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John and Jen

Presented by Penfold Theatre Company at The Hideout Theatre

February 4-February 21, 2010

Avg. Event Rating (4.1 Stars):
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john & jen takes audiences on a forty year journey from the mid-50s to mid-90s, exploring the relationships between brothers and sisters, and parents and children during four decades of change. With a cast of only two people, john & jen is a tour-de-force for two actors who take Jen and John from childhood, through adolescence and beyond.

 

 

• At-a-
  Glance

  • Venue Info

    The Hideout Theatre

    617 Congress Avenue
    Austin, TX 78701

    Full map and directions

  • Admission Info

    Regular Ticket Info: $20 General; $15 Students, Seniors and Groups; $10 Student Rush. Tickets go on sale January 21st.

    Buy Tickets

  • Dates & Times

    Dates:
    February 4-February 21, 2010

    Times:
    Thursdays – Saturdays at 8pm. Sundays at 5pm.
    Added shows: Wednesday, February 17th at 8:00m,
    Saturday, February 20th at 2:00pm

  • Accessibility Info

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  • Member Reviews

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    • Event Name: John and Jen
      "John and Jen"
      Review posted by: Austin Live Theatre from austin, Feb 11, 2010
      

      liked Penfold's John and Jen, esp Sarah Gay in a melodic, intimate,heartfelt growing-up tale w Andrew Cannata. http://tinyurl.com/ybwgu4r

      liked Penfold's John and Jen, esp Sarah Gay in a melodic, intimate,heartfelt growing-up tale w Andrew Cannata. http://tinyurl.com/ybwgu4r

    • Event Name: John and Jen
      "Stars Shine Through the Sugar Coating"
      Review posted by: Silver Stage Siren from Austin, TX, Feb 10, 2010
      

      Penfold Theatre Company has built a solid reputation on showcasing talented actors in works that challenge them and highlight their strengths. In the case of "John and Jen," the formula doesn't quite... Expand

      Penfold Theatre Company has built a solid reputation on showcasing talented actors in works that challenge them and highlight their strengths. In the case of "John and Jen," the formula doesn't quite work. Although Sarah Gay and Andrew Cannatta are brilliantly suited for the challenge of carrying a two person musical, the material they are given to work with is cliche, contrite, and sugar-coated to the extreme. While this sort of play may appeal to many audiences, the serious theatregoer must look beyond the sappy material and focus on the excellent work being done by the actors. The strengths of each--Cannatta's vocal quality and Gay's subtle yet powerful acting--work harmoniously together, and the bond that develops between them (in both the sister-brother and mother-son scenarios) is genuine and not at all forced. Such a delight is their interaction that one can only hope that they are given stronger material in the future to allow audiences to witness their full capabilities. Collapse

    • Event Name: John and Jen
      "Must-see musical about loss and letting go."
      Review posted by: kholenkhov from Austin, TX, Feb 09, 2010
      

      Penfold Theatre offers a great production of Lippa and Greenwald's little seen mid 90s musical, John and Jen. Sarah Gay and (especially) Andrew Cannata provide excellent vocal performances, but it's... Expand

      Penfold Theatre offers a great production of Lippa and Greenwald's little seen mid 90s musical, John and Jen. Sarah Gay and (especially) Andrew Cannata provide excellent vocal performances, but it's their acting that truly carries the day. Cannatta does well with a difficult role, although the arch of the show ultimately belongs to Jen and Gay takes us through this emotional journey in hilarious and heartbreaking ways that always feels true. The almost flawless first act gives way to an uneven second act that seems muddled and dramatically confused (and a bizarre "talk show" sequence feels like it's from a different show all together.) But the fact that Michael McElvey and his actors navigate these choppy waters so well makes you appreciate their efforts (and their commitment) all the more. Fair warning: you will see yourself and your family in these characters, so prepare to be deeply moved by the end of this charming gem about family and the need to let go of those you love. Collapse

    • Event Name: John and Jen
      "Miss Jane"
      Review posted by: Miss Jane from Austin, Texas , Feb 09, 2010
      

