‘The Secret Garden’ at The Playhouse San Antonio

secretgarden17 — ‘The Secret Garden’ opens tonight at The Playhouse San Antonio. Photo by Daniel D Baumer, used with permission.

Tonight is opening night for The Playhouse San Antonio’s midseason musical ‘The Secret Garden.’ This family friendly musical will run through Sunday March 12 and is directed by Laura Michelle Hoadley. It stars Ashley Doyle as Mary Lennox and Nicholas Szoeke as Archibald Craven. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 733-7258. Prices are $23 for military with valid ID, $23 for seniors aged 60 and up, $15 for students with valid ID and $12 for children aged 12 and under. Group rates are available for groups of ten or more. (The Playhouse San Antonio, 2017)

‘The Secret Garden’ is a musical based on the 1911 book of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett with script and lyrics by Marsha Norman and music by Lucy Simon. The story is set in the early 20^th century and tells the story of Mary Lennox, a young English girl born and raised in the British Raj. When she is ten years old she becomes an orphan when a cholera outbreak kills her family. She is sent to live in England with relatives she has never met which include her tormented uncle Archibald Craven. While living at Misselthwaite Manor she and a young gardener tend a neglected garden back to life and she learns that a little kindness can make a big difference in her life and that of her family.

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

Book review: ‘The Waiting Room’ by Leah Kaminsky

Leah Kaminsky is a physician, an award winning author of poetry, short stories and literary non-fiction and the poetry and fiction editor at the Medical Journal of Australia. She edited ‘Writer M.D.,’ an anthology of contemporary doctor-writers and is the author of the award-winning poetry collection ‘Stitching Things Together.’ ‘The Waiting Room: A Novel’ is her debut novel about an Australian doctor named Dina who was born to Holocaust survivors and struggles to cope with daily life in Haifa.

‘The Waiting Room’ chronicles a day in the life of Dina, the daughter of Holocaust survivors whose daily life in Israel includes difficult patients, a six year old son and another one on the way, a strained marriage, the ghost of her dead mother and the ever present threat of a terrorist attack. It is the personal journey of a woman whose past is interwoven with her present as she learns to deal with her mother’s traumatic experiences. The story begins with a Prologue that recounts a memory from her past. Chapter 1 has Dina busy at work gathering evidence at a crime scene and Chapter 2 rewinds the action to six hours earlier and the beginning of the longest day in her life. The scenes where she interacts with her dead mother show how important and influential family is in her decision making.

It is not often that readers get a front row seat to witness daily life in Israel where citizens live under the constant threat of a terrorist attack yet they still go on with their day. This is evident as the radio announcement issues an alert for a possible attack as casually as it does the weather report when Dina and her family are getting ready in the morning. When the attack does come it is impossible not to feel the fear and dismay that the citizens experience. Overall it is a heartbreaking and poignant story of a woman who is close to her breaking point but somehow manages to keep it together. The action flows effortlessly through the pages making it hard to put down. ‘The Waiting Room’ by Leah Kaminsky is an easy to read novel and recommended for readers looking to gain insight into the Israeli conflict and the Holocaust experience from the survivors’ point of view.

*A copy of this book was given for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are solely the author’s.

Book review: ‘No Place to Pray’ by James Carpenter

noplacepic — ‘No Place to Pray’ is the new novel by James Carpenter. Photo: amazon.com

James Carpenter began his career teaching middle and high school English. After fourteen years teaching computer programming, system design and entrepreneurship at The Wharton School he retired to write fiction. His writing has appeared in publications such as “The Chicago Tribune,” “Fiction International,” “Fifth Wednesday Journal,” “North Dakota Quarterly” and “Ambit.” Three of his stories were nominated for the Pushcart Prize and he is a recipient of Descant’s Frank O’Connor Prize. His new novel ‘No Place to Pray’ tells the story of two young men who meet when they spend a night in the same jail cell.

