The Graduate back in theaters this month

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the 1967 comedy-drama The Graduate directed by Mike Nichols and starring Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft and Katharine Ross. It is the movie adaptation of the novel of the same name by Charles Webb who wrote it shortly after graduating from college. Dustin Hoffman stars as 21 year-old Benjamin Braddock, an aimless recent college graduate who is seduced by an older woman, Mrs. Robinson, then falls in love with her daughter. Through TCM/Fathom Events, on April 23 and 26 the nationwide theatrical premiere of the new 4K digital restoration will be out in theaters. This restoration had its World Premiere earlier this month at the TCL Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood during this year’s TCM Classic Film Festival. It will play in over 700 theaters nationwide as part of TCM and Fathom Events’ monthly “TCM Big Screen Classics” series. The Graduate was the biggest box office surprise of the decade and was nominated for seven Oscars and the Top 40 Simon & Garfunkel soundtrack paved the way for a new youthful trend in soundtrack music. (Rialto Pictures, 2017)

Charles Webb is an American novelist best known for his debut novel ‘The Graduate.’ After Benjamin Braddock graduates from a small Eastern college he moves back home with his parents and suddenly everyone wants to know what his future plans are. Disappointed by his prospects for a career, he has an affair with Mrs. Robinson, the seductive wife of his father’s business partner. When her daughter Elaine comes to visit her parents, Benjamin falls for her and has an epiphany about the direction of his life. Unfortunately, Mrs. Robinson is also a protective mother and so a battle of wits takes place with love and idealism overtaking the forces of corruption and conformity.

Movie adaptation: ‘The Circle’ by Dave Eggers

Dave Eggers is an American author, editor and publisher whose work includes “Your Fathers, Where Are They? And the Prophets, Do They Live Forever?” “Heroes of the Frontier” and “The Circle.” He is the founder of McSweeney’s, an independent publishing company in San Francisco that publishes books, a quarterly journal of new writing and a monthly magazine. The movie adaptation of “The Circle” starring Tom Hanks and Emma Watson will be out on theaters on Friday April 28, 2017. It is the bestselling dystopian novel about surveillance, privacy and the growing intrusions of technology in everyday life.

According to Amazon, “The Circle” tells the story of tech worker Mae Holland who after college starts a new job at a powerful internet company called The Circle. The Circle’s work links users’ personal emails, social media, banking and purchasing with their universal operating system resulting in one online identity. Employees enjoy open plan office spaces, impressive glass dining facilities, dorm rooms for those who spend nights at work, parties and other ammenities. Soon her life beyond the job gets smaller and her experiences at work get weirder by the day as she must deal with questions about memory, history, privacy, democracy and the limits of the human knowledge. At first, she sees it as the opportunity of a lifetime but the longer she works there the more things start to fall apart.

‘Urinetown, The Musical’ at The Playhouse San Antonio

urinetownpic — ‘Urinetown, The Musical’ opens at The Playhouse San Antonio on Friday May 5, 2017. Photo courtesy of The Playhouse San Antonio, used with permission.

The Playhouse San Antonio is getting ready for their next production coming up in May. ‘Urinetown, The Musical’ opens on Friday May 5 and will run until Sunday May 28, 2017. It includes a book by Greg Kotis, music by Mark Hollmann and lyrics by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. in the Russell Hill Rogers Theatre. Tickets are available online and prices are $42 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. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more. (The Playhouse San Antonio, 2017)

‘Urinetown, The Musical’ is a satirical comedy musical that satirizes the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement and municipal politics. It is a hilarious tale of greed, corruption, love and revolution in a time when water is worth its weight in gold. The story unfolds when a twenty-year drought has led to a government enforced ban on private toilets. Due to this water shortage people must use public amenities which are regulated by a single, malevolent company. When a hero decides he has had enough he plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom.

The Playhouse San Antonio
Russell Hill Rogers Theater
800 W Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

Television adaptation: ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ by Margaret Atwood

handmaidstale

Margaret Atwood is a Canadian poet, novelist, literary critic, essayist and environmental activist. Even though she has published several poetry books she is best known for her 1985 novel “The Handmaid’s Tale.” It is a dystopian novel set in a near-future New England in a totalitarian theocracy which has overthrown the United States government. Winner of the 1985 Governor General’s Award, it was also nominated for the Nebula Award, the Booker Prize and the Prometheus Award. Previous adaptations include the cinema, television, radio, opera and stage. Now it has been adapted into a television series on Hulu and will premiere on Wednesday April 29, 2017. It stars Elizabeth Moss as Offred the Handmaid and Samira Wiley as Moira, Offred’s college friend.

