The Bard is back! This weekend only—Shakespeare shenanigans you won't want to miss. But first we're dropping a hint about a little show we've heard is fantastic. Shrewd Productions' Io: a myth about you runs through November 10, Th/Fr/Sa at the Vortex. This play with music features an all-star cast, including our current biggest crush Jude Hickey. Described as a "foray into heroic tales, vengeance, decadence, salvation, forgiveness, and rock & roll," it contains strong language and sexual content. You've been warned! Tickets: 478-LAVA.

As for Old Will, at 7pm Saturday night, Richard Garriott's Curtain Theatre hosts Words by Shakespeare, Music by Austin. This chichi gala and benefit concert for Austin Shakespeare Festival features more than 20 of Austin’s best musicians, singers, actors and comedians. We were particularly amused to hear that Martin Burke will make his singing debut. Hoo! Tickets $50 (SRO)–$150 (Reserved).

The next day, same location, 3pm, the ever-popular Les McGehee will lead a troupe in Plays Well with Shakespeare. The production raids the Bard for an hour's worth of family-friendly entertainment. The cast includes three of our very favorite people: Owen Egerton, Jodi Egerton, and Robert Faires. You, and your kids, will laugh until you cry! Tickets $10-$20, or a family 4-pack for $35.

From Io: a myth about you, photo of Jude Hickey, Gina Houston and Aaron Alexander by Brett Brookshire.