Theater review: ‘Jersey Boys’ at the Majestic Theatre

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‘Jersey Boys’ is playing at the Majestic Theatre until Sunday December 11. Courtesy photo, used with permission. 

There is plenty to do in town this chilly weekend but for anyone looking for something to do indoors there are still four more chances to catch ‘Jersey Boys’ at the Majestic Theatre. ‘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 who became one of the biggest American pop music groups of all time.

After a successful opening night on Tuesday, ‘Jersey Boys’ is still going strong playing to an older crowd who undoubtedly remembers Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons during the highlight of their careers. The show starts with a French rendition of December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night) and gives way to Tommy DeVito, played by Matthew Dailey, who shows up, introduces himself and begins to narrate the story of the band. Throughout the show they each take turns narrating from his point of view. This is an excellent way of bringing the audience into the story and thereby making it more personal. Show highlights include their first hit “Sherry” and “My Eyes Adored You” which Frankie Valli, played by Miguel Jarquin-Moreland, sings to his wife. While Act One is the story of the band’s inception, Act Two is a highlight reel of their best hits. Judging by the audience’s reaction during “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” this was the audience favorite performance of the night. It is a must see for die hard fans.

‘Jersey Boys’ is now playing at the Majestic Theatre. Upcoming show times are 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. Ticket 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. Disclaimer: contains adult language.

Christmas shows at Jazz, TX

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Jazz, TX at the Pearl is hosting Christmas big band shows this month with Doc Watkins and his orchestra.  Photo courtesy of Jazz, TX, used with permission. 

Jazz, TX, the Pearl’s newest upscale music venue, is hosting Christmas big band shows this month featuring owner and musician Doc Watkins and his orchestra. The band will play holiday classics like Winter Wonderland, Jingle Bells and A Charlie Brown Christmas in big band style. Guests will be able to enjoy an evening of Christmas music as well as dinner and cocktails from the new winter menu. This menu features winter and holiday flavors including the Garlic Goat Cheese Dip and Fried Pickled Mushrooms and cocktails like Siesta ‘Till Work and Fall Back Cocktail. Upcoming shows are on Friday December 9, Saturday December 10, Friday December 16, Saturday December 17 and Friday December 23 from 8:30p.m.to 11:30p.m. Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased online. (Jazz, TX, 2016)

Jazz, TX is owned and operated by renowned musician Brent “Doc” Watkins. It is located in the cellar of the Bottling House and hosts musical acts include jazz, blues, big band, Texas swing, salsa, conjunto and Americana including Doc Watkins. It is open from Tuesday through Saturday and aside from music guest can enjoy a wide variety of food, beverages, wine and spirits.

Jazz, TX
312 Pearl Pkwy, Bldg 6 Suite 6001
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 332-9386

‘The Santaland Diaries’ at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio

 

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John Stillwagon in ‘The Santaland Diaries’ opening this week at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio.  Photo by Kaitin Muse, used with permission.

Opening at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio this week is ‘The Santaland Diaries.’ This one man show is based on the true chronicles of NPR comic genius David Sedaris’ experience as Crumpet the Elf in Macy’s Santaland display. In this cult classic he talks about some of his odd experiences during the height of the holiday crunch. John Stillwagon stars as Sedaris’ not so merry alter ego Crumpet the Elf with Kelly and Bart Roush directing. It opens on Friday December 9 with subsequent shows on December 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. and 7p.m. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2016)

Tickets are $20 for general admission and may be purchased online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450. Group rates are available. There will be a complimentary eggnog reception on opening night Friday December 9. Please note that ‘The Santaland Diaries’ is recommended for ages 14 and over as it contains mature content and language and the secret of Santa is exposed.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450

Tickets to ‘Beautiful – The Carole King Musical’ now on sale

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‘Beautiful – The Carole King Musical’ will be playing at the Majestic Theatre in March.  Tickets are now on sale. Photo: google

Coming up in March ‘Beautiful – The Carole King Musical’ will make its San Antonio premiere as part of the North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio series. It will be playing at the Majestic Theatre for eight performances only from Tuesday March 14 through Sunday March 19, 2017. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at the Majestic Theatre box office, online, through Ticketmaster or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Prices begin at $45 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)

‘Beautiful – The Carole King Musical’ is the Tony and Grammy Award winning Broadway hit about the early life and career of the legendary singer and songwriter. Before she made it big, she was Carol Klein, a Brooklyn native with passion and chutzpah. She started in the record business as a teenager and eventually had a successful career as writing hits for the biggest acts in rock and roll. It took a personal crisis for her to finally find her own voice. This musical is the true story of her rise to fame that includes being part of a songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, her relationship with other writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann and how she became one of the most successful solo acts in music history. It includes the popular songs “One Fine Day,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and the title song.

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

‘All is Calm’ opens this Friday at The Playhouse San Antonio

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‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’ opens this Friday December 2 at The Playhouse San Antonio.  Photo by Daniel D Baumer, used with permission.

Opening this Friday December 2 at The Playhouse San Antonio is ‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914.’ It will run until Sunday December 18 in the Russell Hill Rogers Theatre. George Green and Bill Gundry co-direct with musical direction by Nicholas Ponting. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the box office at (210) 733-7258. Prices are $30 for general adult, $23 for military with valid ID, $23 for seniors aged 60 and up, $15 for students with valid ID and $12 for children aged 12 and under. Group rates are available for groups of ten or more. (The Playhouse San Antonio, 2016)

‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’ by Peter Rothstein has musical arrangements by Erick Lichte and Timothy C Takach. It is set in 1914, at the Western Front, where out of the violence comes a silence, then a song. When a German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht” it brings about a night of camaraderie, music and peace. A remarkable true experience, it is told in the words and songs of the men who lived it. This acapella musical highlights the beauty and power of the human spirit during the darkest of days. On December 17 there will be a special double feature of ‘All is Calm’ and ‘A Marcsmen Christmas.’ The performances start at 7p.m. and purchasing a ticket to this night allows for entrance to both performances.

The Playhouse San Antonio
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258