Theatre - 3/3 - The Austinot

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…]

1940s Big Band Musical at the Paramount This Sunday

January 21, 2014 by Brittany Highland 35 Comments

In the Mood at Paramount Theatre this Sunday, January 26th

Editor’s Note: Our giveaway is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated! Our three winners are Richard Koehler, Justin Brosig and Laura S.

Many of us feel like we were born in the wrong era. For me, I often wish I had done my growing up in the 1960’s. I can imagine myself dancing on American Bandstand and profoundly appreciating the impact of influential Americans like Kennedy and Dr. King.

If you have a love for the 1940’s – particularly Big Band music and energized swing dancing – your chance to experience the era is coming to Austin this Sunday. In the Mood is playing at the Paramount Theatre on Congress Ave., and we’re excited to give away some passes to the Austinot community! [Read more…]

2013 Nutcracker Features Vibrant New Costumes from Ballet Austin

December 19, 2013 by Lizzy Newsome 1 Comment

Ballet Austin will be performing the Nutcracker daily through December 23, 2013

Do you have a holiday sweet tooth? This year, the visions of sugar plums that dance through Austin will look a little different than year’s past. For the 51st annual production of Ballet Austin’s Nutcracker, attendees will experience an entirely transformed vision. The tutus are fuller, the tiaras have more glitter, and the sets are covered in sprinkles. Even the rats are furrier. This year, the Nutcracker features an entirely new compliment of costumes and sets! [Read more…]

Last Weekend for It’s a Wonderful Life Live Radio Play

December 16, 2013 by Brittany Highland Leave a Comment

Enjoy It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play this weekend in Round Rock

Drive into the dirt parking lot of the Old Settlers Association in Round Rock and your vehicle will immediately seem anachronistic.

After noticing and appreciating a collection of authentic log cabins and historical buildings, your eyes will eventually alight on your destination: Rice’s Crossing Store.

Old general store goods line the walls in Rice’s Crossing Store

The one-room store is rimmed by canned goods and other general store items from times long past. Beyond rows of folding chairs that seat an audience of 93, a simple stage fills the back of the room. When the five-person cast from Penfold Theatre Company comes out from behind the curtain, you’re in for a real holiday delight. [Read more…]

Let’s Get Uncomfortable at The Institution Theater

November 27, 2013 by Matthew Champion 4 Comments

Photo credit: The Institution Theater

I was introduced to The Institution Theater in Austin swiftly and uncomfortably almost a year ago. My younger sister sent me a last-minute text asking if I wanted to go to a free improv class with her there.

I was in a rare “yes” mood, so I agreed to tag along (when I think of things I want to do, making up stories on the spot with complete strangers is usually near the bottom of my list). [Read more…]

Laugh Out Loud with ColdTowne Theater: Alternative Comedy in Austin

November 11, 2013 by Dustin Vegas 4 Comments

ColdTowne is a hub for standup comedy in our weird city
(Photo credit: Eyton Z via Flickr CC)

Did you know that Austin, Texas is one of the funniest places in America? Everybody know about our live music, but what about other forms of entertainment? Enter ColdTowne Theater.

ColdTowne has an interesting history. Since 2005, it has been one of our staples for alternative comedy and film. The owners and creators of the comedy club hail from New Orleans. Michael Jastroch, Arthur Simone and Justin York created the venue after evacuating due to Hurricane Katrina. The trio decided to bring improv training to the Capitol City.

After hearing a lot about ColdTowne Theater while writing my article about The Show!, I decided to swing by and check out some open mic comedy. The theater is located [Read more…]

Journey to Bollywood: Om Shanti Delivers

September 16, 2013 by Matthew Champion 4 Comments

Shanti and Om (Photo credit: Sanjay N Patel)

I took the assignment of Om Shanti: Once Upon a Time in Bollywood on a complete whim. I had never experienced anything like it before. The closest I had come was attending my friends’ Persian wedding last year…and when I saw Slumdog Millionaire.

After repeatedly chanting “BOLLYWOOOOOOD!” on the way to the Long Center, my wife and I made our way to grab our tickets and head inside. We were genuinely excited. Upon looking into it, I discovered that Om Shanti was the first ever regionally-produced, large-scale Bollywood musical to come to Austin. Not only was it new to me, but probably to a few others in attendance as well. [Read more…]