Friday, June 27, 2008

Opening weekend for 8 theater productions (June 27-29)

By Shawn Parikh

It's another weekend in DFW, meaning a lot of more shows are opening, so try and make it out to a couple while you have the chance:

Pinocchio Commedia

• Pinocchio Commedia, presented by ONSTAGE in Bedford. 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.
• 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.
• Noises Off, presented by Stage West. 7 slamming doors, 1 breaking window, 10 trips up and down stairs, 17 false entrances, 73 flubbed lines, 46 miscues, 1 dramatic highlight, 22 double entendres, 6 regular entendres and a million laughs,­ all while trying to find a missing plate of sardines. Mishaps abound, as a second-rate touring company rehearses and opens a farce called "Nothing On." Hilarious beyond belief. Purchase tickets ($15-24) online or by calling 817-784-9378.
• The Full Monty, presented by Theatre Brookhaven. The musical version of the story includes a clever, tuneful score from David Yazbek. Terrence McNally adapted the screenplay for the stage and moved the story from Sheffield, England, to Buffalo, New York. A group of unemployed steelworkers are looking for quick cash and settle on the idea of a striptease after seeing how excited their wives get at a Chippendale-style review. The men each have to face their fears and gain self-confidence and self-respect as they get ready to face the audience. Tickets ($10-15) are available at the School of the Arts Box Office at 972-860-4118.
• Cabaret, presented by Ohlook Performing Arts Center. This summer Ohlook will reprise it's Professional Company with the famous production "Cabaret". The show will have a cast made up of professionals and students. Purchase tickets ($12-15) online or by calling 817-421-2825.
• The Garbage Fairies, presented by Texas Radio Theatre Company, for two performances only. Where in our modern world can you find mysterious creatures who don't wish to be found? Perhaps the junked up lots or corners piled with trash are more than what they appear. One night Jessica, a young girl who loves stories about elves, fairies and dragons wishes to see them for real, so her dog Fred takes her to meet the Garbage Fairies. Witness a modern fairy tale where all the action takes place on the infinite stage of your imagination. Playing at Arlington Museum of Art and Dallas Public Library.
• Bye Bye Birdie, presented by Dallas Young Artists Summer Musical Theatre Camp. The second annual Dallas Young Artists Summer Musical Theatre Camp, in partnership with Garland Summer Musicals, concludes this year’s summer camp experience with a professional quality performance of Bye Bye Birdie. Tickets available at the Granville Arts Center Box Office or by calling 972-205-2790. Tickets will also be available at the door.
• Footloose - The Musical, all-youth production presented by Casa Mañana. Based upon the 1980's big-screen sensation which took the world by storm with its youthful spirit, dazzling dance and electrifying music. It tells the story of a city boy from Chicago, Ren, who is forced to move to a rural backwater American town where dancing and rock-n-roll music is banned. Trouble breaks out as Ren breaks loose and soon has the whole town on its feet. Featuring an all youth cast of students enrolled in Camp Casa, this fast-paced show is not only packed full of amazing dance numbers, but also serves up some classic 80's hits, including "Holding Out For A Hero," "Almost Paradise," "Let's Hear It For The Boy," and the unforgettable title track, "Footloose." Purchase tickets ($13-20) online or by calling 817-332-2272.

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