Friday, April 24, 2009

Opening and preview weekend for 4 theater productions (Apr. 24-26)

By Shawn Parikh

This weekend is not that big for shows opening, but that just means you have time to catch them all:

• King Hedley II, presented by TeCo Theatrical Productions. Texas premiere. A petty thief named King returns after seven years in prison to the devastation of Reaganomics. The play is set in 1985 and tells the story of an ex-con in post-Reagan Pittsburgh trying to rebuild his life. Many critics have hailed the work as a haunting and challenging tragedy of Shakespearean proportions. TeCo's T-An-T (Teenagers and Theater) students culminate an intensive, four-month apprenticeship. Call the box office at 214-948-0716 for tickets ($15-20) or purchase online.
• As Thousands Cheer, presented by Lyric Stage. Irving Berlin and Moss Hart's topical revue was an enormous hit when it opened on Broadway in 1933. AS THOUSANDS CHEER is the Depression era version of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE and POLITICALLY INCORRECT. Moss Hart's sketches are sharp, witty and hilarious and Irving Berlin's songs range from wry to satiric to poignant. The score includes the Irving Berlin classics "Heat Wave," "Easter Parade" and "Supper Time." Purchase tickets ($18-29) online or by calling 972-252-2787.
• Steel Magnolias, presented by McKinney Repertory Theatre. In the haven of Truvy's beauty salon, six very different women come together to share their secrets and bare their souls, not to mention a little gossip! From weddings to babies to funerals, they weather every event in their lives en masse with grace, determination, and perfectly coiffed hair. Purchase tickets ($11-16) online or by calling 214-544-4630.

And previewing is:

• Sarah, Plain and Tall, presented by Dallas Theater Center. Patricia MacLachlan’s heartwarming, Newberry Award-winning novel comes to life on stage in this DTC world premiere of an enchanting new musical. Living in 19th-century Kansas, widower Jacob Whitting struggles to make a good home for his two children on their Kansas farm. When he puts a personal ad in the paper looking for a wife to fill the painful void in their midst, he receives a reply from the strong-willed and unconventional Sarah Wheaton, a fisherwoman from Maine, who describes herself as “plain and tall – and not mild-mannered.” With courage, patience, love and understanding they all learn to overcome fear and loneliness, rebuild their lives and create a new family together. Featuring a beautiful, tuneful score from the composer and lyricist of the hit Broadway musical, Legally Blonde, and a touching book filled with lively, moving characters, Sarah, Plain and Tall is a sweet, heart-filled musical the whole family can enjoy. Show officially opens April 28. Purchase tickets ($16-53) online or by calling 214-522-8499.

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