Day: July 18, 2018

Theater review: ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

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‘The Wizard of Oz’ is now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre through July 29. Photo courtesy of Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

There are just two weekends left to catch the family-friendly musical ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at the Woodlawn Theatre. It runs through Sunday July 29 with show times every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is the story of Dorothy Gale, who lives in Kansas and after being blown away by a twister, ends up in the magical world of Oz. Together with Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion, she searches for her way home. Tickets are on sale online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. Prices are $18 for students and children, $24 for seniors, military and first responders and $30 for adults. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount.

After the Overture, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ begins with Madeline Gutierrez’ poignant rendition of “Over the Rainbow” and the audience is introduced to Dorothy who wishes she could escape to a nicer place. When her mean neighbor Miss Gulch threatens to take her dog Toto away, she runs away and meets Professor Marvel “The Wonders of the World” and begs him to let her come along with him in his travels. They are interrupted when a twister hits and she runs back home for shelter but once inside the house, it gets blown away by the storm. It lands in Oz and flattens the Wicked Witch of the East and Dorothy is greeted by the Glinda, the Good Witch of the North and the Munchkins “Munchkinland.” Glinda tells Dorothy that the Wizard of Oz might be able to help her return home “Follow the Yellow Brick Road.” On her way to the Emerald City to speak with the Wizard, she meets the Scarecrow, who wants a brain, the Tin Man, who wants a heart and the Lion, who wants courage. Eventually the Wizard grants them their wish, which they had inside them all along and Glinda helps Dorothy return home via the ruby slippers.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ is a crowd pleaser as the humor and heart are well balanced and the combination of spectacular settings and quality performances by the cast makes this a show the entire family can enjoy together. Show highlights include Glinda’s grand entrance, the cast’s performance of “Follow The Yellow Brick Road” and “If I Only Had a Brain” by the Scarecrow, Dorothy and the Crows. Manny as Toto is a definite scene stealer, especially during a group scene at last Saturday’s performance when he chased the Lion’s tail. A special mention goes to Joshua Buce who plays the Lion and whose comic genius makes the role an uproarious delight to witness. He was recently seen as Lord Farquaad in ‘Shrek, the Musical,’ a similarly comic role for which he received an ATAC Globe Award.  This weekend, escape the heat and bring the kids to experience live theater at its best. This classic never goes out of style and is a must-see.

Theater review: ‘Mamma Mia!’ at The Public Theater

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Briane Green as Rosie in The Public Theater’s ‘Mamma Mia!’ Photo: Carrie Daniels, used with permission.

Now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio is the smash hit musical ‘Mamma Mia!’ It runs until Sunday August 5 in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater and there are still a few more chances to experience this popular guilty pleasure firsthand. This jukebox musical uses popular ABBA songs to tell the story of Sophie who is searching for her father. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are going fast and available online or at the box office at (210) 733-7258 and are $35 for adults, $25 for military members with ID, $25 for seniors age 60 and older and $20 for students with ID. Groups of ten or more receive a special rate.

‘Mamma Mia!’ takes place on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi where 20-year-old Sophie is making plans to marry her fiancé Sky. She wants her father to walk her down the aisle but she does not know who he is. When she discovers her mother’s old diary with details about the men she dated, she invites them to the wedding. The show begins with an overture, a montage of instrumental versions of ABBA songs. That leads to “Money, Money, Money” during which Sophie’s mom Donna and her two friends catch up on their lives. When the three possible fathers, Sam Harry and Bill, arrive on the day before the wedding, Donna is surprised to see them, “Mamma Mia,” and flees in tears. Eventually, Sky finds out what Sophie is up to and accuses her of wanting a wedding with the sole intent of finding her father.  Sam attempts to console her and gives her some fatherly advice on “Knowing Me, Knowing You.” On the big day of the wedding, Sophie and Sam agree not to marry and decide to take off together and see the world. Sam still loves Donna and proposes to her at the wedding and she accepts “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do.”

Overall, ‘Mamma Mia!’ is a fun show full of laughter and music that die-hard ABBA fans will enjoy. With the general theme of female empowerment, it celebrates friendship and love and is a musical nostalgic trip down memory lane. Show highlights include “Mamma Mia” and the hilariously played “Take a Chance on Me” when Donna’s friend Rosie tries to connect with Bill. Jessi Little delivers a strong performance as Sophie but Briane Green steals the show as the infectiously funny Rosie. Even those who are not familiar with ABBA’s music will find the show’s infectious songs hard to resist and the story a treat in and of itself. The cast is big but they all work together flawlessly to make this show a must-see and perfect for a girl’s night out. After the curtain call, the audience gets treated to a mini concert.

Ole, San Antonio events for July at Pearl

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Ole San Antonio at Pearl celebrates the city’s Spanish heritage. Photo courtesy of  Pearl, used with permission.

To celebrate San Antonio’s Tricentennial and its Spanish heritage, Pearl announces Olé, San Antonio: When San Antonio Meets Spain. This summer-long celebration will take place from Friday June 15 to Sunday September 16 to commemorate the city’s 300th anniversary. There will be events and activities related to four main pillars: gastronomy, music and dance, arts and architecture. Events will include new programming while also incorporating existing Pearl activities. (Pearl, 2018)

Events scheduled for Olé, San Antonio from July 17 through July 27 include Sound Cream at Pearl Park, Master Class Plancton Marino, Canciones and more.

Wednesday, July 18 & 25
Sound Cream Sunset Sessions – Olé Edition at 5:30 p.m.

For the Olé edition of Sound Cream, DJ Isaiah will take over Pearl Park with a Rihanna themed dance party on July 18th and DJ Miranda Maxwell will have a Sade themed set on the 25th. Sound Cream will occur every Wednesday during the summer.

Saturday, July 21
Olé, San Antonio! Paella at 11a.m.

The Culinary Institute of America will join Pearl in celebrating San Antonio’s 300th birthday by hosting a class featuring Paella, one of Spain’s most iconic dishes. Tickets are available online for $25.

Wednesday, July 25
Master Class Plancton Marino at 5:30 p.m.

Hotel Emma will offer visitors and San Antonians the chance to have an in-depth lesson on plancton. Larder and Sternewirth will be serving Spanish plancton in tapas and dishes designed to highlight the ingredient. Expert Alberto Palomar will also teach a master class on plancton. Tickets are available online.

Friday, July 27
Canciones at 5:30 p.m.

Canciones is a free concert series dedicated to Texas. During Olé, San Antonio, visiting artists from Spain will showcase their music alongside South Texas favorites. South Texas Indie Latin orchestra Volcán will open this edition of Canciones at Pearl followed by Spanish composer, vocalist and saxophonist Antonio Lizana. Canciones is free and open to the public.

Pearl
303 Pearl Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 212-7260