This is a Southern gothic tale about two young men, LeRoy who is bi-racial and Harmon who is white. LeRoy comes from a poor background and never knew his father because his mother was a prostitute. When they both end up in jail overnight they end up becoming the best of friends. They share a lifetime of experiences that includes working together and drinking together. Towards the end of Harmon’s life they both become involved with Edna, a wealthy widow who takes them into her vacation home by the river. Their stories are similar in the sense that they both have a hard life and struggle to survive and rely on alcohol to help them cope which only makes life more difficult for them. The people and experiences that make up their lives are intertwined with race, class and religion.

‘No Place to Pray’ by James Carpenter is a gritty and dark tale of American life peppered with issues dealing with class, race, alcoholism and friendships that endure the test of time. It contains adult language and situations that may not be appropriate for all readers. The story is told through a series of flashbacks and has shifting points of view mixed in with LeRoy’s fantasy and adventure stories. At times this makes it hard to follow the story but it does not take away from the richness and impact of the overall tale. The characters are relatable and well developed and the prose is rich with imagery. It is recommended for fans of Southern gothic stories that deal with deep friendships, survival, as well as race and class struggles.

*A copy of this book was given for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are solely the author’s.

Snooze opens first San Antonio location

snoozepic — Snooze, an A.M. Eatery is opening a San Antonio location on Wednesday March 1, 2017. Photo: Ashley Davis Photography, used with permission.

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery is a Denver based restaurant chain dedicated to serving the best breakfast around. Next month they are bringing their brand of brunch to San Antonio and are opening a location at the Alamo Quarry Market. Set to open on Wednesday March 1 patrons will be able to enjoy signature dishes and boozy beverages. Snooze has partnered up with Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling, Merit Coffee Cold Brew, 44 Farms Beef, Sagebrush Cage Free Eggs, Mill-King Dairy and more. This location will feature a variety of local beers and morning cocktails for an early morning pick-me-up. The menu will include Snooze’s signature Breakfast Pot Pie and Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes. Beverage favorites include their bubbly Mmm Mmm Mimosa and four options of Bloody Marys including the Droppin’ Beetz Bloody. Business hours will be 6:30a.m. to 2:30p.m. (Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, 2017)

Founded in 2006 with a mission to evolve the morning dining experience, Snooze offers guests culinary innovation, an eclectic and energetic atmosphere and friendly service. The menu consists of creative twists on classic breakfast dishes and a wide selection of local, craft beers and morning cocktails. Snooze is a supporter of organizations focused on education and sustainability as well as local causes. In San Antonio, they have partnered with non-profit organizations including the San Antonio Food Bank, Green Spaces Alliance and Kinetic Kids.

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
Alamo Quarry Market
255 E Basse Rd
San Antonio, TX 78209

Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ at The Classic Theatre

tempestpic — Allan Ross as Prospero, Grace Lamberson as Miranda and Hunter Wulff as Ferninand in The Classic Theatre of San Antonio’s production of ‘The Tempest.’ Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

The mission of The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is to produce classic plays with contemporary connections and this continues with their next production. William Shakespeare’s comedy ‘The Tempest’ opens at The Classic Theatre stage on Friday February 17 and will run until Sunday March 12, 2017. This is considered one of Shakespeare’s last and greatest work and is part fairy tale and part romance with a touch of magic. The story is set on a remote island where Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, plots to restore his daughter Miranda to her rightful place as princess of Milan using illusion and skillful manipulation. It features begrudged creatures and drunken clowns, charmed royals and magical spirits who all struggle between the temptation for revenge and the grace of forgiveness and humility. Mark McCarver is the director and co-founder Allan S Ross stars as Prospero and Grace Lamberson as Miranda. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2017)

Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Ticket prices are $25 for general admission, $20 for senior, military, educator or SATCO and $10 for students and are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450. There will be a complimentary champagne reception on opening night Friday February 17, 2017. Following the Sunday March 5 show at 3p.m. there will be a ‘Community Talk Back’ discussion about the play.

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

Live from Jazz, TX radio series

jazztxband — Live from Jazz, TX will be taping starting Wednesday February 22. Photo by Hilmy, used with permission.

