‘Avenue Q’ opens this Friday at the Woodlawn Theatre

woodlawnaveq — The cast of ‘Avenue Q,’ opening this Friday at the Woodlawn Theatre. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

Opening this Friday at the Woodlawn Theatre and just in time for the Halloween season, is the riotous ‘Avenue Q.’ The Tony-Award winning musical features dysfunctional twenty-something puppets coping with personal insecurities and identities while living on Avenue Q. This heartwarming and timely production runs from Friday October 12 through Sunday November 4. Show times are every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets prices are $30 for adults, $24 for senior/military/first responders, $18 for children/students and groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. Tickets are on sale online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2018)

*’Avenue Q’ contains adult language, and explicit content and situations. Parental discretion is advised.

‘Avenue Q is based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx. This coming-of-age story is performed by puppets, animated by visible puppeteers in full view of the audience and alongside human actors. “What happens when you’ve been told throughout your entire childhood that you’re special, only to find out that, as an adult, maybe you’re not?” Recent college graduate Princeton is learning that very difficult lesson upon his arrival in New York City. Lacking in finances, Princeton is forced to get a place in a tiny apartment on Avenue Q where he meets Kate Monster, Rod, Trekkie, Christmas Eve, Lucy, Brian and more quirky characters who are each trying to find their own way in love, career and life. They discover to their surprise and dismay, that in the real world their options are limited and that they are no more “special” than anyone else. With musical numbers like “It Sucks to be Me,” Everyone’s a Little Racist” and “Schandenfreude,” it does not shy away from tackling tough, mature subjects in an entertaining way.

During this production’s run, Woodlawn Theatre will be accepting personal hygiene donations to benefit Martinez Street Women’s Center, a non-profit organization that provides critical services to girls, women, and families in San Antonio.

Promotional Nights:
Pride Night – Saturday October 27
College Night – Friday November 2
ASL (American Sign Language) Night – Saturday November 3

Woodlawn Theatre
1920 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 267-8388

‘Waitress’ tickets on sale this Friday

waitressmusical — Tickets to ‘Waitress’ go on sale this Friday October 5 at 10a.m.

Broadway in San Antonio announces this week that ‘Waitress’ is coming to the Majestic Theatre as part of the North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio 2018-2019 season. It will play for eight performances only from Tuesday January 8 through Sunday January 13, 2019 and tickets go on sale at 10a.m. this Friday, October 5. Ticket prices start at $40, are available at Ticketmaster online, by phone at (800) 982-2787 or by visiting the Majestic Box Office. The Majestic Box Office does not accept single ticket orders over the phone; all ticket sales must be made in person. Majestic Box Office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday. Orders for groups of 15 or more may be placed by calling (210) 226-5967. Show times are 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 8p.m. Friday; 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. (Broadway in San Antonio, 2018)

‘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. To make a real change, Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life. Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by 6-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (“Brave,” “Love Song”), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam), choreography by Lorin Latarro (Les Dangereuse Liasons, Waiting For Godot) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Hair, Pippin, Finding Neverland).

Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-3333

Hiatus Spa + Retreat monthly retreat packages

Each month, Hiatus Spa + Retreat creates special “Monthly Retreat” packages for customers to escape their daily routines and enjoy unique body treatments that end with a specialty cocktail. The upcoming monthly retreats include Black Magic in October, Abundance in November and Solstice in December. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2018)

October Monthly Retreat: Black Magic
80 minutes. $195 | $128 h-circle
Make time for a little magic this October with the detoxifying Black Tea and Charcoal Body Experience. Fragrant Black Tea joins forces with Activated Charcoal and Organic Sugar to create a gentle full-body polish. Afterwards, a warm body wrap using a potent triple-clay Masque with Activated Charcoal and Magnesium balances and mineralizes the skin and includes a scalp and foot massage. A warm Vichy rain gives way to a moisturizing massage with a blend of cocoa and shea butters, touched with essences of Orange, Bergamot, antioxidant-rich Marigold and Black Tea Extracts. The spell wouldn’t be complete without a bewitching corpse reviver cocktail to close.

November Monthly Retreat: Abundance
80 minutes. $195 | $128 h-circle
A handmade enzyme rich pumpkin scrub mask with earthy yet fresh essences of Carrot Seed and Ginger Root gently peels away tired skin, while a nourishing foot treatment with Boabab and Tamanu Oils will restore a sense of groundedness. After a refreshing Vichy cleanse, delight in a hydrating massage with a vitamin-rich Jojoba body butter and a spiced bourbon pumpkin punch.

