Theatre - 2/3 - The Austinot

Duke Ellington Jazzes Up the Stage at Zach Theatre

July 22, 2015 by Judy Rae Merhar Leave a Comment

See Sophisticated Ladies at Zach Theatre through August 23, 2015 (Credit: Kirk Tuck)

If you’ve daydreamed of stepping back into the roaring 20’s without the assistance of a time machine, head to Zach Theatre to see their production of Sophisticated Ladies.

Upon taking your seat, you’re greeted by a striking image of a gentleman’s face that consumes the stage. His head is tilted downward, warm expressive eyes gaze upward, with skin smooth as silk and a chin resting on a crisp white bow tie. The rim of his top hat casts a slight shadow, leaving an air of mystery. But there was no doubt who was watching over the crowd: jazz composer Duke Ellington, also known as The Duke for his signature dapper attire.

Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies offers a night of indulgence sprinkled with glitz and glamour. Scenes unfold on a stage that mimics Harlem’s notorious jazz venue where Mr. Ellington’s fame blossomed, the Cotton Club. [Read more…]

LBJ Goes All the Way at Zach Theatre

April 14, 2015 by Bill Tucker Leave a Comment

Steve Vinovich gives an impassioned speech as LBJ in All the Way at Zach Theatre

Imagine if you had eleven months to be president. What would you do? Would you seize the opportunity and make sweeping changes or lay back in the hopes of nabbing another four years?

That’s the problem Lyndon B. Johnson faced when he was thrust into the presidency in the wake of JFK’s assassination. All the Way, a Tony award winning play opening at Zach Theatre on April 16, 2015, examines LBJ’s early career with a dynamite cast and spot on direction. A definite must-see.

Rocky First Year

All The Way is the story of LBJ’s first eleven months in the Oval Office. If following in the tragic footsteps of the most popular president since Roosevelt isn’t enough, the Texas Hill Country native finds himself at the helm of a country ready to tear itself apart. [Read more…]

Paramount Theatre Celebrates 100 Years with Special Events

February 3, 2015 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Old Congress Avenue in 1947 with the Paramount Theatre illuminated on the right

Guest article by Lindsey Moringy

A walk through the basement of the Paramount Theatre is like a walk through time: its history is literally written on the walls. Over the years, many of the estimated 10,000 visiting artists have left their mark on the famed theatre by signing the walls downstairs, just outside the dressing rooms. Passing through the hallway you’ll notice that performers from BB King to Joan Rivers have left their ‘John Hancocks’ – many with a personalized message or illustration. Admittedly, I laughed aloud upon reading what Parks and Recreation star Nick Offerman chose to leave: “Freedom. [Read more…]

Frog and Toad at Zach Theatre for Kids and Kids at Heart

October 31, 2014 by J. Alan Nelson Leave a Comment

Nicholas Kier and Chase Brewer at Zach Theatre

Chase Brewer (Toad) and Nicholas Kier (Frog) in Zach Theatre’s A Year with Frog and Toad

Frog and Toad are your friends. They’ve been your friends for more than 40 years, since the two leap-frogged from Arnold Lobel’s head into the now classic children’s books.

A Year with Frog and Toad, playing at Zach Theatre through November 29, 2014, cleverly delivers the favorite stories of Lobel onto the stage with catchy tunes you will hum long after you leave the theatre. Director Nat Miller has crafted the latest version of the Tony-nominated show, which will take you back to the imaginary world of childhood. [Read more…]

14 Reasons to See Shakespeare on the Farm

October 14, 2014 by J. Alan Nelson 1 Comment

Shakespeare on the Farm Present Company Theatre

Prospero conjures The Tempest as the mariners wreck during Shakespeare on the Farm

The Tempest is the North Star of Shakespeare plays. Now, Present Company Theatre presents the North Star of Austin actors, crew and script.

Whether Prospero or Caliban is your favorite character, this Shakespeare is spiced with Austin flair. It’s the latest project from the nonprofit drama company started in 2010 by Stephanie Carll and Lindsey Doleshal, being performed at Rain Lily Farm in East Austin through November 1, 2014.

