Kelly Hilliard Roush was recently named Artistic Director of The Classic Theatre. Photo: The Classic Theatre, used with permission.
As The Classic Theatre of San Antonio celebrates its 10th season, they are delighted to name Kelly Hilliard Roush as Executive and Artistic Director, a new role for the company. Roush has been the Executive Director since June of 2015 and now she steps into the role of Artistic Director as well, following co-founders/co-Artistic Directors Diane Malone and Allan S. Ross. Malone and Ross, along with co-founders Terri Pena Ross and Rick Malone, will continue to provide board and staff support through the newly formed Classic Advisory Board. (The Classic Theatre, 2018)
Kelly Roush has worked regionally as a professional artist, educator and administrator for over twenty-five years. She has worked in both corporate and non-profit management, as well as acting with numerous theatres regionally. In addition to performing and directing, she has worked as a producer, writer, collaborator and educator. Roush is an Equity actress who earned her M.F.A. in Professional Actor Training from Louisiana State University.
“As we start this new chapter for our organization, we are focused on broadening the base of artists, designers, and technicians we work with, as well as increasing our audience members, patron base, and community partners” – Kelly Hilliard Roush
The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450
‘Bless Me, Ultima’ opens at The Classic Theatre on Friday February 16. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.
With their upcoming production of Rudolfo Anaya’s ‘Bless Me, Ultima,’ The Classic Theatre continues to celebrate the company’s 10th anniversary season. Rudolfo Anaya is an American author best known for his 1972 novel ‘Bless Me, Ultima’ and is considered one of the founders of contemporary Chicano literature. The novel is a coming of age story of Antonio Márez and his mentorship under his curandera and protector, Ultima. It opens on Friday February 16 and will run until Sunday March 11 with show dates Fridays and Saturdays at 8p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. Ticket prices are $32 for general admission, $28 for senior, military, educator or SATCO, and $17 for students and are available online. On opening night, there will be a complimentary champagne reception. (The Classic Theatre, 2018)
‘Bless Me, Ultima’ is a drama set in the 1940s, centered on the social-psychological maturation of a Mexican-American, or Chicano, six-year-old Antonio Márez, living on the eastern plains of New Mexico. Ultima is a curandera, or folk healer, who helps Antonio contend with the battle between good and evil that rages in his village. The Classic Theatre pays homage to Chicano literature pioneer, playwright and 2016 National Medal of Arts recipient Rudolfo Anaya with a fully staged version of his iconic breakthrough 1972 novel. Directed by José Rubén De León, it features familiar faces at Classic, like Marisa Varela, Classic’s Second Series Production of ‘Burning Patience’ and ‘The House of Bernarda Alba,’ Bella Villarreal ‘The House on Mango Street’ and Amanda Ireta-Goode, Classic’s Second Series Production of ‘Burning Patience.’
The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450
‘Hamilton’ is coming to the Majestic Theatre in May 2019. Photo: Gayle McCracken, used with permission.
This week the Majestic Theatre announced its line-up of shows for the 2018-2019 North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio Season. ‘Hamilton’ anchors the season with a three-week run in May 2019. The season will include eight productions with a mixture of blockbuster Tony Award® winners, five market premieres and returning audience favorites. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2018)
‘Wicked’ – September 26 – October 14, 2018 (Season Option)
The season opens with the return of the remarkable odyssey of how two unexpected friends change each other’s lives for good. Declared “The Best Musical of the Decade” by Entertainment Weekly and “A Cultural Phenomenon” by Variety, ‘Wicked’ is the recipient of over 100 international awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards.
‘School of Rock’ – November 6-11, 2018
Making its market premiere, ‘School of Rock’ is based on the hit film. This hilarious new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band.
‘The Phantom of the Opera’ – December 6-16, 2018 (Seven Show Package Option)
December will see the return to San Antonio of Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production. Overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh, it boasts many exciting special effects including the show’s legendary chandelier. The beloved story and thrilling score, with songs like “Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You” and “Masquerade,” will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this one of the largest productions now on tour.
