Theater review: ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’

hunchbackpic17 — ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ is now playing at the Playhouse San Antonio. Photo: Daniel D Baumer, used with permission.

After a successful opening weekend, the Texas premiere of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ continues at the Playhouse San Antonio in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater. Based on the book of the same name by Victor Hugo, it has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Peter Parnell and tells the story of Quasimodo, the misshapen but gentle-souled bell ringer of Notre Dame. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. and it runs until Sunday October 15. Ticket prices range from $15 to $35 and are available online.

The somber mood is set from the beginning as the choir and the congregation march into the dimly lit church. Quasimodo is content with his life in the tower since Frollo has convinced him he will be an outcast because of his looks if goes outside. Yet he dreams of venturing out and when curiosity gets the best of him he goes exploring, ‘Out There.’ While taking in the sights at the local festival, ‘Rhythm of the Tambourine’ he meets and befriends a young gypsy dancer named Esmeralda who teaches him the true meaning of friendship and acceptance. The cast includes Bob Galindo as the mean-spirited Claude Frollo, Nick Szoeke as the loveable Quasimodo, Travis Trevino as Jehan, Frollo’s brother and Alyssa Lopez as the gypsy Esmeralda.

There is so much more to this version of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ than the happy-go-lucky Disney version most people have come to know. Despite lighter numbers like ‘Rhythm of the Tambourine’ when the audience is introduced to Esmeralda and the rest of the gypsies, and sporadic comic relief, the themes and subject matter are serious. Bob Galindo is excellent as Frollo, especially during ‘Hellfire’ when he begs to be delivered from damnation. Nick Szoeke expertly brings the role of Quasimodo to life onstage. Some of the highlights of the show include when Esmeralda and Quasimodo are admiring the view from the top of the tower, ‘Top of the World’ and when Quasimodo pours molten lead onto the streets. The cast and crew have done an admirable job in bringing this incredible production to San Antonio audiences. From the incredible voices and acting to the sets and costumes, this professional grade production is not to be missed

Whataburger’s SA Goes Orange Fundraiser

wbserves — Whataburger is partnering with the San Antonio Food Bank for the eight annual SA Goes Orange campaign. Photo: Whataburger, 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. Whataburger has partnered with the San Antonio Food Bank for the eight annual SA Goes Orange campaign to encourage the San Antonio community to get involved. This year the San Antonio Food Bank has expanded their services to support Hurricane Harvey victims in the surrounding area. During these difficult times, food banks are on the front line providing relief to families in need by making sure that monetary donations, food and supplies are distributed to those in need. (Whataburger, 2017)

As a sponsor, Whataburger contributed a $25,000 cash donation and is hosting a customer fundraising event. From now until Tuesday September 26, customers who visit any Bexar County Whataburger and donate at least $1 will receive a thank you coupon for a free Whataburger with the purchase of a medium fry and 32-ounce drink on their next visit Throughout the month, 100 Whataburger employees will sort and pack donations at the Food Bank for families and disaster relief efforts. During the first Volunteer Day on September 16 they packed a total of 36,000 pounds of food and 1,200 boxes for seniors. The next one is set for Saturday September 23. Whataburger customers can help by purchasing a Texas t-shirt since the company is donating 100% of the net proceeds from these sales to support the Houston Food Bank and the Coastal Bend Food Bank’s recovery efforts. Texas t-shirts can be purchased online.

Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. He wanted customers to take one bite and say, “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Since then Whataburger now has over 700 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals everyday with superior customer service. Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.

Art to the Power of Ten at McNay Art Museum

Art to the Power of Ten is taking place this Friday September 22 at the McNay Art Museum. Photo: McNay Art Museum, used with permission.

