Closing weekend for 8 theater productions (Apr. 17-19)

by Shawn Parikh

Another weekend so that means another large amount of shows that are closing. Take some time to see a few of these pieces:

• Closer, presented by Enter Stage Left. This play is a series of pass-the-lover scenes in which a quartet of people struggle to find intimacy but can't seem to get closer. It examines what it means to love and maintain a relationship in a densely plotted, stinging look at modern love and betrayal. It has been described as a work that “gets under the audience’s skin, and…not for the emotionally squeamish.” Purchase tickets ($15-20) online or by calling 972-754-2672.
• The Glass Menagerie, presented by WaterTower Theatre. In Tennessee Williams’ powerful and poetic memory play, Tom is torn between the duty to his overbearing mother Amanda and his desire to escape the shackles of his life. Trapped between the two is the delicate and isolated Laura. Praised for its tenderness and charm, Tennessee Williams’ stands as Williams’ most intimate and riveting drama. Purchase tickets ($25-40) online or by calling 972-450-6232.
• The Piano Lesson, presented by Jubilee Theatre. August Wilson won his second Pulitzer Prize for this haunting drama. It is 1936, and Boy Willie arrives in Pittsburgh from the South in a battered truck loaded with watermelons to sell. He has an opportunity to buy some land down home, but he has to come up with the money right quick. He wants to sell an old piano that has been in his family for generations, but he shares ownership with his sister, and it sits in her living room. She has already rejected several offers because the antique piano is covered with incredible carvings detailing the family’s rise from slavery. Boy Willie tries to persuade his stubborn sister that the past is past, but she is more formidable than he anticipated. Purchase tickets ($12-20) online or by calling 817-338-4411.
• True West, presented by Sundown Collaborative Theatre. The play is about two brothers: Austin is an ambitious Hollywood screenwriter working on a potential million-dollar deal when an ill wind off the desert blows in Lee, a hobo thief with a six-pack and a case of sibling rivalry. The conflict arises when a film producer offers Lee to write a "true" western. Tickets are $8-10.
• The Tale of Peter Rabbit, presented by Dallas Children's Theater. The award-winning musical adaptation of Beatrix Potter's beloved and bestselling rabbit tale! New puppets based on Miss Potter's charming illustrations spring to life to re-create the tale of the naughty little bunny who has captivated our hearts for over 100 years. Purchase tickets ($12-22) online or by calling 214-740-0051.
• The Foreigner, presented by Richardson Theatre Centre. Larry Shue's play is about an Englishman who discovers many secrets while visiting an old Georgia lodge under the guise of a foreigner who knows no English. The production is rooted in the great traditions of British farce comedy, but it exhibits a uniquely American spin -- an errant evangelist, a pregnant heiress, a dim-witted brother, a Brit demolition expert, a sweet old proprietor and klutzy Klan visitors. Call 972-699-1130 for reservations ($20-22).
• Rockin’ With Mother Goose, presented by Casa Mañana's Children's Playhouse. See Jack & Jill, Humpty Dumpty, Little Bo Beep and more of those beloved characters as we present the classic Mother Goose rhymes to upbeat, catchy music. There are little life lessons tucked into each song to help teach children about good manners, safety and responsibility. Developed by local artists Brad Jackson and Alex Vorse, this world premiere musical puts a new spin on the classics to make your favorite rhymes come alive. Purchase tickets online or by calling 817-332-2272.
• Disney’s High School Musical 2, presented by Plano Children's Theatre. Adapted from the widely successful Disney TV movie, the stories follows Gabrielle, Troy, Sharpay and Ryan and friends through their summer vacation at Lava Springs County Club. Sharpay is as usual, self doubting, manipulative, and difficult. Gabrielle and Troy promise each other to have the best summer ever – together forever – but when is teen love ever simple. Not at Lava Springs Country Club. For tickets ($7-9), call 972-422-2575.