Hiatus Spa + Retreat H-Circle Summer Memberships

hiatusspavalentines — Hiatus Spa + Retreat has special offers for the summer. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat, the award-winning day spa with five locations across Texas, is excited to offer new clients a summer retreat and an opportunity to experience their renowned H-Circle membership for three months. For only $69 per month, members can choose one essential service per month and the option to book additional services at the discounted member pricing, 10% off of all retail products, priority booking and discounts for any guests. Offer is available starting Saturday June 1 and guests who take advantage of it will receive a $50 gift card with the membership to spend at the spa. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2019)

H-Circle members can treat themselves to one of six of the following essential services each month:

• The Signature Massage: Mixing Swedish techniques and customized aromatherapy, this service will relax muscles, improve circulation, increase range of motion and stimulate the skin and nervous system. Restore balance, reduce tension and peace out.

• The Tailor-Made Facial: In this essential facial, our expert esthetician will carefully analyze the skin, paying particular attention to imbalances and seasonal changes. Integrated aromatherapy, aromatic steam, lymphatic massage and acupressure techniques accompany this deeply relaxing, customized facial.

• The One & Only Mani-Pedi: Kick up those heels in a zero-gravity chair, add an eye pillow, blanket, and warm neck wrap and let us go to town with a polish, buff, and shine.

• The Body Glow: In this 40-minute full-body renewal the entire body is polished with essential oils and dead sea salts to invigorate and cleanse, followed by a rejuvenating rainfall Vichy shower in the hydrotherapy room.

• Acupuncture: This ancient Chinese practice uses fine, disposable needles to access the meridian system along which energy pathways of the body flow. Restoring blood circulation to organs and tissue kick starts the body’s natural healing and balancing abilities. Enjoy a deeply relaxing experience that results in relief and healing from a variety of issues, including chronic pain, stress management, allergy symptoms, weight control, smoking cessation, fatigue and more.

• The Body Wrap: In this hydrating wrap, guests be exfoliated, smoothed, softened and then wrapped in warm layers. A restorative scalp and foot massage balances the whole body. Choice of warming or cooling ingredients.

The three-month summer membership must be purchased by August 1 and all three services must be used by October 31.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat
312 Pearl Pkwy, Building 4, Ste 4112
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 202-3355

D-Day Remembrance Concert at UIW

bandlogo — County Line Community Band will perform with the 323rd Army Band on June 2 for a D-Day Remembrance Day concert. Courtesy photo: used with permission.

On Sunday June 2, the County Line Community Band will join forces with the 323rd Army Band, “Fort Sam’s Own,” in a joint performance of their “D- Day Remembrance Concert” at the University of the Incarnate Word at 6:30p.m. in the Luella Bennack Concert Hall. This year marks 75 years since the landings on the Normandy beaches in France that began the liberation of Europe and the eventual end to World War II. As a special part of this concert, the bands will premiere a new musical composition by local composer, Charles Booker, titled “Undaunted Courage” that pays homage to the Service-members who landed on the beaches and gave their full measure of devotion to our country. (County Line Community Band, 2019)

Commander and Bandmaster of the 323rd Army Band, CW4 Jono Ward and County Line Community Band Director, Toby Knight, would like to invite the public to this first of its kind joint performance between “Fort Sam’s Own” and one of San Antonio’s premier local community bands. This concert is FREE and open to the public. FREE reserved seating can be acquired at eventbrite by searching for “D-Day Concert.” The evening will help remember this monumental event in American History and to honor the Veterans from our greatest generation.

University of the Incarnate Word
4301 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 829-6000

Book review: ‘The Shaman’s Guide to Power Animals’ by Lori Morrison

Lori Morrison is a best-selling author, inspirationalist and mystic who, combining her skills as a coach, spiritual counselor, healer and medical intuitive, has built a successful alternative wellness practice in Sedona, Arizona. She works with clients from around the world in supporting those who are looking for a renewed approach in dealing with physical and mental health issues. Her first book and memoir “Lori: The Disintegration of my Ordinary Reality” is a winner of four prestigious book awards, including the 2017 Gold Medal winner in the Living Now Book Awards. “The Shaman’s Guide to Power Animals” is her current book and a cross-cultural journey into the mystical symbolism and stories of almost 200 birds, fish, insects and mammals drawn from ancient and indigenous cultures worldwide.

