fri-Sat, 7 & 9pm, Sun, 4pm. Santa Cruz Center for Culture, 1805 E. Seventh. 454-TIXS.

The Wizard of Oz L. Frank Baum's fantasy of a Kansas girl transported to the Emerald City, newly adapted by Sam Bass Theatre Association regular Frank Benge for the Sam Bass Youth Guild. June 4-12, Thu-Sat, 8pm, Sun, 2pm. Old Depot Stage, 600 N. Lee, Round Rock. $5. 244-0440.

Flying Humanoids Austin Museum of Art -- Downtown sponsors this demonstration flight of robotic art designed and built by three of Austin's top robotic artists: Brooks Coleman, Joyce DiBona, and David Santos. Sat, June 5, 2pm. Auditorium Shores. Free. http://www.amoa.org. 495-9224.

A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine Spirited musical salute to Thirties Hollywood, with Act I a revue performed by a chorus of movie house ushers and Act II a Marx Brothers comedy. When it was performed this spring, the cast of St. Edward's students captured the spirit of the era with a splendid vivacity. June 10-20, Thu-Sat, 7:30pm, Sun, 2pm. Mary Moody Northen Theatre. $6-12. 448-8484.

(re)flex Ariel Dance Theatre joins forces with the Golden Arm Trio and film artist Luke Savisky for an invigorating hour of Fellini-esque characters waltzing and colliding to snazzy jazz rhythms in a post-industrial setting crafted by Ann Marie Gordon out of the Covert Buick dealership. June 10-17, Thu-Sat, 8pm, Sun, 3pm. 501 W. Fifth. $10-12. 454-TIXS.

Patience Gilbert & Sullivan spoof of Wildean romantics, revived by the G & S Society of Austin, with staging by Ralph MacPhail Jr., who worked wonders with The Mikado last year. June11-20, Thu-Sat, 8pm, Sun, 3pm. Helm Fine Arts Center Theatre, St. Stephen's School. $12-20. http://members.aol.com/mahitabel/gassa. 469-SHOW.

Blood Storm Showcase of new work drawn from VORTEX Repertory Company workshop. Sixteen of the company's finest and most daring artists experiment with new directions. Bonnie Cullum directs. June 11-26, Fri-Sat, 11pm, Sun, June 13, 8pm. The Vortex, 2307 Manor. $7. 478-LAVA.

Robots Live! Robotic artists Coleman, DiBona, and Santos show their creations, including robots that fly and touch back when touched! Sat, June 12, 1:30pm. Austin Museum of Art -- Downtown, 823 Congress. Free. http://www.amoa.org. 495-9224.

ACO Zilker Park Summer Concert Annual family event from Austin Civic Orchestra at which they dish up popular musical selections ranging from movie medleys to Big Band pieces to classical works. June 12 & 13, Fri & Sat, 8pm. Beverly S. Sheffield Hillside Theatre, Zilker Park. http://lonestar.texas.net/~bgill/aco.Probe 2 Trans/Form Performance art wizard Sally Jacques provides a sequel to last year's very popular space performance work Probe 1. Like the earlier piece, Probe 2 takes place on scaffolds, with artists moving on and against the construction, plus performers suspended by ropes. June 16-20, Wed-Sun, 9pm. Brink's Design Warehouse, 4822 E. Cesar Chavez. 454-TIXS.

Antigone Sophoclean tragedy of young woman's defiance of an unjust law. Also the farewell show for the Public Domain in the company's Congress Avenue space. Marshall Maresca directs.
June 17-24, call for days, 8pm. The Public Domain Theatre, 807 Congress. $10. 454-TIXS.

The Human Condition: Prints from the Elgin W. Ware Jr./Texas Medical Association Collection Collection of prints from Old Master to late 20th century, showing profound connections between art and medicine. June 18-August 8, Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art, Art Bldg, 23rd & San Jacinto. http://www.utexas.edu/cofa/hag. 471-7324.

Bill Lundberg: Opening Video installation by UT art faculty member Lundberg depicting a cocktail party viewed from above. The piece, created during a residency at ArtPace in 1998, exposes social issues, cultural interaction, and human psychology. June 18-August 8, Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art, Art Bldg, 23rd & San Jacinto. http://www.utexas.edu/cofa/hag. 471-7324.

Cinematic Expressions: Video Projections by Pipilotti Rist, Burt Barr, and Tracey Moffatt Video installation by a trio of internationally recognized video artists. The works appear in two-week runs:Pipilotti Rist, Sip My Ocean, June 18-July 3; Burt Barr, The Hornets, Bob & Evelyn, July 7-July 21; Tracey Moffatt, Night Cries, July 24-August 8. Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art, Art Bldg, 23rd & San Jacinto. http://www.utexas.edu/cofa/hag. 471-7324.

