Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Gay List Daily’s April 2009 theater recommendations

By Staff of Gay List Daily

Man cannot live on lemon juice and maple syrup alone, even if Beyoncé swears by it. And just like your diet needs equal representation from the various food groups, so should your theatre consumption. This month, why not indulge on a hearty classic like Oedipus Rex, a bread-and-butter standard like My Fair Lady or a sugary-sweet show tune review like Broadway’s Best. If that doesn’t fill you up, go back for seconds with a newer work like The History Boys. Just make sure you don’t take more than you plan to attend. After all, there are starving children in Africa who would give their last grain of rice to see the brand-new script Based On A Totally True Story.

Who’s Your Daddy?: Oedipus Rex

Through Saturday, April 25

Oh that Sophocles, what a card. Always writing such hilarious hijinks, like the one about sleeping with your own mother after murdering your father. Sounds like that would make a great screen adaptation for Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore. Oh, snap! Or you can check out a new translation by Ian Johnston being produced right here in Big D.

Tickets: $18 - $21; Stone Cottage Theatre, Addison; www.oedipusrex.org

Show Us Your Tunes: Broadway’s Best Four

Saturday, April 11, 7:30 p.m.

We’re convinced that everything in life would be better if people just broke into song and dance. Imagine watching that uptight receptionist at work letting loose with a rousing version of “Whatever Lola Wants” or seeing a rough-trade-looking street repair crew breaking out “You Gotta Have A Gimmick.” Sadly, that’s not our reality. But we can have it for one night as the Repertory Company Theatre brings an evening of song and dance, Broadway style.

Tickets: $40; Courtyard Theatre, Plano; www.rcttheatre.com

Cockney, Sucker: My Fair Lady

Through Saturday, April 11

For most musicals, we are much more loyal to the stage version than the film. But My Fair Lady is the huge exception to that rule. We are powerless to resist anything with Audrey Hepburn in it. Nonetheless, we’re willing to give the stage version another try…even if it means driving to Hurst to see it. (No pressure, Ms. Lead Actress trying to fill Eliza’s shoes!)

Tickets: $9 - $16; Artisan Center Theater, Hurst; www.artisanct.com

Write Here, Right Now: Based On A Totally True Story

Thursday – Sunday, April 16 – 26

Word on the Yellow Brick Road is that this story of a comic book/screen writer struggling with boyfriend issues, a crazy father and the pressures of a Hollywood premiere is quick-witted and fun. See for yourself during the regional premiere, then text us ASAP if you LOL. That’s what BFFs do, remember?

Tickets: $20 ($25 on opening night); Addison Conference and Theatre Centre, Addison; www.watertowertheatre.org

A Class Act: The History Boys

Through Sunday, May 3

This show has been on our gaydar since its London premiere in 2004. Set in a British boarding school, the story mixes humor and tragedy exploring the lives of a group of students and their unorthodox teacher. Think more Dead Poets Society and less Toy Soldiers.

Tickets: $22 - $30; KD Studio Theatre, Dallas; www.uptownplayers.org

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