![_The Dandy Warhols at Emo's East [Show Photos]](http://austinist.com/assets_c/2012/05/IMG_8133-thumb-250x250-716346.jpg)
![_The Preservation, The Dalles and SuperLiteBike at Beauty Ballroom [Show Preview]](http://austinist.com/assets_c/2012/05/the preservation-thumb-250x250-716401.jpg)
Let's Get Naked: This Week in Theatre!
As we enter into another weekend of hard nosed thespianic action, we remember being 15. Everyone told us we were worthless and ugly, so we turned to a life of porn – that’d show ‘um, bastards. It’s a familiar story. So familiar in fact, that it’s the focus of our Austinist Pick of the Week: A Brief History of Helen of Troy. You know those posters around town where the young-looking girl is sucking on a red lollipop about 3 inches away from some guy’s package? Those are thanks to Capital T Theatre – one of Austin’s newer theatre companies, now producing their second show in town, this time at Hyde Park Theatre.
Speaking of HPT – let’s pause for a second. We’ve been noticing this trend, see. Every show that’s gone up at Hyde Park for as long as we can remember – whether it’s an HPT-produced show or another company renting the space –has advertised the show with a poster suggesting sex. You know, two people that look topless hiding underneath some covers together, a half-naked man strategically placed in front of a half-naked woman so our eyes are not burned with the sight of nipple, the aforementioned lollipop poster, etc. These are provocative – kind of – but we’ve been to see a few of these shows, and there’s never any actual sex…not even some partial nudity! What gives? We’re no hornballs here at the Austinist theatre desk, but sometimes a little nip can do a production good. Besides, we feel like we’re getting hosed. (“Hosed”, like the way Jerry was “hosed” in the movie Fargo, not whatever you were thinking.)
Anyway, A Brief History sounds good, and Mark Pickell, the director of said production and Artistic Director of Capital T Theatre, seems like hard-workin’ kinda guy, and we need more of those on the Austin performance scene. So go check it out. Tonight and tomorrow at Hyde Park Theatre. Go to Capital T’s website for more info, and to make reservations.
More after the Expand-o-tron!
THE HOLLOW
Hell yes. It’s an Agatha Christie murder mystery! Suspicion, death, mistrust, intrigue – that’s theatre, baby. All brought to you by the dedicated thespians at Different Stages, led by the unstoppable Norman E. Blumensaadt. Opens tonight at the Vortex. Check out the Different Stages website for more info.
THE MUSIC MAN
Those down home, chip-on-the-shoulder Iowa folk want to make you scream SHI.POO.PEE. That’s right, homeslice, it’s The Music Man. This is quite the event from Tex-ARTS Association, starring Broadway's Tony-nominated Marian" Rebecca Luker and James Walton, and featuring local favorite Karen Kuykendall. Hang out with the stars and taste the glamour at a VIP Summer White party hosted by BRILLIANT Magazine. Score. Only downside? You’ve gotta find $100 in between the couch cushions (or wherever). Saturday only at the Paramount Theatre. Go to Tex-ARTS website for more info.
THE BENDS OF LIFE. . . SURVIVING, SEWING, STANDING
Wideman/Davis Dance comes to Austin courtesy of Dance Umbrella. It’s a piece that “follows two characters from slavery to sharecropping, receiving the right to vote after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s speech in Gees Bend.” Check it out at the George Washington Carver Boyd Vance Theatre on Friday and Saturday, June 23 & 24 at 8:00 PM, Tickets can be purchased at the Dance Umbrella website, or at the door.
THE APOCALYPSE
A “choreopoem” as a memorial to past and future victims of war at the Austin Massage Clinic. Somehow, that seems like all the description this event could possibly need. Produced by Real Eyes Theatre, and running Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through July 1st. Special bonus: it’s pay what you can, leaving more money for pre and post-show libations. 275-6088 for more info.
UNCERTAINTY AVOIDANCE
So, apparently, this guy named Brian Shapiro used to live in Austin, and everyone thought he was great. He returns to the burg from whence he sprung ready to dazzle you with a one-man show of theatre, live music, song, dance, and projections. In.tense. It’s only $11, proceeds help Austin’s Helping Hands Food Bank, and it’s at the Peacock Lounge. Sounds like one of those “art happenings” we keep hearing about. Find out more by calling, 220.7198. Running this weekend only!
BLINDFOLDED REFORMER
Speaking of weird-ass performance, there’s one more this week that we just had to bring to your attention. Check this out: "Eric Schimel performs the Pilates Advanced Reformer Routine blindfolded, with improvisational music on five instruments by Guy Forsyth." Rumor has it, they’re completely serious. Word. Wednesday night only! Free, and at the Vortex. Call 799-9225 for more info.
There's plenty-o-shows running from last week. For all the info, check out last week's This Week in Theatre.
