‘The Color Purple’ at the Majestic Theatre

North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio at the Majestic Theatre recently announced that tickets to the San Antonio premiere of the North American Tour of ‘The Color Purple’ are now on sale. The Tony Award-winning Broadway revival will play at the Majestic Theatre for eight performances from Tuesday February 6 through Sunday February 11, 2018. Tickets start at $30 and are available online, by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or by visiting the Majestic Box Office. Office hours are 10 a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday hours vary. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling (210) 226-5967. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

‘The Color Purple’ is based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker and the Warner Bros./Amblin Entertainment movie. The story follows the journey of Celie, an African-American woman in the South from the early to mid-20^th century and stars Adrianna Hicks as Celie, Carla R. Stewart as Shug Avery and Carrie Compere as Sofia. It is adapted for the stage by Tony and Pulitzer-winner Marsha Norman with music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. Tony Award^®-winning director and scenic designer John Doyle recreates his award-winning work for the national tour with costumes by Ann Hould-Ward, lighting by Jane Cox, sound by Dan Moses Schreier and wig & hair design by Charles G. LaPointe.

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

‘A Doll’s House’ at The Classic Theatre

adollshouse17 — ‘A Doll’s House’ opens at The Classic Theatre on Friday November 3. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio continues their 10^th season with ‘A Doll’s House’ by Henrik Ibsen. It opens on Friday November 3 and runs until Sunday November 26, 2017. Directed by Kelly Roush, it stars Kacey Roye, Nick Lawson, Christina Casella, Zach Lewis and John Boyd. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are $32 for general admission and $28 for senior, military, educator and SATCO and $17 for student. They are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450. There will be a complimentary champagne reception on opening night. After the 3p.m. show on Sunday November 19, there will be a Community Talk Back conversation event on the issue of gender roles in modern society. This talk back is free and open to the public. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2017)

‘A Doll’s House’ is a three-act play written in 1879 and is noted for the way it deals with the fate of a married woman and reflects the lack of opportunities Norwegian women had for self-fulfillment in a male-dominated world. It is a “modern tragedy” that changed theatre forever. The message that a marriage was not sacrosanct, that a man’s authority in his home should not go unchallenged and that the prime duty of anyone was to find out who he or she really is and to become that person, shocked audiences and still resonates with them today. The controversy it caused went beyond the theatre to the world newspapers and society. The Classic Theatre’s production is set in 1950s America and has a Mad Men flair.

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

Shake Shack’s new chili-themed menu

shakeshackchilimenu — Shake Shack’s new chili-themed menu will be available starting Monday October 30. Photo: Shake Shack, used with permission.

Shake Shack is rolling out a chili-themed menu at Shacks nationwide, including all Texas locations, that will feature three specialty menu items. This menu will debut as a Shack App exclusive starting Monday, October 30 and will become available for in-Shack ordering on Thursday, November 2. It will be available for a limited time only. (Shake Shack, 2017)

Chili Cheeseburger: Cheeseburger topped with a smoked and slow braised beef chili with ancho and chile de arbol peppers
Chili Cheese Dog: Vienna beef hot dog topped with a smoked and slow braised beef chili with ancho and chile de arbol peppers
Chili Cheese Fries: Crinkle cut fries topped with cheese sauce and a smoked and slow braised beef chili with ancho and chile de arbol peppers

Shake Shack opened in 2004 in New York City’s Madison Square Park and since then has expanded to more than 80 locations in 18 US states and the District of Columbia and more than 50 international locations including London, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Moscow and Seoul. Shake Shack’s mission is to Stand For Something Good^®, from its premium ingredients and caring hiring practices to its inspiring designs and deep community investment. It is a modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers and flat-top Vienna beef dogs, 100% all-natural chicken sandwiches, spun-fresh frozen custard, crinkle cut fries, craft beer and wine. With its fresh, simple, high-quality food at a great value, Shake Shack is a fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal.

Shake Shack
Park North Shopping Center
7427 San Pedro Ave, Suite 107
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 277-4770

Spooky Halloween specials at Bakery Lorraine

bakerylorrainehalloween17 — Spooky Halloween treats available at both Bakery Lorraine locations. Photo: Josie Rees, used with permission.

