Category: Community news

Tickets on sale Friday for ‘The Lion King’ at the Majestic Theatre

Gerald Ramsey as Mufasa in Disney’s ‘The Lion King.’ Photo: Matthew Murphy, used with permission.

Disney Theatrical Productions and North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio announced yesterday that tickets for the long-awaited return engagement of Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ will go on sale to the public at 10a.m., Friday, July 30. San Antonio’s most eagerly awaited return will once again leap onto the Majestic Theatre stage Wednesday, October 20 for a limited engagement of three weeks through Sunday, November 7. The show’s four-week engagement in 2015 played a sold-out run at the Majestic Theatre. Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ will play Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30p.m., Fridays at 8p.m., Saturdays at 2p.m. and 8p.m. and Sundays at 1p.m. and 6:30p.m. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2021)

Tickets for Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ start at $30 and are available by calling Ticketmaster at (866) 870.2717, online, or at all Ticketmaster outlets including 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. Premium Ticket Packages, which include a prime seat location, a souvenir program and an exclusive cinch bag, are also available. Majestic Box Office hours are noon to 5p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10a.m. to 5p.m., Friday. Saturday hours vary weekly, call (210) 226.3333 to verify. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling (210) 226-5967.

Ticket buyers are reminded that Ticketmaster and the Majestic Box Office are the only official retail ticket outlets for all performances at the Majestic Theatre. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that the Majestic Theatre is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.

Welcoming audiences, artists, staff, cast and crew back to the Majestic Theatre at full capacity safely and responsibly remains Broadway in San Antonio’s top priority. Masks will be required while in the theatre for this performance. Health and safety protocols are subject to change and will be clearly communicated to ticket holders in advance of each performance. Current protocols are available online.

Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ is a musical based on the 1994 Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated feature film of the same name with music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim Rice, and book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, with additional music and lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor, and Hans Zimmer. The musical features actors in animal costumes as well as giant, hollow puppets.

After 24 landmark years on Broadway, Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its premiere on November 13, 1997, nearly 110 million people have seen 25 global productions. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ has made theatrical history with six productions running 15 or more years and four others running 20 or more years.

Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ won six 1998 Tony Awards® : Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical.

 

JL Bar Ranch, Resort and Spa’s Texas Hill Country wine weekend getaways

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa offers exclusive Texas Hill Country wine weekend getaways. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.

With over 50 unique and visually stunning wineries scattered throughout the region, there is somewhere new to explore and fall in love with around every bend in Texas Wine Country. Also known as Texas Hill Country, Texas’ growing wine region is one of the most visited wine destinations in the United States and is the fifth largest wine-producing state in the country. Now, visitors can experience the heart of Texas Hill Country and a taste of its terroir with JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa’s exclusive wine programming and excursion. (JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa, 2021)

Set on 13,000 acres in Sonora, Texas, JL Bar Ranch Resort & Spa offers unmatched luxury amidst the rolling hills of West Texas. The 32-room boutique resort is just a few hours’ drive (or a short flight on a private plane into JL Bar’s Private Airport FBO) and is perfect for travelers looking to relax and unwind with a glass of wine, with new wine-centric experiences. 

The resort has two renowned Sommeliers overseeing the resort’s wine program and tasting experiences and has recently launched a Fredericksburg Wine Tasting Experience for guests to enjoy a getaway stay that immerses them in all things Texas, with activities and amenities including:   

  • Fredericksburg Wine Excursion: The luxury resort and working ranch now offers new day-trip excursions that allows guests to experience the best of Texas Hill Country’s wine with a day trip to Fredericksburg that includes transportation, a local winetasting and lunch at Victoria Gimino Vineyard, shopping on Fredericksburg’s Main Street, and more.
  • Wine Tasting at JL Bar Ranch: “Drink:” By day, Sydney Beiqueand Jon Joseph lead JL bar Ranch’s equine program, but by night the couple lead the resort’s wine program as Level 2 and Level 1 Sommeliers, respectively. They have curated a wine list on property that is solely small-production wines. Their motto is “if you can buy it in a store, we won’t offer it on the ranch.” All are high-quality, thoughtfully selected wines, available both during meals and as a private wine tasting experience.  
  • Cowboy Cookout: The culinary team at JL Bar Ranch has designed a decadent and interactive social distancing-approved dining experience with its new Cowboy Cookout. Guests can take in the Texas Hill Country views with a horseback ride to the property’s cookout camp, enjoy cocktails and snacks as the culinary team prepares a lavish steak dinner, and relax to country music while soaking in the magnificent sunset.  
  • Hill Country Adventures: From a full equestrian program featuring horseback riding and a horse psychology experience to off-road ATV adventures, a Putting/Chipping Green, weekend yoga, wine tasting, and clay and skeet shooting, JL Bar Ranch’s slew of activities and programming take place primarily outside for the ultimate adventure.   

