We Have New Shows Like Paris Hilton Has Nameless, Faceless Partners: This Week in Theatre!

WHIRLED NEWS TONIGHT
Brought to you by the same people that thunk up McNichol and May and Tight – a couple improv troupes that whooped ass all throughout FronteraFest 2006 – this weekly improv news satire is “literally ripped straight from the headlines”. Under the auspices of Comedybroads, Erika May directs the Austin version of what used to be a Chicago improv staple (and in the land that birthed Second City, that’s saying something). We’d recommend it if we hadn’t already recommended that SVT show. Performing this Saturday and every foreseeable Saturday thereafter at 10:30pm at The Hideout. More info by calling 512-461-5897

THE EXONERATED
This play by Jessica Blank is billed as a “new”, which isn’t exactly accurate. Texas State theatre department produced it like 15 minutes ago, it was produced in New York – at least twice – and also in the UK. That being said, everyone we talk to seems to think it’s awesome, and when a production is directed by Dave Steakley, you know it’ll be quality. The Exonerated is based on interviews with 40 death row inmates, reminds us that the death penalty is a heaping crock of shit, and opens this weekend at Zach Scott Theatre. Tickets and info at 476-0541 or via the magical internet.

DURANG/DURANG
We know it’s a little old skool, but we love Christopher Durang (the guy who, not surprisingly, wrote Durang/Durang). He’s just so funny, and random, and generally offensive to anyone who takes themselves or their Catholic upbringing too seriously. This piece is a series of short plays that satirizes Sam Shepard (a lame, “edgy” playwright from the 70s who tried to awaken us all to the plight of poor people when, actually, he was just being patronizing – a favorite amongst young male college students), Tennessee Williams (an even lamer playwright that’s become “important” for some unknown reason even though nearly every single piece he’s written revolves around sexually repressed, over-heated southerners), and David Mamet (a playwright who, despite his faults, we actually kind of like). Brought to you by the excellent theatre department at St Edward University, and presented at the Mary Moody Northern Theatre. Tickets and info by calling 448-8400.

THE ODD COUPLE
You can always count on the Austin Playhouse for great new productions of your favorite modern classics, and we’re sure The Odd Couple will be no exception. Follow the ridiculous high-jinx of Felix and Oscar as you watch the play that spawned the TV show that spawned what can only be described as a pop culture phenomenon (assuming you were old enough to care when the show was on air in the 70s and 80s). Call 476-0084 or visit the Austin Playhouse website for tickets and more info.

THE DIONYSIUM
An honest to goodness public debate and performance salon that will almost certainly appeal to all the thinky-thinkers among you. This months debate topic is: "American military power is effective or justified in bringing about democracy in other societies." See what we mean? Plus, see short films from the peeps at East Austin Stories, a live radio play from the Violet Crown Radio Players, Austin Chronicle listings editor Wayne Allen Brenner “relating the soggy and sordid tale of a years-ago drunken blowjob” and a fine-and-dandy musical appearance by the ridiculously talented Graham Reynolds. One night only, Tue, Apr. 4, 7:30pm at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar. Check out the Dionysium website for more info.

THE BEARD OF AVON
A “delightful comedy” from Amy Freed playing up some alternative theories on the writings of Willy Shakespeare. Namely, that someone else wrote his plays and/or he was gay. Que Scandalous! Different Stages helps us get naughty with the greatest playwright that ever lived, starting this weekend at The Vortex. Tickets and info at 453-7943.

DIALOGUES OF THE CARMELITES
Check it out, it’s an opera workshop. Opera usually doesn’t usually show up in this space, but we just couldn’t pass up the chance to bring something this insanely dramatic to your attention. Not only was Dialogues written after the composer experienced the Nazi occupation of France, it’s also based on a screenplay by Georges Bernanos, which was based on a novel by Gertrude von Le Fort, which was based on a memoir by Mother Marie of the Incarnation of God. (If nothing else, those names are amazing!) Apparently this opera follows the “tragic and true story of 16 Carmelite nuns who rebelled against the Terror of the French Revolution and dared the threat of Robespierre's infamous guillotine.” And now get this – all that work, and it’s only running for one weekend! (Although, keep watch, because the full production will be showing at UT in April) Get down to San Marcos to see this Texas State production. Friday and Saturday at 8PM, University Performing Arts Center. For more info, go here.

BALLET AUSTIN: DIRECTOR’S CHOICE
It’s always an event whenever Ballet Austin puts up a show. This particular production showcases new work and acclaimed first works by Gina Patterson and Stephen Mills. This weekend only at UT’s Bass Concert Hall. Call 476-2163 or visit Ballet Austin’s website for tickets and info.

*Also of note: Bad Dates. It technically opened a while ago, but after a brief hiatus due to Helen Merino’s injured foot , the show is back with Jill Blackwood in the lead. Tickets and more info at the Zach Scott website.

Just in case none of that was of any interest to you (which, we think, would give you the emotional voracity of an eggplant) there's also, amazingly, other shows in town that are still running from last week. For info on all those crazy cats, check out last week's post.

Photo from Planete Paris Hilton