We were at Penfold this weekend for the first time to see Ordinary Days. What a charming performance - the cast was wonderful and I loved the musical - it made me cry! It's a small theater and it isn't a big, fancy production, but it had so much heart. We'll definitely be back for their next show! read more

This review is for their production of A War of the Worlds by Jarrett King that is taking place/took place at Ground Floor Theatre in June 2022. I was blown away in the best possible way. From the opening scene the cast shone, with phenomenal vocal range and depth, many doing multiple accents throughout. They worked well together as an ensemble, feeding off each others energy with quick, believable reactions as events unfolded. Jarrett King's rendition of the classic tale brought in modern themes in a way that was delicately done without banging you over the head on the dangers of fake news and racial inequality. I read the spoilers beforehand and was on edge about how it was going to play out, but when things fell apart they happened in a believable and natural way without live gunfire or too much of what we see on the news these days. Introducing the chaos that happens outside the studio during the historic events around Orson Wells' famous production helped showcase that nothing we do exists in a bubble, while enabling greater depth for the characters. It should tell you something that I am considering going back to see it a second time. Would highly recommend checking it out and considering future productions at Penfold Theatre Co! read more

This is my third year as a season ticket holder to Penfold Theatre productions. I am consistently amazed at the talent of the performers and the creativity of the productions. The unique radiostyle Christmas production is not to be missed and is a show I take my parents and grandparents to every year. I love bringing a picnic and enjoying the family friendly free show in the park each summer. You won't be disappointed, and you can't beat the value for the price! read more

In a perfect Yelp world, there would be three separate reviews for every play you see: One for the venue, one for the production company, and one for the play itself. For me, it's the total package that makes or breaks a memorable theater experience. And in this particular case, the venue was cool, the Penfold Company superb, but the play itself stank. Two out of three ain't bad. I have no doubt Mr. Shaw's "Candida" was controversial in 1900, but it's 2013, and if you're in frenzied anticipation because you can't see the final scene coming, you're seriously out of touch. "A Minister's Wife" is a musical remake of that play, there are clever arrangements and catchy lyrics, but I would've paid a higher price to hear Mr. Cannata break into "On the Street Where You Live." The smartest thing about the evening was not having an intermission, because polite people won't walk out on a local company giving its best. The Trinity Street Theater is a wonderful venue on the fourth floor of the downtown Baptist Church, who would've thunk? (See what I mean? That's a whole other review.) Totes admiration for professional actors living in Austin, this cast hit their marks and notes as smoothly as anyone else I've seen on a stage. I tend to notice stuff like pants and hemlines that could have been tweaked, but it's not a major distraction, and it's got to be difficult to do period pieces on what I assume to be a tight budget. 4-stars for the venue, 4.5 for the company, and maybe less than one for the play - I think that comes out to about three or so for the package. But I left here wanting to see this Penfold Theater Company in just about anything else. I guess that makes me an overall four-star fan. read more

I've had the chance to see nearly a dozen Penfold productions over the years. They're my favorite theater company in the Austin area. And while other production companies do attract Austin's A-List talent, you might expect to see tickets for $50-$100 for many of these venues (Bass Concert Hall, Zach Theater), Penfold does an amazing job delivering the same quality for around $20. They have 3-4 productions per season. One is a free summer production for families in Round Rock, and the other is a Christmas "Radio-Drama" style show that is done in the style of a "Prairie Home Companion". But my favorite shows are the other few each year that strive to reach for more ambitious artistic territory. Their 2016 production of Clybourne Park was incredible (in downtown Austin) and won Best Drama for 2016. My favorite production I've ever seen in Austin was by Penfold - Pavillion. This 3-person cast was set in a high-school reunion. Two old flames reconnect, relive old memories, and opportunities lost. The third cast member played everybody else at the reunion, to absolutely incredible effect. It was so funny, moving, and powerful. Austin needs more companies like Penfold. Look at their season and choose a show that sounds up your alley (all of their stuff is pretty different, so there's something for everyone). More family-friendly fare would be the Christmas or Summer Show. Give them a shot - you'll be glad you did! read more

After taking Errol to yet another questionable cultural outing, I think he has banned me for life, so I will have to find another unwitting soul to accompany me to these outings. Having been raised in the theater, to a certain degree (my grandfather was a playwright and director of the Harbor Street Playhouse in Corpus Christi, my grandmother a community actress, her first husband, bio-grandpa, also a community actor, and our family dog starred in the 1984 production of Rumors at Harbor Street) I am spoiled to a certain degree. I want to see theater, but also used to getting to go for free to a the biggest, swankiest playhouse in town with the best actors, costumes, directors, and plays. I think what killed this production for me (A Minister's Wife) was the play and the costumes. And the songs. Though the singing was quite good. And the actors themselves were excellent. The magic of the theater is when it all comes together seamlessly that you don't even realize how swept up you're getting in the moment, until the house lights come up and you have to awaken yourself from the daze. Aw those were the daze. Days. Err. read more