December Monthly Retreat: Solstice
80 minutes. $195 | $128 h-circle
Escape to the peaceful tranquility of the forest with the uplifting December Retreat. Pure essences of Red Spruce, Northern White Cedar and Eastern Hemlock blend in a gentle body polish to recreate a nostalgic serenity of the woods. A warm Vichy rainfall, soothing massage and frozen blackberry gin fizz are sure relieve Holiday tension; and without forgetting the spirit of giving, purchase of this service supports regional forest protection organizations.

Additionally, Hiatus Spa + Retreat has added SAINT Cosmetics to their list of products sold at all spa locations. SAINT is an organic makeup line that uses formulas that instantly transform complexion for a flawless finish without compromises. SAINT is the first nontoxic makeup brand that photographs like an Instagram filter and offers flawless full coverage completely untraceable by high-definition cameras or in-person. SAINT’s natural cosmetics are the standard in nontoxic makeup by being free of parabens, petrochemicals, nanoparticles, sulfates, silicone, polyethylene glycols (PEGs), phthalates, mineral oil, triclosan, petrolatum, coal tar, artificial preservatives and synthetic fragrance ingredients, making them one of the most complete brands for best natural makeup.

SAINT products sold at each Hiatus location include: Angel Face Primer, Pressed Powder Foundation, Illuminating On-The-Go Flawless Concealer, Diabolical Liquid Liner, 24K Glow Highlighter, 24K Glow Highlighter, On Cloud 9 Bronzer, Blush, Longwear Lipstick, Lip-gloss, Eyeshadow Palettes and Mascara.

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

‘Cowboy Barbecue’ by Adrian Davila

davilasalsas — Adrian Davila’s “Cowboy Barbecue” celebrates the culinary legacy of the original Texas Vaqueros. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Adrian Davila is a third generation BBQ restauranteur, BBQ Chef and Pit Master at the acclaimed Davila’s BBQ in Seguin, TX. He spent most of his youth in the restaurant’s kitchen mastering the techniques until he could prepare everything on the menu to perfection. In his debut cookbook “Cowboy Barbecue: Fire & Smoke from the Original Texas Vaqueros,” he shares authentic Texas barbecue with a uniquely Latin twist. It highlights the flavors and stories of the Mexican-American community from the simple, everyday cooking to the celebratory feasts that bring family and friends together. Co-authored with Ann Volkwein. (Countryman Press, 2018)

In “Cowboy Barbecue,” chef and restauranteur Adrian Davila celebrates traditions of Latin America and Texas, taking inspiration from the vaquero lifestyle and his own family history. His signature dishes trace their culinary roots back to the vaqueros, the Latino cowboys who once roamed the plains of Texas and Mexico. These vaqueros may have been the first “pit masters” who combined the local ingredients with the bright flavors of the Iberian Peninsula. For three generations, Davila’s BBQ has infused classic brisket, ribs and sausage with Latin flavors. Aside from grilling tips, he also offers techniques for smoking, cooking directly on the embers, underground, on a spit and more. Recipes include Mesquite Brisket, Vaquero Chili con Carne, Fire-Roasted Tomato, Onion and Serrano Salsa and more as well as more than fifty color photographs. Available on Amazon.

Fast Eddie’s 20th anniversary party this Friday

fasteddieanniversary — Fast Eddie’s anniversary party will take place this Friday October 5 at all locations. Photo: Fast Eddie’s, used with permission.

Fast Eddie’s, the largest group of billiards halls in the U.S., is celebrating its 20th anniversary with six months of festivities happening on the first Friday of each month from August 2018 through January 2019. The October “Squeaky Clean” party is the third event of the anniversary series, featuring craft cocktails with locally-made vodka and a free-entry, single-player Broomstick Pool Tournament (brooms provided). It will take place on Friday October 5 from 8p.m. to midnight at all Fast Eddie’s Billiards & Sports Bar locations. One lucky winner will be awarded a $3,000-value prize from the event. During each anniversary party, qualifying finalists will receive tickets to win a 2019 Chevy Camaro. (Fast Eddie’s Billiards & Sports Bar, 2018)

Hospitality experts and bar veterans Bob Wilson, Mark Beyer and Mark Lewis opened the first Fast Eddie’s Billiard’s & Sports Bar in San Antonio in August 1998. These talented entrepreneurs created a neighborhood gathering place with more entertainment options than were available at any other billiards halls. With large, comfortable environments that feature multi-dimensional entertainment, high-end audio-visual equipment, top of the line pool tables, dart boards, video games, music, comfort food, a full bar, themed events and charity benefits, Fast Eddie’s has drawn a loyal following. The single pool hall on Culebra Rd became so successful, it spurred the growth of Fast Eddie’s to 15 locations in Texas and Louisiana.

Fast Eddie’s Billiards & Sports Bar San Antonio locations:
9910 W Loop 1604 N Suite 113
San Antonio, TX

7616 Culebra Rd #103
San Antonio, TX

502 Embassy Oaks
San Antonio, TX

11221 Perrin Beitel
San Antonio, TX

Theater review: ‘Wicked’ at the Majestic Theatre

wicked18 — ‘Wicked’ is now playing at the Majestic Theatre through Sunday October 14.

