New round of 10 plays and musicals this weekend (Apr. 17-19)

by Shawn Parikh

This weekend brings an interesting mix of shows to our metroplex, ranging from a classic sex comedy to a regional premiere. While you have the time, make sure to see a few:

• Based on a Totally True Story, presented by WaterTower Theatre's Discover Series. REGIONAL PREMIERE: Ethan Keene, playwright and comic book writer, is on the verge of having it all – success, money, and a Hollywood movie credit. But getting to that Hollywood Premiere may be more dramatic than the movie. His father is having a marital crisis, his boyfriend is begging for more attention, and his producer is demanding a re-write. Based on a Totally True Story is the story of one wanna-be screenwriter’s attempt to find his own happy ending before the final credits roll. Recommended for mature audiences. Purchase tickets ($20-25) online or by calling 972-450-6232.
• Titus Andronicus, presented by Kitchen Dog Theater & SMU. Shakespeare’s bloodiest play is transposed, for this production, to an ancient Mayan setting. The themes of revenge, justice and violence begetting violence remain shocking and relevant. Purchase tickets ($15-30) online or by calling 214-953-1055.
• The Cemetery Club, presented by Contemporary Theatre of Dallas. In this poignant comedy, the basis for a hit film of the same name, three elderly Jewish widows have a standing date to visit their husband’s graves together. The contrasting personalities of sweet-tempered Ida, would-be party-girl Lucille, and uptight Doris make a solid, unified team until they meet Sam the butcher, with whom Ida becomes smitten, to her friends’ chagrin. Susan Sargeant, director of The Women and Sylvia at CTD, returns to direct this charming comedy. Purchase tickets ($22-32) online or by calling 214-828-0094.
• Noises Off!, presented by Repertory Company Theatre. Noises Off! follows the on- and off-stage antics of an inept acting troupe as they stumble from bumbling dress rehearsal to disastrous closing night. Everything that can go wrong does, as actors desperately try to hang on to their lines, their performances, and the furniture. Add a slippery plate of sardines and a slew of slamming doors and you have the most sidesplitting backstage comedy ever put on paper. For tickets ($12-20), call 972-690-5029.
• Lysistrata, presented by UTD Theatre. Are women the weakest sex? Does their soft skin and feminine form decide their fate in life? Love can make a fool of you, but desire can drive you crazy. ?This Greek classic by Aristophanes was the first to promote “make love, not war.” Thursday nights are free for all and donations will be accepted for the Bryce Jordan Scholarship Fund for the Arts. Call the box office at 972-883-2552 for reservations ($15).
• Sweeney Todd, presented by Garland Civic Theatre. Chilling, suspenseful, heart-pounding masterpiece tells the infamous tale of the unjustly exiled barber who returns to 19th century London seeking revenge against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. His thirst for blood soon expands to include his unfortunate customers, and the resourceful proprietress of the pie shop downstairs soon has the people of London lining up in droves for her mysterious new meat pie recipe! Call 972-205-2790 for tickets ($10-21).
• A Midsummers Night’s Dream, presented by ONSTAGE in Bedford. Magical, enchanting tale weaving star struck lovers, ambitious clowns and misadventurous woodland fairies. Purchase tickets ($10-15) online or by calling 817-644-6444.
• Walking Across Egypt, presented by Artisan Center Theater. A story of a sweet elderly lady whose faith and trust reform a juvenile delinquent. The God-fearing woman practically looks forward to her funeral, until Wesley comes along. He brings youth and joy to her life, and she brings intelligence, truth, and God into his. Both sides benefit from their experiences together. Call 817-284-1200 for ticket ($6-15).
• Side Man, presented by Greater Lewisville Community Theatre. The comic and tender story of Clifford, a young man who looks back on his family life. Prior to leaving home, Clifford reconciles the role that he has long played as parent to his parents. Smoothly gliding between present and past, it tells the story of a time before The Beatles and Elvis, when jazzmen were as heroic as ball players and there was no shortage of Saturday night gigs. Side Man is both a tribute to the men whose lives were their music and a sober look at a family drama left in the wake of that passion. Call 972-221-SHOW for reservations ($10-13).
• The Front Porch, presented by Theatre Off The Square. An original comedy/drama by local author Scott Nurmela: a story of everyday life and the little experiences we all take for granted. This portrait of the American Dream follows the lives of two families and the love (and the front porch) they share. The story begins during the couples' newlywed years and winds through decades of marriage, parenthood, home repair, family conflict, two wars, fishing trips, loss, and grief to the families' sunset years together. Tickets are $9-12.
• Willabella Witch, presented by Plano Children's Theatre. Willabella Witch is ready for a vacation! But no one will let her leave! They have love troubles, decision troubles, kingdom ruling troubles! Troubles! Troubles! Troubles! Call 972-422-2575 for reservations ($7-9).