The weekend is here and there is still plenty of time to catch the wickedly delightful ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ at the Woodlawn Theatre.  Starring Roy Bumgarner as Sweeney Todd and Sara Brookes as Mrs Lovett this dark musical tells the story of a man named Benjamin Barker who returns to London after having served time for a crime he did not commit.  He swore vengeance against the corrupt Judge Turpin, played by the talented Joshua Goldberg, who sent him to prison to move in on his family.  He now goes by the name of Sweeney Todd and he befriends Mrs Lovett, a local pie maker and together they devise a plan that will benefit both of them.  He will get his vengeance and she will profit from it.

‘Sweeney Todd’ is just the musical to experience as Halloween grows closer.  The settings are dark and mysterious and the chorus’ performances are hauntingly perfect as they pop in and out of the scenes.  Standout performances include “The Worst Pies in London” by Mrs Lovett, “A Little Priest” by Mrs Lovett and Todd and “Not While I’m Around” by Tobias and Mrs Lovett.  Mary Morrow provides some unexpected comic relief as the Beggar Woman while Adam Zuniga’s portrayal of Adolfo Pirelli is so much fun to watch.  As Sweeney Todd Roy Bumgarner does an excellent job of capturing his descent into madness and the pivotal scenes that depict this are brilliantly lighted in red. Judge Turpin’s ‘Johanna (Mea Culpa)’ is a surprisingly emotional song and one of Joshua Goldberg’s best performances.

Overall ‘Sweeney Todd’ may not be for everyone but it is a must see for those who enjoy black humor.  The musical numbers are catchy and the vocal performances are some of the best that the Woodlawn Theatre has showcased so far.  The lobby decorations set the mood for the show and at last Saturday’s show they had a voter registration booth and small pies at the concession stand.  ‘Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ runs through Sunday November 6 with show times on Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m.  Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388.

Good news for anyone who enjoys cooking and baking just as much as eating. The Culinary Institute of America San Antonio at the Pearl offers classes to the public as part of their Food Enthusiast program. These classes include everything from boot camps to wine and beverage classes and are held at the CIA Kitchen. Known as Saturday Kitchens, these classes are fun cooking and baking classes that anyone can enjoy. Each class consists of a day of learning, a chance to explore a specific passion or new interest and a delicious lunch. Attendees will receive instruction and guidance from expert CIA chefs and well as an official CIA apron and chef’s hat. (The Culinary Institute of America San Antonio, 2016)

For the month of October some of the classes include:
October 15 –
Fall Flatbreads & Pizza – attendees will be able to master the art of pizza and flatbreads from dough making to picking out the best ingredients. They will also get to enjoy a sample of the items prepared.
The Many Flavors of Texas – attendees will be introduced to the five unique cultures that make up the many flavors of Texas – from BBQ and flavors of the Gulf to cowboy chic, Tex-Mex and the comfort foods of the South. They will be preparing a dish that represents each of these styles.
October 22 –
Bistros and Brasseries – attendees will be preparing delicious bistro classics such as hearty stews, rustic tarts and simple yet elegant desserts.

Upcoming classes include An Indian Feast, Chinese Cuisine and Hors D’Oeuvres for the Holidays. November and December classes will be specifically designed for the holidays. More information including classes, times, dates and fees can be found online.

The Culinary Institute of America – San Antonio
312 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 554-6400

The 11th annual San Antonio Beer Festival will be taking place on Saturday October 15 at Dignowity and Lockwood Parks. Guests will be able to sample from over 400 craft and premium beers from more than 150 breweries. There will also be wine, food, music, art, games and more. Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery at the Pearl, in partnership with the San Antonio Beer Festival will be hosting the official kick-off party on Thursday October 13 from 6p.m to 8p.m. It is free and open to the public and guests will be able to enjoy Southerleigh’s fall beers as well as specials for guests and festival ticket holders. (Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery, 2016)

Guests who bring their festival ticket, printed or via mobile, will receive one complimentary glass of beer courtesy of Southerleigh. Those who buy their ticket on during the event will receive one complimentary beer flight. Live music will be courtesy of DJ Leonard ‘Leo’ Trujillo of The Soul Spot who has a regular residency at Tucker’s Kozy Korner. Guests will be able to enjoy Chef Jeff Balfour’s Pan-Fried Beef Rib with Black Bean Cassoulet for $10. Beer offerings will include Southerleigh’s Peaches and Cream Ale, Grape Must Belgian and Songs of Freedom for $5.

Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery
136 East Grayson, Suite 120
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 455-5701

Tommy Stinson is an American musician known mostly for his work with The Replacements and Guns N’ Roses. As part of his Southern Dandies Tour 2016 he is performing in all sorts of venues and this Sunday October 9 he is stopping by Frank in San Antonio for an acoustic show. He is performing some of his well known songs as well as previewing new ones songs from his forthcoming album. The tour is being called “Cowboys in the Campfire” and he will be joined by Chip Roberts who contributed to his “One Man Mutiny” solo offering. Michael Kincaid of What Made Milwaukee Famous is the opening act. Tickets are $20 and are available online. Doors open at 7p.m. and the show starts at 8p.m.

Frank
1150 S Alamo St
San Antonio, TX 78210
(210) 265-5292

In the past Whataburger has hosted several events to help out the community and its various schools. These events have ranged from “Oh Whata Nights” to jalapeno eating contests, drawings and raffles. On Thursday October 6 from 5p.m. to 8p.m. Whataburger is having an “Oh! Whata Night” fundraiser to benefit the Randolph Field ISD PTO. The public is invited to come and show their support by enjoying their favorite menu items and Whataburger will donate 20 percent of the sales during the posted hours to the organization. “Oh Whata Night” will also include the popular Whataburger for a Year drawing where one customer’s name will be drawn to win the ultimate prize-a free Whataburger every week for a year. The first 100 customers will also receive a free Whataburger gift. (Whataburger, 2016)

Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. He wanted customers to take one bite and say “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.”  Whataburger now has over 700 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals everyday with superior customer service. Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.

Whataburger #1026
1134 Pat Booker Rd (near Stonegate Drive)
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 566-4350

Neltje Doubleday is an artist and philanthropist who has created a variety of awards and programs to encourage writing and the arts. This includes the Neltje Blanchan Literary Award and the Jentel Foundation which supports artists’ residencies at her ranch in Banner Wyoming. In her new memoir ‘North of Crazy’ she writes about her life growing up in a world of cultural prestige. It was released yesterday and this Saturday October 8 Hotel Emma at the Pearl will be hosting an exclusive book signing from 10a.m. to 11:30a.m. It will be held at the hotel’s library and those interested in attending should RSVP to Colin Rinehart at colin@giantnoise.com. Books are available for pre-order now at the Twig Books Shop and will be available for purchase during the book signing.  (Hotel Emma, 2016)

‘North of Crazy’ is an unconventional memoir about a woman who for years has used no last name, going only by her first name. As the daughter of a publishing mogul she grew up in a world where children are raised by nannies, tutors, chauffeurs, gardeners, butlers, maids and other staff members. They are often sent to private schools and ignored by their parents. On the surface she had everything she needed but her dark family life included an alcoholic father and a mother incapable of love. The family was divided by money and power and she was expected to grow up to be a wife and mother. In an attempt to escape her childhood trauma she filled her time with parties and martini-fueled evenings. Eventually she broke from her family with her two children and moved to the base of the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming. She is now an abstract expressionist painter and has had her work exhibited from the Rocky Mountains to Florida.

