Austin On Stage - Your Online Source for Austin's Performing Arts

REVIEW: House at Hyde Park Theatre

By Olin Meadows

Let me make one thing perfectly clear: I HATE ONE-MAN SHOWS! So when Austin On Stage asked me to review the return of Hyde Park Theatre's hit one man show House, staring HYP's artistic director Ken Webster, I was not thrilled.

However, I have to say the show was fantastic! Ken Webster proves that he is actually

as skilled and talented as people say he is. He commanded the room with such virility and prowess that I had to blush at times, because of his pure unadulterated power as an actor.

This show is a hilarious look at all the things in life that we hate. You always hear the line, "I was thinking that, but he said it!" That is the best way to describe this show. House combines the best of physical comedy with satire, topped off with classic dry martini humor.

And not only is Webster a great actor, but he can play a pretty mean air guitar, too. And though I hate one-man shows, this is a performance I would like to see over and over and over.

Just one warning: be prepared for those certain audience members who want to let everyone know how funny something is by laughing way too loud, in that sort of "Please Like Me" sort of laugh. Go watch the show; you'll understand.

And though I hate one-man shows, I give Ken Webster and House my coveted "5 Out of 5 Stars"!

“House” plays through May 30th on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. Tickets are $18 for general admission, $16 for students and seniors, and every Thursday is “Pay What You Can Night.” For more information and reservations, call call (512) 479-PLAY (7529) or visit www.HydeParkTheatre.org.

(Image: Ken Webster in House; photo by Bret Brookshire.)