Theatre for Fri., April 12

ONGOING

Arts

Theatre

Copenhagen

Michael Frayn's Tony-winning drama about the confrontation between science and politics – a confrontation embodied in the 1940s by physicists Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg – is directed by Don Toner for Austin Playhouse and features the prodigious talents of Babs George, Ev Lunning Jr, and David Stahl. Nothing uncertain about these principals abetted by much fine stagecraft.

Through April 28. Thu.-Sat., 8pm; Sun., 5pm. $32-36.
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Austin Playhouse
Arts

Theatre

Last: An Extinction Comedy

Witness the world premiere of this new play that blends improvisation, comedy, and environmental activism as "a troupe of tired and really hungry comedians roams the crumbling remains of human civilization, performing sketches about extinction." Why is this actually a promising concept? Because it's a Vortex collab between the award-winning director Rudy Ramirez and that improv powerhouse Sarah Marie Curry, with Bonnie Cullum – returning to the stage after a 20-year hiatus! – among a cast of talented theatre stalwarts.

Through April 27. Thu.-Sun., 8pm. $15-35.
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The Vortex
Arts

Theatre

Matilda the Musical

Take a journey through the world of this Tony-winning hit based on Roald Dahl's story about an extraordinary little girl who dares to take a stand and change her destiny. No, this spectacular show ain't just for kids – it's a legit tale of empowerment for all. Directed by Abe Reybold and Nat Miller for Zach Theatre, with musical direction by Allen Robertson, and, well, you know the music and lyrics for this thing were writ by Tim Minchin, right?

Through May 12. Thu.-Fri., 7:30pm; Sat., 2:30 & 7:30pm; Sun., 2:30pm. $25 and up.
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ZACH Theatre
Arts

Theatre

Spring Awakening

This Tony-winning musical (eight Tonys, in case you were wondering), based on the play by Frank Wedekind, "explores the journey of eleven young people from adolescence to adulthood with poignancy and passion." A fine St. Ed's cast leads that exploration, abetted by guest stars Barbara Chisholm and Robert Faires, under the direction of Danny Herman. See our review right here.

Through April 14. Wed.-Sat., 7:30pm; Sun., 2pm. $23-28.

Mary Moody Northen Theatre at St. Edward's University
Arts

Theatre

The Back Pack: Wear and Tear

We can't recommended this thing highly enough, isn't that how the saying goes? It's true here: This Back Pack quartet of comic and live-narrative brilliance – that's Pete Betcher, Katie Kohler, Justin Morley, and Jeremiah Rosenberger – will, at the very least, put a big ol' grin on your entertainment-craving face with a "fast-paced movement-based comedy extravaganza creatively combining non-spoken performance, music, dance, and media, this time plopped in the round, for an all-sides-are-our-good-side viewing experience."

Through April 20. Thu.-Sat., 7:30pm; Sun., 2:30pm. $15.
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Zach Theatre's Whisenhunt Stage
Arts

Theatre

The Book Club Play

This is Karen Zacarias' comedy about bibliophiles behaving badly – very badly, tbh – which fills the stage with laughter among the personal vicissitudes of life, love, and literature. Directed by Nikki Zook for Different Stages. And here's our review of the show.

Through April 13. Thu.-Sat., 7:30pm; Sun., 5pm. $15-30.
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Arts

Theatre

The Letters

In John Lowell's taut thriller of politics and disinformation in 1930s Russia, a casual conversation quickly turns into a game of cat-and-mouse – in which being the last to flinch may mean the difference between life and death. Michael Stuart directs a fine cast in this new Street Corner Arts production.

Through April 20. Thu.-Sat., 8pm. $15-22.
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Hyde Park Theatre