Twisted Olivia is headed to Austin again – or rather, the man who was the queen (and everyone else) in last year’s theatrical adaptation of Oliver Twist is coming back to Zach this summer. Artistic Director Dave Steakley has corralled Ridiculous Theatre Company veteran Everett Quinton into joining his acting ensemble for House Arrest, set to open Aug. 7 at the Zachary Scott Theatre Center. Quinton and six local actors (including the divine Karen Kuykendall) will play a host of real-life figures, from Ann Richards and George Bush Sr. to Peggy Noonan and George Stephanopoulos, whom playwright Anna Deavere Smith interviewed to discuss what it’s like to work and live in the White House and the character of the holders of the highest office in the land. This timely bit of political theatre, which will run through Sept. 12, replaces the previously announced Keepin’ It Weird, Steakley’s similarly structured look at what makes Austin Austin, based on interviews with a broad range of River City citizens. The show will still happen, but with more than 150 interviews to cull through, Steakley wanted to take another year to get it right. For more information, visit www.zachscott.com.
This article appears in July 9 • 2004.