According to Amazon, “The Handmaid’s Tale” is set in the near future and describes life in what was once the United States and is now called the Republic of Gilead. The government is now a monotheocracy that has reacted to social unrest and a sharply declining birthrate by going back to the repressive intolerance of the original Puritans. Those in charge now make the rules according to the book of Genesis with bizarre consequences for its citizens. Environmental contamination had led to infertility so now young fertile women are assigned to the homes of the rich where they are supposed to have children for those men and their wives. It is told through the eyes of Offred, one of the unfortunate Handmaids, who remembers happier times when she was married with a daughter and her own name. Considered a satire, it can also be viewed as a dire warning.

Theater review: ‘Sister Act’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

sisteractpic — ‘Sister Act’ the musical is now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre until Sunday May 7, 2017. Photo courtesy of Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

Currently playing at the Woodlawn Theatre is the local production of ‘Sister Act’ starring Rebekah Williams as Deloris Van Cartier and Sherry Gibbs Houston as Mother Superior. It is based on the 1992 movie starring Whoopi Goldberg and is set in 1978 Philadelphia and has a disco/Motown feel to it. ‘Sister Act’ is the story of singer Deloris Van Cartier who witnesses a murder at her boyfriend’s nightclub and is put in protective custody in a convent.

The show begins with Deloris auditioning for her boyfriend Curtis in the hopes of singing in his nightclub. When he tells her she is not ready she breaks up with him and plans to leave town to pursue her dreams on her own. She stumbles upon Curtis and his crew as they kill someone they believe to be a snitch and she ends up going to the cops. To protect her until she can testify against Curtis in court they hide her in the last place he would look for her. Eventually she bonds with the nuns and helps them turn the troubled choir around which helps the church stay afloat.

This family friendly musical uses humor and the overall themes of dream fulfillment and the power of friendship to entertain audiences. The musical numbers vary from funny, like Mother Superior’s “I Haven’t Got a Prayer” and Joey, TJ and Pablo in “Lady in the Long Black Dress” to Sister Mary Robert’s poignant “The Life I Never Led.” “When I Find My Baby” by Curtis, Joey, TJ and Pablo is funny and disturbing at the same time and manages to elicit some nervous chuckles from the audience.

Rebecca Williams plays Deloris vividly and Walter Sanders III, as Curtis’ funny nephew TJ, steals every scene he is in. It is hard not to root for “Sweaty Eddie” as he tries to woo Deloris especially after he performs “I Could Be That Guy.” Overall it is a highly entertaining show full of humor, heart and show stopping songs.

‘Sister Act’ is now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre until Sunday May 7, 2017. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. Tickets start at $18 and are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388.

A Night In Old Jazz Texas

flyerniojt — On April 19 and 26 Jazz, TX is hosting A Night In Old Jazz Texas. Photo courtesy of Jazz, TX, used with permission.

Fiesta time in San Antonio means days of parties and events to celebrate the city’s diverse cultures and this year Jazz, TX is getting in on the action. The Pearl’s upscale music venue announces its Fiesta celebration of A Night in Old Jazz Texas on Wednesday April 19 and Wednesday April 26 from 8:30p.m. to 11:30p.m. This event will feature a special menu by Executive Chef Lorenzo Morales and a special performance by Mariachi Las Coronelas. This high energy all female group has performed for shows such as The Jimmy Kimmel Show, Will Ferrel’s Funny or Die Music and Comedy Show and more. Guests will be able to enjoy a Fiesta inspired menu with items such as Corn in a Cup, Chicken Tinga Quesadillas, Beef Gorditas, Duck on a Stick and Carnival Funnel Cake. Tickets are available online for $20 each. (Jazz, TX, 2017)

Jazz, TX is the Pearl’s newest upscale music venue owned and operated by renowned musician Brent “Doc” Watkins. It is in the cellar of the Bottling House and hosts musical acts ranging from jazz to blues, big band, Texas swing, salsa, conjunto and Americana including Doc Watkins. Business hours are Tuesday through Saturday and aside from music, guests can enjoy a wider variety of food, beverages, wine and spirits.

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

Movie adaptation: ‘The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks’ by Rebecca Skloot

immortalhenrietta — The movie adaptation of ‘The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks’ by Rebecca Skloot will air on HBO on Sunday April 22, 2017. Photo: Amazon

Rebecca Skloot is a science writer who specializes in science and medicine and whose articles have appeared in The New York Times Magazine, O, The Oprah Magazine and others. Her first book “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” was on the best seller list for over two years on The New York Times. It has been translated into more than twenty languages and has been adapted into an HBO produced movie by Oprah Winfrey. Set to air on Sunday April 22 it stars Oprah Winfrey as Deborah Lacks and Rose Byrne as Rebecca Skloot.

