We saw Jade in America on its Texas premiere this Sunday and it was fabulous. The play was a fun and interesting journey across the US through the eyes of standup comedian Jade Esteban Estrada. With a deep exploration of identity, both individually and as a society, the play is a reflection. Where has society shifted in the last 5 years? How are the people’s lives affected? From the family we see every day, to complete strangers across this diverse and beautiful country. Something connects us all but sometimes it’s hard to see. The piece weaves fluidly from story to standup as you experience the trials and dick-relations of an old school gay in a new school world. While the play is funny and irreverent, it is also serious and honest. To be funny, you must understand people. Jade in America is an understanding that we are one and beauty comes from the variety in life just right outside your door.

Austin is advertised as a “weird” city but we did not really see that until we went to a performance at the Vortex. It is family friendly during the day (and night) and the Italian food truck served what appeared to be varied and yummy meals. The bar scene was fun and funky and the performance was well done. The after scene was also wonderful and it is by far the first thing we found to match what we were looking for. Staff great and scene amazing.

We love live intimate theatre. In Austin, TX we have a number of options for intimate, high quality theatre and the VORTEX is fabulous.The vortex offers theatre from Trendy, Funky, Traditional, to magic or even burlesque. We pick and chose those productions that fit our style. We love this place.TIP 1: The attaches Butterfly Bar is funky and cool all by itself. This bar is the “holding room” aka lobby prior to entering the theatre. TIP 2: Italian food trailer with seating and lights just outside/attached to the Vortex for dining before or after theatre.This is a “cool-vibe” place.RNelson (Austin, TX)

Going to the Vortex is terrific. Austin Opera and Austin Shakespeare offered a wonderful panel discussion about Othello and we enjoyed some performances by an actor who had starred as Othello and an opera singer who sang as Desdemona. It was a super treat!

The Epitome of What Makes Austin Weird. Part food truck with outdoor sheltered seating. Serving highly regarded Italian Food. Part Lively Bar. Part theatre. Very cool complex. We went for the theatre. The show was not to our liking but most of the audience seemed to enjoy it.