Theater review: ‘Disney’s Newsies’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio

newsies2 — ‘Disney’s Newsies’ now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio.

After a successful opening weekend, ‘Disney’s Newsies’ continues at The Public Theater of San Antonio’s Russell Hill Rogers Theater and runs through Sunday October 14. It was adapted from the 1992 Disney film Newsies which in turn was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. A co-presentation with Ballet San Antonio, this musical tells the story of the New York City newsboys who seize the day when they strike against unfair working conditions put in place by the publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online and at the box office but they are going fast. It has music by Alan Merken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein.

‘Disney’s Newsies’ is set in New York City in 1899 and begins as newspaper delivery boys Jack Kelly and his disabled friend Crutchie wake up early in the morning and Jack tells him of his dream to one day leave New York to live in Santa Fe. “Santa Fe (Prologue).” All the newsies then report to work “Carrying the Banner” where Jack meets Davey and his little brother Les, who unlike the others, have a home and family but must now get jobs to help the family after their father lost his job. There, they find out that the publisher of the New York World, Joseph Pulitzer, has increased the cost of the newspapers to the delivery boys so in retaliation, Jack organizes the city’s newsies to fight back by organizing a strike. When Jack meets a young female reporter named Katherine Plummer, she joins their cause because she sees it as an opportunity to be noticed as a serious reporter “Watch What Happens” but ends up falling for Jack.

To pull off a demanding show like ‘Disney’s Newsies,’ The Public Theater collaborated with Ballet San Antonio and the hard work has paid off. Under the direction of George Green with choreography by Courtnie Mercer, this immensely talented cast shines throughout the show, especially during the group dance numbers; those alone are worth the price of admission. Chaz Ingraham as Jack and Chelsea Levalley as Katherine have the excellent onstage chemistry needed to bring this inspiring and poignant story to life. Throughout the performance, real newspaper accounts of the strike are projected onto the background, including the group picture of the real newsies. Show highlights include “Carrying the Banner,” when the newsies make their stage debut and “Seize the Day” when they decide they have had enough and make the strike official. These high-energy dance numbers are amazing and understandably receive much love from the audience. ‘Disney’s Newsies’ is both educational and entertaining and makes for a must-see show the entire family can enjoy together.

Meadow Neighborhood Eatery and Bar opens at Alley on Bitters

meadowneighborhoodbar — Meadow Neighborhood Eatery and Bar is now open to the public. Photo: Jackie Klusmeyer, used with permission.

Meadow Neighborhood Eatery and Bar announces their official opening to the public as of Saturday September 22. This new Northside restaurant with a seasonal Texas Southern concept is now open with brunch beginning Sunday September 30. The concept comes from Chef Patrick “PJ” Edwards, who was previously the Culinary Director for Contigo Restaurant group in Austin, and wife, Lindsey Edwards, who was formerly the General Manager for the Jason Dady Restaurant Group. (Meadow Neighborhood Eatery and Bar, 2018)

Locals can now support the San Antonio natives’ culinary dream to return and open their restaurant here. Neighbors, friends and families are welcome to get a taste of the Alley on Bitters’ latest restaurant concept, which promises Seasonal Texas Southern fare.

Meadow marks Chef Edwards’ first restaurant concept and the Texas Southern menu changes seasonally. The opening 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.

Dinner options include freshly ground burgers, gulf shrimp, fried chicken and charcoal grilled ribeye alongside vegan/vegetarian dishes like fresh grilled okra and wood oven roasted acorn squash. Unique desserts feature the Lemon Ice Box Pavlova while the children’s menu contains a mix of comfort foods. Sunday brunch hosts a mix of classics and inventive dishes such as poached eggs with grits and camping donuts.

Evening dinner begins at 5p.m. and is served until 10p.m. Dinner is available Tuesday through Saturday and Sunday brunch will be offered starting Sunday, September 30 from 10a.m. until 2p.m.

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

Southerleigh announces new oyster bar

southerleighoysterbar — Southerleigh’s new oyster bar is open daily during regular restaurant hours. Photo: Giant Noise, used with permission.

Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery at the Pearl is excited to announce the official opening of its first ever outdoor, walk-up oyster bar. As a modern coastal classics cuisine restaurant, Southerleigh’s new oyster bar is an addition to its popular seafood and Southern cuisine. (Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery, 2018)

Southerleigh began construction of its outdoor oyster bar in July. The inviting walk-up bar features six Southerleigh beers on tap, plus several varieties of fresh seafood, including oysters, gulf shrimp, crab, caviar and more. The bar overlooks Pearl Park where guests can enjoy live music and activities from the park throughout the year. The 100-square-foot space includes bar and patio seating. Along with oysters and selected fresh seafood items, the bar also features a drink menu of Southerleigh beer, house punch and wine including rosé, sparking and more. It will be open daily during normal restaurant hours and is located next to the restaurant in the patio of the historic Pearl brewhouse.

“We pride ourselves in providing fresh seafood, so it’s only natural to bring an oyster bar. Guests can feel as though they are having food right off the coast, while enjoying the view of Pearl’s campus.”- Jeff Balfour, Chef and owner of Southerleigh.

Southerleigh Fine Food and Brewery
136 E Grayson St.
San Antonio, TX 78215

Tickets to ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ go on sale Friday September 21

Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is coming to the Majestic Theatre in December and tickets go on sale this Friday September 21 at 10a.m. A part of the 2018-2019 North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio season, it will run from Thursday December 6 through Sunday December 16. Showtimes are 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m.,Saturday, 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday and a special 2p.m. performance on December 6. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2018)

Tickets start at $45 and are available online, by calling Ticketmaster 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.

Based on the classic novel ‘Le Fantôme de L’Opéra’ by Gaston Leroux, ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it. He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and employing all devious methods at his command. With newly reinvented staging and stunning scenic design, this new version of is performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making it one of the largest productions on tour in North America.

‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is presented by Cameron Mackintosh, The Really Useful Group and NETworks Presentations. It is directed by Laurence Connor and features choreography by Scott Ambler, set design by Paul Brown, Tony Award®-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award®-winner Paule Constable, sound design by Mick Potter and musical supervision by John Rigby. The production is overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh and has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Charles Hart, book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber and orchestrations by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700

Celebrate National Pepperoni Pizza Day at Russo’s New York Pizzeria

russospizza — Celebrate National Pepperoni Pizza Day with $10 pepperoni pizzas from Russo’s New York Pizzeria. Photo: Russo’s New York Pizzeria, used with permission.

Pepperoni pizza lovers unite. On Thursday September 20, Russo’s New York Pizzeria celebrates National Pepperoni Pizza Day with a special pizza offer. The only authentic New York-style Italian restaurant and pizzeria franchise concept is offering $10 large pepperoni pizzas to celebrate the popular food holiday. Limit one per customer, dine-in and take out only, additional toppings extra. (Russo’s New York Pizzeria, 2018)

Following the family mantra “If it isn’t fresh, don’t serve it” Russo’s only uses the finest and freshest ingredients and authentic Italian imports like Pecorino Romano cheeses from Emilia Romagna, Italy; aged-balsamic vinegar from a centuries-old vineyard in Italy; and extra virgin olive oil from Partanna, Italy. Russo’s pizzas are baked to perfection in impressive brick ovens that deliver a perfect and flavorful crust every time.

Russo’s New York Pizzeria at The Rim
17631 La Cantera Pkwy, #102
San Antonio, TX 78257
(210) 561-7616

Annual PARK(ing) Day this Friday

softballparking18 — The annual PARK(ing) Day event will take place this Friday September 21 on McCullough Avenue. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In cities across America, acres of real estate are dedicated to surface parking. If those spaces could be reclaimed, how would that transform the urban experience? The local chapters of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and The American Institute of Architects (AIA San Antonio) and the McCullough Avenue Consortium are transforming curbside parking spaces into tiny parks at their annual PARK(ing) Day event on Friday, September 21 in on the 500 block of McCullough Avenue (at Avenue B) from 11a.m. until 8p.m. (McCullough Avenue Consortium, 2018)

PARK(ing) Day 2018 will pop up along the 500 block of McCullough Avenue, where talented local landscape architects and local AIA members will re-imagine six 9’ x 22’ curbside parking spaces as places for people. Participants include ASLA, Ford, Powell & Carson Architects & Planners and Lake|Flato Architects. Three additional spaces designed by members of AIA San Antonio’s 2PLP professional leadership class will demonstrate solutions for activating and greening McCullough Avenue. Two spaces, sponsored by Christian Assistance Ministries and the San Antonio River Authority, will creatively reflect the missions of their organizations.