Here are 14 reasons why you should see Shakespeare on the Farm within the next 14 days: [Read more…]

Rock Opera Gives Austinites New Perspective on Live Music

July 24, 2014 by Jessica Pino 1 Comment

The Who's Tommy at Zach Theatre in Austin

Credit: Zach Theatre by Kirk Tuck

Austin is a music city. But do you want to know its best kept secret? The theater.

Yes, we live in “The Live Music Capital of the World,” but many only include traditional concerts in this category. I want to open your eyes to the amazing artists and musicians in local theater.

The best time to start your exploration into Austin’s theater world? Now. At Zach Theatre. With The Who’s TOMMY.

I’m guessing you’re not quite seeing what I’m seeing. So let me [Read more…]

Improv Instructor Kacey Samiee Teaches Acting Set to Song

July 18, 2014 by Guest Blogger Leave a Comment

Kacey Samiee, musical improv master at Hideout Theatre

This guest article is by Debbie Stanley.

If you think you couldn’t possibly write song lyrics off the top of your head, in front of a live audience, and sing them too, well…yes, you could. And Kacey Samiee would love to teach you how.

Samiee teaches musical improvisation – improv for short – at the Hideout Theatre on Congress south of 7th. The Hideout is both a performance venue and school where improvisers of all ages learn to invent and act out stories without scripts, often based on suggestions called out by the audience during live shows, and reading each other’s cues in the moment. Performers work together to build narratives, develop fictional relationships, and, in Samiee’s classes, set it all to music. [Read more…]

Date Night with Austin Lyric Opera

May 13, 2014 by Robert Luke Leave a Comment

Austin Lyric Opera at The Long Center

The Long Center has been home to many types of events in Austin. Many of you may have visited for a live music show, play or even stand-up comedy.

The largest auditorium at The Long Center, the Michael and Susan Dell Hall, also hosts performances by Austin Lyric Opera.

Earlier this month, Austin Lyric Opera put on Gaetano Donizetti’s romantic comedy, Elixir of Love. It’s a story about a simple peasant, Nemorino, who tries to win the affection of the beautiful Adina by drinking the “elixir of love.” In actuality, this elixir is a cheap wine Nemorino purchased from a fake, traveling doctor. This hilarious comedy starred Austin Lyric Opera’s Sara Gartland, Rene Barbera, and Kelly Markgraf.

Nemorino declares his love for Adina

[Read more…]

Diverse Film Screenings and Events Held at Marchesa Hall and Theatre

May 2, 2014 by Robert Luke Leave a Comment

The exterior of Marchesa Hall and Theatre

As a native Austinite, I have a lot of memories of going to the Lincoln Village Theater when I was a kid. The last movie I remember seeing in that theater’s era was Star Trek First Contact in 1997.

Austin has changed in a lot of different ways since then. Within that time, the shopping center has been purchased by private owners and rebranded as The Linc. The movie theater in particular is now called The Marchesa Hall and Theatre.

When you walk into The Marchesa, it’s like walking into a movie museum. The walls are decorated with old film posters, as well as record covers of vintage soundtracks. Partnered with the Austin Film Society, this venue has a 280-seat theater, equipped with Dolby surround sound and projectors for both 35MM and the currently used DCP. While these specs are pretty standard for a multiplex, they’re more unique for [Read more…]

Whole Foods Rooftop Hosts Shakespeare at the Market Performances

April 25, 2014 by Jessica Pino 1 Comment

Whole Foods’ rooftop stage

Present Company Theatre’s performance of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing opened last weekend and exceeded my expectations.

For those not familiar with Present Company, it’s a non-profit theater collective that makes theater fun and accessible to everyone. Instead of performing within the confines of four walls, the group brings art to “the heart of the community: the marketplace,” says actor Jennifer Coy. After all, everything is better when done outdoors: eating, drinking, watching movies and even theater.

April marks Shakespeare’s 450th birthday and, while the idea of going to watch a live performance may seem daunting to those who haven’t watched Shakespeare since Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet with Leonardo DiCaprio, Present Company is a group of extremely talented individuals who make Shakespeare fun and entertaining.

There is even a pre-show that will teach you just enough about the man, iambic pentameter, and modern-day idiomatic phrases from Shakespearean plays that you won’t feel ignorant or lost. [Read more…]