Theater review: ‘Anastasia’ at the Majestic Theatre

anastasia18 — Lila Coogan as Anastasia, Stephen Brower as Dmitry and Edward Staudenmayer as Vlad in ‘Anastasia,’ playing at the Majestic until Sunday February 10. Photo: Gayle McCracken, used with permission.

Now playing at the Majestic Theatre is the national tour of ‘Anastasia’ and there are still a few chances to catch it with showtimes at 8p.m. Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $40 and are available through Ticketmaster, by calling (800) 982-2787 or by visiting the Majestic Box Office. This dazzling show transports audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past accompanied by a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat.

‘Anastasia’ begins with a Prologue set in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1906 as the Dowager Empress (Joy Franz) comforts her seven-year-old granddaughter Princess Anastasia who is saddened because her grandmother is moving to Paris, France. Years later in 1917, eighteen-year old Anastasia is attending a ball with her family when the Bolsheviks invade the palace and kill the family “The Last Dance of the Romanovs.” Time forwards again, this time to 1927, when two con-men, Dmitry (Stephen Brower) and an ex-member of the Imperial Court named Vlad (Edward Staudenmayer), upon hearing of the rumor that Anastasia may have survived the attack on her family, contrive to groom a naïve girl to become Anastasia to con money out of the Dowager Empress “A Rumor in St. Petersburg.” They find that girl in Anya (Lila Coogan), a street sweeper with no memory of her past but who bears a striking resemblance to Anastasia. After giving her history, dining and dancing lessons “Learn to Do it,” they take a train to Paris, France where all three have plans of their own. Eventually, Anya and her grandmother, the Dowager Empress, are reunited after her real identity is confirmed.

Based on the 1997 movie, ‘Anastasia’ adapts the legend of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia who some believe could have escaped the execution of her family. Lila Coogan and Edward Staudenmayer have excellent chemistry and bring this heartfelt tale to life onstage.The costumes are gorgeous, especially those of the royal family. Show highlights include “Once Upon a December” when Anya dreams about her family when her memory starts coming back, “Still” when Gleb, the Russian soldier, receives orders to go after Anastasia and kill her, but is conflicted because he has developed feelings for her and “The Countess and the Common Man” when Vlad and Lily reunite – a hilarious physical comedy routine. Overall, the humor, heart and spectacular costumes, singing and dancing, makes ‘Anastasia’ a must-watch production. It should be noted, though, that the train scene in Act I when Anya, Dmitry and Vlad flee to Paris, has a rotating train set that might trigger motion sickness in some audience members.

‘The Trip to Bountiful’ at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio

Coming up this month at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is ‘The Trip to Bountiful,’ written by Texas playwright Horton Foote and directed by John O’Neill. This American drama opens on Friday February 15 and will run through Sunday March 10. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are $33 for general admission, $29 for senior, military, educator or SATCO and $18 for students. They are available online or at the box office by calling (210) 589-8450. Proper ID is required. On opening night, there will be a complimentary champagne reception after the show. (The Classic Theatre, 2019)

‘The Trip to Bountiful’ tells the story of Carrie Watts, an elderly woman who longs to escape a cramped Houston apartment and return to her beloved hometown of Bountiful, Texas one last time before she dies. But when dreams do not match up with reality, what does Carrie have to fall back on? Cast includes Alison Bridget Chambers, Joe De Mott, Jana Drew, Emily Huber, Chris Miller, Russell Oldmixon, Magda Porter, Steven Starr, Chad Thompson and Hunter Wulff.

Special Student Performances – Thursday February 28 at 7p.m.

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

Shake Shack’s Chick’n Bites now available in San Antonio

shakeshackchicnbites — Shake Shack’s Chick’n Bites are now available in San Antonio for a limited time only. Photo: Shake Shack, used with permission.

Fans of Shake Shack’s Chick’n Bites will be thrilled to know that effective today, Monday February 4, the Chick’n Bites will be available at the San Antonio Shake Shack (excluding stadiums and airports) for a limited time. Chick’n Bites are made from antibiotic-free chicken breast, hand-breaded and crisp-fried to order, served with choice of dipping sauce. The bites will be available in a 6 piece pack for $4.09 or 10 piece pack for $6.09 and can be enjoyed with BBQ Sauce or Honey Mustard. (Shake Shack, 2019)

Chick’n Bites are always made fresh to order, never frozen and are prepared with a sous vide cooking method so they are extra juicy and tender. They were first introduced in the Innovation Kitchen and West Village Shack in September of last year and were such a success that Shake Shack decided to roll them out nationwide.