PARK(ing) Day 2018 opens at 11a.m. on Friday, September 21 with six unique mini-parks and a Community Table where some of San Antonio’s best and brightest will gather to discuss issues facing our community, including the opportunity to revitalize McCullough Avenue. The community is invited to ‘come to the table’ and experience the transformational affect the PARK(ing) Day installations have on this normally busy street. Lunch will be offered by area food trucks.

A free Community Block Party begins at 5p.m. and will include a mobile amphitheater and three live bands. Free parking is sponsored by First Baptist Church of San Antonio. The celebration goes on until 8p.m. with a sampling of savory bites offered by area food trucks.

PARK(ing) Day and the Community Block Party are hosted by ASLA, AIA San Antonio and the McCullough Avenue Consortium with generous funding by First Baptist Church of San Antonio, Metropolitan Methodist Hospital, Christian Assistance Ministries and the San Antonio River Authority. In-kind sponsors include Centro San Antonio, CPS Energy, Gratr Landscapes and Schultz Landscapes.

“We hope that downtown workers, neighbors and all of San Antonio will join us at this one-day, free event, PARK(ing) Day is planned to be casual and fun – everyone is invited to join us during lunch or after work to see ideas for making McCullough Avenue more welcoming.” – Caleb Etheredge, ASLA South Texas Section president

PARK(ing) Day takes place annually on the third Friday in September. The event began in 2005 with one parking space. The temporary public park in San Francisco was created by Rebar, a local landscape design firm, in response to the fact that 70% of San Francisco’s downtown outdoor space was dedicated to the private vehicle. More than a decade later, their open source event has gone viral. Each year, more than 700 PARK(ing) Day events are organized in more than 150 cities across the United States and on 6 continents, in 21 countries around the world.

Krause’s Café gets ready for Oktoberfest

krausebeerpic — Oktoberfest begins at Krause’s Café & Biergarten on Saturday September 22. Photo: Krause’s Café, used with permission.

Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival and fair held in Munich, Germany. German heritage runs rich in New Braunfels and Krause’s Café & Biergarten is excited to announce the return of its own Oktoberfest celebration and the restaurant is getting ready for two weeks of German celebrations. The official festivities begin on Saturday September 22 with a viewing of the traditional tapping of the keg in Germany. Throughout the month, there will be live music from German-inspired bands, lively events like doxen races, along with newly launched German cuisine items and international bier steins. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2018)

Groups of party-goers or families can get a taste of Germany with the Munich Platter which features pork belly, pork shank, chicken schnitzel, assorted sausages, sauerkraut, red cabbage, and dunkel reduction (serves up to six, $70). For a German-Texan twist on Oktoberfest, patrons can try the Solms Platter of grilled quail, tenderloin skewers, kartoffel poppers, assorted sausages, barbecue shrimp and brussels sprouts (serves up to six, $85).

During Oktoberfest, New Braunfels becomes the Bavarian beer capital of South Texas. Year round, Krause’s Café and Biergarten is stocked with over 70 beers on tap, many being German steins. Guests can fill up on German bier from Hofbrau to Warsteine and more. Oktoberfest runs from September 22 through October 7 and Krause’s Café will host several Oktoberfest-related events.

Saturday, September 22
o A viewing of the Tapping of the Keg from Munich, Germany which will be projected on the big screen in the biergarten at 3p.m.
o Comal Community Band at 3p.m.
o The Oompahs at 7p.m.

Sunday, September 23
o Doxen Races – Watch as dachshunds race their way to the finish line on the turf patio, some come dressed in hats and some in scarves. All friendly dogs are welcome and races will begin at 4p.m. Guests who wish to participate can register their Dachshund online.

