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Paradox Players

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Paradox Players is a community theatre organization with members who love theatre - attending theatre and creating theatre. Their Mainstage Productions are full-length plays performed at the Howson Hall Stage and selected for their ability to provoke thought and discussion as well as their messages of optimism and hope.

• At-a-
  Glance

  • Contact Info

    Paradox Players

    4700 Grover Avenue
    Austin, 78751

    Phone: (512)744-1495   |   Official Website

  • Current Events

    There are no current events available for this organization at this time.

  • Upcoming Events

    There are no upcoming events available for this organization at this time.

• Current &
  Upcoming Events

  • Current Events

    There are no current events available for this organization at this time.

  • Upcoming Events

    There are no upcoming events available for this organization at this time.

• Past
  Events

  • Past Events

    02/08/13- 02/24/13	Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) 1st Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
    10/06/12	2 for 1 Tickets - Opening Saturday for ... 1st Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
    10/05/12- 10/21/12	"The Best Man," Classic Political Satire by Gore Vidal 1st Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
    05/04/12- 05/20/12	Paradox Players Presents Historically-based Civil War Spy Drama, Sisters Under The Skin 1st Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
    02/10/12- 02/26/12	Searching for Eden 1st Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
    02/04/12	"Getting Betta," a Futuristic Comedy at FronteraFest Blue Theatre
    02/02/12	"Getting Betta," a Futuristic Comedy at FronteraFest Blue Theatre
    01/31/12	"Getting Betta," a Futuristic Comedy at FronteraFest Blue Theatre
    01/24/12- 11/24/11	Getting Betta, a Futuristic Comedy at FronteraFest Blue Theatre
    01/24/12- 01/14/12	"Getting Betta," a Futuristic Comedy at FronteraFest Blue Theatre
    10/14/11- 10/30/11	Guest Artist, by Jeff Daniels 1st Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
    06/03/11- 06/19/11	'Independence' by Lee Blessing 1st Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
    02/11/11- 02/27/11	Biography 1st Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
    10/01/10- 10/17/10	Incorruptible First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
    06/04/10- 06/20/10	Charlie Cox Runs with Scissors First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
    04/17/10- 04/18/10	The Duck Variations First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
    02/12/10- 02/28/10	Shards of Love First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
    09/18/09- 10/04/09	On Golden Pond 1st Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
    06/12/09- 06/28/09	Trying First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
    02/13/09- 03/01/09	Social Security First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
    09/19/08- 10/05/08	THIRD First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
    06/13/08- 06/29/08	Necessary Targets First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
    02/08/08- 02/24/08	The Rainmaker First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
    09/21/07- 10/07/07	Avow First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
    06/15/07- 07/01/07	Our Town First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin
    02/02/07- 02/18/07	Dearly Beloved First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin

• Media
  Reviews

  • Media Reviews

    There are currently no media reviews for this organization.

• Member
  Reviews

  • Member Reviews

    • Event Name: Searching for Eden
      "Revisiting Eden"
      Review posted by: boojiebooj from 1, Feb 20, 2012
      

      James Still's "Searching for Eden" is a witty show exploring the differences between men and women and the battle of the sexes. Directed by Joni McClain and based upon Mark Twain's writings,... Expand

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      James Still's "Searching for Eden" is a witty show exploring the differences between men and women and the battle of the sexes. Directed by Joni McClain and based upon Mark Twain's writings, Paradox Players tackled this work with a humor and simplicity that mimics lost innocence. Marsha Sray as Eve, owned the first act with her hunger for knowledge, her womanly intuition and her delicate musings. Similarly, Matt Gauck's performance of Adam shows the levels of his character and in the second act shines as a softened man and the father of all humanity. I greatly enjoying revisiting the tale of Adam and Eve in this production and think the simplicity of the set and lighting aided to the overall ambiance of this sweet story. Collapse

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    • Event Name: Searching for Eden
      "Enjoyable Eden"
      Review posted by: Helen210 from 1, Feb 19, 2012
      

      Searching for Eden presented by the Paradox Players at the First Unitarian Univeralist Church of Austin is witty and lighthearted. Eden takes us on a journey of love across several 1000 years from the... Expand