Coming up at the McNay Art Museum this Friday September 22 from 6:30p.m. to 9:30p.m. is the seventh annual Art to the Power of Ten (Plus One) event that features eleven art dealers and venues. It is hosted by the McNay Contemporary Collectors Forum and there will be paintings, sculptures, photographs and prints available for purchase. As a bonus, this year’s event will also highlight a roster of celebrity “guest curators” who will select their favorite works from among the gallery offerings. Guests will be able to enjoy live music, appetizers and specialty cocktails from Bohanan’s Prime Steak and Seafood, Peggy’s on the Green and the San Antonio Cocktail Conference. Tickets are $50 in advance online and $65 at the door. All proceeds to benefit the McNay’s acquisition fund for contemporary art. (McNay Art Museum, 2017)

Participating galleries and celebrity guest curators:

ANARTE GALLERY – selections by Dr. Vivian Bucay

BLUE STAR’s MOSAIC Student Artist Program – selections by Ted Flato

CINNABAR- selections by Dr. William Chiego

FREIGHT GALLERY & STUDIOS – selections by Bill Sibley

THE GRELLER GALLERY – selections by Mayor Ron Nirenberg

ICOSA – selections by Emily Ramshaw, guests from Austin

PARCHMAN STREMMEL GALLERIES – selections by Brent Barry

PRESA HOUSE GALLERY – selections by Dr. Danny Anderson

REVENANT GALLERY – selections by Jesse Borrego

RUIZ-HEALY ART – selections by Rick Casey and Elizabeth Chambers

SAY SÍ – selections by Dr. Coleen Grissom

McNay Art Museum
6000 N New Braunfels Ave
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 824-5368

‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ at The Playhouse San Antonio

The Playhouse San Antonio kicks off the new season this week with the Texas premiere of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame.’ It opens on Friday September 15 and will run through Sunday October 15 in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater. Based on the 1831 novel of the same name by Victor Hugo, it has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Peter Parnell and tells the story of Quasimodo, the misshapen but gentle-souled bell ringer of Notre Dame. It is directed by George Green with Darrin Newhardt as music director and Courtnie Mercer as choreographer. The cast includes Bob Galindo as Claude Frollo, Nick Szoeke as Quasimodo, Travis Trevino as Jehan and Alyssa Lopez as Esmeralda. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Ticket prices range from $15 to $35 and are available online. (The Playhouse San Antonio, 2017)

‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ is set in Paris, France in the Late Middle Ages during the reign of Louis XI. An elderly gypsy beggar narrates the story of Quasimodo which begins with two orphan brothers named Claude and Jehan. They are taken in by the Notre Dame cathedral and Claude eventually becomes the Archdeacon. He takes in Jehan’s deformed child and names him Quasimodo. Twenty years later, Quasimodo becomes a kind, but isolated young man who dreams of life outside the tower. His only companions are a trio of living gargoyles named Charles, Antoine and Lori. When he decides to venture out for a day, he meets a young gypsy dancer named Esmeralda who teaches him about true friendship and acceptance.

The Playhouse San Antonio
Russell Hill Rogers Theater
800 W Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

Theater review: ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

howtosucceedpic — ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ is now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre through Sunday September 17. Photo by Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

The Woodlawn Theatre’s ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ had a challenging opening weekend due to Hurricane Harvey but those who braved the elements were rewarded with a hilarious workplace themed production. The Frank Loesser musical is a satire of big business and office politics and is based on Shepherd Mead’s 1952 book of the same name. There are still three chances to catch the show on Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. This being the final weekend, guests can take advantage of special pricing on tickets. By using the promo code WICKET, they can receive $10 off all ticket types as follows: Adult – $19, Senior/Military – $14, Child/Student – $8. This does not include service fees. Tickets are available online.

It begins with a young window washer, J Pierrepont Finch, who is reading the book “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” as he is working. After the Book Voice tells him that the only way to get ahead is to follow the book’s advice, he enters the World Wide Wicket Company looking for a job and he is hired to work in the mailroom. There he meets an ambitious young secretary named Rosemary who is instantly smitten by him, “Happy To Keep His Dinner Warm.” He also has to work alongside the boss’ lazy and arrogant nephew who constantly reminds the other employees of his status in the company. With the book’s guidance, he works his way up to Chairman of the Board, he gets the girl and the staff becomes like family.

The Woodlawn Theatre scores another hit with ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.’ The retro look is straight out of Mad Men but the workplace shenanigans are timeless. Anyone who has ever worked in an office can relate to the office gossiping and backstabbing, the overly ambitious co-workers and the office parties. The unifying force is coffee as the fatigued office staff rushes to get their fix during “Coffee Break.” With social commentaries such as office politics and sexual harassment, “A Secretary Is Not A Toy” it remains as relevant as ever. Brian Hodges is outstanding as the ambitious Finch and Mark McCarver’s portrayal of the seedy and creepy Bud is right on target. With the right combination of humor and romance, there is something for everyone and is a must-see show.

