HORSING AROUND: The AT&T Performing Arts Center sent out a news release yesterday trumpeting War Horse as, “the most successful play (non-musical) in Dallas history.” So far, more than $1 million in tickets have been sold for the engagement, which lasts through Sunday. That nudges it past August: Osage County, which played the PAC in 2010. So should you add to that giant stack of money by buying a ticket? “War Horse is the most spectacular piece of stagecraft you’re ever likely to see,” is how Lawson Taitte starts off his dallasnews.com review. “You’ll be hard-pressed to find anything else—play or movie—that elicits such powerful emotions,” Lindsey Wilson writes on Front Row. “When paired with the magnificent design elements that revel in their unique theatricality, the combination is spectacular.” And Mark Lowry sums it up on dfw.com by saying, “It’s the horses, of courses, that make this a ticket worth buying — once for you, and a few more times as early Christmas presents for your friends and family.” So I think the answer to our should you or shouldn’t you question is: you should.
A LOOK AHEAD: VideoFest gets cranking in a little over a week. We’ll have a ton of coverage coming up here on Art&Seek, but if you can’t wait another second, check out this interview with artistic director Bart Weiss and video artists Mike Morris and A&S guest blogger Danielle Georgiou.
WAY OUT WEST: Stage West has announced the lineup for its 34th season. Things get started Nov. 1 with the musical She Loves Me. Other notable shows include The Taming of the Shrew (Feb. 21–March 24) and Thank You, Jeeves, based on the P. G. Wodehouse book. Keep reading for the news release announcing the full season:
STAGE WEST ANNOUNCES 2012-2013 SEASON
Stage West is pleased to announces its lineup for the 34th season! The new season offers a wonderful mix of plays, ranging from a classic fave to the 2012 Obie winner, with an additional special attraction. They are:
She Loves Me, Book by George Masteroff, Music by Jerry Bock, Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
November 1 – December 9
A classic musical love story based on the same source as the films The Shop Around the Corner and You’ve Got Mail. Funny and intelligent, She Loves Me is a warm romantic comedy set in 1930’s Budapest, with an endearing innocence and a touch of nostalgia, yet as universal and relevant as ever in this age of internet romance. And there’s a holiday theme, with the happy ending arriving on Christmas Eve.
Gabriel, by Moira Buffini
January 10 – February 10
In this riveting drama set on a German-occupied English island during World War II, a mysterious unconscious man is pulled from the waves and taken in by a young widow and her family. The family maintains a delicate love-hate relationship with the German occupiers, and is concealing some deep secrets, including the fact that one of them is Jewish. The mysterious stranger (RAF pilot? Spy? The angel Gabriel?) may be the force which breaks this tightly-woven circle of subterfuge.
The Taming of the Shrew, by William Shakespeare
February 21 – March 24
A new look at an iconic comedy. Kate and Bianca are sisters. Bianca can’t marry till Kate is wed. Lucentio wants Bianca, Bianca wants Lucentio. Petruchio wants Kate. And Kate wants no one! But in the war between the sexes, there always comes a time to surrender. The question is—for whom? This timeless play is about the eternal divide between men and woman, and who gets the last laugh.
4000 Miles, by Amy Herzog
April 4 – May 5
After a life-changing cross-country bike trip, 21 year old Leo seeks solace from his feisty 91 year old grandmother Vera in her Manhattan apartment. Over the course of a single month, these unlikely roommates infuriate, bewilder, and ultimately, reach each other. 4000 Miles looks at how two outsiders, one young and one old, help each other to find their way. Winner of the 2012 Obie for Best New American Play.
The Fox on the Fairway, by Ken Ludwig
July 5 – August 11
The Quail Valley Country Club is preparing to take on arch-rival Crouching Squirrel in the annual Inter-Club Golf Tournament. As the stakes grow ever higher, the contest plays out amidst three love affairs, a disappearing diamond, and objectionable sweaters. This is a charmingly madcap farce about love, life, and man’s eternal love affair—with golf!
Thank You, Jeeves, adapted by Mark Richard from the book by P. G. Wodehouse
August 22 – September 29
Bertie Wooster and his faithful servant Jeeves return with a full cast of characters, including tyrannical relatives, beastly acquaintances, demon children, and a banjolele. Bertie has taken up an irritating new hobby which drives Jeeves to resign. As usual, Bertie gets caught up in a sea of entanglements, and fearsome complications develop. But will Jeeves be there this time to save the day?
Plus—a Special Added Attraction!
Stones in His Pockets, by Marie Jones
May 16 – June 23
The return of a much-requested favorite, about two Irish extras on a film shoot. In County Kerry, an American production crew has set up residence, and their presence offers the locals opportunity, trouble, and temptation. Two actors portray an ensemble of characters in this witty and engrossing play about how the little things can make a big impact.
COMMENTS