      This is a must-see show. I know from experience that putting on a musical with only two actors is a very daring undertaking, and these two actors totally pull it off. Great acting, singing, physical... Expand

      This is a must-see show. I know from experience that putting on a musical with only two actors is a very daring undertaking, and these two actors totally pull it off. Great acting, singing, physical presence and very creative use of the space. They must be doing something right...the Hideout theater was almost full, it was opening weekend (I think) AND Superbowl Sunday. Great to see a good crowd out for home-grown Austin theater. Collapse

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• Member
  Reviews

  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: John and Jen
      "John and Jen"
      Review posted by: Austin Live Theatre from austin, Feb 11, 2010
      

      liked Penfold's John and Jen, esp Sarah Gay in a melodic, intimate,heartfelt growing-up tale w Andrew Cannata. http://tinyurl.com/ybwgu4r

      liked Penfold's John and Jen, esp Sarah Gay in a melodic, intimate,heartfelt growing-up tale w Andrew Cannata. http://tinyurl.com/ybwgu4r

    • Event Name: John and Jen
      "Stars Shine Through the Sugar Coating"
      Review posted by: Silver Stage Siren from Austin, TX, Feb 10, 2010
      

      Penfold Theatre Company has built a solid reputation on showcasing talented actors in works that challenge them and highlight their strengths. In the case of "John and Jen," the formula doesn't quite... Expand

      Penfold Theatre Company has built a solid reputation on showcasing talented actors in works that challenge them and highlight their strengths. In the case of "John and Jen," the formula doesn't quite work. Although Sarah Gay and Andrew Cannatta are brilliantly suited for the challenge of carrying a two person musical, the material they are given to work with is cliche, contrite, and sugar-coated to the extreme. While this sort of play may appeal to many audiences, the serious theatregoer must look beyond the sappy material and focus on the excellent work being done by the actors. The strengths of each--Cannatta's vocal quality and Gay's subtle yet powerful acting--work harmoniously together, and the bond that develops between them (in both the sister-brother and mother-son scenarios) is genuine and not at all forced. Such a delight is their interaction that one can only hope that they are given stronger material in the future to allow audiences to witness their full capabilities. Collapse

    • Event Name: John and Jen
      "Must-see musical about loss and letting go."
      Review posted by: kholenkhov from Austin, TX, Feb 09, 2010
      

      Penfold Theatre offers a great production of Lippa and Greenwald's little seen mid 90s musical, John and Jen. Sarah Gay and (especially) Andrew Cannata provide excellent vocal performances, but it's... Expand

      Penfold Theatre offers a great production of Lippa and Greenwald's little seen mid 90s musical, John and Jen. Sarah Gay and (especially) Andrew Cannata provide excellent vocal performances, but it's their acting that truly carries the day. Cannatta does well with a difficult role, although the arch of the show ultimately belongs to Jen and Gay takes us through this emotional journey in hilarious and heartbreaking ways that always feels true. The almost flawless first act gives way to an uneven second act that seems muddled and dramatically confused (and a bizarre "talk show" sequence feels like it's from a different show all together.) But the fact that Michael McElvey and his actors navigate these choppy waters so well makes you appreciate their efforts (and their commitment) all the more. Fair warning: you will see yourself and your family in these characters, so prepare to be deeply moved by the end of this charming gem about family and the need to let go of those you love. Collapse

    • Event Name: John and Jen
      "Miss Jane"
      Review posted by: Miss Jane from Austin, Texas , Feb 09, 2010
      

      This is a must-see show. I know from experience that putting on a musical with only two actors is a very daring undertaking, and these two actors totally pull it off. Great acting, singing, physical... Expand

      This is a must-see show. I know from experience that putting on a musical with only two actors is a very daring undertaking, and these two actors totally pull it off. Great acting, singing, physical presence and very creative use of the space. They must be doing something right...the Hideout theater was almost full, it was opening weekend (I think) AND Superbowl Sunday. Great to see a good crowd out for home-grown Austin theater. Collapse

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