‘Waitress’ – January 8-13, 2019
Making its San Antonio debut in January 2019, ‘Waitress’ is inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film and tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker. Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start. While her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness, Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.
‘Anastasia’– February 5-10, 2019
This romantic and adventure-filled new musical also opens in February and will transport audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s as a brave young woman sets out on a journey to discover the mystery of her past.
‘Fiddler on the Roof’ – March 26-31, 2019
This new production returns to the Majestic Theatre in March. It features the Broadway classics “Tradition,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “To Life.”
‘Hamilton’ – May 7-26, 2019
‘Hamilton’ will make its San Antonio debut with a three-week run. It is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, ‘Hamilton’ is the story of America then, as told by America now.
‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ – June 18-23, 2019
This award-winning smash comedy closes out the season in June. It is a remarkable rags-to-riches story for a play which started its life at a London fringe venue with only four paying members of the public at the first performance and has gone on to play to an audience of over half a million around the world.
‘Jersey Boys,’ the Tony Award®-winning true-life musical phenomenon about Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, will return as a season option. Details will be announced soon.
Season tickets are on sale now. North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio season packages are now available. Subscribers can choose a six-show package starting at $270 or seven-show package including ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ starting at $315. For more information, patrons can visit Broadway In San Antonio or call Broadway in San Antonio at 800-215-SHOW (7469), from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. On sale dates for individual shows will be announced in the coming months. Group minimums start as low as 10 for select shows and can reserve seats now by calling (210) 226-5967.
Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700
‘The Color Purple’ is now playing at the Majestic Theatre until Sunday February 11, 2018.
‘The Color Purple’ is the 2016 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical Revival and it is now playing at the Majestic Theatre through Sunday February 11. 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 with prices starting at $35. It is based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker and follows the life story of Celie, an African-American Southern woman, from the early to mid-20th century.
‘The Color Purple’ begins on a Sunday morning in 1909 as fourteen-year old Celie is playing a clapping game with her younger sister Nettie. She is pregnant with her second child by her father Alphonso and after she gives birth to a son, he coldly tells her he is going to get rid of it like the last one and she quietly says goodbye to her baby, “Somebody Gonna Love You.” Years later, a local farmer asks Alphonso for permission to marry one of his daughters, so he gives him Celie and throws in a cow as part of the deal. As she grows, her life is filled with hardships but along the way she meets women that will guide her through and eventually help her regain her power and reunite her with her grown children.
Celie’s tragic story is at the center of ‘The Color Purple’ so there are no elaborate settings or lighting effects but it works. Adrianna Hicks is amazing as Celie, especially on “I’m Here” towards the end when she finally accepts herself and realizes her worth. Carrie Compere brings the strong-willed Sofia to life, beginning with “Hell No” when she fights back when her boyfriend Harpo tries to beat her. Stand out performances include “Shug Avery Comin’ to Town,” “What About Love?” and “Hell No,” which had the loudest audience reaction. Even though the main themes include empowerment and self-worth, it does have mature content, so it might not be suitable for all ages. Overall, it is a heartfelt story of the triumph of the human spirit despite all the set-backs and tragedies that come along the way. It is definitely a must-see.
Chef Steve McHugh of Cured. Photo: Cured, used with permission.
