Shoppin' Around: This Week in Theatre

Well folks, there are already so many still-running productions to choose from (see end of post) that we're a bit surprised Austin has any actors left to staff even more shows. Then again, this weekend's new works all come from the Specialty Aisle -- from Shakespeare to radio theatre, high school productions to college work, This Week in Theatre offers several interesting things to choose from. Let's get to it.

The UT Department of Theatre and Dance presents "Aisle 7."
We're very intrigued by this piece. Called "hilariously frightening," and written by local playwright Kendall Lynch, the show uses monologues to pry into the minds of grocery store shoppers. Yeah, maybe that guy in produce really is thinking of asking for your email address as he peruses the tomatoes and bell peppers.... Our press contact warns us, "They're putting the audience in the action so a theatre that usually holds 500 will ONLY hold 100." And it's a world premiere, which always adds to the hype.
Opens Friday and runs thru March 4.
B. Iden Payne Theatre, 477-6060. $10-16. www.utpac.org.
If you bring non-perishable food items, they will be used first as props, and then donated to the Capital Area Food Bank.

The Violet Crown Radio Players present two new radio plays, “Molly McCoy, Air Ace” and “Sailor Steve Costigan.”
We loved their rendition of King Kong, and besides, checking out the VCs is always a fun way to start a night on the town.
Opens Thursday and runs thru March 4.
The Hideout Theater, 617 Congress, 443-3688. $15 ($12.50, in advance; pay what you wish, Thursday). www.violetcrownradio.com.

McCallum Fine Arts Academy presents "Chicago."
Yeah, they're high-schoolers, but the kiddos over at McCallum consistently put on an impressive show. And who doesn't love "Chicago"?
This weekend only, Thursday-Sunday.
McCallum Fine Arts Center. 474-TIXS (8497), www.austix.com.

Austin Shakespeare Festival presents "Richard III" and "The Rivals."
ASF takes on the daunting task of presenting these very different shows in rotating repertory, meaning one group of actors does more than one show...kind of all in one fell swoop. This weekend "The Rivals" opens; next weekend "Richard III." After than, the somewhat complex calendar is here. Since "The Rivals" is up first, we'll comment on it. And really, all we need to say is this: the always-delightful Bernadette Nason plays Mrs. Malaprop. That thought alone has us grinning ear to ear. Need we say more? Don't think so.
Thursday thru March 19.
Austin Playhouse, 3601 South Congress in Penn Field. $25 Regular, $20 ACOT/Senior, $12 Student. 512-454-BARD (2273), www.austinshakespeare.org.

Continuing this week is a trouser load of theatre, theatre, and more theatre. The actors are busy!

Thru Feb 25/26