Austin Musical Theatre launched its debut production of Peter Pan last
week still unsure whether this city wanted what it had to offer, large-scale
professional stagings of classic musicals. Well, now they’re sure. Ticket sales
and audience response to their one-week run at the Paramount Theatre have been
so strong that the company has extended its run for a second weekend, this
Friday through Sunday. AMT founders Scott Thompson and Richard Byron, who
co-directed Pan, might’ve thought it a cruel joke if you’d suggested a
holdover the day before opening. Ice forced them to cancel two dress
rehearsals, and sales froze, too. But sales soared with the thaw, and the
opening went so well that Wedneday Byron and Thompson huddled with producer
Charles Duggan and Paramount manager Paul Beutel to discuss extending. Thompson
credits the extraordinary support of these two men, plus the goodwill of the
cast and crew, for Pan staying aloft. A review appears in this issue’s
“Arts Calendar.”
Artists Find a Home
A few months ago, dozens of artists were displaced from the ArtSpace at 403Baylor when the Artists Coalition of Austin was unable to renew its lease
there. Now, ACA has found a new home for those folks, and what’s more, it will
also be the new home for another arts entity, the Austin Visual Arts
Association. The space, at 1705 Guadalupe, has been leased by developer Gary
Peden to create the Art Plex, 20,000 square feet housing offices for ACA and
AVAA, a gallery, and studio space. Some studios are already occupied, and AVAA
Director Sue Fawver expects to move into its new offices by the end of
February. This adds another block to the latest downtown art center: Galeria
Sin Fronteras, Women & Their Work, Lyons Matrix Gallery, and the Art
Plex. Coool. For info, call 454-3077 or 480-8100.
Dining With Spalding
Ever wondered what it would be like to eat with Spalding Gray? Well, no,frankly, we haven’t either. But that doesn’t mean that we aren’t impressed with
that crafty bunch from Frontera@Hyde Park Theatre for snaring the noted
monologist for a private party honoring Charter Donors to its new “Frontera
Commissions” program, which will fund the development of new stage work. Three
plays are already in the works for 1997: clayangels, by Daniel Alexander
Jones, a new work by Laurie Carlos, and a new play by David Hancock. Sharon
Watkins, owner of Chez Zee, hosts the party. To learn about becoming a Charter
Donor to Frontera Commissions, call 419-7408. And as long as you’re calling,
volunteer for FronteraFest. The performance jamboree is in need of folks to
usher, help with production, distribute posters, etc.
Esther’s Auditions
Austin’s favorite musical comedy troupe, Esther’s Follies, is looking forperformers and writers, and they’re particularly interested in artists of
color. If you’re funny and want to swim in Esther’s Pool, call 320-0198.
This article appears in January 24 • 1997 and January 24 • 1997 (Cover).