Most people prefer to eat out for Valentine’s Day, but for those brave enough to cook a homemade meal for their sweetheart, recipes can be a hassle to find. Whether for Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day, Beef Loving Texans asked Chef Steve McHugh of Cured to share his favorite romantic meal to make at home, Hanger Steak with Chili Pequin au Poivre. (Cured, 2018)
Chili Pequin Au Poivre Sauce
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. chopped shallots
2 oz. bourbon
4 Tbsp. pickled chili pequin
2 cups veal stock or broth
1 Tbsp. stoneground mustard
1 Tsp ground black pepper
3 cups heavy cream
½ Tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. sugar
Carrot & Arugula Salad
1 lb. baby carrots, peeled and cut in half lengthwise
½ lb. arugula
3 Tbsp. olive oil
3 individual grapefruits
Salt and pepper to taste
Hanger Steak
3 lbs. Hanger Steak, salt and pepper to taste
Add the olive oil to a 3-quart pot over medium-high heat and let heat for 1 minute. Add the shallots and sauté for 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with the bourbon; add the chili pequins and sauté for 1 minute (be careful not to breath in the fumes from the peppers). Add the veal stock and reduce until one-third remains. Add the mustard, black pepper and heavy cream and reduce by another third. Finish with the salt and sugar.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer. Blanch the carrots until tender, about 1.5 minutes. Strain carrots and allow them to cool. Segment the grapefruit over a bowl to catch the juices. Keep the segments and juice separate (You should have about 4 Tbsp. of juice when complete). Mix the olive oil with the grapefruit juice to create your vinaigrette. Mix the arugula, carrots and grapefruit segments and dress with vinaigrette.
Season the hanger steak with salt and pepper. Grill the steak to the desired temperature (I prefer medium-rare). Allow the steak to rest for 4 minutes before slicing. Slice the steak against the grain and enjoy with the salad and sauce.
The Vintage Bouquet Bar is just one business at the Pearl helping customers celebrate the ‘Month of Love’ with special deals. Photo: The Vintage Bouquet Bar, used with permission.
During the month of February, Pearl is celebrating all things love with their ‘Month of Love’ celebration. This will consist of romantic programming that includes sweet shopping and dining specials at the onsite restaurants and retailers and romantic live music. Hiatus Spa + Retreat, The Granary ‘Cue and Brew and more are offering specials throughout the romantic weekend. Pearl is encouraging all guests to interact via social media posts using the hashtag #PearlLoves throughout the month. (Pearl, 2018)
Special Events:
Enjoy all day happy hour every Monday at Bottling Department. During February, The Bar at Bottling Department will have handcrafted mimosas, specialty sangrias, local beer and wines carefully selected by the team at High Street Wine Co.
Sweethearts Dance will bring the community together for an evening of dancing at Pearl Studio on Friday February 9 from 5p.m. to 7:30 p.m. featuring DJ Steven Lee Moya.
Salsa Night at The Stable invites salsa pros and beginners to come to Pearl Stable on Friday, February 17 from 7p.m. to 11p.m. with music by Jose Amador and NATIAO Latin Jazz.
The music series Canciones; Love Songs returns to Pearl Park on Friday, February 23 from 5:30p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with live music from Tje Austin & Alyson Alonzo.
Sound Cream returns to Pearl Park on Valentine’s Day, Wednesday, February 14 from 6p.m.to 9p.m. SoundCream Airstream will host DJ JJ Lopez with his own take on all things love-inspired music.
Hotel Emma has an exclusive Valentine’s package for patrons staying throughout the month. Hotel guests can use code MLOVE to receive a special room rate and receive complimentary chocolates including a box of four regional truffles and a half bottle of Miravel rose upon arrival.
Shopping
Customers can assemble an extra special flower bouquet at The Vintage Bouquet Bar, the flower and gift boutique that consists of full service floral customization. Selections include florals, fillers, greenery and arrangement style for a personalized piece perfect for any Valentine. The limited-edition style created for Valentine’s Day is called the “Yours & Mine” arrangement which sells for $150 and lux blooms styled two unique ways to complement their accompanying dark gray or light cream copper bottom ceramic vases. They also have classes where guests can learn the art of floral design with a hands-on, relaxing experience on how to build and create signature whimsical arrangements. Each class arrangement will be uniquely styled and color palette oriented and will change from week to week.
Adelante Boutique has new, lightweight sweaters in stock by Wooden Ships, which make dressing for the occasion effortless.
Dos Carolinas is selling Valentine’s Day robes to make gift-giving super easy. Be Mine and Hug Me “Bathrobe Love” bathrobes are seersucker and one-size fits all. Perfect for gift giving to a loved one, these robes will make anyone want to lounge the day away.
