Friday, August 29, 2008

Opening weekend for 6 theater productions (Aug. 29-31)

By Shawn Parikh

Labor Day weekend brings some great theater to town, so try and catch a few while the time is there:

Collected Stories

• Collected Stories, presented by Second Thought Theatre. This insightful look at the relationship between teacher and student revolves around Ruth, a famous aging author, and her quirky protégé, the tenacious Lisa. As Lisa flourishes under Ruth’s tutelage, we see a wedge begin to work its way between the women. Collected Stories brings the issue of artistic license into sharp focus, and begs an answer to the question of mimicry vs. homage. Sweet, sad, and terrifically honest, Donald Margulies’ work will leave you wondering who has won, and who you were rooting for, when the dust begins to settle. Call 972-450-6232 to purchase tickets ($20).
• Moon Over Buffalo, presented by Pocket Sandwich Theatre. This is the comedy which brought Carol Burnett back to Broadway. An uproarious look at the backstage shenanigans of an aging acting couple, George and Charlotte Hay (not quite the Lunts), who have one last shot at starring roles in a Frank Capra movie. There are a few disturbing questions: Will Charlotte appear or run off with their agent? Will George be sober enough to emote? Will Capra see Cyrano, Private Lives, or a strange mixture of the two? Hilarious misunderstandings pile on madcap misadventures, all of which are magnified by Charlotte’s deaf mother who manages the theatre. “PG-17.” Call 214-821-1860 for tickets ($10-18).
• Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me, presented by ICT Theatre on Edge & Level Ground Arts. The story follows 3 unlikely friends, kidnapped and imprisoned by a nameless group of terrorist, as they fight to survive in less than desirable conditions. Adam, the American psychologist, Edward, the Irish Journalist, and Michael, the English university professor each bring their own national biases and prejudices along with their humor and strength into the tiny space that has become their home. Through the stories and lives of each other, they come to see the strengths and weaknesses in each man. The men learn to stand together against a common enemy and to stand on their own against the world. This look at human nature at its most desperate, glows with the hope, laughter and tears that help these 3 men to survive one more day. For reservations ($8), call 972-594-6104.
• The Crash At Crush, world premiere presented by Shane-Arts. When it came to dreaming big, Willie Crush was the best. Hired to sell tickets on the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (the KATY), this friend of PT Barnum knew that railroad wrecks drew crowds in minutes. Think about how many would come if they knew in advance! Why not stage a train wreck? This historical event attracted young Scott Joplin who decided to write his first ragtime song, "The Great Crush Collision March" to commemorate the event and tells the tale about how the whole world took notice of the small town between Dallas and Waco. Willie Crush wanted Katherine to notice most of all, and he had the support of nearly everyone involved - except for one Katy railroad hand who swore the boilers would burst and there'd be "...dead people all over the place", but the confident Willie Crush was unstoppable. This show is suitable for the entire family. Purchase tickets ($20-25) online or by calling 877-238-5596.
• I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, presented by Music Theatre of Denton for this weekend only. If you missed it in February - now's your chance!! If you saw it in February - enjoy it again. Call 940-382-1915 for tickets ($12).
• Oklahoma!, for this weekend only. The wind will whistle through Addison Circle Park as WaterTower Theatre and the Dallas Wind Symphony present a concert version of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! An affectionate paean to the Wild West, the Broadway classic Oklahoma! follows the romance between handsome cowboy Curly and winsome farm girl Laurey. Presented by the WaterTower Theatre & Dallas Wind Symphony. Call 972-450-6232 for advanced tickets ($5-10).

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