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      Searching for Eden presented by the Paradox Players at the First Unitarian Univeralist Church of Austin is witty and lighthearted. Eden takes us on a journey of love across several 1000 years from the birth of Eve to the present. I loved the set concept of The Garden of Eden in black, white and red instead of lush and colorful. it makes the nighttime scenes enchanting (looking at the "moo"). Marsha Sray was wonderfully innocent and curious as the newly created Eve, incessantly naming things and discovering new words. Matt Gauck's portrayal of the original simple man Adam was hilarious; his facial expressions were wonderful, such as when Adam first encounters Eve's tears. The transition to present time when Eden has become E brought glimmers of wisdom and tenderness (they were Cain & Abel's parents after all) while dealing with the issues of love & relationships in the modern world. I always enjoy seeing shows at this intimate venue. It's comfortable, congenial,and easy to park. Collapse

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    • Event Name: Searching for Eden
      "Cuteness but with a point"
      Review posted by: Stephen_Reynolds from 1, Feb 18, 2012
      

      James Still's Searching for Eden which covers the diaries of Adam and Eve was inspired by Mark Twain. That off the bat made me know I was in for a treat. Director Joni McClain has a great way of... Expand

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      James Still's Searching for Eden which covers the diaries of Adam and Eve was inspired by Mark Twain. That off the bat made me know I was in for a treat. Director Joni McClain has a great way of pulling out the actors a sense of humanity that I can only compare to director Frank Capra. The set is modest and lighting basic but if you have a great story and well placed actors on the stage then you will be fine. Here you the audience luck out as Adam played by Matt Gauck and Eve played by Marsha Sray fill their roles with energy that cover both the dramatic and comedic side of life and everything in between. The dialogue covers the discovery of ones self in the Garden of Eden and the discovery the two characters have of each other. It is a great telling of how things have not changed with our relations to one another. The story's second half covers the two thousands of years later and their return to the Garden of Eden or known now as E. I love this story. Collapse

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    • Event Name: 'Independence' by Lee Blessing
      "Co-Dependent No More"
      Review posted by: P. Stone from Austin, TX, Jun 07, 2011
      

      Seems as if Austin's having a lot of dysfunctional family plays this year, August: Osage County, Lear and Independence. Applauds to all four ladies on a job well done, characters were fleshed out,... Expand

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      Seems as if Austin's having a lot of dysfunctional family plays this year, August: Osage County, Lear and Independence. Applauds to all four ladies on a job well done, characters were fleshed out, script was sometimes intense, lots of enthusiasm. Really liked the set and so well used. A cohesive production. Story again is about a powerful controlling mother with siblings who want out, have left, come back, can't decide and can't wait. The only thing I wish had happened was a longer light cue at end of show, seems to have squelched the moment. Good Job! Collapse

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    • Event Name: 'Independence' by Lee Blessing
      "Co-dependent Independence"
      Review posted by: Liz Bruns from Austin, TX, Jun 06, 2011
      

      It's a fun play. No big surprises. Lots of arguing and humor. The all women cast do a fine job. The set worked well, very home-y. The venue was OK. Since seating isn't tiered, you have to deal with... Expand

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      It's a fun play. No big surprises. Lots of arguing and humor. The all women cast do a fine job. The set worked well, very home-y. The venue was OK. Since seating isn't tiered, you have to deal with heads in the way. Kudos to the cast and crew. Collapse

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    • Event Name: 'Independence' by Lee Blessing
      "Classic Mother-Daughter Struggle"
      Review posted by: Pammyla Brooks from Austin, TX, Jun 06, 2011
      

      If you are female, the struggle for daughters to achieve "Independence" from their mothers may seem very familiar. In the play, the mother and all three sisters had very distinct personalities. The... Expand

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      If you are female, the struggle for daughters to achieve "Independence" from their mothers may seem very familiar. In the play, the mother and all three sisters had very distinct personalities. The mother has lived in the same house all of her life, but most of the daughters cannot wait for their chance to leave the house. It is the middle daughter who seems unclear about what she does and does not want to happen in her life. She appears to vacillate greatly between opposing and contradictory positions and decisions for her life. Nothing against the actors or director, but the ending seemed very abrupt and random, where most of the time a good ending makes you feel like the play is wrapped up nicely with a big bow on the top. Maybe the ending is that way to let the audience project their preferred endings onto the family. In any case, I am never disappointed with Paradox Players' rendition of plays. Enjoy! Collapse