“The Shaman’s Guide to Power Animals” begins with a Preface by the author in which she recounts her early childhood’s exposure to nature and animals courtesy of her father. These experiences influenced her adulthood as she and her husband shared a love of wildlife that took them to places like Yellowstone National Park and Alaska. The book is divided into two parts: Part One: The World of Shamans and their Power Animals that has sections with extensive information about The Three Worlds, the Types of Power Animals, Determining Your Power Animal and Calling in Your Power Animal; and Part Two: A to Z Guide to Power Animals where the reader can either read through each animal to learn about its characteristics and powers, or just use it to read up on his or her particular power animal. Towards the end, there is a List of Endangered Species, a Table of Powers and Minerals, a summary of the A to Z Guide and References, a list of reference material for anyone interested in learning more about the subjects presented.

Lori Morrison’s impressive new book is an extensive encyclopedia of knowledge regarding shamanism, the spiritual world and power animals. For readers who are interested in these subjects but are not too familiar with the basics, it explains in detail what the non-ordinary reality is (“a supernatural place…where we can connect to spirits and experience the past, present and future simultaneously”); The Three Worlds (Upper, Middle and Lower) that are accessed through chanting, drumming, dancing or consuming of medicinal plants; and how to determine what an individual’s spirit animal is. It is insightful and thought provoking because even if readers have no interest in actually getting involved in spiritual ceremonies, they will walk away with a deeper understanding of how important it is for humans to be connected to nature and animals, which should be viewed as sisters and brothers instead of creatures to be mastered and manipulated for selfish gains. “The Shaman’s Guide to Power Animals” is recommended for fans of the mystical arts or anyone with an open mind who is willing to enrich their lives by learning more about nature, Mother Earth and the variety of animals and their characteristics and strengths.

“We need to interact with or observe animals in natural settings in order to truly see the planet as a whole. Perhaps the root cause of our planetary dysfunction and imbalance in this era of history is the disintegration of humanity’s connection to the spirit world in everyday life.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Television adaptation: ‘NOS4A2’ by Joe Hill

nos4a2 Joe Hill is an American author and comic book writer whose work includes the novels “Heart-Shaped Box,” “Horns,” “NOS4A2” and “The Fireman.” He has also written the short story collections “20th Century Ghosts” and “Strange Weather” as well as the comic book series Locke & Key, the latter which won the British Fantasy Awards in 2009 and 2012 and an Eisner Award in 2012. NOS4A2 focuses on a woman trying to save her son from a vicious, supernatural killer who has set his eyes on him. The television adaptation, consisting of ten episodes, will air on AMC starting on Sunday June 2 and stars Zachary Quinto as Charlie Manx and Ashleigh Cummings as Vic McQueen.

“NOS4A2” follows Victoria “Vic” McQueen, a young working-class artist who has a secret gift for finding things, like a misplace bracelet, a missing photograph or answers to unanswerable questions. She also discovers that she has a supernatural ability to track the seemingly immortal Charlie Manx. Manx feeds off the souls of children, then deposits what remains of them into Christmasland, a twisted Christmas Village of Manx’s imagination where everyday is Christmas Day and unhappiness is against the law. He drives a 1938 Rolls-Royce Wraith with the vanity plate NOS4A2 which allows him to slip out of the everyday world and into the terrifying Christmasland. When Vic was young, she was the only girl to escape Manx’s evil grasp and now all grown up, she just wants to forget. But Manx has never forgotten Vic and now she must defeat Manx and rescue his victims, one being her own son, without losing her mind or falling victim to him herself.

Memorial Day lunch and brunch menus at COVER 3

cover3chilaquiles — COVER 3 will have a special Memorial Day menu along with their weekly lunch menu. Photo: COVER 3, used with permission.

