‘SEVEN GUITARS’ A 10: The reviews are in for August Wilson’s Seven Guitars, currently onstage at African-American Repertory Theater in DeSoto, and the locals really like it. In her theaterjones.com review, Elaine Liners says, “Director William (Bill) Earl Ray has a fine cast that works off one another with the ease and intimacy this big, complex play needs. There are moments of real brilliance … ” Lawson Taitte was equally bowled over in his dallasnews.com review from earlier this week. “We’ve waited a dozen years for Seven Guitars to make it to North Texas. Thank goodness, the production that African American Repertory Theater opened on Friday does the play justice, and then some.”

ART FOR A CAUSE: Single mothers have been hit particularly hard during the current recession, with many struggling to make ends meet. In response, the Single Mothers Outreach Project will produce the Jazz Friday Series. In addition to the musicians, visual artists and even a sommelier will team up to host the four events. All money raised goes directly to North Texas single moms. The first show is Sept. 18; for the full schedule, click here.

… OR YOUR MONEY BACK!: A theater company in Chicago is putting its money where its mouth is, telling audience members after the show that they may receive a refund if they did not enjoy the performance. Actually, that’s sorta true – the reality is that the backers of the show have agreed to refund the money. Either way, Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune says the whole thing is a well-intentioned, bad idea – especially the part where one of the actors in the show takes the stage to announce the guarantee. “It’s a bit like watching an actor leap down from the stage and start clearing tables. … We don’t like to see those who bare their souls for an audience’s edification and enjoyment have to stoop to such things.” It got me wondering if any of our local companies have considered the idea, and if so, how did it go?