Rave Reviews

I saw the opening night of Cafe ... and was impressed with the finesse of the production (but for one small offstage spotlight brightly reflecting off of a photo glass from behind the bar). Favorite performances were from Anna Maria Garcia as Gloria and Richard Dodwell as Richard. But an unexpected surprise performance came from Robert Barry as his character performed his magic act. Though I am a straight male, I still felt that I could be welcomed by and enjoy a visit to Maxie's Bar. Clearly though "The Queers were in charge and that made all the difference in the world." In addition to the many sexual references and personal struggles with freedom expressed, I was surprised to see so many examples of characters with disabilities using it as a reason to be or feel devalued as a person. I would gladly pay to see another play by Sue Carroll Moore or this troupe of players with very able direction by Marian Jones. Collapse

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Thoroughly entertaining, seamless time travel, with minimal stage sets & engaging actors!

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Arcadia (or Lady Chatter’s Lovers?) by Austin Shakespeare. Coitus Interruptus seemed to be the usual method. Chater’s wife, Cloe', Thomasina and Lady Croom must have been truly frustrated. Onan wasn’t too keen on the sister-in-law, but Bernard finds sisters grand. These characters never seem to be able to consummate their passions: for math, gardening or Byron’s history. And it seems for each other. It’s all vaguely dissatisfying. But it is a true masterpiece of theater, brilliant and disturbing. There is some brilliant acting to go along with it. The problem with the star system is that the very personality that makes them remarkable, prevents them from truly portraying their character. This is a consummation devoutly to be wished. This is an incredible journey of discovery (its true meaning) for the audience and the actors. Great theater. You owe it to yourself to watch this play. Collapse

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I knew if I was seeing Tom Stoppard's Arcadia that I was in for a long evening. I knew that I had not seen this production and would only see it once and knew that I could only trust Austin Shakespeare to do it right. The set worked so well and lighting just to set off the ability to cover two very different time periods at the same time. The story takes place half the time in 1809 and rest in the present. You really need to pay attention because there is so much that is said and at times it is a lot of dialogue and clever use of this dialogue but you have to keep your ear glued every moment. The acting was taken by a wide range of actors and actresses and found that after seeing them do Superman that I am holding non Shakespeare pieces to a high standard. Gwendolyn Kelso was so much fun to watch as Lady Croom and Michael Dalmon as Ezra Chater was so funny and alive. Sadly these characters were not on stage long. I enjoyed the show for what it was and hope that if you see it-be awake. Collapse

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Right up front: Do NOT miss "Wicked." This is one of those touring shows that's worth breaking the piggybank and spending the egg money for the best seats you can afford. It's BIG. It's BROADWAY. It's visually beautiful, musically energetic and emotionally uplifting. Susan Hilferty's costumes -- head to toe, hats to shoes -- are luxuriant, tantalizing and exuberant fun. I wanted to stop the show and touch them. Nine local musicians join the six-member traveling orchestra under conductor Adam Souza's baton -- and they make the music sparkle, if not engulf theatergoers. The stunningly colorful and whimsical sets are big and bold, creating just-right delightful moods with mesmerizing special effects from lighting to fog. If you've not seen the show previously or read the book you're in for an evening of surprises as big as the Emerald City itself. Tiffany Haas as Glinda and Anne Brummell as the "coed witches" are perfectly matched for their roles. Vivacious. Vainglorious. Vibrant voices. Collapse

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Wicked is a spectacular, magical journey. At the heart is a story of two young women and life events that affect and change them, but it also has subtle subtext and attempts to explain the mysteries of Oz. Anne Brummel with her beautiful, powerful voices is especially notable as the "wicked" witch. The audience expressed great appreciation for her show stopping numbers and also her softer, emotional songs. There are amusing songs and lines as well as the dramatic. All the actors from speaking characters to ensemble gave fine performances. The intricate sets and costumes, lighting and other special effects, and vibrant colors were great. All of that along with wonderful dancing and singing, a huge Wizard head, and Flying Monkeys are worth a visit to the land before Dorothy. Collapse

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Is there something Wicked in Austin? YES – and it’s on stage now at UT’s Performing Arts Center. Broadway Across America’s Wicked, arrived in a storm – much like the opening of The Wizard of Oz – to a packed house. This is the story of two girls who go on to become the witches in Oz, and asks the question, “Is wicked within us, or is it thrust upon us?” Tiffany Haas as Glinda and Anne Brummel as Elphaba tell the story of how a green girl and her college roommate clash throughout school, but eventually become friends and allies. The Suess-influenced costuming throughout the show is brilliant: using many intricate fabrics and patterns to create the locale of Oz. Glinda’s Bubble dress has more than 25 kinds of sequins used on it and Elphaba’s Wicked Witch bodice is made from as many as 20 different fabrics quilted together – masterpieces! If you want to discover how certain key figures in Oz became the way they are – get Wicked now, before it blows into the next city. Collapse

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A delightful comedy with bickering siblings, a nosy sister, and a surprise twist at the end. Also, a little heart tug when both "the senator" and Philip learn of the forthcoming event. Tamara Friedman, in her first appearance at WOBCP, is delightful as the leading lady with a surprise. Rina Lee must have chicken soup running in her veins as the believable Jewish nosy sister. Bradley Wood and Misty Barham nearly steal the show as the bickering siblings. You'll laugh and laugh and maybe learn a little Yiddish! Collapse