This Monday, Memorial Day, guests will not only be able to enjoy COVER 3’s weekly lunch menu, but the restaurant is also offering a special brunch menu from 11a.m. to 3p.m. featuring popular brunch options like Chilaquiles, Migas, Green Chile Beef Breakfast Enchiladas, Chicken Tinga Breakfast Enchiladas and more. This special offering applies to all COVER 3 locations in Central Texas, including Austin, Round Rock and San Antonio. (COVER 3, 2019)

This special menu will also feature an extra offering of COVER 3’s U-Mix-It Bloody Mary & Bubbles Bar. The Bubbles Bar is a standalone station featuring four make-your-own mimosa options with cranberry, orange, grapefruit, peach nectar and pomegranate flavors as well as fresh fruit and juices, while the Bloody Mary Bar offers a selection of mixes and condiments ranging from Applewood Smoked Bacon, House-Pickled Veggies, Jalapeños, Stuffed Olives and so much more.

COVER 3 is a locally owned and operated restaurant group that provides guests with an elevated food experience featuring scratch-kitchen menu options, craft cocktails, local brews and high-end wine offerings in a sophisticated, yet approachable atmosphere. Founded in 2008, COVER 3 brings a unique and refined approach to sports bars in Austin. Nearly a decade later, the restaurant has expanded to four locations in Central Texas, including San Antonio and Round Rock, as well a second restaurant concept in COVER 2. Paying homage to football, COVER 3 works hard to cover its three “zones” – dining, spirits and sports – to provide a truly upscale dining experience.

COVER 3
1806 N 1604, West St.
San Antonio, TX 78248

2700 W Anderson Ln, Ste 202
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 374-1121

1717 West Sixth Street, #21 OR
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 982-1550

2800 N-IH 35, Suite 300
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 693-2393

Television adaptation: ‘Good Omens’ by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

Neil Gaiman is an English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels, nonfiction, audio theater and films. He is best known for the comic book series The Sandman and the novels “Stardust,” “American Gods,” “Coraline” and “The Graveyard Book.” He collaborated with English author Terry Pratchett for the 1990 World Fantasy Award-nominated novel “Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch.” The book is a comedy about the birth of the son of Satan, the coming of the end of times and the attempts by the angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley to sabotage it, having grown accustomed to their comfortable surroundings in England. It was adapted into a six-part series and will be released on Friday May 31 on Amazon Prime and stars David Tennant and Michael Sheen.

“Good Omens” is about the coming of the End Times; the Apocalypse is near and Final Judgement will soon descend upon humans. Aziraphale was the guardian of the Eastern Gate of Eden and Crowley was the serpent who tempted Eve to eat the apple and respectively, the representatives of Heaven and Hell on Earth. They have become good friends and have decided to work together and keep an eye on the Antichrist. He is destined to be the son of a prominent American diplomat stationed in Britain and their plan is to make sure he grows up unable to decide between Good and Evil, therefore postponing the end of the world.

New release: ‘The Night Window’ by Dean Koontz

Dean Koontz is an American author whose works are billed as suspense thrillers but can also include horror, fantasy, science fiction, mystery and satire. His first novel, “Star Quest” was published in 1968 and since then he has sold over 450 million copies of his books with many of them appearing on The New York Times’ Best Seller list. “The Night Window,” the final chapter in the Jane Hawk series, was released this week and finds the rogue FBI agent gambling everything against a terrifying conspiracy, for vengeance, for justice and for humanity’s freedom.

In “The Night Window,” Jane crosses paths with a visionary young filmmaker hunted for sport across a Colorado ranch by a billionaire who is the head of a cabal, a brilliant computer hacker who gathers facts to fight powerful perpetrators of mass murder, and, among others, a Vegas mob boss out to kidnap a boy to use as leverage against his fugitive mother. Filled with ingenious twists, spellbinding action and resonant themes, it follows the heroine to her long-sought objective, in stunning, unforgettable finale.

The other books in the series include:
“The Silent Corner”– It all begins when Jane’s husband, and others with seemingly happy lives, kills himself. In her search to find the truth, she becomes the most wanted fugitive in America.