Leighelena has handmade gifts including a boxed steak knife collection by Claude Dozorme for Laguiole and a woven glass bead and sterling silver necklace, handmade by Claudia Fajardo.
Niche will be selling cute little stone wear gift hearts and dishes as well as “kiss” scarves.
Dine and Drink The Granary ‘Cue and Brew is offering a three-course pre-fixe dinner on Valentine’s Day from 5:30p.m. to 10p.m. for $55 per person, plus tip and tax. Each guest will choose a Welcome, Savor and Stay Courses from a specially selected menu for the evening including items such as Smoked Pork Belly, Barbecued Duck Breast, Buttermilk Chess Pie and more. Select wine and sparkling options will be featured during the evening. Reservations are not required, but strongly suggested and may be made online. The Granary also has a new seasonal beer on tap, ideal for chocolate lovers: Imperial Mocha Stout.
High Street Wine Co. will be celebrating Pearl’s ‘Month of Love’ with two unique wine flights that will run through the entire month. The first flight, ‘Riddle Me This,’ will be an exploration into the major styles of sparkling wine made by the Champagne Method. The second flight, ‘Liquid Dessert,’ has three different dessert wines that are distinctly different. Each flight will be paired with a small treat alongside, and discounts will apply to those who order in ‘pairs.’
‘All Systems Down’ is the debut novel by Sam Bousch. Courtesy photo: used with permission.
Sam Boush is a novelist and award-winning journalist who has worked as a wildland firefighter and as owner of a mid-sized marketing agency. He is a member of the Center for Internet Security, International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium and Cloud Security Alliance. ‘All Systems Down,’ his first novel, is a cyber war thriller that unites a group of strangers whose must depend on each other’s skills to survive the oncoming chaos.
‘All Systems Down’ begins aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford where Lieutenant Kelly Seong and Lieutenant Orion Bether are in the middle of 4a.m. drills. After their communication radios malfunction, they are forced to head back to the supercarrier and are shocked when its lights start shutting down and the instruments aboard their jets start to fail. This is only the beginning of mass cyber-attacks that cause electrical grids to fail, satellites to crash to earth and widespread cell phone and internet crashes. With massive black blackouts across America and a foreign enemy creeping up on its shores, survivors like Brendan Chogan, whose job interview was interrupted by an outage, and Ireana and Annalore, who were on a camping trip, will have to work together to get through the next few days. They are the innocent victims of the North Korean military determined to topple the enemy’s infrastructure.
With his debut novel, Sam Boush proves that he deserves to be listed with the likes of Tom Clancy, David Baldacci and Dan Brown. Right from the beginning, readers are in for a thrill ride as the lives of every day people are abruptly interrupted by a series of computer viruses. Both heroes and villains are well-developed and include various nationalities. The action flows easily from chapter to chapter and even though there is some military and computer jargon involved, it is easy to follow and understand. As cities fall, the scariest animal is a cornered and scared human. Despite being a work of fiction, it is not hard to envision a real-life scenario where worldwide destruction comes via a keyboard. It is a must-read and recommended for fans of thrillers and suspense novels with apocalyptic/disaster storylines. With a subtitle of ‘The Cyber War – Book 1’ hinting of more to come, this series, with its compelling characters and every-day heroes will keep readers asking for more.
*A copy of this book was given via NetGalley for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are solely the author’s.
Bakery Lorraine is offering holiday-themed menu items including the Raspberry Rose Japonaise. Photo: Christina Coker, used with permission.
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, local businesses are offering special deals to make the day extra special, including Bakery Lorraine, Hotel Contessa, Boiler House, Southerleigh, Cover 3, Downstairs at Esquire and Rosella at The Rim. (2018)
Bakery Lorraine will offer special holiday-themed menu items during the month of February including Strawberry Pop Hearts, Grapefruit Tiramisu, Cherry Pistachio Tart, Raspberry Rose Japonaise, Chocolate Caramel Tart, Lavender Shortbread Hearts, Chocolate Pear Tart and Tuxedo Macarons.
