‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

The Woodlawn Theatre is wrapping up its current season with the local production of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.’ It being their holiday show, it opens this Friday November 25 and runs through Friday December 23, 2016. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Additional show dates are on Wednesday December 21 and Thursday December 22 at 7:30p.m. Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. Prices are $17 for students and children, $23 for seniors and military and $26 for adults with an additional $3 service fee. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2016)

‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ is a musical with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It is based on the “coat of many colors” biblical story of Joseph and is completely sung through with limited spoken dialogue. This musical journey is a mixture of high energy music and dancing with a family friendly storyline, universal themes and catchy music. It stars Travis Eades as Joseph with Michelle Pietri as choreographer and William McGrary as music director. Musical styles range from country-western to calypso, bubble-gum pop and rock and roll. Classic songs include “Any Dream Will Do,” “Benjamin Calypso” and the unforgettable “Go, Go, Go Joseph.”

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

Holiday cooking classes at The Culinary Institute of America

The holiday season is officially here and The Culinary Institute of America San Antonio at the Pearl is offering holiday themed Food Enthusiast classes. These classes are open to the public as part of their Food Enthusiast program. Attendees will receive instruction and guidance from expert CIA chefs and an official CIA apron and chef’s hat. More information about the classes is available online. (The Culinary Institute of America San Antonio, 2016)

Holiday baking and cooking classes include:
November 21 – Holiday Pies – This class focuses on making tender, flaky pies and including the fruit-filled and latticed kinds and especially all the season’s favorites. Attendees will learn everything from dough mixing, rolling, blind baking, and techniques like decorative borders and lattice work.
December 10 – CIA Holiday Favorites – This class tackles the biggest holiday challenge yet: an entire meal from scratch. It includes classic dishes like roast turkey with gravy to non-traditional items such as sautéed duck with Pinot Noir sauce as well as appetizers, sides, entrées and desserts. Attendees will learn professional techniques for carving meats, making home-style pan gravy and presenting food that is as attractive as it is flavorful.
December 14 – Holiday Cookies – Holiday cookies take center stage in this class with a chef-instructor, equipment, ingredients and all the recipes needed to make delicious cookies. Cookie types will include cutouts, piped cookies and the slice-and-bake varieties. Attendees will be making chocolate mint cookies, rugelach and sugar cookies which they will be able to take them home to share with family and friends.

The Culinary Institute of America was founded in 1946 as is the world’s premiere culinary college. It is an independent, not for profit facility that offers associates degrees in the culinary arts and baking and pastry arts. Students can also earn bachelor’s degrees in management, culinary science and applied food studies. With campuses in New York, California, Texas and Singapore it trains thousands of students that are bound for the food service and hospitality industry.

The Culinary Institute of America – San Antonio
312 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 554-6400

Theater review: ‘School for Scandal’ at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio

Gossip and malicious intent never go out of style and such is the case in Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s ‘School for Scandal.’ This 1777 comedy of manners stars John O’Neill and Christi Eanes and is now taking center stage at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. This updated version is set in contemporary London where the cast of characters carry cell phones and love dishing out and spreading rumors regardless of who it affects.

‘School for Scandal’ opens in Lady Sneerwell’s house where she has gathered with friends to get all the newest gossip. They are a group of wealthy bored socialites who delight in making fun of people and spreading rumors and gossip. Then there is the older gentleman Sir Peter who is married to a much young woman and they constantly argue but seem to enjoy every minute of every fight. When Sir Oliver, who is Joseph and Charles’ long lost uncle, returns home he does so in disguise with the intent of finding out what is really going on. He soon finds himself in the middle of all the scheming and gossiping and what ensues is nothing short of hilarious.

Even though the setting and clothing are contemporary the language of the original play still stands so sometimes it is difficult to follow the action. Despite that, it is an amusing play and the cast works well together and appear to be having a ball with their characters. Some of the funniest scenes are in the second act. One is in Joseph Surface’s library when Lady Teazel, Sir Peter’s young wife, visits him and she has to hide when Sir Peter arrives. It is physical comedy gold and Zach Lewis’ performance is top notch and reminiscent of Jim Carrey in the movie ‘Liar, Liar.’ Another is when Charles Surface tries to sell the family’s portraits to Sir Oliver and they hold empty picture frames in front of various audience members while they haggle for the price.

‘School for Scandal’ is such fun to watch and it is a must see for anyone who enjoys a smart play with plenty of laughter. It runs until Sunday November 27 at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450 with rates starting at $10.

Last Rooftop Jazz Concert of the Year

2016 Artpace Rooftop Nov 18_SQUARE POST — The last Rooftop Jazz Concert of the year is this Friday November 18 at Artpace. Photo courtesy of Artpace, used with permission.

