Friday, August 22, 2008

Opening weekend for these 3 theater productions (Aug. 22-24)

By Shawn Parikh

This weekend brings a new wave of shows to town so try and see a few while you have the chance:

• The Long Christmas Ride Home, presented by Stage West. It’s Christmas, and a family of five is headed to their grandparents’ house for food and presents. But over the river and through the woods it’s not. This family is more than a little dysfunctional. The parents' relationship is strained. The children squabble in the back seat, and the son is feeling sick. And after their holiday dinner disintegrates into verbal warfare, the family heads home in the worsening weather, and suddenly finds itself on the brink of an abyss both literal and figurative. What sets the play apart is Vogel’s remarkable approach. The children are portrayed by near-life-size Bunraku puppets, and Vogel has layered the painful events with striking visual elements and music and dance, making for a magical and haunting piece of theatre. Like much of her work, it’s not exactly cozy—but you’ll never forget it. Purchase tickets ($15-28) online or by calling 817-784-9378.
• Murder on the Nile, presented by Garland Civic Theatre. Simon Moslyn has recently married Kay Ridgeway, a rich woman, having thrown over his former lover, Jacqueline. The couple is on their honeymoon and is at present on a paddle steamer on the Nile. With them are Canon Pennefather, Kay’s guardian, and Jacqueline, who has been dogging their footsteps all through the honeymoon. During the voyage, Jacqueline works herself into a state of hysteria and shoots at Simon, wounding him in the knee. A few moments later, Kay is found shot in her bunk. Call 972-205-2790 for tickets ($6-20).
• I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, presented by Greater Lewisville Community Theatre. This celebration of the mating game takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum known as “the relationship”. Four actors take on the lives of over forty characters as they face the trials and tribulations of dealing with dating, romance, marriage, infidelity and in-laws. Scholarship fundraiser show. Call 972-221-SHOW for reservations ($15).

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