We can’t help it — we love drama.
That’s why we’re putting together a list of 21 must-see local theater events taking place in Austin this year, so mark your calendars.
Editor’s note: With dozens of theater companies in Austin, we know we’re missing a few shows. We suggest keeping an eye on ATX Theatre, a locally produced source of Austin performances, for more listings.
Winter
Cinderella | Wednesday, Jan. 25-Sunday, March 5 | Times vary | ZACH Theatre, 202 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin | $25-$95 | This fairytale retelling with Deaf Austin Theatre will be performed in both English and American Sign Language.
Aladdin | Tuesday, Feb. 14-Sunday, Feb. 19 | Times vary | Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | $45-$150 | See the Disney tale come to life onstage.
The Real Thing | Friday, Feb. 17-Sunday, March 5 | Times vary | The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Dr., Austin | $32-$42 | This Tom Stoppard play tells stories of marriage in 1980s America.
UT New Theatre: Very Blue Light | Saturday, Feb. 18-Friday, Feb. 24 | Times vary | Oscar G. Brockett Theatre, 300 E. 23rd St., Austin | $26 | In hopes of proving her alien abduction to her friends, Magna goes on a quest for the Marfa Lights.
Pippi Longstocking | Saturday, Feb. 18-Sunday, March 12 | Times vary | Austin Scottish Rite Theatre, 207 W. 18th St., Austin | $15-$20 | Catch up with 9-year-old Pippi’s antics at this kid-friendly show — ASL interpretation performances are available.
i see you. you’re seen. | Saturday, Feb. 25-Saturday, March 11 | Times vary | The VORTEX, 2307 Manor Rd., #2135, Austin | $15-$37 | This solo performance uses poetry, art, music, and choreography to explore identity and the oppression of Black women.
Nightbird | Friday, March 3-Sunday, March 26 | Times vary | Austin Playhouse, 405 W. 22nd St., Austin | Prices vary by date | Follow artist Chelle as she refurbishes her childhood home in Baltimore and confronts the racism in America’s history.
Spring
Vincent | Thursday, March 23-Saturday, April 8 | Times vary | Ground Floor Theatre, 979 Springdale Rd., #122, Austin | $16-$31 | Vincent Van Gogh’s life unfolds through letters to his brother Theo in this play by Leonard Nimoy.
Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations | Tuesday, March 28-Sunday, April 2 | Times vary | Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | $35-$135 | This twelve-time Tony Award nominated play is set to The Temptations’ greatest hits.
The Winter’s Tale | Thursday, April 6-Saturday, April 29 | Times vary | The Baron’s Men Curtain Theater, 7400 Coldwater Canyon Dr., Austin | $15-$20 | This Shakespeare tale is filled with drama, love, and betrayal.
The Baker’s Wife | Friday, May 5-Sunday, June 11 | Times vary | The Alchemy Theatre, 130 N. Pedernales St., #318, Austin | Price TBD | A town comes together to support their baker — and get their bread back — after his wife leaves him.
Box | Friday, June 23-Saturday, July 8 | Times vary | Ground Floor Theatre, 979 Springdale Rd., #122, Austin | $16-$31 | Learn about Henry Box Brown, a 19th-century abolitionist and magician, who mailed himself out of slavery.
The Art of Martyrdom | Friday, June 23-Saturday, July 15 | Times vary | The VORTEX, 2307 Manor Rd., #2135, Austin | Price TBD | This comedy by 10th-century playwright Hrosvitha depicts the day-to-day of her convent with a touch of magical realism.
Summer
The Memorandum | Friday, July 21-Saturday, July 29 | Times vary | The VORTEX, 2307 Manor Rd., #2135, Austin | Price TBD | Czech playwright Václav Havel’s 1966 work is a satire of communist rule.
Head over Heels | Wednesday, Aug. 9-Sunday, Sept. 10 | Times vary | ZACH Theatre, 202 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin | $25-$81 | Watch the antics of the royal family set to 1980s rock songs.
Pipeline | Thursday, Sept. 7-Saturday, Sept. 30 | Times vary | The Alchemy Theatre, 130 N. Pedernales St., #318, Austin | Price TBD | A high school teacher fights for her son’s education.
The McAdo | Dates TBD | Times TBD | Worley Barton Theater at Brentwood Christian School, 11908 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin | Price TBD | This retelling of classic opera “The Mikado” takes place in the Scottish highlands.
Matilda | Dates TBD | Times TBD | Zilker Hillside Theatre, 2206 William Barton Dr., Austin | Free | This musical retelling of Roald Dahl’s beloved story is free to watch.
Fall
Twelfth Night | Thursday, Sept. 28-Saturday, Oct. 21 | Times vary | The Baron’s Men Curtain Theater, 7400 Coldwater Canyon Dr., Austin | Price TBD | Laugh with Viola, Sebastian, and Duke Orsino at this performance of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy.
The Laramie Project | Thursday, Oct. 12 | Times TBD | Location TBD | Price TBD | Deaf Austin Theatre is working to create the first ASL production of this play about the 1990s death of Matthew Shepard.
Truman Capote’s A Christmas Memory | Friday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 17 | Times TBD | The Alchemy Theatre, 130 N. Pedernales St., #318, Austin | Price TBD | This 1956 work depicts Capote’s boyhood in rural Alabama.
