‘Wars of Heaven: Smackdown’ is a intriguing, bold look at modern morality

When Trouble Puppet’s “Wars of Heaven: Part I” hit last year, audiences were not sure what to expect. So many of Trouble Puppet’s previous shows had their basis in literature or history, and even if they veered off in different directions, there’s always a stabilizing backbone behind it all. With “Wars of Heaven”, they let … Continue reading ‘Wars of Heaven: Smackdown’ is a intriguing, bold look at modern morality

‘The Barber of Seville’ is a funny, finely produced production of a true classic

When it comes to opera, there will always be certain barriers to entry. One of the major ones is, of course, is our own preconceptions, that operas are so often hyper-serious, stuffy affairs. There are other more serious ones, such as length (most operas do run 3 hours or more), and the language barrier (the … Continue reading ‘The Barber of Seville’ is a funny, finely produced production of a true classic

Zach Theatre’s ‘Ann’ is a laugh-a-minute look at a Texas icon

It takes a special kind of talent to create a one-person show, to strip everything down to the barest of bones, until it's just you, and the audience. Holland Taylor takes this challenge one step further with her one-woman show, "Ann", as she presents the life of one of Texas's most famous politicians, Ann Richards, … Continue reading Zach Theatre’s ‘Ann’ is a laugh-a-minute look at a Texas icon

‘Bull’ is a powerful, painful, but often humorous, look at modern society

Street Corner Arts has become a company to watch, producing many of the most important plays each year, and with Mike Bartlett's "Bull", they continue this in a very impactful way. This dark comedy of workplace politics is one of the most topical, relevant pieces on stages right now, and it's given a tight, humorous, … Continue reading ‘Bull’ is a powerful, painful, but often humorous, look at modern society

‘The Explorer’s Club’ is a zany, but smartly written, farce

Theatre can be a serious tool for tackling serious subjects in an intriguing and thought-provoking way, and it’s at its best when it’s turning its eye on our society and showing us a mirror of ourselves. However, there are times when all you need is a good laugh. Luckily, Austin Playhouse is giving us just … Continue reading ‘The Explorer’s Club’ is a zany, but smartly written, farce