Friday, March 28, 2008

New round of plays and musicals for the metroplex (Mar. 28-30)

By Shawn Parikh

This weekend brings a huge variety of theater to the metroplex, whether it be a rock opera, musical, sci-fi, murder mystery, children's theater, or even Shakespeare. Make sure to get to a few of these shows:

• Neil Young’s Greendale, presented by Undermain Theatre. The live band for Undermain’s upcoming production of Neil Young’s Greendale will be composed of legendary musicians of the Deep Ellum music scene. Performed with a live band and sung by an ensemble cast, Greendale explores the lives of three generations of the Green family through themes ranging from corruption to mass media consolidation to environmentalism. Purchase tickets ($15-25) online or by calling 214-747-5515.
• Working, presented by Theatre Arlington & UTA. Based on Stud Terkel’s best-selling book of actual interviews, the hopes, dreams, joys and concerns of the average working American are the focus of this uniquely moving, inspiring, eye-opening musical. A celebration of the extraordinary men and women the world so often takes for granted, with a score by popular musical artists James Taylor and Stephen Schwartz. Make reservations ($20) online or call 817-275-7661.
• The Giver, presented by Dallas Children's Theater. A Newbery Medal classic and unanimous favorite among students and educators alike. This innovative and provocative fantasy presents a deeply moving argument between balancing the values of freedom and security. The world is perfect and everything is under control, but when Jonas turns twelve he is selected to be the next Receiver of Memory. What will he do when he learns the truth? Purchase tickets ($12-21) online or by calling 214-740-0051.
• Bone Chiller, presented by Mesquite Community Theatre. Thirteen people gather on Friday the 13th at the Travers mansion in New York for the reading of Josiah's will which is a wall chart rendered in the form of a rebus (a part word, part drawing puzzle) that almost defies solution. Instead of designating an heir, it offers the estate to anyone who can solve the will! The lights keep going out and people keep getting murdered. For reservations ($8-12), call 972-216-8126.
• Pied Piper of Hamlin, presented by Creative Arts Theatre & School. The singing, rhyming citizens of Hamelin hope to win a competition with rival towns for royal recognition. To this end, the mayor outlaws play (which is a bit hard on the children) and refuses to help a rival town when it's flooded. But rats (seen only as shadows), fleeing the flood, invade Hamelin in droves; a magical piper, whose music only children (and rats) can hear, strikes a bargain...which, once the rats are gone, the Mayor and council renege on, to their subsequent regret. Order tickets ($5-10) online or by calling 817-861-CATS.
• The Unexpected Guest, presented by Irving Community Theater. Lost in the fog, Michael Starkwedder stumbles into Richard Warwick’s study to find him dead and Richard’s wife Laura standing near him with a gun. Did she kill him? Another great Agatha Christie murder mystery! Purchase tickets ($12-17) online or by calling 972-252-2787.
• Measure for Measure, staged reading presented by Shakespeare Dallas for this weekend only. One of Shakespeare's most interesting plays, Measure for Measure is both a comedy and a tragedy. Experience a unique opportunity to explore the sensational world that Shakespeare has created to examine morality and the abuse of power. Tickets are $5.

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