Austin playwright David Bucci, author of Kid Carnivore and MedVegas, currently
has a hit play in the nation’s capital. His Lynnwood Pharmacy, “a satire on
kitchen sink dramas,” has been staged by the noted Woolly Mammoth Theatre
Company of Washington, D.C., and has done so well that it’s being held over.
Bucci traces his good fortune to the first Regional Alternative Theatre (RAT)
shindig in Iowa, where he met Woolly Mammoth artistic director Howard Shalwitz.
Bucci gave Shalwitz some of his scripts, and Shalwitz found Lynnwood to be
“right up Woolly’s alley.” Bucci, who saw the production and is full of praise
for Woolly Mammoth and director Rick Fiori, urges everyone here to zip up to
D.C. and see it before March 3.
Farewell Performance
For five years, Christopher Maier has been a fixture in Austin, dazzlingadults with his flamenco dancing, children with stories, and everyone with his
love of performance and his kindness. Now, alas, this gifted artist is leaving
our town, but, in his characteristically generous way, he is not going without
bestowing a last gift on Austin. As his farewell, Maier will present Stories of
the Body, February 22-March 3 at Hyde Park Theatre. With dancer Nancy
Lazarczyk, Maier will join dance, poetry, music, and mime to spin original and
ancient stories. Call 499-TIXS for info. Best wishes, Christopher, and thanks.
Tax Relief for Artists
It’s that time of year when all artists are able to set aside their aestheticdifferences and agree on one thing: Taxes bite. Artists’ Legal and Accounting
Assistance of Austin (ALAA) sympathizes, and while they can’t make taxes go
away, they can reduce some of the stress of filing returns. Monday, February
26, 6-9pm, at Capitol City Playhouse, they’re holding a Tax Seminar just for
artists. Local accountants well versed in the tax code will field questions in
an open panel and individually. Cost: $5 for ALAA members, $10 for non-members,
with some scholarships available. For more info, call 476-4458.
Santa Surfaces
For 13 years, one Austinite has been building a national reputation as the“real” Santa. Carl Anderson has been praised by media outlets from the Wall
Street Journal to NPR, not just because he looks the part, but because he
connects with children in a kind and giving way. Anderson loves the role and
even wrote his doctoral dissertation on kids’ belief in Santa. Now, he’s penned
a play: The Santa Chronicles: Reindeer, Elves, and Dragons, Oh My!, which he’ll
perform at Playfest at the Dougherty Arts Center February 28-March 3. It’s the
first time in 10 years that locals will be able to see Anderson as Santa (he
spends his Yuletides doing him for Dallas’ NorthPark Mall), so don’t miss it.
Call 499-TIXS for info.
Send news on the local literary, performing, and visual arts scenes to:
“Articulations,”
PO Box 49066, Austin, TX 78765 or e-mail to: onstage@auschron.com
This article appears in February 23 • 1996 and February 23 • 1996 (Cover).