Since 2004, 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
7427 San Pedro Avenue, Suite 107
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 277-4770

Theater review: ‘Rent’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio

rent19 — ‘Rent’ is now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio until Sunday February 17. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

Now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio is the pop culture phenomenon that is ‘Rent.’ This original rock musical by Jonathan Larson runs until Sunday February 17 in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets start at $25 and are available online and at the box office by calling (210) 733- 7258. ‘Rent’ is the story about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, it is a re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème and follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven struggling young artists in Lower Manhattan’s East Village living under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Disclaimer: may contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.

‘Rent’ is set in the East Village of New York City and begins on Christmas Eve as two roommates, Mark (Gavin Rohrer), a filmmaker and Roger (Robby French), a rock musician, are trying to produce a video “Tune Up A.” Their friend Tom Collins (Isidro Medina III), a gay anarchist professor at New York University, is on his way to surprise them at their apartment when he is mugged. Angel (Louie Canales) a cross-dressing street drummer presently out of drag finds and tends to him “You Okay Honey?” and they are instantly attracted to each other and find out that they are both HIV positive. The story continues throughout the year as the friends observe holidays including Valentine’s Day and Halloween. Their personal struggles and losses come full circle on Christmas the next year as the remaining friends gather in a final moment and resolve to enjoy whatever time they have left with each other because there is “no day but today” “Finale B.”

One of the reasons ‘Rent’ remains popular is because the characters are so relatable and the universal themes of love and hardships hit close to home and appeal to people of all ages. The message of joy and hope in the face of fear reminds people to measure their lives with love, which is the only thing that matters. Show highlights include “Light My Candle” when Mimi and Roger meet, “Today 4 U” when Angel first comes out in drag, “La Vie Bohème” at the café as the group celebrates their bohemian lifestyle and of course, “Seasons of Love” sung by the entire cast at the beginning of Act II. The urban themed set, the talented cast and ensemble and Courtnie Mercer’s choreography all work brilliantly together to bring this tragically beautiful story to life onstage. Overall, ‘Rent’-heads as well as newcomers will be sure to enjoy this must-see production. It is a timeless classic but the disclaimer above should be taken into consideration.

Upcoming special dates:
Education Nights -Thursday February 7
ASL Night (interpreters present) – Saturday February 9

Fan-favorite marathon of Supernatural on TNT

To celebrate the 300th episode of the hit series Supernatural, TNT has curated the top 25 fan-favorite episodes, which will air Monday February 4 through Thursday February 7 during a Fan-Favorite Marathon. (TNT, 2019)

In Supernatural, Sam Winchester (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) lose their mother to a mysterious and demonic supernatural force. Subsequently, their father John raises them to be soldiers and teaches them about the paranormal evil that lives in the dark corners and on the back roads of America and most importantly, how to kill it.

Episode rundown:
Monday, February 4, 2019
• 10am – Various & Sundry Villains
• 11am – Devil’s Bargain
• 12pm – Scoobynatural
• 1pm – Tall Tales
• 2pm – Mystery Spot

Tuesday, February 5, 2019
• 2am – Sex and Violence
• 3am – Monster at the End of This Book
• 4am – Good God, Y’all
• 5am – Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid
• 10am – Exile on Main Street
• 11am – Two and a Half Men
• 12pm – You Can’t Handle the Truth
• 1pm – Family Matters
• 2pm – Clap Your Hands if you Believe

Wednesday, February 6, 2019
• 10am – Hello, Cruel World
• 11am – Defending Your Life
• 12pm – Slash Fiction
• 1pm – The Mentalists
• 2pm – What’s up, Tiger Mommy?
• 3pm – Remember the Titans
• 4pm – The Great Escapists

Thursday, February 7, 2019
• 10am – Clip Show
• 11am – Sacrifice
• 12pm – The Things we left Behind
• 1pm – Inside Man

Theater review: ‘Jersey Boys’ at the Majestic Theatre

‘Jersey Boys’ returned to the Majestic Theatre this week for a limited run. Photo: Joan Marcus, used with permission.

The immensely popular jukebox musical ‘Jersey Boys’ returned this week to the Majestic Theatre for a limited run for three performances only on Friday February 1 and Saturday February 2. ‘Jersey Boys’ is the story of Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy De Vito and Nick Massi, known collectively as 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. Presented in a documentary-style format, it dramatizes the formation, success and eventual break-up of The Four Seasons.

