On today’s stage, the historical play is somewhat of a rare beast, especially in a town like Austin, where the modern pieces tend to reign. Writers David Mixner and Dennis Bailey look to buck this trend with “Jacob’s Ladder” a journey into the heart of World War II, where we meet a group of people … Continue reading ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ is a powerful historical look at the war at home
In recent years, Jason Robert Brown's “The Last Five Years” has been getting a lot of attention, culminating in a major motion pictures starring Anna Kendrick, but before all that, some five years ago, Penfold Theatre brought forth their own production of the play, which garnered the fledgling company heavy praise, and as well as … Continue reading ‘The Last Five Years’ is a heartbreaking, delicate piece of musical gorgeousness
Hyde Park has often presented works that turn the audience’s eyes towards society at large, and with their latest, they turn the camera on religion, but those expecting trenchant comedy or biting satire should perhaps go elsewhere. Lucas Hnath's “The Christians” is a heartbreaking examination of what it means to be a Christian, and the … Continue reading ‘The Christians’: A thoughtful and confident examination of faith and compassion
The story of Beauty and the Beast has been told in many ways, but never has it veered into such dark avenues as in Ballet Austin’s production of Belle Redux. Wrenching out the most shadowy alcoves of the classic French tale, the Ballet, formulated in the mind of Stephen Mills, tells us a tale of … Continue reading Ballet Austin’s ‘Belle Redux’ is a dark vision of the classic fairy tale
In the world of theatre, it's not too difficult to find a play that will enrich your soul, or tickle your emotions, but it's difficult to find a piece that's undeniably fun. Thankfully, Zach Theatre, led by award-winning director Michael Baron, has answered the call with a production of Rick Elice's “Peter and the Starcatcher”, … Continue reading ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ is a swashbuckling and hilarious night of theatre
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