Friday, July 11, 2008

Last chance to see these 8 plays and musicals (July 11-13)

By Shawn Parikh

Shows are about to end their run in the next few days, so try and see a few before time runs out:

Lindsay Graham

Pinocchio Commedia

• Avenue Q, presented by Casa Mañana. A hilarious show full of heart and hummable tunes, Avenue Q tells the story of Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad who moves to New York City with big dreams and a tiny bank account. The only apartment he can afford is way out on Avenue Q, where everyone’s looking for the same things he is: a decent job, a stable relationship, and a “purpose.” Called "one of the funniest shows you're ever likely to see" by Entertainment Weekly, Avenue Q features a cast of people and puppets who tell the story in a smart, risqué and downright entertaining way. The New Yorker calls it "Subversive and uproarious!” Call 817-332-2272 for tickets ($27-79) or purchase online.
• High School Musical, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals. With a plot described as a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, it’s the story of two high school students from rival cliques: Troy Bolton, captain of the basketball team, and Gabriella Montez, a shy transfer student who excels in math and science. Together, they try out for the lead parts in their high school musical, and as a result, divide the school. Despite other students' attempts to thwart their dreams, Troy and Gabriella resist peer pressure and rivalry, inspiring others along the way not to "stick with the status quo." Purchase tickets ($18.50-78.50) online or by calling 214-631-ARTS.
• Pinocchio Commedia, presented by ONSTAGE in Bedford. Written by Johnny Simons. Here comes the most inventive version of Pinocchio ever! Take the hijinks of the Commedia dell’arte style of theatre with its wild costumes and creative masks, throw in those beloved characters including Geppetto, the Fox and the Cat, along with a few other hysterical characters, and the stage is set for a wonderful retelling of Pinocchio’s journey to becoming a real little boy. This production, brought to life by Youth actors, will leave you in stitches with its slapstick comedy and some unexpected touching moments making you believe that anything is possible if you believe hard enough. You will leave loving Pinocchio even more! Purchase tickets ($10-15) online or by calling 817-354-6444.
• The Music Man, presented by McKinney Summer Musicals. A comedy that woos and wins its audience with open emotions and nostalgia for an oldfashioned American past. The show tells the story of Professor Harold Hill, who sets out to con the good people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band he never plans to organize. But this phony peddler sings a different tune when he falls for Marian, the town librarian and piano teacher. Instead of skipping town before the instruments arrive, Harold's love for Marian convinces him to stay and face the music. Purchase tickets ($16-21) online or by calling 214-544-4630.
• The Music Man, presented by Artisan Center Theater. A con man, Harold Hill, promises to teach musically disinclined children in order to sell musical instruments. Along the way he falls in love and turns over a new leaf. When those “Seventy-Six Trombones” come marching in and leading the big parade, all ages will be hum along to the wonderful songs of one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Purchase tickets ($8-13) online or by calling 817-284-1200.
• My Boyfriend, The Stripper, presented by The Angry Dominatrix. A romp through today's gay urban experience and explores how the possibility of love can come when thoroughly unexpected. A once shut-down man is suddenly reborn, and his renewal encourages those around him to examine their own lives as well. While touching on certain issues within the gay subculture, My Boyfriend the Stripper also deals with much broader concerns such as loneliness, love, and the importance to seize the moment. Purchase tickets ($30-40) online or by calling 877-238-5596.
• The Boyfriend, presented by Theatre Arlington. The Jazz Age lives on in this light, romantic spoof of 1920’s musical comedies set on the French Riviera. When Polly, an heiress, meets Tony, a delivery boy, romance blossoms and all love breaks loose as secrets are kept and revealed from their parents. With catchy tunes, snazzy dances and a winning sense of humor- you’ll Charleston right into an eventual happy ending! Purchase tickets ($20) online.
• Jesus Christ Superstar, presented by Fort Worth Theatre, for this weekend only. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's ground-breaking "rock opera" Jesus Christ Superstar changed the face of musical theater when it debuted on Broadway in 1971. Telling the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus, Superstar dramatizes Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the unrest caused by his preaching and popularity, his betrayal by Judas, the trial before Pontius Pilate, and his ultimate crucifixion. Call 817-921-5300 for tickets ($18-20).

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