Top 10 Wonderful Things About Austin Theatre in 2008 (In No Particular Order)
Chronicle Arts writer Avimaan Syam recalls 2008, in the theatre
By Avimaan Syam, Fri., Jan. 2, 2009
1) Ophelia (Tutto Theatre Company) Full of magic moments and dramatic direction, Ophelia wowed this admitted Bardophile from start to finish.
2) Marc Pouhé's voice I could listen to this actor give Macbeth's speeches all day. He should report on the current economic disaster. This, I think, would make us feel better.
3) Opening of the Long Center How many companies have already had the chance to perform in such a wonderful setup?
4) Janelle Buchanan and Angela Rawna's back-and-forth scene in Doubt (Zach Theatre) An unexpected direction in the play – an amazing performance of it.
5) Waiting for my Passing Fancy The combination of the fantastical atmosphere of the Rubber Repertory show, the grand duchess, and wondering why that guy chose to have his pubes shaved.
6) Hyde Park Theatre's comedies Both The Lonesome West and Dog Sees God kept me doing my involuntary, awkward guffaw all night (through their dark and sincere moments).
7) Ka-Baam!! (Austin Improv Collective) Austin's improv scene has grown to include plenty of great runs of theme shows, such as Asaf Ronen's superhero tribute.
8) Beautiful designs at UT Austin has seen productions of Assassins and A Midsummer Night's Dream many times, but gorgeous set and costume designs made UT's Department of Theatre & Dance productions stand out.
9) Getting snared in Dug Up (Austin Playhouse) Wonderfully acted with a tale that sucked you in, Cyndi Williams' Southern drama was a treat of a Gothic ghost story.
10) St. Ed's on Cloud 9 I was proud to honor St. Edward's University productions at the Austin Critics Table Awards, and I enjoyed watching new Artistic Director David Long's entertaining take on Cloud 9.