According to Amazon, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” is a nonfiction book about Henrietta Lacks and the immoral cell line known as HeLa that came from her cancer cells in 1951. She was a poor Southern tobacco farmer who worked the same land as her slave ancestors. Her cells were taken without her knowledge and became one of the most important tools in modern medicine. They are the first “immortal” human cells grown in culture and even though she has been dead for more than sixty years these cells are still alive today. HeLa cells were vital in developing the polio vaccine and helped paved the way to such medical advances as in vitro fertilization, cloning and gene mapping. Despite all this she remains virtually unknown and is buried in an unmarked grave. The author covers everything from the “colored” ward of Johns Hopkins Hospital in the 1950s to Henrietta’s family’s lives as they struggle with the legacy of her cells. Themes include the drama of scientific discovery, the ethics of experimentation and all its human consequences.

Hot Luck Festival in Austin

20161029_055829 — Hot Luck Festival, a live music and food festival, will take place in Austin from May 18 through May 21, 2017. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Hot Luck Festival is a live music and food festival that will take place in Austin from Thursday May 18 through Sunday May 21, 2017. It is a celebration of fire, food, music and camaraderie inspired by tailgates, family reunions, get togethers and potlucks and will be held at various locations in Austin. A portion of the festival’s proceeds will benefit The SAFE Alliance, a merger of Austin Children’s Shelter and SafePlace, agencies that serve the survivors of child abuse, sexual assault and exploitation and domestic violence. Tickets are available for purchase online and range from single tickets to music and food events for $12 to $550 for “The Whole Enchilada” package. More information on specific festival events and ticket information is available online. (Hot Luck Festival, 2017)

The festivities will begin on Thursday May 18 with the Black Lips performing. Other musical acts include Black Joe Lewis, Robert Ellis, Rayland Baxter and Shonen Knife at venues such as Barracuda, Mohawk, White Horse and more. One of a kind events include on Friday May 19 when Chef Yoshi Okai of Otoko who was recently named Food & Wine Magazine’s “Best New Chef” of 2017 will serve Japanese fare while fans enjoy the music of Japanese pop-punk band Shonen Knife. Other participating chefs include Elias Cairo, from Olympia Provisions in Portland, Jennifer Tucker from Jeffrey’s, Justin Brunson from Old Major in Denver, Ben Runkle from Salt and Time, Kristine Kittrell from Weather Up and Laura Loomis from Two Bros BBQ Market in San Antonio.

Fiesta parade dinner at Landry’s Seafood

20151003_025001 — Landry’s Seafood is hosting a Fiesta parade dinner for The Texas Cavaliers River Parade on April 24, 2017. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Fiesta is right around the corner and this year Landry’s Seafood is hosting a Fiesta parade dinner on Monday April 21 from 5:30p.m. to 10p.m. for parade goers who wish to have a front row view for the Texas Cavaliers River Parade either on the patio or inside the dining room. The evening will consist of a four course prix fixe menu for $110 per person and includes tax and gratuity. Tickets are limited and are available online. The courses consist of a house trio appetizer consisting of seafood stuffed jalapeno ,shrimp enbrochette and stuffed avocado, a grilled watermelon salad, a choice between Fiesta Mahi,ultimate surf and turf platter or Cornish game hen and for dessert a chocolate cake and cheesecake.(Landry’s Seafood, 2017)

Fiesta San Antonio started in 1891 as a one parade event to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. Since then it has grown into one of biggest festivals with an economic impact of millions of dollars and celebrates the city’s rich and diverse cultures. It is called
a party with a purpose because it raises funds for non-profits around the city.

Landry’s Seafood
517 N Presa St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 229-101

Movie adaptation: ‘The Lost City of Z’ by David Grann

lostcityofzpic — The movie adaptation of ‘The Lost City of Z’ by David Grann will be out on Friday April 21, 2017. Photo: Barnes & Noble

David Grann is an American journalist, a staff writer for The New Yorker magazine and The New York Times’ best-selling author. His stories have appeared in several anthologies and he has written for The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and The Weekly Standard. “The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon” is his debut non-fiction book and has been translated into more than twenty-five languages. It tells the story of the British explorer Percy Fawcett who disappeared with his son in 1925 while looking for an ancient lost city. The movie adaptation starring Charlie Hunnam as Fawcett, Robert Pattinson as his fellow explorer Henry Costin and Sienna Miller as his wife Nina Fawcett will be released on Friday April 21, 2017.

According to Amazon, “The Lost City of Z” is a narrative nonfiction that centers around the legendary British explorer who went into the Amazon jungle in search of a fabled civilization and never returned. In the decades that followed, explorers and scientists have tried to find any evidence of his party and the Lost City of Oz and as many as 100 people have died or disappeared. Eventually Grann did his own investigation and discovered new evidence about how Fawcett died and the location of the missing city. He combines stories the stories about Fawcett’s quest for the city and his own journey into the deadly jungle as he unravels one of the twentieth century’s biggest mystery.

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Month: April 2017