With the fall season comes all things spooky and fun, including sweets and treats. For anyone looking for Halloween themed edibles, Bakery Lorraine is offering such delicacies as witch fingers, ghost moon pies, mummy tarts and more. Below are some of the treats available at both locations through Halloween. (Bakery Lorraine, 2017)

The Great Pumpkin Mac – $5.00 – 4” macaron shaped as a pumpkin with a pumpkin spice cream cheese filling
Witch Finger – $4.00 – Éclair filled with pistachio cream topped with a glaze and white chocolate nail
Mummy Tart $6.00 – Lemon curd filling with a lemon meringue topping
Pumpkin Spice Cake $7.00 – Pumpkin spice cake with layers of a cream cheese filling
Graveyard Tart $6.00 – Caramel with chocolate ganache
Ghost Moon pies $5.00 – Graham cookie with honey marshmallow filling
Gingerbread Voodoo Dolls $4.00 – Gingerbread cookie decorated in royal icing
Blackberry Cassis Cake $7.00 – Layers of blackberry mousse, blackberry gelée and joconde cake topped with buttercream, a mini cassis mac and fresh blackberry
Phantom Cake (Opera Cake) $6.00 – Layers of a spiced soaked joconde with pumpkin buttercream and dark chocolates ganache topped with a dark chocolate glaze

With locations at the Pearl and the Medical Center, Bakery Lorraine has rapidly become a San Antonio favorite and a nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell and operator Charlie Biedenharn, it was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine and CNN’s Eatocracy blog, as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine offers handmade French pastries and macarons as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner items including its breakfast parfait, the quiche Lorraine, chicken potpies and an assortment of salads, soups and artisan sandwiches.

7338 Louis Pasteur Dr., Suite 201
San Antonio, TX 78229
(210) 303-0330

306 Pearl Pkwy, Suite 110
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 862-5582

Theater review: ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

littleshop17 — ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre until Sunday November 5, 2017. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

October is Halloween month and nothing says horror and creepiness like ‘Little Shop of Horrors.’ Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre until Sunday November 5, is the horror comedy rock musical about an unlucky florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human flesh and blood. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets range from $18 to $29 and are available online. This production is recommended for audiences 13 and over and parental supervision is advised due to mature language.

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is a musical about Seymour Krelborn who stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” – after his coworker crush. Seymour is a poor young orphan living in skid row who was taken in by Mr. Mushnik, a flower shop owner. He works for him now at the shop along with Audrey, a pretty young blonde and as the story begins, they both lament their stations in life, “Skid Row (Downtown).” Every day, Seymour cares for the mysterious new plant, “Grow for Me,” that looks like a large Venus flytrap and turns out to be a foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore. It promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Seymour if he keeps on feeding it blood. After he witnesses Audrey’s boyfriend Orin being abusive to her, he longs to protect her and plots to kill him. Eventually he discovers Audrey II’s out of this world origins and intent towards global domination but not before he loses everyone he cares about.

Far from a typical musical happy ending, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is a wickedly fun time. Brian Hodges shines in the role of the shy and unlucky Seymour and is paired well with Paige Berry as Audrey. Despite not being a lead character, Orin the sadistic dentist, leaves audiences conflicted because they love to hate him. Chris Berry’s hilarious portrayal of Orin during “Now (It’s Just the Gas)” had the audience in stitches but is a perfect example of why this production is not for the very young. Show highlights include when Orin makes his entrance “Dentist!,” “Grow for Me” when Seymour discovers what makes Audrey flourish and “Suddenly, Seymour” when Seymour and Audrey finally get together, even if it does not last. Overall, it is a dark and tragically funny production filled with humor, drama and heart and is a must see for the Halloween season.

Theater review: ‘The King and I’ at the Majestic Theatre

kingandicast — ‘The King and I’ plays at the Majestic Theatre through Sunday October 22. Photo: North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, used with permission.