Hotel Contessa is offering a pre-fixe dinner menu on Valentine’s Day priced at $55 per person. They will also be offering two Texas wine tour packages for couples.
Boiler House will have a pre-fixe Valentine’s Day themed dinner menu and Whiskey Flights. The Dinner menu includes specialty items such as Maine Lobster – Jumbo Lump Crab, Artichoke Fondue, Baguette Toast, Caramelized; diver scallops – leek and butternut squash risotto, kefir lime butter, poached asparagus and Warm chocolate pecan pie – brown sugar bourbon ice cream. Whiskey Flight Offerings: Cupid’s Flight – Bulliet Rye, Bone Straight Bourbon, Angel’s Envy – $15, Baby Blue – Herman Marshall Rye, Balcones Baby Blue, Straight Edge -$20 and Ode to the Motherland – High West Double Rye, Treaty Oak Experiment, Ardbeg 10yr -$25
Southerleigh will celebrate Valentine’s Day with specially themed crafted drinks featuring beer shandies and wine drinks. For reservations, please call (210) 455-5701.
The Cover 3 Valentine’s Day prix-fixe menu will feature four courses, including a dessert and each crafted to be enjoyed by two starting at 5p.m. The following day, February 15, also known as Single’s Awareness Day, COVER 3 will also offer the same prix-fixe menu after 5p.m. for those wishing to instead celebrate their independence. Women wishing to celebrate Galentine’s Day with their girlfriends on February 13 are welcome to visit COVER 3 anytime that Tuesday for half-priced bottles of wine that are being made available throughout the day. Dinner Items Include: Grilled Snapper Veracruz and Blackened Filet Mignon.
Esquire Tavern and Downstairs will be taking dinner reservations for couples. An assortment of expertly selected wines and spirits will be on the menu for the night. For reservations, please call 210-222-2521.
Rosella at the Rand will offer a $75 pre-fixe dinner menu on Valentine’s Day featuring unique, off menu items with wine pairings at an additional cost. The menu includes Surf & Turf – sous vide boneless short ribs and scallops, complete with rainbow carrots and pomegranate demi-glace; Fowl – cornish game hen, purple potato gratin, wilted spinach and chicken glace and more.
Hiatus Spa + Retreat offers Valentine’s Day packages for anyone on your gift giving list. Photo: Molly Culver, used with permission.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and for anyone looking for gift ideas, Hiatus Spa + Retreat is offering hard to resist gift packages. Located at the Pearl, these include monthly retreats and packages for a significant other or for themselves. Either way, anyone is sure to appreciate a day at the spa. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2018)
The Greatest Love of All
Invest in yourself this year with The Tailor-Made Facial and The Signature Massage. Two hours to just do you.
$179 | $138 H-Circle ($220 value)
The Love Everlasting
Give built-in me-time all year long with a one-year membership to H-Circle. Includes a signature Hiatus neck wrap and a $50 spa credit.
$69/month
The Unforgettable
The super-customized Yours, Truly Massage is paired with The One & Only Mani-Pedi and The Honey-Dew Facial for a spa day that will leave you glowing.
Four hours. $349 | $287 H-Circle ($410 value)
The Sweethearts’ Retreat
Begin with a crushed rose petal and organic sugar foot soak, then relax side-by-side in a couple’s massage with our house-blended love potion of rose, jasmine, vetiver and coco butter.
75 minutes, $325 per couple | $249 H-Circle
February Monthly Retreat: “Crush”
February’s lovely Retreat features a handmade body polish of crushed Himalayan Pink Salt, Hibiscus and Evening Primrose to gently exfoliate dry winter layers. After a refreshing Vichy rainfall, a skin-nourishing massage with rich Chinese Jasmine Body Butter will leave you feeling soft, supple and ready for a Hibiscus Champagne cocktail.
80 minutes, $195 | H-Circle members $139
Hiatus Spa + Retreat
312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 4, Ste 4112
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 202-3355
SA Examiner 