New wave of 7 plays and musicals this weekend (May 8-10)

by Shawn Parikh

This weekend brings in quite a mixed bag of productions, so make sure to see whatever fits your fancy while you can:

• Last Train to Nibroc, presented by Echo Theatre. A two character play set in the early 1940s. We follow May Gill and Raleigh Brummett from their first meeting on a train bound for Kentucky through their budding romance. First part in the The Nibroc Trilogy, an award-winning three-play cycle that follows May and Raleigh from their first meeting in the 1940s, through the second World War and into the Eisenhower era. A tale told with romance, comedy and a grace evocative of its era in American history. Click here for a complete trilogy schedule. Single performance tickets are $25-30, and or attend all three plays on May 31 for $60. Call the Box Office at 214-871-3300, #1 for reservations or purchase online.
• One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, presented by ONSTAGE in Bedford. A charming rogue contrives to serve a short sentence in an airy mental institution rather in a prison. This, he learns, was a mistake. He clashes with the head nurse, a fierce artinet. Quickly, he takes over the yard and accomplishes what the medical profession has been unable to do for twelve years; he makes a presumed deaf and dumb Indian talk. He leads others out of introversion, stages a revolt so that they can see the world series on television, and arranges a rollicking midnight party with liquor and chippies. For one offense, the head nurse has him submit to shock treatment. The party is too horrid for her and she forces him to submit to a final correction a frontal lobotomy. Winner of the 2001 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Revival. Purchase tickets ($12-15) online or by calling 817-644-6444.
• Kiss Me, Kate, presented by Rockwall Community Playhouse. Combine Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew with Porter's music and lyrics to get Kiss Me, Kate an instant success with every cast and audience. This is a play-within-a-play where each cast member's on-stage life is complicated by what is happening offstage. Musical numbers include "Why Can't You Behave", "So In Love Am I", "Wunderbar", "Tom, Dick or Harry", "Were Thine That Special Face", "Too Darn Hot", "Brush Up Your Shakespeare", "I Hate Men", "Always True to You (In My Fashion)" and "Another Op'nin, Another Show". Call 972-722-3399 for reservations ($15-18).
• 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.
• The House of Blue Leaves, presented by Theatre Arlington. This award-winning comedy spotlights a song-writing zookeeper and his insane wife who are visited by a parade of zany characters on the day the Pope comes to town. Social commentary and farce collide in this popular look at the dark underside of the American dream. Purchase tickets ($15-17) online or by calling 817-275-7661.
• Totally Red!, presented by Duncanville Community Theatre. Words, Music, & Dramatization by Dinah Toups with Lyrics & Music by Barbara Walker. A new twist on the story of "Little Red Riding Hood" with laughter and fun for all ages! Call 972-780-5707 for reservations ($10-12).
• Who Wrote the Book of Love, presented by Granbury Opera House. A hilarious new doo wop musical.. Purchase tickets ($20-25) online.