Pollyanna could be a theatre company that you may not have heard of, unless you are seven... or in…read morethe know when it comes to the Austin theatre scene. It's a children's theatre company that fit's its mission and purpose well. I caught a revival of a New Mexico children's' play called Wonderdog, a young girl's journey from loss to new school to friendship and ultimate reunification of family. Pretty serious stuff for kidd-os, huh? At this performance, there were about 100 audience members, and the kids were mesmerized. They loved it, and so did the adults. The company is expertly produced by artistic director, Judy Matetzschk-Campbell. She took the time to welcome the audience before the show and help the children understand the difference between television and live theatre. Smart move! She made the medium accessible for the kids but did more than tell them they had to stay seated. You can tell she's a teacher. The kids were ready for an hour of live theatre. The performance itself was expertly written, directed, and designed. The kids loved the dog costumes, which were cleverly crafted with styrofoam hats with cool doggie snouts, and woolly jackets, and they suited the characters' needs well, since all of the dogs of Dog Alley like those "belly rubs." The show itself is very appropriate for young ones but full of thoughtful, real themes such as bereavement and unconditional love. The actors handled the script well and warmed our hearts when the scene demanded. Nice job! If you have a kiddo in your world, share Pollyanna with them. They'll be more than entertained; they'll learn a skill set and mature their understanding of and love for live theatre.

To the Director and Board: A good amount of money was spent to buy tickets to Verdi's Requiem. I, a…read more76 year old native Austinite arrived at the Long Center about 20 minutes early (at the entrance to the parking garage). The next 15 minutes were spent looking for a parking place in the garage. I ended up parking at the very top and taking the elevator down. There were several other older ladies as well there who don't quite move quickly. By the time we walked to the door of the Long Center it was 3 minutes after the start of a 90-minute opera. I raced to get to my seat but was escorted to the upper balcony. As I entered there was a lady bandaging her leg on the stairs. From falling there. When I got to the upper balcony it was pitch dark and the helper had a flashlight that didn't work. It took me a while for my eyes to adjust and finally was able to be seated, slightly short of breath from the race and the altitude of those seats. Other nicely dressed older ladies came in after me and stumbled around to find seats. We were informed we would have to sit there for the duration as there was no intermission for a 90 minute performance. Why? I ask you why? Along with a canteen of water, a flashlight and a first aid kit do I need to bring a catheter to the Opera? This is ridiculous. I am pretty ticked off and will not attend again until something is done to remedy the deeply flawed, user-unfriendly experience I had. Navigating in the dark for a 76-year-old is not something that is a healthy activity. You do realize a lot of your audience are seniors, don't you? You do realize that you all probably go to the valet or VIP parking I passed at the one minute marker entrance to the parking lot and then go to your box seats? You're not experiencing what other people are experiencing and I'm afraid you've lost track. I hope you will do something to remedy.

I had the opportunity to see Cruzar de la Luna last night with friends and had such a great time…read more The storyline had beautiful depth and the orchestra was outstanding too. Great experience overall, Austin Opera knows how to put on a show!

Tonight I went to see the Heartbreaks vs. the Hustlers. This was the first time I attended this…read moretype of event. The level of excitement at this venue was through the roof. At the venue, fans can have a close up experience with the Rollergirls and are able to get play by play commentary from the M.C. There really isn't a bad seat in this venue. The guests who sit downstairs sit on bleachers. Additionally, there are members walking around with signs to explain the derby game to those who have never been to an event. All around amazing experience.

This was my first time at roller derby so I had no expectations and have nothing to compare it to,…read morebut the hubby and I both found it very entertaining...even though we had no idea what was going on. We arrived late...apparently before the first match starts the MCs explain the rules-note: will have to be on time for next "match" (is that what they're're called?) - no "bouts." That's it. These gals take the sport seriously while at the same time showing great respect for members of the other teams. One big happy family! Player names like "Bloody Mary" (she rocked BTW!), "Lucille Brawl," and "Babe Ruthless" only add to the whimsical, yet ass-kicking, environment. Everybody there, from other spectators to team players, were so friendly. While we were sitting there, one of the players from a team in Bout 1 even came up, introduced herself, asked if we were having fun, and thanked us for coming! The teams also invited the crowd to attend the after party with them (Jackolope's on 6th)...which we did for a bit. If you've never been before at least go once to check it out. Apparently, Texas Rollergirls was the #2 league in the U.S. for 2013. Good times! p.s. THANKS to @YelpAustin team we had comp tix to sit in VIP section! Thank you, thank you! Awesome! There were waitstaff in that area who took drink orders during the event. Didn't even have to wait in line for a beer! BONUS!

