Weekend packed with entertainment

Published 6:20 am Friday, April 30, 2010

This weekend ushers in a variety of music and theater in Austin.

The performances begin tonight when Riverland Theatre presents the final production of “Sez She” at 7:30 p.m. at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre, 1900 Eighth Ave. NW.

The monologue is written by Jane Martin as the sequel to “Talking With.” Thirteen women cover the contemporary take on everything from sexual harassment to sleeping in theaters to the appeals of silence.

Email newsletter signup

It is recommended for audience members 14 and older because of mature themes.

Tickets are $12 and may be purchased at Coffee House on Main, at the box office or by calling 507-433-0595. The ticket is also good for the finale performance of “Take Me Out” Sunday.

There’s theater for the whole family Saturday afternoon when the May Day Nature Play hits the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center from 1 to 4 p.m. The free event celebrates the 40th anniversary of Sesame Street. It features a maypole dance, May baskets, sack races, egg and spoon races, contests, prizes, a Sesame Street birthday cake and an “Owl Talk” with Guka the Barred Owl.

Later, May Day festivities can be capped off with a classical concert Saturday evening.

Ian Shapinsky, concert pianist, teacher and lecturer, performs at the Paramount Theatre at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Tickets are $20 for on stage seats; otherwise $12 for adults and students; $10 for seniors. They will be available at the theater box office, 125 Fourth Ave. NE, and also online at www.paramounttheatre.org.

There is also a theater performance that evening at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre.

The finale performance of “Take Me Out” hits the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

“Take Me Out” is the story of Darren Lemming, the star center fielder of the World Champion New York Empires baseball team. Lemming assumes that because he is rich, famous, talented and handsome, his casual mention that he’s gay will be accepted by everyone. Violence erupts when it is not.

Written by Richard Greenberg, the play won a Tony Award in 2003 and received a nomination for a Pulitzer Prize for Drama during the same year.

It is recommended for audiences over 16 years of age due to adult language and situations.

Tickets are $12 and may be purchased at Coffee House on Main, at the box office or by calling 507-433-0595.

Entertainment continues Sunday when The Austin Big Band teams up with the Hayfield High School Vikings Jazz Band for a big band concert and dance from 5 to 7 p.m. at the high school’s west gym, 9 Sixth Ave. SE in Hayfield.

The evening will begin with free dance lessons at 4 p.m. Then the bands will take the stage to perform a wide selection of dance band hits.

The entire night is free and open to the public. Donations are accepted.

Those who still can’t get their fix of music and theater in this packed weekend need not worry.

The trend continues Monday evening at the Frank W. Bridges Theatre where Riverland Theatre presents “Acting Out!” at 7:30 p.m.

The evening includes scenes, monologues, and songs from the Advanced Acting/Audition Techniques class.

Admission is free and open to the public.