All of us should probably just go ahead and make it a priority to see more theater. Theater is good for the brain, and it's important to support the local scene. These talented actors, directors, stage managers and props-wranglers all make our city's robust theater scene possible, and the best way to support them is by putting your butt into a seat. With a paid ticket, of course.
Now that it's Valentine's Day, you have no excuse to not take your date to something with a little culture instead of one of those blah prix-fixe dinners again. Show off your renewed commitment to learning more about art by taking Mr. Right (or Mr. He'll Do) to one of these Dallas theater events.
Book of Mormon Winspear Opera House February 10-22 $50-175
You'll have to be lucky to score a ticket -- most are gone, but there are still some available -- but this second visit from South Park creators Trey Parker's and Matt Stone's Book of Mormon is worth a solo night out. The musical has won every theatre award under the sun, and continues to be a crowd-pleaser. Even people who don't like the theatre can appreciate the tongue-in-cheek (if occasionally juvenile) humor, so drag along your husband who never takes you to a show. If you don't have a date for Valentine's Day, treat yourself to a close-up seat. You deserve it.
Uncle Vanya Wyly Theatre Through February 22 $20
It takes a lot to revamp a classic Chekov play that is almost 120 years old, but acclaimed playwright Annie Baker's adaptation of Uncle Vanya is largely considered to be one of the best, by publications like The New York Times and The Paris Review. This version of Uncle Vanya isn't like the one that you did in your high school's one-act play production -- it's deeply immersive and brings a 21st century touch to the classic story of human relationships.
Seated Screenings at Dallas Medianale McKinney Avenue Contemporary February 13 Free
The Dallas Medianale is wrapping up in a few weeks, and if you haven't made it out to the McKinney Avenue Contemporary to check out this innovative display of visual art, Friday night's screenings at The MAC are one of your few last chances. Starting at 7:30 p.m., screenings of visual art and short films of all genres and perspectives will be held in the Black Box Theatre, and at 8:45, a slate of experimental films and videos from artists in Austin is up If you're really serious about stepping up your interest in art, events like these are the ones you should be attending.
Sexy Laundry Watertower Theatre February 12-22 $27.50
This two-person show is perfect for a Valentine's Day date night, but may be a little heavy for new couples. Those who have been in a relationship for a long time will appreciate Alice's desire to rekindle her marriage to Henry in a fancy hotel room, and all the shenanigans that ensue. Revolving around love, aging, and the stressors of relationships, Sexy Laundry will either make you grateful that you're single, or help you realize that your everyday tiffs with your significant other aren't that important. Either way, awwww. (Tickets are selling out, especially for this weekend.)