“The Whispering Room” – Jane picks up the trail of a secret cabal of powerful players who think themselves above the law and beyond punishment. That trail intersects with Cora Gundersun, who kills herself and others in a shocking act of carnage and appears to have been insane, but Jane knows better.

“The Crooked Staircase” – Knowing she may be living on borrowed time, Jane refuses to stop her one-woman crusade against those who threaten everyone’s freedom and free will. This time she goes after a cunning man with connections in high places, including an army of professional killers on call.

“The Forbidden Door” – Jane may be all that stands between a free nation and its enslavement by a powerful secret society’s terrifying mind control technology. Now that the number of brain-altered victims is growing and spreading, the war between her and her enemies will become a fight for all their lives against the lethal terror unleashed from behind the forbidden door.

Theater review: ‘The Little Foxes’ at The Classic Theatre

After a sold-out opening weekend, ‘The Little Foxes’ continues this weekend at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio and will run through Sunday May 26. 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 student and are available online or at the box office by calling (210) 589-8450. This classic drama is written by Lillian Hellman and directed by Melissa Utley and focuses on one family’s struggle for control of a family business.

‘The Little Foxes’ is a 1939 play set in a small Alabama town in 1900 and centers around Southerner Regina Hubbard Gidden (Kelly Hilliard), who, because fathers only consider sons when it comes to heirs, struggles for wealth and freedom. Her two brothers Ben (Byrd Bonner) and Oscar (Anthony Ciaravino) have taken advantage of the system and are considerably wealthy while she has had to rely on her husband Horace (John O’Neill). The brothers want to join forces to build a cotton mill but are short $75,000 and want Regina to invest in their project. When Horace refuses to give Regina the money, they pressure Leo (Hunter Wulff), who works as a bank teller, to steal Horace’s railroad bonds from the bank’s safe deposit box. When Horace finds out, he argues with Regina and threatens to change his will to favor their daughter Alexandra (Alyx Irene Gonzales) but he has a heart attack and dies without amending his will. Regina blackmails her brothers into giving her a majority ownership in the cotton mill but ends up losing her daughter’s respect. In the end, she has the wealth she dreams of but ends up completely alone.

The Classic Theatre is known for putting on thought-provoking productions and this one is no exception. This morality play deals with the themes of racism, classism and greed gone amuck, problems that modern society has yet to conquer. The pursuit of the American Dream has different meanings to everyone and this family in their own unique way is determined to do what it takes to get rich. Stuck in the middle are Cal and Addie, the African American staff who disbelievingly watch the family unravel. The standout scene is when Horace has a heart attack and Regina refuses to help him; it is uncomfortable and difficult to watch but it is raw and real. The entire cast is excellent but Kelly Hilliard’s portrayal of the cold and calculating Regina is tops. As is Byrd Bonner as the racist and money-grubbing Ben. Overall, the story is timeless and keeps up with the times. The setting is reminiscent of an old Southern home and the costumes are gorgeous. ‘The Little Foxes’ is a must-see family drama that proves the more things change, the more they stay the same.

This Sunday, May 19, there will be a Classic Community Conversation after the show. The conversation is free and open to the public. Those with tickets to the May 19 matinee are welcome to stay after the show. No ticket? No problem. Come in after the show at 5:40p.m. for the 20-30-minute talk-back with the cast and creative team.

Theater summer camp at The Classic Theatre

campclassic.org — Camp Classic is a theatre arts camp and begins in July at The Classic Theatre. Photo: Classic Theatre, used with permission.

It is not too late to get kids registered for summer camp. Camp Classic is a theatre arts camp linked to classical mythology for children ages 5-13 of all ability levels, located in the heart of the Deco District. (The Classic Theatre, 2019)

Campers will travel back in time to the days of adventure and magic, heroes and heroines, gods and rulers and giants and ogres. They will learn how to make a story come to life by using elements of the theatre to create their own characters, props, masks, costumes, and set pieces, culminating in a final performance. Camp Classic curriculum is based on TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) standards and National Core Arts Standards in Theatre Arts.