Father's Day in the Park Austin Symphonic Band honors Dad with a program of patrotic tunes, marches, and standards, including Bilik's American Civil War Fantasy and Ticheli's Shenandoah. Sun, June 20, 7:30pm. Beverly S. Sheffield Hillside Theatre, Zilker Park. http://www.asband.org.

Last Meeting of the Knights of the White Magnolia The first part of Preston Jones' "Texas Trilogy," three plays that offer vivid and powerful looks at small-town life in the Lone Star State. Staged by Bent Spectacles and OnStage as part of a revival of the entire trilogy. June 24-27, Thu-Sun, 8pm. Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd. $12. 454-TIXS.

Oil Patch Dreams: Images of the Petroleum Industry in American Art Austin Museum of Art exhibition of rarely seen art inspired by industry. June 26-August 22, Tue-Sat, 10am-6pm, Sun, noon-5pm. Austin Museum of Art -- Downtown, 823 Congress. $3. http://www.amoa.org. 495-9224.

Queen of My Room: A Survey of Work by Julie Speed, 1989-1999 Retrospective of the local artist's images over the past decade. June 26-August 22, Tue-Sat, 10am-6pm, Sun, noon-5pm. Austin Museum of Art -- Downtown, 823 Congress. $3. http://www.amoa.org. 495-9224.

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JULY

Picasso at the Lapin Agile Steve Martin's philosophical comedy in which Picasso, Einstein, and a certain King of Rock & Roll collide in a Parisian cafe. Revived by St. Edward's Theatre Dept. Melba Martinez directs. July 1-18, Thu-Sat, 7:30pm, Sun, 2pm. Mary Moody Northen Theatre. $10. 448-8484.

Lone Star Hit version of James McLure's popular one-act that stars Michael Stuart and Ken Bradley comes back again for two performances. July 2-3, Fri-Sat, 8pm. Dougherty ArtsCenter, 1110 BartonSprings Rd. $12. 454-TIXS.

Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks Austin Symphony Orchestra does the 1812 Overture again and lights up the sky. July 4, 8:30pm. Auditorium Shores. Free. http://www.austinsymphony.org.

Round Rock July 4th Celebration Austin Symphonic Band provides a popular mix of patriotic and sentimental favorites for this Independence Day event. Sun, July 4, Old Settlers Park, Round Rock.http://www.asband.org.

Lu Ann Hampton Laverty Oberlander The second part of Preston Jones' "Texas Trilogy" that offers vivid and powerful looks at small-town life in the Lone Star State. Staged by Bent Spectacles and OnStage as part of a revival of the entire trilogy.July 8-11, Thu-Fri, 8pm. Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd. $12. 454-TIXS.

The Young Man From Atlanta Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by Horton Foote -- the first work by the playwright to be staged in Austin in 12 years. The production comes by way of the State Theater Company, which is naming its new second stage after the esteemed writer. July 9-August 8, Wed-Sat, 8pm, Sun, 5pm. State Theater, 719 Congress. http://www.statetheatercompany.com. 472-5143.

Big River Roger Miller's country music musical version of Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn is the 41st Zilker Summer Musical. Rod Caspers directs. July 10-August 15, Thu-Sun, 8:30pm. Beverly S. Sheffield Hillside Theatre, Zilker Park. Free ($2 parking fee). 479-9491.

The Oldest Living Graduate The third part of Preston Jones' "Texas Trilogy" that offers vivid and powerful looks at small-town life in the Lone Star State. Staged by Bent Spectacles and OnStage as part of a revival of the entire trilogy. July 15-16, Thu-Fri, 8pm. Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd. $12. 454-TIXS.

Texas Trilogy Preston Jones' vivid and powerful look at small-town life in the Lone Star State is performed by Bent Spectacles and OnStage in its entirety. July 17-18, Sat-Sun, 3pm. Dougherty ArtsCenter, 1110 Barton Springs Rd. $12 per show/$30 all three. 454-TIXS.

The Mystery of Irma Vep Charles Ludlam's two-man spoof of all things Gothic, with Joe York (Ruthless!) and Martin Burke (The Santaland Diaries) playing eight roles plagued by Victorian ghosts, ghouls, mummies, and vampires. Dave Steakley directs. July 22-August 29, Thu-Sat, 8pm, Sun, 6pm. ZSTC, Kleberg stage, Riverside & S. Lamar. http://www.zachscott.com. 476-0541.

Machinal Seminal feminist drama by Sophie Treadwell revived by VORTEX Repertory Company for its Summer Youth Theatre program. July 23-31, Thu-Sat. The Vortex, 2307 Manor. 478-LAVA.

Children of Eden Biblical musical by John Caird and Godspell composer Stephen Schwartz covering the early part of the Old Testament. Dennis Whitehead directs. July 29-August 14, Thu-Sat. St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 8134 Mesa.