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    • Event Name: 'Independence' by Lee Blessing
      "Independent Indeed"
      Review posted by: Jesse Griffith from Austin TX, Jun 05, 2011
      

      'Independence' is a perfect play: Every single moment is delicious, and this ensemble savors it with relish. Ever-delightful veteran actor Kathleen Lawson embodies a matriarch who will NOT be ignored... Expand

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      'Independence' is a perfect play: Every single moment is delicious, and this ensemble savors it with relish. Ever-delightful veteran actor Kathleen Lawson embodies a matriarch who will NOT be ignored & the apples don't fall far. Evelyn is 'every mom' with the typical mobile of elder/middle/youngest children coping with life, and we are absolutely riveted. This is one helluva great cast: Fully engaged, well-developed characters we know all too well.If you have family,you have lived this play, and you will love each character. Anything but predictable, this is theatre at its finest. Lisa Foster is an 'actor's director'. She trusts all artists (cast & crew) to enhance her vision and transform it. True to their name, Paradox Players intentionally avoids the sad, 'dumbed-down' Austin theatre scene. Your intelligence is respected here, not insulted. This play is a rare gem that glitters amid the Austin 'television-mentality theatre' we tolerate but rarely actually enjoy. Do not miss this play. Collapse

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    • Event Name: Biography
      "What if you write your own Biography?"
      Review posted by: Pammyla Brooks from Austin, Texas, Feb 13, 2011
      

      I have always wondered what would happen when I write my own memoirs. Do I use real names or make them up? This play follows Marion's story as she accepts an offer to write her own Biography. All... Expand

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      I have always wondered what would happen when I write my own memoirs. Do I use real names or make them up? This play follows Marion's story as she accepts an offer to write her own Biography. All performances were done very well and portrayed very strong character types, that were often contrasted with another personality type. To her credit, Marian does her best to help everyone get along. The costumes and the set help bring us back to the 1930's, but the story could have been set in a more current time, since the struggles continue today. The characters will seem very familiar. There are some great lines. My favorite line is "I used to be like you - rude on principle, just to make an impression." (Hmmm. Reminds me of someone I know.) Paradox Players do a fine job of bringing volunteers together to produce performances on quite a professional level. I absolutely loved the set and its burgundy colors. Well done all around. Collapse

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    • Event Name: Incorruptible
      "Somewhat Corrupted"
      Review posted by: Louise Richardson from Austin, Texas 78758, Oct 14, 2010
      

      When a neighboring convent steals the identity of your resident saint and their relics seem to create miracles, draw pilgrims and even get the attention of the Pope, what are the monks of a desperate... Expand

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      When a neighboring convent steals the identity of your resident saint and their relics seem to create miracles, draw pilgrims and even get the attention of the Pope, what are the monks of a desperate medieval abbey to do? Where oh where will they get better holy relics? How can they make some serious coin? An entrepreneurial minstrel may have some ideas. "Incorruptible" is outrageous, tightly directed and well-paced. The audience chuckled and squirmed with each mounting revelation. Collapse

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    • Event Name: Incorruptible
      "The Little Theatre That Could"
      Review posted by: Bethany H from Austin, TX, Oct 04, 2010
      

      While Paradox Players are not new in town, many folks often forget about this particular group. However, like the majority of their productions, Incorruptible is highly enjoyable. As is the case with... Expand

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      While Paradox Players are not new in town, many folks often forget about this particular group. However, like the majority of their productions, Incorruptible is highly enjoyable. As is the case with many comedies, the exposition can be a bit slow, but the play truly comes alive just before intermission and keeps on running. Incorruptible has everything from mistaken identities to "who's on first" style dialogue to over-the-top characterizations...Director Gary Payne stepping into the role of Martin was seamless, and all the actors did a great job maximizing the hilarity their characters and the situations in which they find themselves. With their creative staging and set design, Paradox Players again prove that you don't have to have a glamorous theatre space to bring a play to life and do it justice. Collapse

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