The 2018-2019 North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio season officially began on Wednesday with opening night of the return of ‘Wicked’ to the Majestic Theatre. This hugely popular musical has become a cultural phenomenon since its first performance in San Francisco in 2003 will run through Sunday October 14 with showtimes Friday at 8p.m., Saturday at 2p.m. and 8p.m., Sunday at 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30p.m. Tickets start at $53.50 and are available through Ticketmaster online, by calling 800-982-2787, or by visiting the Majestic box office. ‘Wicked’ is based on the 1995 bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire and has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. It is the story of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda, the future Good Witch of the North, who meet in the Land of Oz before Dorothy drops in. Their friendship is put to the test through a series of events including their reaction to the Wizard’s corrupt government and Elphaba’s eventual fall from grace.

‘Wicked’ begins with Act I set in the Land of Oz where the Ozians are celebrating the death of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. Glinda the Good Witch confirms the death and starts to recount Elphaba’s past, including how her mother had an affair while her father was out of town and how she was the product of that affair. (“No One Mourns the Wicked”) When an Ozian asks Glinda if Elphaba and she were friends, she reluctantly agrees and proceeds to tell the story of how they became best friends. The flashbacks begin when Elphaba and her sister Nessarose arrive at Shiz University (“Dear Old Shiz”) where the beautiful and popular Galinda, who later changes her name to Glinda, is also a student. During a confrontation with the headmistress Madame Morrible, Elphaba displays her magic powers which eventually lead to her being summoned to work with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, something she has always dreamed of. (“The Wizard and I”) When she finally meets him, she is disappointed to learn that he is a regular man with no magical powers and behind all the terrible things that have been going on in Oz, including the subjugation of the animals. Elphaba becomes a confident young woman and together with Glinda and Fiyero, a shared love interest, they fight to right the wrongs and bring peace to the Land of Oz, regardless of the consequences.

The complicated relationship between Elphaba and Glinda takes center stage but this multi-layered musical has something for everyone. There is enough humor, action and romance to keep audiences coming back every time it rolls into town. Considered a prequel of sorts, it gives numerous references to ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ namely the origins of Tin Man, Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion and the Flying Monkeys and how she got the reputation as the bad witch. Ginna Claire Mason and Mary Kate Morrissey are excellent as Glinda and Elphaba and work together splendidly while the lighting and gorgeous costumes help transport the audience to the magical Land of Oz. Show highlights include “Popular” as Galinda tries to give Elphaba a make-over, “Defying Gravity” when Elphaba realizes that she must not let anyone hold her down and “No Good Deed” when Elphaba fails to protect Fiyero because of the limitations of her powers and vows to live up to her reputation as the “bad witch.” It is not necessary to be familiar with ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ but it helps because of the various refences throughout the story. With universal appeal, it is appropriate for all ages, but the appearance of the Flying Monkeys might make some people uncomfortable. There are still many chances to catch this must-see production.

“Are people born Wicked, or do they have Wickedness thrust upon them?” – Glinda the Good Witch

Movie adaptation: ‘The House with a Clock in Its Walls’ by John Bellairs

John Bellairs was an American author best known for his fantasy novel “The Face in the Frost” and many gothic mystery novels for young adults featuring the characters Lewis Barnavelt, Rose Rita Pottinger, Anthony Monday and Johnny Dixon. One of his biggest works, “The House with a Clock in Its Walls,” is a juvenile mystery novel illustrated by Edward Gorey and the first in the series of novels featuring the fictional American boy Lewis Barnavelt. It follows the adventures of a young boy who goes to live with his uncle in a creaky old house. The movie adaptation starring Jack Black and Cate Blanchett and directed by Eli Roth is now in theaters everywhere.

According to Amazon, when Lewis Barnavelt, an orphan, goes to stay with his uncle Jonathan, he expects to meet an ordinary person. It turns out that his Uncle Jonathan and his next-door neighbor Mrs. Zimmerman, are both magicians. His uncle’s house was previously owned by Isaac and Selenna Izard, a sinister couple who practiced black magic and plotted to bring about the end of the world. Before he died, Isaac hid a clock inside the walls of the house; it was meant to eternally tick and as it pulled the world into the magical alignment and allow him to destroy it. When Lewis befriends a popular and athletic boy named Tarby Corrigan, he tries to impress him by raising the dead in the local cemetery on Halloween and ends up releasing Selenna from her tomb. Her ghost wreaks havoc in town and leads to a final confrontation in Jonathan’s basement where Lewis must stop her from finishing her husband’s work to destroy the world.