Now playing at the Majestic Theatre is the national tour of the Lincoln Center Theater Production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ‘The King and I.’ There are still a few chances to catch it this weekend with show times at 8 p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available at the box office and through Ticketmaster and prices start at $35. This musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher hired by the King to teach his many wives and children. It stars Jose Llana as the King of Siam and Heather Botts as Anna Leonowens.

‘The King and I’ starts off with Anna and her son Louis as they are arriving in Bangkok, “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” and are met by the King’s Prime Minister, the Kralahome. They start off on the wrong foot when he informs her that they are expected to live in the palace, which is a violation of Anna’s contract which stated that they were to have their own house. Despite this breech in contract, she agrees to keep her part of the bargain but constantly reminds the King that he must do the same. Eventually they become friends and with Anna’s help he slowly attempts to modernize Siam. Conflicts arise at the palace and Anna and the King become estranged but she returns when he is at his deathbed and stays with him until his death when his son Chulalongkorn takes over.

The cast may be big but they work together splendidly to make this Broadway favorite work. Jose Llana and Heather Botts have outstanding stage chemistry that makes this true story come to life. Show highlights include “Getting to Know You” when Anna meets the royal children and wives and “Shall We Dance” when Anna and the King dance towards the end of Act II. Especially poignant is “We Kiss in a Shadow” by Lun Tha, the slave girl and Tuptim, her forbidden lover. “The Small House of Uncle Thomas,” the ballet the Royal Singers and Dancers put on for the British guests, is visually stunning and showcases the depth of talent of the cast. With its combination of humor, drama, and spectacular singing and dancing, ‘The King and I’ appeals to all ages and the universal themes of family and love, in all its forms, are relatable and timeless.

Whataburger hosts Customer Appreciation event

whataburgerchickensandwich-jpg — Whataburger is hosting a Customer Appreciation event this Tuesday October 17, 2017. Photo: Whataburger, used with appreciation.

Whataburger periodically hosts events to help the community and its various schools. These events have ranged from “Oh Whata Nights” to jalapeño eating contests, drawings and raffles. On Tuesday October 17 from 5p.m. to 8p.m., Whataburger is having a Customer Appreciation event at their 12510 SW Loop 410 location only. Customers who purchase a medium order of fries and a 32oz drink will receive a free Whataburger. This family-friendly event will consist of activities and giveaways, including 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. There will also be a photo booth and a balloon artist as well as a special appearance by Whataguy, the Whataburger mascot. (Whataburger, 2017)

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
12510 SW Loop 410 (near Palo Alto Rd)
San Antonio, TX 78224
(210) 923-3155

Dia de los Muertos celebration at Pearl

pearldiadelos.jpg.png — Pearl will be having its first annual Dia de los Muertos event on Wednesday November 1 and Thursday November 2. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a Mexican holiday celebrated in Mexico mostly in the Central and Southern regions. During this multi-day holiday, family and friends gather to pray for and remember those who have died and to support their spiritual journey. It includes private altars that feature calaveras, Aztec marigolds and the favorite food and drinks of the deceased and visits to graves with these gifts. Children and infants on remembered on November 1 and adults on November 2.

This year the Pearl will be hold the first annual Día de los Muertos event on Wednesday November 1 and Thursday November 2. This two-day celebration will consist of a community altar, a community procession, altars created by local artists, traditional contemporary music, theatre performances, children’s crafts and programming and collaborations with traditional food vendors. Pearl will transform the grounds to reflect traditions of the Mexican holiday, which pays homage to deceased family and friends. Decorations will include customary flowers, installations and papel picado unique to Día de los Muertos as well as ofrendas, live mariachi music, a formal procession and sugar skull making. Guests are encouraged to bring a photo or memento and participate in the community altars on both days. (Pearl, 2017)

Planned events:
Wednesday, November 1 from 4p.m. to 7p.m.
There will be children’s workshops and performances where kids can enjoy calavera face painting by Hippy’s FX, crafts by Southwest School of Art and Magik Theatre and milkshakes from Honeysuckle Tea Time. On stage, literary artist Carmen Tafolla will read and serve as emcee followed by readings from Erica Prosper Nirenberg and Jonah Nirenberg. Mexican musical performers include Los Inocentes and Conjunto Taller. Bertha Sandoval, ‘La Catrina de Mexico,’ will speak about the rich Mexican tradition at Hotel Emma library.