The Library at Hotel Emma
136 E Grayson St
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 448-8300

October is National Seafood Month and this month Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is celebrating thirty years of serving the exciting flavors of the French Quarter.  The French Quarter inspired restaurant was founded in 1986 at 6015 Westheimer Road in the Galleria area of Houston.  Since then it has added 36 locations in eight states including Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Georgia, New Mexico and Texas.  San Antonio locations include one at 76 NE Interstate 410 Loop and a new one coming in the summer 2017 at 15715 IH 10 West in the Northwest side of town.  To mark this anniversary Pappadeaux is thanking San Antonians with weekly specials, iconic dishes, a photo sharing contest with the hashtag #Pappadeaux30 and giveaways from October 9 through October 31, 2016 (Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, 2016)

Pappadeaux’s weekly specials are for dine-in only and include half price Gulf oysters for $6.95 on Sunday and Monday, Half Price Seafood Platter for $13.45 on Tuesday and Wednesday and Two 1-Pound Live Maine Lobsters for $29.95 on Thursday and Friday.  Guests of legal age will be able to enjoy a Cat-30 Hurricane made specifically for the occasion.  It is made with Flor de Caña seven year aged rum, house made Fassionola syrup, fresh lime juice and topped with soda and Hennessy V.S. and served in a traditional hurricane glass and decorated with a festive flair.  A special birthday dessert will consist of a Bananas Foster Cheesecake and will include banana cream cheesecake and vanilla pound cake, caramelized bananas, warm Bananas Foster sauce with salted pecans and brown sugar crust.   Starting on Sunday October 9 fans can share a photo celebrating Pappadeaux’s birthday for a chance to win a $150 restaurant gift card.  Winners will be announced at the end of the month and gift cards will be awarded in November.

October is here and so are the chills and thrills of the season. That being said, the Woodlawn Theatre is putting on the local production of ‘Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.’ It opens this Friday October 7 and runs until Sunday November 6, 2016. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. Prices are $17 for students and children, $23 for seniors and military and $26 for adults with an additional $3 service fee. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2016)

‘Sweeney Todd’ is the winner of 22 Tony® Awards and a dark musical tale of love and vengeance with music by Stephen Sondheim. It is the story of Benjamin Barker who returns to London after serving fifteen years in jail for a crime he did not commit. He swore vengeance against the corrupt Judge Turpin who convicted him and tore his family apart. Taking the alias Sweeney Todd he sets up shop as one of the finest barbers in the city. His plan for vengeance begins to take form when he meets Mrs Lovett. She is a local pie maker who would do anything for him and together they formulate a plan that favors them both but leads them down a dangerous, thrilling path with deadly consequences. The cast includes Roy Bumgarner as Sweeney Todd and Sara Brookes as Mrs Lovett. Rick Sanchez serves as director and Josh Pepper as music director.

Several special events centered on the show are scheduled during the month. This includes an October 10 sneak peak performance on the Tobin Center’s outdoor River Walk Plaza at 6p.m. during FarmART. It will feature the adult and teen cast of the show. There will also be Halloween costume contests and festivities on October 28 and 29 before each show. ‘Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ TEEN plays on October 23, 24 and 25 at 8p.m. Preferred seating is $15 and general seating is $10.

Woodlawn Theatre
1920 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 267-8388

The Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award winning ‘Jersey Boys’ returns to San Antonio in December. It will be playing at the Majestic Theatre for eight performances only from Tuesday December 6 to Sunday December 11, 2016. Tickets go on sale today and can be purchased at the Majestic Theatre box office, online, through Ticketmaster online or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Prices begin at $30 and orders for groups of ten or more can be made by calling (210) 226-5967. Single ticket orders must be done in person at the box office. Box office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday hours vary. Performances are at 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2016)

‘Jersey Boys’ is the story of Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy De Vito and Nick Massi, known collectively as Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. It is the true story of a group of blue collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks that became one of the biggest American pop music groups of all time. They wrote their own songs and had a unique sound that helped them sell 175 million records worldwide all before the age of thirty. The story is told from their point of view and includes such hits as ‘Sherry,’ ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry,’ ‘Oh What A Night’ and ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.’ It won the 2006 Tony® Award for Best Musical and it is directed by two-time Tony® Award winner Des McAnuff. Disclaimer: contains adult language.

Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, Tx 78205
(210) 226-5700