Thursday, September 27
o Rumor Town at 8p.m.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten
186 S. Castell Ave.
New Braunfels, TX 78130

Book review: ‘You Are Not Alone’ by Debbie Augenthaler

youarenotalone Debbie Augenthaler is a psychotherapist with a private practice in New York City where she has specialized in trauma, grief and loss. She uses eastern philosophy, energy healing and spiritual practices from cultures around the world as well the connection of a shared experience to help people through their grief. In her new book ‘You Are Not Alone: A Heartfelt Guide for Grief, Healing, and Hope’ she gives readers insights and suggestions for healing and hope.

There are several layers to ‘You Are Not Alone’ beginning with the Introduction where the author explains how this is the book she wishes she had after her husband Jim died. She was young and even though the experience shattered her life, she carried on, but longed to read about someone who understood what she was going through. Dry clinical books held no interest to her; all she wanted was “a book that could witness and validate” her experience. With that said, this thoughtful and informative book is a combination memoir and self-help guide through grief and recovery. It is divided into four parts: Shattered, Grieving and Coping, Emerging and Transition and Expanding Into the Mystery.

Grief is a universal emotion, so it makes a big difference if the advice comes from someone who has travelled the same painful path. This gives the author the credibility necessary to dispense advice, even though everyone’s experience is different. She is open and honest, but some of the details of her journey may be too difficult for readers with fresh losses. The information is presented in simple, clear, non-clinical terms, making it easy to read and understand. It also contains poems and inspirational quotes from the likes of William Blake and Paul Coelho and coping mechanisms that worked for her. The Appendix, ‘How to Help’ has sections such as ‘The Importance of Support’ and ‘Notes and Cards’ with suggestions on what to do “If You Are Grieving” and “If Someone You Know is Grieving.” ‘You Are Not Alone’ by Debbie Augenthaler is recommended for anyone who is looking for a helpful yet poignant guide through the transition from grief to recovery from someone who has been there. It will be twice as helpful if passed along to someone else who needs it.

“In helping others, even when in the midst of our own grief, we can help ourselves.”

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

Hotel Emma’s Chef John Brand to participate in No Kid Hungry’s Chefs Cycle

Chef John Brand to participate in Chefs Cycle. Photo: Hotel Emma, used with permission.

September is Hunger Action Month, a campaign designed to get the public mobilized to combat hunger. The month is dedicated to spreading the word and working together to find solutions. Chef John Brand of Hotel Emma is teaming up with No Kid Hungry from Tuesday September 25 through Thursday September 27 for Charlottesville’s Chefs Cycle. This event is an endurance fundraiser featuring award-winning chefs and members of the culinary community fighting hunger outside the kitchen. They will be completing a three-day, 300-mile ride while raising funds and awareness in support of No Kid Hungry. Chef Brand is seeking to raise $7,500 by the end of the event, which would help donate 75,000 meals for children in need. (Hotel Emma, 2018)

To help support the cause, last week Supper donated $10 from various lunch specials to Chefs Cycle. The public can make donations online to support Chef Brand’s goals

Chefs Cycle is a fundraising endurance event featuring award-winning chefs and members of the culinary community fighting hunger outside the kitchen. For the past three years, Chefs Cycle has engaged culinary talents who want to push their limits by completing a three-day, 300-mile ride while raising funds and awareness in support of No Kid Hungry. The spring 2018 ride took place in Santa Rosa, California with a goal of 275 chefs riding to help raise $2.4M, which translates into 24 million meals for kids facing hunger. The fall 2018 ride will take place in Charlottesville, Virginia in September.

‘Disney’s Newsies’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio

‘Disney’s Newsies’ is the next big musical playing in the Russell Hill Rogers Theatre at The Public Theater of San Antonio. It opens on Friday September 14 and will run through Sunday October 14. A co-presentation with Ballet San Antonio, this musical tells the story of the New York City newsboys who seize the day when they strike against unfair working conditions put in place by the publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer.

Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. On opening night Friday September 14, there will be a reception following the performance. Tickets are 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. Tickets are going fast. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2018)

‘Disney’s Newsies’ is adapted from the 1992 Disney film Newsies which in turn was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. It has music by Alan Merken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein. Jack Kelly is a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city but when newspaper prices rise at the expense of the newsboys, Kelly and his fellow newsies fight back.

Special performances:
Thursday September 27 – Education Night
Friday September 28 – Food Truck Friday
Saturday September 29 – ASL Night – Interpreters present

The Public Theater of San Antonio
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

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