This is one of Austin's best kept secrets, and a locally owned operation.
Don Toner and crew have taken what was a small production company using a stage at McCallum High and evolved it into a year-round full two-stage facility with comfortable seating in an intimate atmosphere.
AP relies on a cast of seasoned local talent, including the brilliant and talented Michael Stuart, to provide a broad variety of theatrical productions each season. For live theater, the prices are reasonable, with half-price student tickets and guest ticket discounts for season ticket holders.
The one thing I really appreciate about this venue is (and I repeat myself) the intimacy of the seating and stage. The stage literally ends at the edge of the first row. The most distant seats are no more than twenty feet from the stage, making the production even more real and audience connected. You get the feeling you are literally part of the play; there is no significant degree of separation between the actors and the audience.
The other thing that I love is that it's literally a working company. Don Toner himself will often call back to confirm seating reservations. If it's not Don, it's frequently one of the other cast members. When you have a special request, there is no "box-office" detachment. And, at the end of the play, Don's waiting at the door to shake your hand and welcomes your comments regarding the performance.
If you'd asked me ten years ago if I would ever be caught dead watching five plays a year, my answer would have been an emphatic "no". Thanks to one of Don's Actor's Equity members, John Hoff, I got hooked. John's no longer connected with the group as he's living in Colorado, but I thank him for instilling the appreciation for this troup in me.
P.S. One of their most acclaimed productions is "Dead Presidents' Club", which is showing for one more day (11/9/2008) at Evans Auditorium at Texas State University-San Marcos. If you have time to catch this production today, do so. If you miss, pray for a summer revival in 2009! read more