Recent Reviews
Review #2 of 2: The Last Match by Filigree Theatre
by David Glen Robinson
Published on February 16, 2026
Even titans have feet of clay. Two world-class tennis players lock in combat with one another, with their life partners, and themselves. Another memorable production from Elizabeth V. Newman's Filigree Theatre.
The Last Match is Anna Ziegler’s profound take on sports heroes, the strength and luck it takes to become one and the toll it extracts from the athletes and everyone around them. Director ELizabeth V. Newman's staging is set at a semifinal match of the men’s division of the US Open. Ziegler's script also gives us breakout scenes on the same court—after all, that’s where they live their lives—with interior dialogues and flashback scenes of …
Review #2 of 2: Murder on the Orient Express by Zach Theater
by Brian Paul Scipione
Published on February 13, 2026
Zach Theater’s Murder on the Orient Express is on track to be a runaway smash and it’s not losing any steam.
Zach Theater’s Midnight on the Orient Express is on track to be a runaway smash and it’s not losing any steam. Okay, now that that’s out of the way, let’s begin. This is an exceptional production on multiple levels, beginning with the phenomenal set, costume design, and coordination. Not only have these teams managed to capture the time and place in exquisite detail, they’ve also managed to create the perfect mood of exotic intrigue that …
Review #1 of 2: The Last Match by Filigree Theatre
by Michael Meigs
Published on February 13, 2026
"Bespoke" theatre: quality and disciminating taste at Filigree Theatre. In Anna Ziegler's sinewy, passionate drama, tennis is like life. No one lasts for long.
I think of Elizabeth V. Newman's Filigree Theatre as "bespoke" dramatic art. That British term evolved in the 18th century to describe fine clothing tailored to the individual, using the highest quality materials. Contrast it to the mass-produced garments the rest of us wear. In the theatre world, contrast it to those familiar mass maket titles that keep coming around with touring companies. Or, more recently, Fiddler on the Roof at Austin Opera. Quality is …
Review: A Soundpainting Collaboration by Andrea Ariel Dance Theatre and Austin Unconducted
by David Glen Robinson
Published on February 08, 2026
Andrea Ariel's subtle gestures conducted musical ensemble Austin Unconducted in the creation of three unpredictable, memorable soundscapes.
Austin is blessed. I’ve written that before. But some new event always seems to bring that sensation and thought back to the fore. The latest event is the hybrid music/performance show Austin Unconducted and Andrea Ariel: A Soundpainting Collaboration. Part of KMFA's "Offbeat Series," the show at the upstairs Draylen Mason Music Studio was one of spectacular music, composed and performed on the spot through the improvisational technique known as Soundpainting. Three musical pieces formed …
Review: Fiddler on the Roof by Austin Opera
by Michael Meigs
Published on February 08, 2026
Sweeping, beautifully produced and sung, Austin Opera's FIDDLER ON THE ROOF packs Dell Hall.
It’s a sweeping, beautifully produced and beautifully sung work, done before packed houses at Austin Long Center’s Dell Hall. Most of the leads in Austin Opera’s Fiddler on the Roof have lengthy national and international resumes, so of course the quality of the acting and song is superb. For example, Steven Skybell, as Tevye, was recognized with a 2019 Lortel Award for performing the same role in Yiddish, directed by Joel Grey, and he was …
Review #1 of 2: Murder on the Orient Express by Zach Theatre
by Hannah Neuhauser
Published on February 03, 2026
This stunning midnight blue train is the gorgeous setting for an evening of comedy entertainment that begins with tragedy and ends with an ethical challenge. Were we doing the right thing?
Join Steven Pounders as Hercule Poirot and his infamous mustache - seen from any seat! – as he recalls a murder case and a difficult ethical decision upon the luxurious steam train the Orient Express. No more serious spoilers from me – if you know, you know, whether from Kevin Branaugh's 2017 film or the twelve other productions across Central Texas since 2019. Just go see the show! You don’t need my seal of approval …