Patrons who have enjoyed Jazz, TX will be pleased to know that the venue has announced a new radio show series with San Antonio’s NPR affiliate, Texas Public Radio (TPR). Titled Live from Jazz, TX, the show will tape five shows onsite beginning on Wednesday February 22. It will feature owner Doc Watkins along with special guests with an interview segment, audience Q&A and an abundance of music. The first five tapings will focus on San Antonio’s live music scene and will feature local favorites like Doc Watkins, Pierre, Poree, Jim Cullum and Robert V. Tapings will be on Wednesdays through March 22 at 8:30p.m. Cover is $20 per person and audience participation will be encouraged by way of Q&A and other activities. Live from Jazz, TX will air on TPR’s 89.1 FM in San Antonio every Saturday in April from 7p.m. to 8p.m. (Jazz, TX, 2017)

Taping schedule:
February 22 – Doc Watkins and his Orchestra
March 1 – Doc Watkins with special guest Pierre Poree
March 8 – Doc Watkins with special guest Jim Cullum
March 15 – Doc Watkins with special guest Ruben V.
March 22- Doc Watkins and his Organ Quintet

Jazz, TX is the Pearl’s newest upscale music venue owned and operated by renowned musician Brent “Doc” Watkins. It is located in the cellar of the Bottling House and hosts musical acts include jazz, blues, big band, Texas swing, salsa, conjunto and Americana including Doc Watkins. Business hours are Tuesday through Saturday and aside from music guest can enjoy a wide variety of food, beverages, wine and spirits.

Jazz,TX
313 Pearl Pkwy, Building 6 Suite 6001
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 332-9386

‘Pippin’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

This month the Woodlawn Theatre will open its 2017 season and first on the list is the local production of the Tony Award-winning ‘Pippin’. This musical journey of a young prince in search of fulfillment opens Friday February 10 and runs through Sunday March 12. It is sponsored by KONO 101.1 and has a show rating of PG-13 for suggestive dance style and some adult language. Show times are every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at 210-267-8388. Prices are $18 for students and children, $24 for seniors and military and $29 for adults and all tickets are subject to a $3 service fee. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2017)

‘Pippin’ uses a mysterious performance troupe led by a Leading Player to tell the story of Pippin, a young prince who is searching for meaning and significance to his life. To prove his loyalty to his father, he goes to war but when the Leading Player convinces him to fight tyranny, Pippin kills Charles and takes over the throne. After he realizes his mistake he convinces the Leading Player to bring his father back to life. Pippin then falls in love with a widow with a young son and must decide whether to settle down or continue to make magic with the dazzling troupe of performers. The show is directed by Katie Benson with musical direction by Josh Pepper and choreography by Alonzo Corona. Even though the characters of Pippin and his father Charlemagne are real life people from the Middle Ages this particular show makes no reference to true historical facts. Rather, it explores the glories of war, the temptations of love and the intrigues of political power before unveiling that happiness lies not in the extraordinary but in the ordinary moments of everyday life. With Trevor Chauvin as Pippin and Gianna Rodriguez as the Leading Player the show features styled dancing, high-flying acrobatics, wondrous music and soaring songs including the popular “Magic To Do.”

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

30th Annual Asian Festival

asianfestival17 — The 30th Annual Asian Festival takes place this Saturday February 4 at the Institute of Texan Cultures. Photo: google

Saturday January 28 was the Chinese New Year and The Institute of Texan Cultures is celebrating the year of the rooster with the 30th Annual Asian Festival on Saturday February 4, 2017 from 10a.m. to 5p.m. This festival not only celebrates the New Year but it also honors the many Asian cultures who call Texas home. It began as a small family gathering to celebrate the Chinese New Year and has since grown into a city wide celebration that includes other Asian communities as they get together to share their unique culture and traditions. Advance tickets are available online and at The Institute of Texan Cultures store for $8 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets will also be available at the gate.

The festival usually starts with a Lion Dance to greet the Chinese New Year and chase away evil spirits. This family friendly event includes music, food and cultural performances to create a fun, multi-cultural celebration. Authentic Asian American food vendors will offer food from Japan, Korea, Laos and others and guests will be able to enjoy traditional Asian dance and musical performances on three different stages. There will be demonstrations of martial arts, henna painting, palm readings and cooking as well as vendors selling crafts including dolls, artwork, clothing and other gifts.