Chuck Ramirez: All This and Heaven Too at McNay Art Museum

chuckramirez17 — Chuck Ramirez: All This and Heaven Too opens at the McNay Art Museum on Thursday September 14 and will be on display through January 14, 2018. Photo: McNay Art Museum, used with permission.

Chuck Ramirez was a San Antonio artist and graphic designer whose work includes prints and sculptural installations. His pieces revolve around everyday life and allude to ethnicity, gender, sexuality and religion. This month, the McNay Art Museum presents Chuck Ramirez: All This and Heaven Too to honor the life and career of the iconic San Antonio artist. His large-scale photographs of everyday objects offer a perspective on cultural consumption and waste and the reality of fleeting life and mortality. The exhibition opens on Thursday September 14 and will run until Sunday January 14, 2018. Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10a.m. to 4p.m., Thursday from 10a.m. to 9p.m., Saturday from 10a.m. to 5p.m. and Sunday from 12p.m. to 5p.m. Admission prices are available online. (McNay Art Museum, 2017)

Ramirez was inspired by opposing themes like life and death and humor and despair. His art explores a personal narrative including his San Antonio upbringing, Mexican-American heritage and HIV status. The exhibition consists of works like Santos, Trash Bag, Quarantine and Seven Days and all explore the human experience. It is co-organized by René Paul Barilleaux, the McNay’s Head of Curatorial Affairs and Hilary Schroeder, 2016-17 Semmes Foundation Intern in Museum Studies. The presentation includes photographs from approximately 20 of Ramirez’ series, Bean & Cheese, a recreation of one of the artist’s early exhibitions at Artpace San Antonio, examples of video and installation work, nine decorated Christmas trees the artist made for friend and patron Linda Pace and other unique artworks.

Visitors will have several chances to interact with the exhibition with Christmas Tree trimming, alternative selfies and sharing about first jobs and dream jobs. Interactive stations include Tree Trimming – decorate a tree with Chuck Ramirez-inspired objects; Check Your Baggage – take an alternate self-portrait, or picture of something personal, at this overhead photography station using the hashtag #checkyourbaggage and Dream Job – visitors can identify their first job, current job and dream job as a way of drawing a line between artist and visitor using the hashtag #mcnaydreaming.

During the Día de los Muertos season, visitors are invited to celebrate and remember loved ones by adding paper marigolds, the traditional Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) flower, to a site-specific altar in the Museum lobby. The McNay’s Día de los Muertos altar, created by artist Carmen Oliver, honors Chuck Ramirez (1964–2010) and will be on display from October 26 through November 5, 2017.

McNay Art Museum
6000 N New Braunfels Ave
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 824-5368

Disco queen Gloria Gaynor at La Cantera Resort & Spa

lacanteralogo — Gloria Gaynor will headline the opening concert for The Luxury Weekend at La Cantera Resort & Spa. Photo: La Cantera Resort & Spa, used with permission.

Gloria Gaynor, the Queen of Disco, will be making her San Antonio debut as she headlines the opening concert for The Luxury Weekend at La Cantera Resort & Spa. Set for Friday September 15 at 8:30p.m. the Resort’s grand ballroom will be transformed into a Disco time machine. Tickets are $169 per person or $300 per couple and are available online. The price includes cocktail upon arrival, bottle of champagne for the purchase of one $300 ticket, fashions by Neiman Marcus, art display/sale by AnArte Gallery and light bites from Resort Chefs and visiting Chefs from Mexico – Alberto Senties, Susana Palazuelos and Eduardo W Palazuelos. A portion of the night’s proceeds will benefit local charities. Other weekend activities include a Hole In One Challenge and Polo Tournament. (La Cantera Resort & Spa, 2017)

With a legendary career that spans four decades, Gloria Gaynor has achieved global stardom and musical recognition. She has used her fame to support several charities by donating her time and talent. Recently she earned a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science which she uses in her work with charities and organizations helping at-risk youths and their families. She continues to tour the world with concerts in the United States, Europe and South America and has made numerous television appearances.