‘Jersey Boys’ is structured as four “seasons,” each narrated by a different member of the band who gives his own perspective on its history and music. The story begins with “Ces Soirées-La,” a French rendition of “Oh, What a Night” after which Tommy DeVito, played by Corey Greenan, introduces himself and begins to narrate the story of the band’s beginnings with his brother Nick DeVito and friend Nick Massi and eventually Frankie Valli. Throughout the show, each band member takes turns narrating, (Bob Gaudio during Summer, Nick Massi during Fall and Frankie during Winter). This is an excellent way of bringing the audience into the story and making it more personal. While Act One is the story of the band’s inception, Act Two is a highlight reel of their best hits. In the Finale, Bob Crewe describes The Four Seasons’ 1990 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which reunited the original members onstage for the last time “Rag Doll.” Each of them address the audience separately to explain what being in the band meant to him and what he did afterwards.

After a successful opening night Friday, ‘Jersey Boys’ is still going strong, playing to an older crowd who no doubt remembers Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons during the highpoint of their careers. Regardless, the audience included guests of all ages who enjoy the music and keep coming back each time the show is in town. Highlights include their first hit “Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “My Eyes Adored You” which Frankie Valli (Jonny Wexler), sings to his wife. Judging by the audience’s reaction during “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” this was the audience favorite performance of the night. Overall, the setting, costumes and singing are first rate but there is adult language and themes so it might not appeal to everyone but for die-hard fans, it is an unforgettable night of nostalgia and music.

‘Late Nite Catechism’ tickets now on sale

‘Late Nite Catechism’ returns to the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre for four performances from Friday April 5 through Sunday April 7, 2019. to benefit the Archdiocese San Antonio Chapter of the Retired Fund for the Religious which provides medication and nursing care to elderly sisters, brothers and priests. Performance times are 8p.m. on Friday; 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $39.50 and go on sale Friday, February 1 at 10a.m. in person at the Majestic Theatre Box Office, online through Ticketmaster or by phone at 800-745-3000. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling (210) 226-5967. All tickets subject to applicable service charges and fees. (Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, 2019)

Written by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan, ‘Late Nite Catechism’ made its debut May 28, 1993 at the Live Bait Theatre in Chicago, Illinois and since has grossed over $100 million in box office receipts. It has been presented in more than 410 cities around the world and has played six countries with attendance exceeding 3.5 million people. There have been more than 100 “Sisters” presenting the eight shows now in the series which has raised in excess of $4 million for retired Sisters and Catholic Organizations.

‘Late Nite Catechism’ is an uproarious piece of theater that takes audience members back – sometimes nostalgically, sometimes fearfully to the children they once were. The irrepressible Sister teaches an adult catechism class to a roomful of “students,” the audience. Throughout the play, Sister goes from benevolent instructor, rewarding the “students” for correct answers with glow-in-the-dark rosaries and laminated saint cards, to authoritative drill sergeant. These abrupt mood swings are bound to strike a resonant chord with anyone who survived the ups and downs of going to school, with an omniscient authoritarian at the helm. It was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award in New York and won the L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Lead Performance for Maripat Donovan.

Charline McCombs Empire Theatre
226 N. St. Mary’s St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

CIA Bakery Café at new restaurant Savor

ciabakery19 — CIA Bakery Café will be open until Thursday April 11. Photo: Jessica Giesey, used with permission.

Savor, the new Modern American restaurant that opened this month at Pearl, is also now home to The Culinary Institute of America’s annual pop-up CIA Bakery Café. Under the direction of CIA faculty, students will be preparing and serving breakfast and lunch for the public with dine-in and takeout options. (CIA Bakery Café, 2019)

CIA Bakery Café is open from January to April. Students in the college’s Baking and Pastry Arts major have the opportunity to showcase their skills in a real-world retail bakery and sit-down restaurant. For breakfast and lunch on weekdays, Savor will transform into a café serving a range of fresh dishes. Morning offerings include fresh pressed coffee with a nitro brew and pastries like alfajores, traditional shortbread cookies with a dulce de leche filling, popular throughout Latin America. The breakfast menu includes items like Sylvia’s Brioche French Toast with macerated berries and whipped crème fraiche or a Pressed Egg Sandwich with spinach, mushroom, prosciutto and gruyere. Lunch will include homemade soup, salad and sandwiches such as the Fried Chicken Cubano with crisp chicken, gruyere, Dijon and sour pickles plus Chicken and Dumplings, potato gnocchi with porcini mushroom ragu.

Monday January 28 through Thursday April 11
Takeout is served Monday through Friday from 8a.m. to 2p.m.
Café dining is open Monday through Friday from 10:30a.m. to 1:30p.m.

Savor at Pearl
200 E Grayson St., Suite #117
San Antonio, TX 78215

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Month: February 2019