More Fun than a Barrel of Monkeys: This Week in Theatre!

There's a mighty big lot of theatre going on at any given time in A-burg, and this weekend is no exception. While we've got only two shows opening -- both musicals, we might point out...very.different.musicals -- there's still plenty of monkeying around to be done, with a few closings (sad!) and lots of continuing runs (happy!). So let's take a peek inside this barrel and see what the apes are up to.

We can't help but notice that the most hyper, spazzy monkey just poppin' the lid right off everything is Yellow Tape Construction Company's I Love My Dead Gay Son: The Musical. This is our Austinist Pick of the Week. We've heard a few key words about this production that have us intensely curious: Heathers...Devo...1980's. We'll be taking in the opening night performance tonight, so expect a review shortly. Being a 1987 high school graduate with current possession of a stereo cabinet full of vinyl, including Devo of course, expect us to be a very well-versed critic indeed.

Only one burning question...will Winona herself catch this homage to one of her most beloved films? Perhaps sometime closing weekend (29/30/1)...? Us watching Winona watching quasi-Winona. Boggles the brain. Anyhoo, the show runs 6/15-7/1, Th-Sa @ 8pm at the Off Center, 2211-a Hidalgo St. Tickets: $15, contact Yellow Tape for more info & group rates.

On the other end of the musical spectrum, and equally as fun if you ask us, is the Gilbert and Sullivan Society's annual production. The folks over at G&S put all their eggs into one basket every summer with a yearly captial-p-Production of a G&S work. They've been doing things this way for the last 30 summers, so it must be working for them. This year they're bringing us HMS Pinafore, with singing sailors, class-busting romances, and a character named Buttercup. Runs 6/15-7/2, Th-Sa @ 8pm / Su @ 3pm at Forrest Kline Performing Arts Center @ Crockett HS, 5601 Manchaca (at Stassney). Tickets: $20, go online to get 'em.

After the jump, catch these monkeys before they're gone.

CLOSING THIS WEEKEND

YOU'RE NO ONE'S NOTHING SPECIAL and LONELY
We've heard some good things about these short-n-sweet offbeat romances. At Hyde Park Theatre, 511 West 43rd St. Tix at HPT's website.
Three performances remain: Th/Fr/Sa @ 8pm.

A PLACE TO LAND
Also approaching their big 3-0, the intrepid Dance Umbrella brings you yet another thought-provoking dance experience. In the heart of Clarksville, of all places (1609 W 9th Street). Tix at DU's website.
Three performances remain: Th/Fr/Sa @ 8pm.

THE OLDEST PROFESSION
Hmm, more 80's themery. Five not-so-young ladies of the night say witty things about life. Set in the Reagan era. Could be topical, no? Paradox Players at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4700 Grover Ave. Tix by calling 744.1495 or via the Paradox Players website.
Two performances remain: Sa @ 8pm / Su at 3pm (Fr is sold out).

CONTINUING...in order of Expiry Date

REQUIEM
As you may have noticed, we loved this Sarah Jacques/Blue Lapis Light production.
Thru June 25, Th-Su @ 8:45pm at 4th and San Antonio (the "Intel Shell"). Tix at the Blue Lapis Light website.

BAD DATES
Just two weekends left to catch Austin's theatre darling Helen Merino in this one-woman show.
Thru June 25, Fr-Sa @ 8pm / Su @ 2:30 pm at Zach scott Theatre's Whisenhunt Stage, 1510 Toomey Road. Tix at the Zach Scott website.

THE 24th DAY
Described as an "awesome stage thriller," this "violent, witty, startling and real" production is Rated R for sexual content, adult themes, dialogue, and violence. Freakin' awesome!
Thru July 1, Th-Sa @ 8pm at Arts on Real, 2826 Real St. Tix at the Arts on Real website.

INTERGALACTIC NEMESIS TRILOGY
We loved this, too. It's a high-energy blast from Salvage Vanguard Theater that will get yer imagination a-workin', as any great radio play will do.
Thru July 1, Th-Sa @ 8pm at the Blue Theatre, 916 Springdale Rd. Tix at SVT's website.

BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS
You know the story. The creepily preserved Marvin Zindler still mentions it in his bios.... Done up Austin Playhouse style.
Thru July 2. Th-Sa @ 8pm / Su @ 5pm at the Austin Playhouse, 3601 S. Congress. Tix by calling APH at 476.0084.

CROWNS
Gospel music, storytelling, and more are the hallmark of this Zach Scott favorite.
Thru July 9. Th-sa @ 8pm / Su @ 2:30pm at Zach Scott Theatre's Kleberg Stage, 1510 Toomey Road. Tix at the Zach Scott website.

WHIRLED NEWS TONIGHT
The witty, adorable Erika May is writing our very own Crush Out Austin column now. Read her stuff...see her & her cohorts in action! Our interview gives the gist of all that is Whirled News.
Ongoing. Every Saturday night @ 10:30pm at the Hideout Theatre, 617 Congress Ave. Tix at the Whirled News Austin website.

Image (c) Timewarp Toys.

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