Austin Theater Reviews

Review: CRUZAR LA CARA DE LA LUNA at Austin Opera
by Victoria Schwarz - February 04, 2024

Music by José “Pepe” Martinez, Lyrics by José “Pepe” Martinez and Leonard Foglia, Book by Leonard Foglia, Orchestration by David Hanlon, CRUZAR offers a deeply moving and acutely transparent experience....

Review: PHOTOGRAPH 51 at The Filigree Theatre
by Sabrina Wallace - January 29, 2024

Under the skillful direction of Elizabeth V. Newman, Photograph 51 is a tribute to Dr. Rosalind Franklin and her unaccredited contributions to science. Entertaining, poignant, and relevant to the ongoing conversations about the role of women in a male-dominated society....

Review: THE LIBRARY at Different Stages
by Sabrina Wallace - January 27, 2024

Different Stages’ production of 'The Library' by Scott Z. Burns is a powerful and thought-provoking play that tackles difficult subject matter with grace and intelligence. It offers a nuanced exploration of the human experience in the aftermath of tragedy, leaving a lasting impact on those who witne...

Review: TINA - THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL at Bass Concert Hall is Simply The Best!
by Sabrina Wallace - January 19, 2024

Tina - The Tina Turner Musical stands as a masterful exposé of the icon's life, ranking among the best in its genre in my humble opinion. The entire cast of this Broadway touring production deserves commendation, with each performer and the orchestra paying much-deserved homage to the queen of rock ...

Review: BACK TO YOU at Austin Rainbow Theatre
by Sabrina Wallace - January 18, 2024

Austin Rainbow Theatre (ART) brings a poignant tale of friendship, love, and the challenges of growing up gay in the Texas Valley with Back to You. The script is simple yet profound and delivers likable and relatable characters through the brilliant performances of Joe Montoya (Mateo) and Chris Rive...

Review: QUEER TO TELL: AUSTIN HOLIDAY EDITION at Soundspace at Captain Quack's Was a Joyful Party!
by Sabrina Wallace - December 21, 2023

Led by a charismatic EMCEE, a group of brave storytellers shared their unique LGBTQIA+ stories, weaving a rich tapestry of emotions that sparked laughter and tears. The one-night-only event, “Queer to Tell: Austin Holiday Edition”, kicked off the holiday season with a powerful message—or rather six—...

Review: UNA NOCHE BUENA - ZACH Theatre Presents A Holiday Treat For The Whole Family
by Lynn Beaver - December 17, 2023

UNA NOCHE BUENA at ZACH Theatre is a wonderful holiday musical that will become a holiday tradition....

Review: AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE at Austin Shakespeare
by Sabrina Wallace - December 17, 2023

Austin Shakespeare presents 'An Enemy of the People' as a staged reading. With an exceptional cast that includes actors from Austin and Hollywood, the play delivers thought-provoking theatre, that touches on themes that resonate in the context of contemporary America: the moral dilemma between self-...

Review: A CHRISTMAS CAROL at ZACH THEATRE is A Joyful Yuletide Extravaganza!
by Sabrina Wallace - December 08, 2023

Zach’s festive production of A Christmas Carol, weaves together an outstanding cast, catchy choreography, lively musical numbers, and Charles Dickens’ enchanting tale of redemption that never fails to warm the hearts of audiences during the Holiday Season....

Review: THE WOLVES at Mary Moody Northen Theatre
by Sabrina Wallace - November 15, 2023

Under the skillful direction of Anna Skidis Vargas, this production of 'The Wolves' delivers thought-provoking theatre with quality and poise. The cast showcases a group of talented young women engaging in authentic conversations, mourning, arguing, laughing, and playfully offering a behind-the-scen...

Review: THE BOOK OF MORMON Rocks Bass Concert Hall
by Lynn Beaver - November 15, 2023

Broadway in Austin brings the absolutely hysterical, very adult THE BOOK OF MORMON to Bass Concert Hall to an appreciative audience this week. ...

Review: EL CID at The Rollins Theatre At The Long Center
by Sabrina Wallace - November 13, 2023

Presented as a bilingual play, 'El Cid' captivates the audience with moments of theatrical brilliance, courtesy of the outstanding and diverse ensemble cast. They adeptly navigate the moral dilemmas surrounding honor, love, and justice, contributing to the play's overall impact....

