In theater this week, we are saying goodbye to two top-notch musicals, a Spider Guy, and an Augie, an elderly man looking back on his life. But we are also saying hello to some young writers and a mystery where the audience helps with the clues. Read on β¦.
Opening
From left, Jonathan Northover, Brie Zepeda and Steve Wood in Live Theatre Workshopβs production of βSeminar.β
Seminar — Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway. Four young New Yorkers, aspiring writers all, sign up to take lessons from an author who now teaches instead of writes in this comedy by Theresa Rebeck. Egos flare, the nastiness comes out, and pretty witty insults — it’s a literary group, after all — are the norm. But this is the most constant: they are all passionate about writing. The play, directed by Eva Tessler, stars Samantha Cormier, Jonathan Northover, Josh Parra, Steve Wood and Brie Zepeda. Previews are 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24 and 25; opening is 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26. Regular performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 23. Tickets are $20; $15 for previews and all Thursday performances. 327-4242. Livetheatreworkshop.org.
You’ve Ruined a Perfectly Good Mystery — The Comedy Playhouse, 3620 N. First Ave. A famous investigator and an outlandish narrator draw the audience into this comedy by Christian Neuhaus and Rick Stemm. Literally drawn in — the audience gets to decide which clues should be followed. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 17. $16. 270-9310. thecomedyplayhouse.com.
The Musical World of Disney — Arizona Rose Theatre, 4500 N. Oracle Road. Get ready for some earworms: The Rose is filling its cozy theater at Tucson Mall with classic songs from Disney films and musicals. Songs like “Beauty and the Beast” and “Under the Sea.” See? They are starting to invade your head already, aren’t they? Bring the kids; they are going to love it. You may, too. The only performances are 7 p.m. Aug. 25 and 26; 2 p.m. Aug. 27. $8-$17. 888-0509. Arizonarosetheatre.com.
Closing
The Producers β See review.
Dinners With Augie — Temple Of Music and Arts Cabaret Theater, 330 S. Scott Ave. Scott Charles’ one-act, three-character play has its light moments. But it’s a serious subject: Life, death, and what it all means. Final performances are 7 p.m. Aug. 24-26 and 2 p.m. Aug. 27. $22.50, with discounts available. 838-0366. dinnerswithaugie.com.
The Incredible Spider Guy — The Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway. The spider-bitten Billy is going to take his webs and leave the Gaslight stage, making room for another occupant. Your last chances to see him fly: 7 p.m. Aug. 24; 6 and 8:30 p.m. Aug. 25 and 26, and 12:30 p.m. Aug. 27. $19.95. 886-9428. Thegaslighttheatre.com.
Roadrunner Theatre Companyβs βTriumph of Loveβ is a chamber musical giddy with fine voices and acting, and it runs through Aug. 27.
Triumph of Love — Roadrunner Theater, 8892 E. Tanque Verde Road. Such a delicious little musical, and even more delicious performances. A young woman — a princess — sets out to capture the heart of a man who has no clue she is even alive. In the process, she makes everyone fall in love with her. Final performances are 7 p.m. Aug. 25 and 26; 2 p.m. Aug. 27. $24. 207-2491. Roadrunnertheatrecompany.org.
Continuing
The Rootin’ Tootin’ Tale of Little Red Riding Boots — Live Theatre Workshop, 5317 E. Speedway. Grab the kids and check out Live Theatre’s play about Little Red Riding Boots, who is asked to take some beef jerky to her Gran. Along the way she meets critters, vermin and outlaws. 12:30 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 17. $7-$10. 327-4242. livetheatreworkshop.org.