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Two Takes on One Space Lauren Fensterstock Steve Wiman At Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th St., through Feb. 19th Fensterstock’s gardens of paper flowers and tangled foliage are so velvety black, so deep and so dark, they suck all the oxygen out of the room, making the viewer feel breathless. Staring into the depths of a calm volcanic lake, waiting for an eruption, nothing stirs, no wind, no frogs. The work requires deeply serious concentration. Wiman’s work is more frivolous and playful, more found object than exquisite craft, a thoughtful arrangement from scraps found in the bottom of a trunk in the attic. Unrelated bits and pieces have been shaped to produce the illusion of an ornate frame, one that might have displayed a ghostly ancestor. Different-sized, up-ended paintbrushes evoke a soft forest, huge and small balls of twine wait patiently on the floor of the upstairs room. Both artists’ work compliments the re-occupation of the lovely villa, welcome back Laguna Gloria! Collapse

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This was my first ever food tour experience and I loved every minute of it. I was a little skeptical with the 10am start for a lunch tour but I soon found that it was the perfect time to get my mouth watering and my tummy growling. We kicked things off with introductions from our fabulous foodie tour guide Olivia - who knew a great deal about each restaurant we were heading to and a bunch about South Congress' history and Austin too. This is a great tour is great for visitors and Austinites - you will not only learn a lot about the city but you will also discover your favorite new restaurant or sweet shack on this tour. I can't decide which restaurant was my favorite because they were all so amazing. I don't want to tell which places you will go to because I don't want to spoil the surprise. I will tell you the the tour it definitely worth the $$$ - and I promise that you will be full by the end of it. I can't wait to sign up for their other tours too. I know they will be great! Collapse

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This tour will fill your stomach and introduce you to all that South Congress has to offer. As an Austinite, I found myself trying places that had always been on the "list" but had never quite gotten around to going. Now, they will be permanent spots on my eating out rotation! Not only was the food delicious, but I learned some great insights into the places we visited, and Austin history in general! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and personable. The tour only takes up to 12 people so it was intimate and the whole group got to know one another and left as friends. Completely worthwhile!! Collapse

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Those of you holding your breath that the State Theatre would not make a comeback after the devastating city water main break in 2006 can now breathe a sigh of relief. It served the recent SXSW film fest well and attendees at the “P.S. Networking Bash” this past Thursday seemed to enjoy the look-see-explore-networking event. The music (mixed by Glitoris), the Alison Narro Photography, the thermos mug + coffee, free beer, wine and popcorn, and the blogger/social networker card with exclusive theatre benefits for the next year made it a “party-plus.” The 1935 Art Deco movie house, which got a $3.5 million refurb in ’98 to accommodate theatre productions, has undergone $300,000 in repairs with another $250,000 set by the end of summer. The stage and basement had been flooded, ruining equipment, seating, dressing rooms and the stage. Beyond cleaning, repair and replacement, fire-safety systems were upgraded and the stage and sound booth were rebuilt. (more) Collapse

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Perhaps my expectations were too high, and reviewing a party is a bit different from reviewing a performance. But I came away from this experience a bit perplexed. The party mood was there with several hundred excited people attending and networking. The first 500 received a Paramount travel mug with a bag of Kohana coffee inside. And those “partygoers” in attendance who were able to take photos and tweet had an opportunity to win tickets to see Craig Ferguson at the Paramount. Nice choices of wine and beer, but vino and popcorn? Vino and (for sale) Hey Cupcake? In my nearly two hours of wandering about the two historic and highly contrasting venues, I somehow missed hearing any announcements about the Summer Film Series and the reopening of the State Theatre – now Stateside at the Paramount. I did enjoy a brief talk by film projectionist John Stewart, on the job since 2000. Collapse

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This event was a fun, enjoyable occasion for all who attended. Entertainment in the lobby of Bass Concert Hall was provided by Gina Lee & the Brisket Boys. Outstanding! Delicious hors D’oeuvres prepared by Chef Elmar Prambs, Four Seasons Hotel—mouth-watering. Announcement of the upcoming season by Kathy Panoff, TPA Director and Associate Dean—lively and delightful and held as we were seated ON the stage at Bass- a real delight. Perhaps the highlight of the evening was an award presented to Jim Ellerbrock who teaches at Bowie High School. Over the past 15 plus years Jim has taken 5000 students to theater performances. He was also presented by Kathy on behalf of TPA with a check for $5000 to enable even more students to enjoy the rich cultural offerings held at Bass and elsewhere in Austin. The 2011-2012 season can be seen at: http://texasperformingarts.org/season. See it now and order your season ticket ASAP. There are many “not to be missed” entertainment opportunities. Collapse

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Dionysium is both educational, funny, entertaining and interactive and somewhat drunken. A super fun way to learn about random topics and hear interesting debates. If only all college lectures where like this I think you'd find more people going to class. Its a great way to spend the evening plus you get to hang with the brains at afterward at the Highball to continue the intellectual conversation and/or drink more. I'm looking forward to the next one. Collapse

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