Thursday, November 2 from 5p.m. to 9p.m.
Altar artists will be on site to discuss their work from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Kristin Forrester will kick off the performance program with a reading and will serve as emcee. At 6 p.m., the community is invited to join in on a formal procession around the Pearl campus. Live music will be by the all-female mariachi group Las Coronelas followed by San Antonio native and Latin roots rocker, Patricia Vonne. Complimentary paletas will be available courtesy of La Paleteria and Panifico, a favorite local Mexican bakery, will be selling pan de muerto.

Pearl
312 Pearl Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 212-726

Movie adaptation: ‘The Snowman’ by Jo Nesbo

thesnowmanpic — The movie adaption of ‘The Snowman’ by Jo Nesbo will be out in theaters on Friday October 20.

Jo Nesbø is a Norwegian writer, musician, former economist and reporter. His books have sold more than 3 million copies in Norway and his work has been translated into over 40 languages and have sold 30 million copies worldwide. He has written several stand-alone novels and the Doctor Proctor series of children’s books but he is best known for his crime novels about Inspector Harry Hole. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Glass Key for best Nordic crime novel. “The Snowman” is the seventh book in the Harry Hole series and the movie adaptation will be released in theaters on Friday October 20, 2017. It stars J.K. Simmons, Val Kilmer, Rebecca Ferguson and Michael Fassbender as Detective Harry Hole.

According to Amazon, in “The Snowman,” Inspector Harry Hole tracks a Norwegian serial killer in a case that will test him to the very limits of his sanity. Harry is a brilliant and driven detective with the Oslo Crime Squad. His methods are unorthodox methods and that has made him a loose cannon in the police force. This case involves the murder of a woman whose son wakes up one day and discovers that she has disappeared. The only thing left behind is the pink scarf that he gave her as a Christmas present and the snowman that mysteriously appeared in their front yard is now wearing it. As Harry investigates, he uncovers a pattern over the past decade where eleven women have vanished all on the day of the first snow. All killed by someone who makes his own rules and is willing to break his pattern just to keep things interesting.

Destination Cocktails at La Cantera Resort & Spa

destinationcocktailspic — Destination Cocktails is set for October 20 through 22 at La Cantera Resort & Spa. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.

La Cantera Resort & Spa, in partnership with the San Antonio Cocktail Conference, is hosting Destination Cocktails. Set for Friday October 20 through Sunday October 22, this event will benefit children’s charities through Houston Street Charities. It will explore the creation and execution of handcrafted cocktails through tastings, seminars and paired dinners. Guest mixologists scheduled to appear are: John Garrett, Victory Wine Groups, Jason Kosmas, The 86 Company and Elyse Blechman. Ticket prices range from $40 to $150 and are available online. They can be purchased alone for any event or as a package to include a one night or two-night stay at La Cantera Resort & Spa. The resort stay includes two seminars per adult, admission to Texas Tasting Suite and daily breakfasts. Paired dinners are not included and must be purchased separately. A complete list of events is available online. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2017)

Event highlights:
Texas Tasting Suite
Saturday October 21, 2p.m. to 4p.m. – $40

Seminar: Understanding Tequila
Saturday October 21,10:30a.m. to 11:30a.m. – $50

Seminar: The Drinkable Journey of Gin & Tonic
Saturday October 21, 10:30a.m. – 11: 30a.m. and 1p.m. to 2p.m. – $50

Seminar: The Twelve Fashioned
Saturday October 21, 1p.m. – 2p.m. – $50

Paired dinner: SweetFire Kitchen and Cadre Noir Imports
Saturday, October 21, 7 p.m. – $150

Paired dinner: Primero Cantina and Mezcal El Silencio
Saturday, October 21, 7 p.m. – $100

La Cantera Resort & Spa
16641 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500

SA Examiner

A books, music, movie, and business news blog

Month: October 2017