What an amazing performance I just experienced last night! I bought a Living Social voucher for a friend and I to attend the play "A Minister's Wife," which starred: Greg Holt, Jill Blackwood, Andrew Cannata, Amy Dowing, and Nathan Jenkins. I was seriously blown away by their talent! First, let me start off by saying that the theatre is located at 901 Trinity St. in Austin. It is a Baptist church. My friend and I didn't know this and walked right past it (using my non-trusty iphone walking directions my my gps) and down 10th St's ginormous hill - then back up it when we realized 1/2 an hour later that my phone must be wrong. Anyway, we head in and the theatre is located on the 4th floor. They offered candy and wine before entering. There was no intermission and it was a 90-min show. I was a bit bothered by this at first but it ended up not being bad once the show got started. I'm honestly glad there was no intermission because I don't think it would have had the same effect. The "stage" was extremely small and used the same room for the setting the entire performance. My only issue through their performance was the comfort of the chairs. They were conference-type boardroom chairs, which admittedly could have been worse but better just the same. Back to the actors. BRAV FRICKIN' O. They were amazing - just AMAZING. I'd never experienced chamber opera before and it honestly brought tears to my eyes hearing the main character Candida (Jill Blackwood) belt out singing like she did. The play itself was comical yet serious and provided many laughs throughout the show. I thought that the secretary was the funniest. I won't give away what the story is about because you just need to go and see it! We'll be attending "Shipwrecked!" with a bunch of friends in June for their FREE performance in the park at the Round Rock Amphitheater for sure! read more

Penfold Theatre - Setting for A Minister's Wife. - Performing Arts Near Me

This is the second summer I have been to Penfold Theater's free summer play performed at the Round Rock Amphitheater (behind the Baca Center at 301 W. Bagdad Ave, Round Rock TX 78664) . Last year was "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" which was pretty funny. Even my notoriously aloof husband laughed a bit. This year the offering is "A Servant Of two Masters" by Carlo Goldoni. Not as funny as Shakespeare on fast forward, but enjoyable none-the-less. Mostly enjoyable because it's free, it's outdoors-so you bring a picnic (or get one of the scrumptious box lunches Round Rock Cafe has provided for $6 or a Kona Ice at their truck), a chair or blanket, and your friends. At the very least it's something different than going to the movies (AGAIN). The company boasts some decent, likeable, actors, gorgeous costumes, and a clever, if ascetic, set designer (at least at this outdoor venu). The audio is atrocious at the Round Rock Amphitheater and that's the one thing that might mar your lovely summer evening theater experience. There are comment cards at the Penfold Information Tent, so I hope that if enough people comment on the audio, the city of Round Rock will be moved to do something to fix it, and next summer will be even better. The train will come thundering by periodically as well, but that's OK because the actors will stop in the middle of the scene and do some very silly dancing and juggling and other things to entertain you until the train has passed. I encourage you to go, support these guys, support free summer theater. Bring the kids (but not the babies and toddlers PLEASE!), bring the grandparents. Enjoy the stars, enjoy your picnic, enjoy the play! read more

Penfold has a special place in my heart. It was my first introduction to plays and helped me get through my college course of Classical Productions. They are such a fun and enjoyable group and very personable. I have thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas productions done radio style. The cast does an amazing job at acting as well as creating all the sound effects. They make me laugh and allow me a night to set life aside. Their family friendly environment and cost effectiveness make this the greatest show on earth! You're missing out if you haven't attended a Penfold Theatre Production. read more

Penfold Theatre is up and coming in the Round Rock Area! Their current production, The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) is absolutely RESPLENDENT! I especially love how they deal with the trains that run right next to the theatre, so funny! I know they've won awards and stuff for shows down in Austin, but it's very exciting to have a theatre group who really want to be a part of the Round Rock community. Looking forward to their next production! read more

I have seen a couple of their productions - The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) and The Last Five Years. I like theater, and I like Penfold. They put on a good show: talent onstage + talent backstage + plays intended to be watched by real people (not just theater critics) = enjoyment for everyone read more

Penfold' s productions are top notch. They have consistently creative seasons that make you laugh, cry and everything in between! Their Christmas shows are a tradition in our family and their free play in the park every summer are so much fun for kids and adults alike!! If you haven't seen a Penfold show, you are missing out!! read more

I attended Penfold's production of "It's a Wonderful Life" five years ago and I've been a fan every since! The high quality of the productions and the professionalism of the company are of the caliber one would expect in the larger theater companies in Austin. I have been thoroughly delighted by every offering. The annual fundraiser "A Marvelous Party" is a must see! The ambiance and musical talent are outstanding and it has been sold out every year that I have attended. It is a truly enjoyable occasion not to be missed! The current season starts in October and I eagerly anticipate each production that is being offered! In addition, because Penfold keeps the quality high and the cost low, my husband and I as season members can enjoy an engrossing, high quality theater experience without breaking the bank! read more

Murder on the Rails was such a disappointment. Poor acting, or shall I say what little acting was done was poor. The cast would show up about every 45 mins for about 5 mins.... No real story line. No real body, not sure there was even a murder , there was something mentioned about aliens. If someone was murder, they never told you who killed them. The hors d'oeuvres were cheap boxed lunches (awful) and if they were serving drinks you almost had to throw yourself in front of the server to get one. And with this play ...you definitely needed one. The "costumes with wrinkled , dirty and smelled (yes you could smell them from our seats) . All in all it was a wasted evening and money. You could hear most of the crowd stating the same as we were mercifully let off the train after 4 very long hours. read more

What a great Theater group! If you are looking for a professional, yet affordable opportunity to enjoy amazing theater in the Austin/Round Rock area, check out Penfold Theatre Co. I have been a season ticket holder for 5 - 6 years now and never miss a performance. In fact, the Christmas show has become a family tradition. Christmas wouldn't be the same without it. Come check out the next performance and I promise you won't regret it! read more