Review: IT'S ONLY A PLAY at City Theatre Austin
by Sabrina Wallace - October 24, 2023

Terrence McNally’s 'It's Only a Play' is a masterful exploration of the entertainment world, brought to life by the talented ensemble of City Theatre and McNally's insightful writing, making it a must-see for those seeking both entertainment and introspection on the theater industry and its colorful...

Review: THE MOUSETRAP at The Georgetown Palace Playhouse
by Sabrina Wallace - October 23, 2023

The carefully directed cast of The Mousetrap at Georgetown Palace Playhouse breathes life into Christie's meticulously crafted characters. From the charming yet elusive innkeepers to the eccentric guests who arouse suspicion, every actor adds depth to the play's intricate tapestry. As the plot thick...

Review: BAT BOY THE MUSICAL Charms Audiences at ACC
by Sabrina Wallace - October 16, 2023

While Bat Boy: The Musical may not be a conventional piece of musical theatre, its unique blend of humor, heart, and social relevance makes it a must-see for theatre lovers looking for something refreshingly different. The production’s commitment to the show’s spirit and eccentricity, coupled with a...

Review: Austin Rainbow Theatre Comes Out With SORDID LIVES
by Joni Lorraine - October 10, 2023

What did our critic think of SORDID LIVES at Austin Rainbow Theatre?...

Review: SORDID LIVES at Austin Rainbow Theatre Opens New Doors for the LBGTQIA+ Community
by Sabrina Wallace - October 09, 2023

'Sordid Lives' is a celebration of diversity and the messy, imperfect beauty of family. Del Shores' brilliant writing, coupled with the cast's heartfelt performances, transforms the play into a powerful commentary on acceptance. This production not only entertains but serves as an introduction to th...

Review: SIX Rocks History at Bass Concert Hall
by Sabrina Wallace - October 06, 2023

The electrifying production of SIX has descended upon Austin, TX, like a storm of historical reclamation and feminist fervor. All SIX performers (ten if we include the four women in the band) are true QUEENS of pop and sassiness. They own the stage from beginning to end and give the audience a night...

Review: Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT at The Curtain Theatre pays homage to the Bard!
by Sabrina Wallace - October 01, 2023

The Baron's Men's rendition of “Twelfth Night” serves as a testament to the enduring magic of theatre. Through impeccable delivery and nuanced interpretation of Shakespeare's rich comedic text, the company masterfully transports audiences to Elizabethan England and pays homage to the Bard’s comedic ...

Review: BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY at TexArts is a comedic tour-de-force!
by Sabrina Wallace - September 30, 2023

Under the skilled direction of Rosalind Faires, an outstanding cast, and a script that reimagines a classic tale, the TexArts production of Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mistery, emerges as a vibrant and entertaining piece of theatre, where laughter and intrigue intertwine seamlessly....

Review: THE NORWEGIANS at Austin Playhouse is deadly fun!
by Sabrina Wallace - September 27, 2023

The Norwegians, a comedy play written by C. Denby Swanson, is an 80-minute, one-act play that enchants audiences with a burst of dark humor and unexpected twists. Set in the gritty backdrop of Minneapolis, this quirky production brings together a motley crew of characters, each with their own idiosy...

Review: PICNIC at City Theatre
by Sabrina Wallace - August 24, 2023

With its timeless themes and memorable characters, Picnic stands as a testament to the enduring power of theatre to capture the complexity of human relationships and the choices that shape our lives. A charming and entertaining evening of Austin theatre....

Review: HEAD OVER HEELS at Zach is a Party Where Everyone is Welcome
by Sabrina Wallace - August 16, 2023

Head Over Heels triumphs in its ability to blend humor, romance, and social commentary. By infusing the story with themes of change and acceptance, the musical delivers a poignant message of hope and unity. Join this group of Arcadians in their transformative journey to a more inclusive universe, wh...

Review: 9 TO 5, THE MUSICAL at TexARTS is a celebration of female empowerment!
by Sabrina Wallace - August 08, 2023

9 to 5, The Musical at TexARTS is a delightful and empowering theatrical experience that captivates, inspires, and uplifts. With stellar performances, engaging storytelling, and memorable musical numbers, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of friendship and the strength that arises when ...

Review: Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Magnolia Musical Theatre
by Lynn Beaver - August 07, 2023

Magnolia Musical Theatre’s DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is an extraordinary experience....