Recent Reviews
Review: The Wizard of Oz by San Pedro Playhouse
by Michael Meigs
Published on July 17, 2024
Playing cleverly against the revered 1930 film version, Jenny Lavery's production brings THE WIZARD OF OZ "home" to San Antonio.
The Wizard of Oz production now playing at the venerable San Pedro Playhouse in San Antonio vividly presents the story told by the 1939 MGM film and adds clever, striking production values throughout. It's a huge show -- a cast of twenty-seven, including furry four-legged Dolly Ebarra in the role of Toto -- and it mobilizes a host of staff members, supporters, and volunteers. Especially spectacular are the visuals provided by Jimmy Moore's imaginative …
Review: Borderless by Andrea Ariel Dance Theatre
by David Glen Robinson
Published on July 02, 2024
Andrea Ariel's multi-ethnic, multi-generational workshop exercises flowered orange into a collection of borderless stories danced by talented performers to driving music with Latino/Western flavor.
Borders aren’t just the boundary lines between nations. Andrea Ariel Dance Theatre explored the many meanings of the term and how at the center of the concept borders divide. Hence the title Borderless and the theme of overcoming divisions among people. As Andrea Ariel writes in promotional material, “What connects us and disconnects [us] as humans across ethnicities and cultures?” She asked guest choreographers and musicians to answer that question and bring together their …
Review: The Lehman Trilogy by Zach Theatre
by Michael Meigs
Published on June 26, 2024
An undeniable tour de force, THE LEHMAN TRILOGY is the fastest three hours you're likely ever to spend in a theatre. Dave Steakley's bold choice and these three shape-shifting actors stretch the boundaries of theatrical storytelling.
The Lehman Trilogy is an undeniable tour de force delivered by its three actors Peter Frechette, Susan Lynskey, and Nick Lawson, whose energy, stamina, and precision make the production's three acts and more than three hours fly by with blinding speed. The production itself will fly by, as well, for it's scheduled for a run of only three weeks, from June 19 to July 7, a realistic programming decision for a work this intense, …
Review: EXIT STRATEGY by Beyond August Productions
by Michael Meigs
Published on June 23, 2024
EXIT STRATEGY is a sensitive, impressive portrait of hopes raised and hopes menaced. Vivid characters clash; the mute witness of a Black student embodies playwright Holter's message.
No, this small, impressive play is not a comedy. That tag line was probably a marketing decision, for laughter attracts more viewers than drama, just as honey lures more bees than vinegar. The ambitious and alert Beyond August Productions brings us Exit Strategy by Chicago playwright Ike Holter. It's set firmly in Chicago's divisions of class, race, and ethnicity. Austin is but a faint echo of all that, but even so, the gentrification that …
Review #2 of 2: Disney's Frozen by touring company
by Brian Paul Scipione
Published on June 20, 2024
The brave sisters of FROZEN inhabit a somewhat confused plot, but the score and voices are magnificent. Caroline Bowman's singing as Elsa incites goosebumps. Great puppetry, dancing, and special effects throughout.
I’ve never seen the movie Frozen. Chalk it up there with all of my other Disney cinematic crimes of neglect which began when I, with adolescent bravado, opted not to see The Little Mermaid. I did know and love the song “Let It Go,” a complete banger. I must also admit I hadn’t seen The Lion King movie before I saw the Broadway version and I wasn’t too lost. Frozen, on the other hand, is …
Review: A Million More to Go by Jarrott Productions
by David Glen Robinson
Published on June 18, 2024
A hugely funny and thought-provoking comedy, Max Langert's A MILLION MORE TO GO is swift and vivid with an outstanding cast of now familiar multi-talented Austin actors.
Cinnamon Path Productions and Jarrott Productions have premiered Max Langert's new absurdist comedy A Million More to Go at Trinity Street Playhouse in downtown Austin. The conjunction of forces by these two companies has salutary effects for theatre audiences: satisfying entertainment and, oddly, thoughtful commentary on current social and political issues. Langert has written much, including theatre pieces Gibberish Mostly, produced by Ground Floor Theatre, and The Pact, recently presented by Jarrott Productions, …