Artpace is a contemporary art space located in downtown San Antonio created to support artists with residences, exhibitions and educational programs to foster the creative process. In a combined effort with local jazz station KRTU Jazz 91.7, Artpace is bringing the final installment of their Members Only Rooftop Jazz Concert Series this week. This series aims to bring together members of Artpace and KRTU to celebrate art and jazz. These concerts highlight a particular jazz theme celebrating historical figures and styles performed by local and regional artists. Guests are able to mingle while enjoying a night of jazz and drinks.

This week’s concert will take place on Friday November 18 from 8p.m. to 11p.m. In a night of Jazz Meets Motown, there will be a live soul and jazz performance by Bill King Quintet featuring vocalist Michelle Garibay of PM Soul. They will perform classics by Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight & the Pips. Food and drinks will be provided by Alamo Beer, Pedernales Cellars and Pinch Crawfish Kitchen. Art performers will include video projectionist Chris Jackson and DJ Chris Galvan will provide the background music for dancing the night away. The event is open and free to KRTU and Artpace members only. Various levels of memberships are available starting at $35. More information on memberships is available online. (Artpace, 2016)

Since it opened in 1995 Artpace has housed more than 200 artists through the International Artist-in-Residence program. Every year they host three residencies that include a Texas-based artist, one national artist and one international artist who are each chosen by a guest curator. After an eight week residency the artists will have their exhibits on site for two months. The purpose of these residencies is to give artists every opportunity to grow by giving them the resources they need.

Artpace
445 North Main Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 212-4900

A Night at the Pearl with Château Palmer

hotelemma2-pg — High Street Wine Company and Hotel Emma will be hosting ‘A Night at the Pearl with Chateau Palmer’ this Thursday November 17, 2016. Photo by Sandra Cruz

This Thursday November 17 High Street Wine Company and Hotel Emma will be hosting “A Night at the Pearl with Château Palmer” from 6:30p.m. to 9:30p.m. Château Palmer is a winery located in the Margaux appellation d’origine contrôlèe of the Bordeaux region of France and produces some of the best wines in the region. Two of these wines include Château Palmer and Alter Ego, both known for their fineness and deep aromatic complexity. The night will consist of three events at three different locations at the Pearl. It will include Sommelier Scott Ota from High Street Wine Co and Culinary Concierge Hugh Daschbach from Hotel Emma with Jean-Louis Carbonnier, the Director for the Americas at Château Palmer. The cost is $325 per person, all inclusive and RSVPs should be made with Scott Ota at scott@highstreetwine.com or by calling (210) 908-9144. (Hotel Emma, 2016)

The schedule for the night starts at 6:30p.m. with a Wine & Cheese course at High Street Wine Co, Supper at Hotel Emma. Jean-Louis Carbonnier will provide guests with valuable information about Château Palmer, the vineyard, the region and the history of Bordeaux. At 7:30p.m. guests will be able to enjoy a dinner at Supper American Eatery’s Private Dining Room where chef John Brand will serve a family style meal paired with some of Château Palmer’s best wine offerings. The evening will end with Dessert at Pearl Amphitheatre at 9p.m. There will be dessert and entertainment in the Pearl Amphitheater overlooking the Museum Reach of the Riverwalk.

Hotel Emma is located in the former Pearl Brewery which was built in 1894 and is named in honor of Emma Koehler, the wife of Pearl Brewery founder Otto Koehler. She kept the brewery going during prohibition after her husband passed away and saw it through its most successful years. The hotel was designed by award-winning firm Roman and Williams who are known for mixing historic and modern elements. They had the historic Pearl building as a starting point and created a beautiful structure that blends the old with the new, the industrial with the refined.

Pearl
303 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78715
(210) 212-7260

Military Appreciation Night at Whataburger

In the past Whataburger has hosted events to help out the community and surrounding schools. These events have ranged from “Oh! Whata Nights” to jalapeno eating contests, drawings and raffles. On Wednesday November 16 from 5p.m. to 7p.m. Whataburger is having a ‘Military Appreciation Night’event to celebrate the men and women of the military. The public is invited to come and show their support and attendees with a military ID will be able to enjoy a free Whataburger with the purchase of a medium order of fries and drink. This event will include the popular Whataburger for a Year drawing where one customer’s name will be drawn to win the ultimate prize-a free Whataburger every week for a year. There will also be a photo booth, a spin wheel with prizes and a balloon artist. (Whataburger, 2016)

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.

Whataburger #1026
1134 Pat Booker Rd (near Stonegate Drive)
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 566-4350

Jazz, TX now offers salsa lessons

jazztxdancing — Jazz, TX at the Pearl now offers salsa lessons on Saturdays. Photo courtesy of Jazz, TX, used with permission.