The 999 Eyes Authentic Freakshow / Circus of the Damned…read more is one of the last REAL Freakshows...and by real I mean that they have a cast of exciting and talented people who, well how do i put this...were born a little different from you and me...peek inside the tent and you might see, a lobster boy and girl, giants, dwarfs, human tripod, flipper boy, a modern day elephant man, and more! They tour around the U.S. and I always look forward to them visiting California! The show is amazing and can vary depending on the performers that are touring that year. They also bring their own original music performed by That Damned Band!! they are truly the Sideshow Pirate Gypsies one can't go on without seeing with their own eyes...or eye ;-) An exciting bunch of people who are all very friendly to be around and love to show off for your pleasure...their cool demeanor rubs off on you real quick....and you can't help but grin a HUGE grin when they take to the stage. I have been lucky enough to be able to call some of them friend...performing with them has shed new light on the Sideshow and human anomalies for me and hope it does for many many others. I miss them when they are gone...and don't want them to leave when they are here... their show is fun and even dare i say educational! they want you to stare..and you know you can't help it! watch as they show you how they use their differences to perfection! Sam X, Lowrent, Black Scorpion, Lobster Girl, Peggo thy Leggo, Dame Demure, Jackie of all Trades, and That Damned Band....and those I did not list... come back soon! I miss ya! Vincent Wolf~

I saw the show in Kansas City MO not a single "freak" there were some working acts (laying on bed…read moreof nails, human block head etc) but no one actual "freak" no physical deformities total rip off 3 hour show then performers beg for even more money after a 20.00 door fee, no freaks then beg... seemed like a gypsy scam to me. Dont waste your time unless they confirm what freaks will be there.

Every summer the Zilker Theatre Productions presents a free musical for all to enjoy. This is…read morealways a summer tradition for me to attend the show. This summer it was Bring it On and past shows included Shrek, The Little Mermaid, Legally Blonde, Newsies, Hairspray and others. You can come early before the show and place your blanket down on the hillside to reserve your spot. It is a great location to watch an outdoor performance or show. The Zilker Hillside is an outdoor amphitheater venue located on a hillside in Zilker Park with a large stage, ample lighting capability, amenities, and location next to Barton Springs Pool and is the perfect spot for a dance recital, symphony or cultural event. Visitors are allowed to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages. The theater also has a concessions stand on site offering snacks and drinks. There are restrooms available. No dogs are allowed unless they are service dogs.

Our first visit at Zilker Theatre was such a blast! The talent was unbelievable. Felt like I was…read moreseeing a touring Broadway show. I actually have seen their show touring and think this production did it better. Bathrooms at the park they have inside ones and also a few porta potty's that are very close by. There are more handicap accessible spots right in the front of the stage and all other seating is on the hill. Bring your blanket or low rise chairs (can be difficult for people to see over regular lawn chairs). We brought a small picnic to enjoy and lots of people brought food they ordered to eat before/during the show. The sound quality and level is excellent. We were more off to the right side on the stage and could still see fairly well and could hear everything perfectly. They do have plenty of trash cans around so please clean up after yourself. At the merch/sales table they have programs and surveys that help them with data for grants and benefits by showing who makes up their expansive audience. The night I was there they did a drawing for a gift card if you filled out an information slip and I actually won a BookPeople gift card! Please buy something/tip/add money to the actors buckets that come around so that they can continue to provide awesome, quality free entertainment to the community. We will definitely be back next season. I found the event on Instagram.

This unique dance studio located on Riverside Dr offers a variety of cultural dances in a pleasant…read moreand inviting environment. From Bellydance, West African Dance (live drumming), Latin Rhythms, Yoga, Brazilian Samba, Youth dance classes....there is just about everything for everybody. The best part is that these classes are affordable with a sliding scale of $10-$15. So, add a little culture and dance to your life and join us at The Austin Dance Collective!

I went to a Hoop out party at this space and it was awesome! Who knew that up in that strip mall…read morethere is a little oasis in the form of a tiled courtyard and beautiful Soft leaf Yuccas outside a dance studio? The indoor dance studio space can be rented to hold classes and is a good size with mirrors to hold a decent sized movement class. I spent most of my time outside. I think they are going to have an event once a month with a DJ for hooping. It is so nice to find a smooth floored outdoor space to hoop in. The people I met were really nice. I look forward to going out and having a great relaxing hoop out once a month.

Ladies: I admire your strength, courage... and tassels!!!…read more Saw BWB at Speakeasy last night and loved them! The teasing, the tantalizing, the pasties and hoTT lingerie. Fabulous job, fun time and look forward to the Spanksgiving show at Club Encore November 19th!

BWB ladies are divine. I'm most impressed with Miss Delia Dread's feather fan dance. To me, it's…read morethe most classic and beautiful form of burleque! Thanks for showing the Yelpers a good time at Yelp's Putting on the Ritz party at Speakeasy!

Whatever internal fever attracted you to this capital city, that same intrigue will spike when you…read moresee a Chaotic production. Known for taking classic works & twisting them, Chaotic's audience niche may be best described as the open-minded, creative intelligentsia who hungers for strikingly alternative visuals and dialogue. Chaotic dumped Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" into a junkyard (if you've any interest in fashion, review those photos immediately). They put Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" in an insane asylum -- &, yes, they did it before Tim Burton & the Syfy channel. Most recently, they brought ancient Greece to modern Austin with "Lysistrata," confronting America's deep-seeded issues with sexuality. Their productions provide not only that hilarious, terrifying, emotion-emanating entertainment element so necessary for a live theater production, but also an introspective aspect which provides hours of post-consumption conversation. However, they have a habit of presenting the final product before it's fully developed. The concepts are fabulous; the execution sometimes falls short.