The Institute of Texan Cultures
801 E Cesar E Chavez Blvd
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 458-2300

Valentine’s Day specials in San Antonio

raspberryrose — Bakery Lorraine’s Raspberry Rose Japonaise are among the Valentine’s Days specials that will be available throughout San Antonio. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and for anyone looking for ideas to celebrate the most romantic day of the year, the following is a guide of events and specials that local businesses will offer guests. More details are available online. (Giant Noise, 2017)

Boiler House – will have specialty menu items and regular dinner items served on Valentine’s Day. Dinner hours are 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Bakery Lorraine – will have special pastries available on Valentine’s Day and throughout the month of February including: Heart Shaped Pop Tarts, Heart Shaped Moonpies, Raspberry Rose Japonaise and Specialty Macaroons. There will also be tuxedo macarons which are chocolate dipped strawberry macarons designed like a strawberry tuxedo for $3 each. Bakery hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Paramour – will be having a Valentine’s Day special event, “Catch Flights, not Feelings” that includes chocolate flights paired with a curated cocktail. Options include: First – Chocolate covered cherries paired with The Sands Cocktail. Second – Dark chocolate covered caramels with sea salt paired with House Barrel Aged Old Fashioned. Third – White chocolate and mixed nuts paired with Paramour’s Carajillo; Licor 43, Mezcal, Coffee, Fresh Cream. Paramour will also be offering special champagne bottles for purchase. Each bottle purchased includes a free charcuterie board. There will also be additional split bottles of champagne without charcuterie boards for $75. Business hours are 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Hotel Contessa – the hotel’s restaurant, Las Ramblas, will be offering a Valentine’s Day dinner for $55 per person. Reservations are required between 5 p.m. – 9 .m. The hotel is offering a SUITEheart Special: a gorgeous suite, bottle of sparkling wine, breakfast for two in Las Ramblas and a late checkout time. Dinner hours are from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Jazz, TX – will be offering a special Italian themed performance with Frank Sinatra tunes by Doc Watkins and Johnny P and an Italian cuisine prix fixe 3 course meal during dinner on Valentine’s Day for $150 per couple, limited to 40 couples. Seating is at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.
Southerleigh – will be offering dinner specials off the regular dinner menu for couples on Valentine’s Day. They will also be offering complimentary his and her matching beer glassware to cheer to a romantic evening. Dinner hours are from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Frank – will be offering special $12 El Libre wines by the bottle. Options include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé. All day on Valentine’s Day, by appointment, Frank’s owner Daniel Northcutt will be on site to marry loved ones who want to tie the knot in the repurposed Methodist church. Call ahead of time at 210.265.5292. Business hours are 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Additional Whataburger sauces at H-E-B

whataburgerketchup — H-E-B stores will now carry Whataburger’s Buffalo Sauce, 40-ounce Fancy Ketchup and 40-ounze Spicy Ketchup. Photo courtesy of Whataburger, used with permission.

Whataburger fans will be pleased to hear that Whataburger and H-E-B are releasing Buffalo Sauce, 40-ounce Fancy Ketchup and 40-ounce Spicy Ketchup at H-E-B stores. Customers will now have a new flavor and two long-time fan favorites in a new size. The new Signature Sauces include: Buffalo Sauce – The flavor of the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strip Sandwich lives on this sauce. It is tasty and buttery and has just the right touch of heat for home-cooked meals. 40-ounce Fancy Ketchup – Originally launched at H-E-B in 2013 in 20-ounce bottles, Whataburger’s Fancy Ketchup now comes in a larger 40-ounce size. On the Facebook fan page, fans have described the condiment as “life-changing,” “best on the planet” and “ketchup of the gods.” 40-ounce Spicy Ketchup – First introduced as a limited-time offer in 2011, Whataburger’s Spicy Ketchup was added to H-E-B shelves in 20-ounce bottles and made permanently available in all restaurants in 2013. This jalapeño-infused condiment with a taste bigger than Texas is a fan favorite that combines sweet and spicy flavors. (Whataburger, 2017)

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.

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Author: Sandra Cruz