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, Americana and Doc Watkins himself. It is open Tuesday through Saturday and aside from music, guests can enjoy a wide variety of food, beverages, wine and spirits.

As of today Saturday November 12 Jazz, TX will also begin hosting Salsa lessons every Saturday from 1p.m. to 4p.m. Every hour will feature a different style of salsa dancing and will be taught by Semeneya, San Antonio’s #1 studio for Latin and salsa dancing. Each session is $12 and students of all levels are welcome. (Jazz, Tx, 2016)

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

Tickets for ‘RENT’on sale this Friday

The 20th anniversary tour of ‘RENT’ will be stopping in San Antonio in March 2017. It will be playing at the Majestic Theatre for five performances only from Friday March 3 through Sunday March 5, 2017. Single tickets go on sale this Friday November 11 and may be purchased at the Majestic Theatre box office, online, through Ticketmaster online or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Prices begin at $35 and orders for groups of ten or more can be made by calling (210) 226-5967. Single ticket orders must be done in person at the box office. Box office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday hours vary. Performances are 7:30p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2016)

‘RENT’ is an original rock musical by Jonathan Larson. It premiered on Broadway in 1996 and forever changed the landscape of American theater. Twenty years later audiences around the world still relate to its message and now this theater masterpiece returns to the stage. The winner of the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical, it is a re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème and follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven struggling artists in New York’s Lower East Side. With its universal themes of love and hardships it has become a pop culture phenomenon that appeals to people of all ages. Its message of joy and hope in the face of fear reminds people to measure their lives with love, which is the only thing that matters.

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

Movie adaptation: ‘A Man Called Ove’ by Fredrick Backman

Fredrick Backman is a Swedish columnist and blogger. He is also The New York Times bestselling author of “A Man Called Ove,” “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry” and “Britt-Marie Was Here.” In his native Sweden they were all number one bestsellers and have been published around the world in more than twenty-five languages. The movie adaptation of “A Man Called Ove” starring Rolf Lassgård is now in limited release. It is in Swedish with English subtitles.

According to Amazon, “A Man Called Ove” is about a grumpy old man called Ove. People call him “the bitter neighbor from hell” because he has strong principles, strict routines and a short fuse. Just like everyone else, behind that cranky exterior there is a deeper story filled with sadness. He has always been this way but since his wife Sonia died it has gotten worse. He has decided that life without her is not worth living and has planned to join her. His life begins to change when a young couple with two young daughters moves in next door. They accidentally flatten his mailbox and that sets in motion a funny and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. In the end Ove’s life, as well as those of his neighbors, will be forever changed.

Nao Latin Gastro Bar’s new fall menu

naosign — Nao Latin Gastro Bar currently has a new fall menu out. Photo by Sandra Cruz

Nao Latin Gastro Bar is a student staffed restaurant at The Culinary Institute of America San Antonio located at the Pearl. Students do the cooking for lunch menus under the supervision of instructors so they can get real life restaurant experience. The menu features Latin American dishes rooted in tradition but reinvented using a variety of ingredients and techniques and includes seasonal and progressive Latin food. The Culinary Institute of America at San Antonio recently made the announcement that their new fall menu is now available at Nao Latin Gastro Bar. This new menu is for dinner only, is run by a professional staff and features starters, grill items and specialties that showcase fall flavors. (Nao Latin Gastro Bar, 2016)

The fall menu consists of:
Starters to share – Empanadas with corn, salsa blanca and ají verde, Burrata and Charbroiled Beets with basil and orange and Pork Belly Skewers with chicharrón ají verde and cilantro.
Grill options – Double Cut Pork Chop with fall flavors like mustard seeds, apples and turnips, a Filet served with Malbec glaze, potatoes,creamed leeks and spinach and a Mixed parrillada for two with NY steak, hanger steak, blood sausage, Argentinian chorizo, charred peppers, onions, potatoes and chimichurri.
Specialties – Seared Scallops with vatapá sauce, crispy yucca and sweety drop peppers, Braised Lamb Shank with squash, peas and dried fruit and a Daily Seafood Catch served with tomatoes, olives and capers.
Fall specialty beverages – Chicana 75 with Ancho Reyes, Campari, strawberries, lime and brut sparkling, the Tito’s and Hootch with Tito’s vodka, house made tepache, rosemary, lemon and salt and the Desert Rose made with sotol, Punt e Mes, Cocchi Americano and Aperol.

Nao Latin Gastro Bar is open for lunch Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., for dinner Tuesday to Thursday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 10 p.m. and for brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nao Latin Gastro Bar
312 Pearl Parkway
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 554-6484

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Author: Sandra Cruz