Meadow Neighborhood Eatery and Bar kicks-off brunch on Sunday

meadowbrunch — Meadow Neighborhood Eatery and Bar will now offer brunch starting this Sunday September 30. Photo: Jackie Klusmeyer, used with permission.

Meadow Neighborhood Eatery and Bar officially opened its doors last weekend and now will be launching brunch this Sunday, September 30. Brunch at Meadow will run every Sunday from 10a.m. to 2p.m. The menu stays true to the Seasonal Texas Southern concept, featuring items such as Texas Oats with Crispy Pork Belly, Bok Choy and Sweet Potato Syrup, the Wood Oven French Toast with Pear Butter Pecan Caramel and Salted Honey Cream and the Camping Doughnuts with Cinnamon Brown Sugar and Créme Anglaise. (Meadow Neighborhood Eatery and Bar, 2018)

Meadow will also debut their signature Meadow Burger this Sunday. The burger will be a staple on their menu and served during both evening dinner and Sunday brunch. The regular menu features summer-to-fall transitional items, like the Late Season Tomato Toast. Dishes are curated with help from local farmers and ranchers and with an ample supply of farm fresh veggies, pickling is done in-house to preserve seasonality.

Meadow Neighborhood Eatery and Bar
The Alley on Bitters
555 W Bitters Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78216

National Coffee Day 2018

twangcafezuca — Celebrate National Coffee Day with new Café Zuca products from Twang. Photo: Sarah Cooper, used with permission.

National Coffee Day is a special day that is used to promote and celebrate coffee as a beverage, to promote fair trade coffee and to raise awareness for the plight of coffee growers. It is observed every year on September 29 and this year it falls on a Saturday. Coffee lovers who would rather make their own cup of joe at home, there is a new product by the makers of Twang that will also allow them shop local. The San Antonio-based company introduces Café Zuca flavored sugar toppings, premium blends designed to help create that personal experience by customizing and adding a special touch to favorite food, drinks and tasty treats at home. It is the coffee shop experience without the high prices and hassle of waiting in long lines. (Twang, 2018)

Locals can purchase Cafe Zuca at H-E-B retailers and become their own barista; flavors range from basics like caramel and chocolate to fall craze Pumpkin Spice and Latin inspired Tres Leches. Each adds a special touch to coffee whether the preference is hot or iced. Cafe Zuca can also be used to top off popularly paired java treats like cinnamon buns.

Theater review: ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at The Classic Theatre

midsummersnightdream — John Stillwagon and Carolyn Dellinger in The Classic Theatre’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

September may be coming to an end, but there are still three more chances to catch one of William Shakespeare’s most famous comedy ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. It consists of four interconnecting love stories, connected by a celebration of the wedding of Duke Theseus of Athens and the Amazon queen Hippolyta, which is set simultaneously in the woodland and in the realm of Fairyland, under the light of the moon. Sometimes while dreaming and desiring, a little magic is all it takes to set the course of love, comedy and reality in motion. Upcoming showtimes Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450.

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ opens with four characters who are wrapped up in a love quarrel: Hermia who is in love with Lysander but whose father has promised her to Demetrius and Helena, Hermia’s best friend who secretly pines for Demetrius who broke up with her to be with Hermia. There is also Peter Quince, who along with his friends Nick Bottom, Francis Flute, Robin Starveling, Tom Snout and Snug are preparing to put on a play for the wedding of the Duke Theseus of Athens and the Amazon queen Hippolyta, which is titled “Pyramus and Thisbe.” In the parallel realm of Fairyland, Oberon, king of the fairies and Titania, his queen are estranged because of her refusal to give him her changeling. He plans to shame her into changing her mind and instructs his faithful servant Puck to help him. With the help of a magical flower, Puck wreaks havoc in the forest by causing everyone to fall for the wrong person. Eventually everything returns to normal and the actors perform the play for Theseus, Hippolyta and the lovers but the actor’s performances are so bad that the guests laugh as if it were a comedy. When everyone goes to bed, Oberon, Titania, Puck and the other fairies bless the house and its occupants with good fortune.

The story and the subplots can get confusing but the cast does a splendid job of moving the action along under the expert direction of Joe Goscinski. The poetic dialogue flows effortlessly throughout the production and the lighting and staging create a magical environment. Compared to Shakespeare’s other works, this is a light-hearted comedy and had the audience laughing all night. Jordon Acker, Kacey Roye, Tyler Smith and Hunter Wulff are excellent as the quartet of lovers but Maggie Tonra steals the show as the fiendish Puck. For anyone who has ever wanted to see a Shakespearean play but found the material intimidating, The Classic Theatre’s performance of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is the perfect way to dive right in. The combination of magic, action, love and humor along with the high-grade caliber performances from the entire cast makes this a show not to be missed. This is classic Shakespeare at its best.

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Author: Sandra Cruz