Theatre for Sun., Oct. 13

CLOSING

Arts

Theatre

MJ The Musical

On June 25, 2009, the Lyric Theatre in London had been preparing a tribute to Michael Jackson – who was set to perform 50 shows that summer – when the world first got news that the King of Pop had passed away. The show, Thriller Live, was a two-and-a-half-hour spectacle following MJ from J5 to record-breaking Thriller. Nearly 15 years later, Lynn Nottage penned the book that would become MJ The Musical, and award-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon gave the words direction and dance. The show has gone on to win four Tony Awards, including Best Actor in a Musical for Myles Frost, and Best Choreographer for Wheeldon. – Cy White

Oct. 8-13

Bass Concert Hall

ONGOING

Arts

Theatre

Luna

Who doesn’t like having friends? They’re great! So great, in fact, that Ramón Esquivel’s play for younger audiences is all about how to make friends. Luna follows Soledad, a daughter of migrant farm workers whose nomadic life makes stable friendships a difficult prospect. Though books, the stars, and her namesake – aka, the moon – keep her company, the play centers on Soledad’s meeting two peers who, much like her, are searching for connection. Bring the kids to this wonderful stage production directed by Mateo Hernandez, but be warned if you’ve got fidgeting young folks: This here play’s an hour without intermission. – James Scott

Through Nov. 16
get tickets

Zach Theatre's Whisenhunt Stage
Arts

Theatre

Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins

Firebrand journalist and author Molly Ivins died in 2007, but her legacy lives on through the play Red Hot Patriot, written by twin sisters Allison Engel and Margaret Engel and first performed in 2010 with Kathleen Turner starring as Ivins. Texans of all ages ought to be familiar with Ivins, as her sought-after talent took her all over the U.S. but was most often centered here. (She’s also credited with former President George W. Bush’s nicknames Dubya and Shrub.) Lara Toner Haddock directs Cyndi Williams as Ivins, and there’ll be a special Founder’s Bash on Oct. 18 to celebrate 25 years of Austin Playhouse and founder Don Toner’s birthday. – Kat McNevins

Throgh Oct. 20

Austin Playhouse
Arts

Theatre

A Beautiful Day in November on the Banks of the Greatest of the Great Lakes

First produced in NYC and now hitting the Austin scene, Kate Benson’s stageplay salute to Thanksgiving traditions concerns one specific family, the Wemblys. Filtered through a sportscast sieve, every excited action by the forced-together fam gets commented on by the Announcers – a Greek chorus in bright colors with even more colorful commentary. With local director Caley Chase at the helm, this tale of holiday hijinks will get you all warmed up for the actual big game on November 28. – James Scott

Through Oct. 20

Oscar G. Brockett Theatre
Arts

Theatre

Bunnicula

Wait, you might say. Bunny business? During Halloween? Isn’t that more of an Easter-type deal? Not so with the titular hare in this classic children’s chapter book turned theatrical tale, taking to the ATX stage under the direction of Deanna Belardinelli. James and Deborah Howe’s story about a curious cat, bumbling dog, and a suspicious bunny found in a movie theatre remains a great introduction to horror for kiddos. They’ll delight in solving the “mystery” of just who is exsanguinating all the carrots and cackle at Bunnicula’s many antics. Look: Either you come see this, or be subjected to another screening of Hotel Transylvania 3 – the weakest of the franchise. Make the right choice: See Bunnicula. – James Scott

Through Oct. 27

Scottish Rite Theater
Arts

Theatre

Glass Half Full Theatre presents Yamel Cucuy

Two years ago, some lucky theatregoers witnessed Yamel’s story, full of theatrical puppetry and performances that rocked the B. Iden Payne awards. Now it’s back: the perfect time to get acquainted with this magical performance. The play follows Yamel, a 13-year-old undocumented immigrant hunted by federal agents. While hiding, she’s haunted by her heritage and folklore, blurring the lines between a mystical spirit world and her current landscape of fear and uncertainty. Check it out one more time before it moves to Los Angeles to present at Latino Theater Co.’s Encuentro festival. – Cat McCarrey

Through Oct. 19

Ground Floor Theatre
Arts

Theatre

Nightfall with Edgar Allen Poe

Enter a world of gothic mystery as Mr. "The Raven" himself, Edgar Allan Poe, introduces stage-play versions of his most macabre tales. Perfect for midnights dreary when you mean to ponder, weak and weary.

Oct. 19-27

Hill Country Arts Foundation
Arts

Theatre

Suddenly Last Summer

Filigree Theatre opens its sixth season, themed “Masks and Mirrors,” with a production of Tennessee Williams’ shocking drama Suddenly Last Summer. Taking place in 1930s New Orleans – a city beloved by the playwright and the setting of A Streetcar Named Desire and Vieux Carré – the story follows a troubled socialite named Catharine Holly. While traveling with her cousin Sebastian the year prior, Catharine had witnessed “terrible events” involving Sebastian, whose mother wants the story silenced at any cost. This moody opener for the season is followed by Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in February. – Kat McNevins

Thursdays-Sundays. Through Oct. 20

Factory on 5th