Registration is available online. Campers may register for more than one individual sessions. Each week will be split into three age groups, ages 5-7, 8-10 and 11-13, and focus on one of the following: Greek Mythology, Mexican Folklore, and European Fairytales.

Dates
Week 1 (July 15-19, 2019) Greek Mythology- Alpha
Campers will unlock the stories of Hercules, Dionysus, Athena, The Trojan War and The Iliad and The Odyssey.

Week 2 (July 22-26, 2019) Greek Mythology – Omega
Added week of Greek Mythology camp.

Week 3 (July 29-Aug 2, 2019) Mexican Folklore
Campers will learn Mexican heritage stories of La Lorona, Quetzalcoatl, El Cucuy, Tlaloc and the Cempasuchil Flower.

Week 4 (August 5-9, 2019) European Fairytales
Campers will explores stories such as Rumpelstiltskin, Rapunzel, Beowulf, Hansl and Gretl and The Boy Who Cried Wolf.

Camp Times – 9a.m. to 3p.m.
Every Friday of each session will end with a class performance.

Camp Rates (per week)
Early Bird Rate – $235
After May 1 – $250

Included in camp rates are one camp shirt and take-home masks, costumes and props on final day of session. Sibling Discounts Available. $25 non-refundable tuition deposit due upon registration. $25 Extended Care available from 7:30a.m. to 5:30p.m.

Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 468-3900

Theater review: ‘Hamilton’ at the Majestic Theatre

hamiltoncast — ‘Hamilton’ is now playing at the Majestic Theatre through Sunday May 26. Photo: Joan Marcus, used with permission.

The Tony Award®- winning musical ‘Hamilton’ opened at the Majestic Theatre on Tuesday and will run until Sunday May 26. Showtimes are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2p.m. and 8p.m. Tickets start at $75.50 and are available by Ticketmaster online, by calling (800) 982-2787 or by visiting the Majestic Box Office. There will also be a lottery for forty (40) $10 seats for all performances. ‘Hamilton’ 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. With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, ‘Hamilton’ is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.

‘Hamilton’ tells Alexander Hamilton’s story through major events in his life and American history with characters including Marquis De Lafayette, Aaron Burr, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, Angelica Schuyler, and former presidents George Washington, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson. It begins with the company’s retelling of Hamilton’s (Joseph Morales) childhood as an orphan on the island of Nevis “Alexander Hamilton.” In 1776 he meets Aaron Burr (Nik Walker) and other men with similar revolutionary ideas and they get together to compare notes “The Story of Tonight.” King George (Jon Patrick Walker) enters the story and mockingly sings about his definitive authority over the colonies “You’ll Be Back.” Hamilton marries Eliza Schuyler (Erin Clemons) “Helpless” and gets involved in the war effort as Washington’s aide-de-camp. Due to his endorsement of Thomas Jefferson (Kyle Scatliffe) in the presidential election of 1800, Burr challenges Hamilton to a duel. Hamilton is fatally shot and Burr laments that even though he survived, he will live with the curse of being known as the man who killed Hamilton “The World Was Wide Enough.” It all ends as Eliza sings about Hamilton’s legacy “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story.”

The hype that is ‘Hamilton’ finally hit San Antonio last week as even those who do not usually attend a live theater performance packed the Majestic Theatre. Behind all the glitz, glamour and lights is the poignant story of what is possible when people work together for a common goal. The ethnically diverse cast is significant, but not as important of the underlying message of the relevance of the role immigrants played in the founding of this country. Joseph Morales is outstanding as Hamilton and he works well with Erin Clemons to make history come alive onstage. Because the score features everything from hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway, there is something for everyone and there is at least one song that will speak to the individual heart. Highlights include the comic relief courtesy of King George’s hilarious rantings and Thomas Jefferson’s “What’d I Miss” at the beginning of Act Two. The revolving stage is impressive and the costumes are gorgeous. Overall, ‘Hamilton’ is a modern take on history and offers a much-needed reminder of what it truly means to be an American. With universal themes of family, honor and self-determination, it is a must-see production and definitely worthy of the hype.

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Author: Sandra Cruz