La Cantera Resort & Spa Grand Ballroom
16641 La Cantera Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500

‘You Can’t Take It With You’ at The Classic Theatre

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is starting off their 10^th season with the comedic play ‘You Can’t Take It With You’ by George S Kaufman and Moss Hart. It is directed by Mark Stringham and stars Andy Thornton, Catherine Babbitt, Jim Mammarella, Christi Eanes, Byrd Bonner, Allan S. Ross, Randee Lutterloh and Megan VanDyke. Opening night is Friday September 8 and it will run until Sunday October 1, 2017. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are $32 for general admission, $28 for seniors, military, educators and SATCO and $17 for students. They are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450. On opening night, there will be a complimentary champagne reception and after the show on Sunday September 24 attendees can participate in Community Talk Back. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2017)

‘You Can’t Take It With You’ is set in New York City in the large house of an eccentric family and the story unfolds in three acts. It won the 1937 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was adapted into a feature film which won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director. It is a madcap, idealistic comedy that reinforces the idea that people can only live life to the fullest by doing whatever makes them truly happy. Grandpa Vanderhof and his wacky family, the Sycamores, have been happily living their zany lives in his house for many years. When practical young Alice Sycamore becomes engaged to her company’s Vice President Tony Kirby, the clan must straighten up to meet the new in-laws. Despite the best laid plans, disaster follows.

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

Movie adaptation: ‘It’ by Stephen King

itcover2 — The feature film adaptation of Stephen King’s ‘It’ opens in theaters on Friday September 8, 2017.

The last time audiences experienced Stephen King’s “It” was in 1990 by way of a television mini-series starring Tim Curry as Pennywise the Clown. The latest adaptation of the best-selling horror novel opens in theaters on Friday September 8, 2017. It is also known as It Part 1 The Losers Club because it is intended to be the first installment in a planned duology. The supernatural horror movie tells the story of seven children in Derry, Maine who are terrorized by a shapeshifting supernatural being while facing their own personal demons. This time around it is Bill Skarsgård’s turn to give life to Pennywise.

In “It,” Seven adults return to their hometown to confront a nightmare they had first live through as teenagers and it is an evil without a name so they call it ‘It.’ They are now grown men and women who have moved on with their lives and achieved success and happiness. Twenty-eight years ago, they promised to return if it ever resurfaced. Now that children are being murdered again they are back and so are their repressed memories of a terrifying summer when they battled an evil creature that preyed on the city’s children. The creature appears in the form of a clown to attract its preferred prey of young children, but it also exploits the fears and phobias of its victims to disguise itself. The story is told through alternating narratives between two time periods and recurring themes include the power of memory, childhood trauma and overcoming evil through mutual trust and sacrifice.

Stephen King is an American author of horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, science fiction and fantasy. His books have sold more than 350 million copies and many of them have been adapted into feature films, miniseries, television shows and comic books. He is best known for “Carrie,” “It,” “The Green Mile” and the Dark Tower series.

Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund at Hopdoddy Burger Bar locations

This month, Hopdoddy Burger Bar will be having a fundraiser to benefit those affected by Hurricane Harvey. With support from all their Goodnight for a Good Cause partners across the country, September’s beneficiary will be the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, a Houston organization focused on supporting people affected by the hurricane. On Monday September 4 and Tuesday September 5 at all Hopdoddy Burger Bar locations, all sales from Goodnight/Good Cause Burger will be donated to this fund. Tito’s Handmade Vodka will donate $1, up to $10,000, for every drink Hopdoddy Burger Bar sells made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka. For the month of September, every $1 from Goodnight/Good Cause burger will be donated to the organization. Donations to Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund can be made online or in person at any location throughout the month of September. (Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 2017)

Hopdoddy Burger Bar was founded in 2010 in Austin and is a nationally-recognized burger and beer joint. The menu includes burgers, hand-cut Kennebec fries, farm fresh salads and handcrafted milkshakes. Hopdoddy also carries a variety of local craft beers on tap, can and bottle and a has a full bar featuring regional spirits, house-made liqueurs and freshly squeezed juices. Named “The Best Burgers in America” by Food & Wine, Hopdoddy has locations in Texas, Arizona, Colorado and California with more to come.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar at the Rim
17623 La Cantera Pkwy Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78257
(210) 434-2337

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