10 theater productions closing this weekend (May 8-10)

by Shawn Parikh

As with any other weekend, shows all over DFW will be ending their runs so try and see a few while you have the chance:

• RENT, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals. The classic musical about love, friendship and community, and the seventh longest-running show in Broadway history. Now, RENT is coming in a new touring production starring original Broadway cast members Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp! Over the course of its groundbreaking 12-year New York run, RENT transformed the definition of musical theater -- and changed Broadway forever. Set in NYC's East Village, RENT is a modern take on the classic Puccini opera, La Boheme. It tells the unforgettable story of a group of young artists learning to survive, falling in love, finding their voices and living for today. Purchase tickets ($20-85) online or by calling 214-631-ARTS.
• Dixie’s Tupperware Party, for this weekend only at McKinney Performing Arts Center. Dixie Longate, the fast-talking Tupperware Lady, packed up her catalogs, left her children in an Alabama trailer park and took Off-Broadway by storm! Now, join Dixie as she travels the country throwing good ol'fashioned Tupperware Parties filled with outrageously funny tales, heartfelt accounts, FREE giveaways, audience participation and the most fabulous assortment of Tupperware ever sold on a theater stage. Loaded with the most up-to-date products available for purchase, see for yourself how Ms. Longate became the #1 Tupperware seller in the U.S. & Canada as she educates her guests on the many alternative uses she has discovered for her plastic products! Purchase tickets ($16-26) 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. It is the Depression era version of SNL 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.
• Crazy For You, presented by Music Theatre of Denton. This is the "perfect" musical comedy -- one where everybody sings, everybody dances and where anything on hand is used to make music. Adapted from the Gershwin 1930s musical, "Girl Crazy," the new version includes high energy characters, outrageously funny humor and one of the best musical scores of the century -- who could ask for anything more? George and Ira Gershwin, responsible for some of America's best known musicals, used classical and jazz music styles. Gershwin songs can be hummed, whistled, or sung by us all. "Crazy For You" uses seven great tunes from "Girl Crazy," including "Bidin' My Time," "Embraceable You," "I Got Rhythm," and "But Not For Me" and thirteen additional songs from other Gershwin works. One of Broadway's greatest hits, "Crazy for You" was awarded 3 Tonys. Call 940-382-1915 for reservations ($10-18).
• Don Juan in Chicago, presented by Collin Theatre Center. A sexy new comedy about the search for eternal bliss. Don Juan is a handsome, rich, sexually naïve nobleman in sixteenth-century Spain. His servant, Leporello, urges him to find a girlfriend and lead a normal life, but the Don is more interested in finding the meaning of life through books and alchemy. Afraid he won't have time to find it, Don Juan calls up the Devil and cuts a deal that grants him (and Leporello) immortality ... as long as Don Juan seduces a different woman every day. Four hundred years later, exhausted by endless liaisons, Don Juan and Leporello grapple with the sexual mores of contemporary urban America. Will Don Juan and Leporello be doomed to eternal damnation … or, to eternal bliss? Purchase tickets ($6-8) online or by calling 972-881-5809.
• 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).
• 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 tickets ($6-15).
• Into The Woods, presented by Creative Arts Theatre & School. A childless baker and his wife cannot have a child until they follow the bidding of the witch next door to get a cow as white as milk, the cape as red as blood, the hair as yellow as corn, and the slipper as pure as gold. Good thing, then that they've got neighbors named Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Cinderella to help them before (and after) Happily Ever After. Purchase tickets ($10-15) online or by calling 817-861-CATS.
• Funny Girl, presented by Azle Arts Association’s Popcorn Players. Fanny is shown as a stage-struck teen who gets her first job in vaudeville. Her success as both a comedienne and a singer leads her to meeting the sophisticated Nick Arnstein. They soon become romantically involved and marry. As Fanny becomes a major star with Ziegfield, Nick's business ventures fail and he is arrested for embezzelment. Purchase tickets ($5-10) online or by calling 817-238-PLAY.
• Channel Surfin’: A Night of Live TV, presented by Flower Mound Performing Arts Theatre. An evening of live television! Presented by the students of the Young Artist Training program, Channel' Surfin' is a fun original musical in classic variety show format. Actors poke fun at the wide array of your favorite tv shows. Tune in. Purchase tickets ($12-20) online or by calling 972-724-2147.