SAY Sí welcomes new co-directors

Stephen Garza-Guzman and Nicole Amri announce first in-person events at Westside location and registration for 2021-2022 school year. Photo: google

Following the recent announcement of SAY Sí’s executive evolution, SAY Sí’s new Co-Executive Directors Stephen Garza-Guzman and Nicole Amri are excited to welcome the community into its new location as they prepare for the return of in-person events and student applications for the 2021-2022 school year. After delays to its official opening due to the pandemic, SAY Sí is excited to open its doors to the Westside for the first time as construction on the first phase of the new location ends. In order to remain accessible, SAY Sí will continue to offer virtual programming to serve as many students as possible throughout the upcoming school year. (SAY Sí, 2021)

“How often does a new leader have such blessings? Our mission is tried and true, and we’ve had the honor of growing up with and around our powerhouse of a staff. All this to serve students, parents and alumni who are truly the energy and power behind our organization. We’re ready.” – Nicole Amri, Co-Executive Director of SAY Sí.

Co-Executive Directors Stephen Garza-Guzman, a nine-year employee of SAY Sí, and Nicole Amri, a SAY Sí alumna and employee, plan to take what they have learned from the organization to build upon existing programs and serve more youth as they transition into their new roles and open the doors of the 1310 S Brazos location this August. As the organization continues to establish its new home in 78207, the leadership team looks forward to making more meaningful connections on San Antonio’s Westside.  

“We are eager to recruit new students again, pilot new creative mediums and deepen our service to new populations,” – Stephen Garza-Guzman, Co-Executive Director of SAY Sí. 

After graduating the class of 2021 and taking a short break this summer, SAY Sí will welcome the return of its students back into its studios starting this August, as well as four major in-person events for the public, including:

  • August: Back-to-School Art Supply Drive
    As part of many efforts to put school and art supplies in the hands of San Antonio youth, SAY Sí will give away free art supply kits to elementary- and middle school-aged students on Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 10 a.m. to Noon at SAY Sí (1310 S. Brazos St. San Antonio, TX 78207).
  • September: The San Antonio Show
    Centered around local artists, both established and emerging, this celebration of San Antonio’s LatinX roots will dig into the past, present and future, and showcase all the things SAY Sí loves about San Antonio. The exhibition will be free and open to the public. Official dates will be shared at a later time.
  • November: Muertitos Fest
    SAY Sí will celebrate both Native American Heritage Month and Día de los Muertos in a slow reopening of in-person events/activities. More details to be announced in the coming weeks. 
  • December: We Are Now: Youth Voices During Challenging Times
    In collaboration with UP Partnership, SAY Sí is taking submissions for this city-wide high school art show. For more information or to apply, contact SAY Sí.

Applications for the 2021-2022 school year will open on August 1, 2021. Updates and more information on the application process can be found online. 

Founded in 1994, SAY Sí is a national award-winning, art-based nonprofit youth development program located in San Antonio, Texas. The goal of the organization is to provide San Antonio area students in grades 6-12 with the opportunity to develop artistic and social skills in preparation for higher educational advancement and career building. SAY Sí programs serve over 200 students from all of San Antonio’s school districts – in addition to serving 4,000 youth in community programs. SAY Sí’s unique approach to education has placed the organization on the national stage, with recognition as one of the top out-of-school-time organizations in the country by The Wallace Foundation, as well as serving as one of seven international youth arts organizations chosen to receive an inaugural Creative Catalyst Award by Adobe Project 1324 in 2016.

 

Mixtli announces grand opening of new Southtown location

The team behind San Antonio’s most lauded restaurant has officially announced opening. Photo: Mixtli, used with permission.

The team behind Mixtli, the nationally renowned progressive Mexican restaurant, has officially announced the opening of the new space located at 812 South Alamo Street in Southtown. Led by Executive Chefs Rico Torres and Diego Galicia, 2017 FOOD & WINE’s Best New Chefs and James Beard semi-finalist nominees for “Best Chefs Southwest” in 2018, Mixtli’s new space features a larger dining room, an open kitchen concept and a new bar. Tickets open one month in advance and are now available here for August. (Mixtli, 2021)

“We are very excited to call Southtown our home,” said Diego Galicia. “The area is a legendary hotspot for restaurants, and we are so lucky to be able to be right in the middle of it. The residents have been incredibly warm and welcoming. We cannot wait to welcome every one of our guests back.”

Like clouds, the menu travels from place to place offering a tour in Mexican gastronomy and will rotate quarterly. If the state has a border with the ocean, the Mixtli team starts the trek on the coast and works inland, bringing dishes specifically from that region or state. After each season, the cloud travels to other lands, and the team begins again with a new menu.

“Mixtli’s mission to rescue, revive, protect, and promote the history and origins of Mexico’s Gastronomy continues to grow as we expand into our new home,” says Rico Torres. “With the addition of the bar program, new team members, and additional space we can curate the guests’ experience in new and exciting ways.”

Now through September 18, Mixtli is currently featuring the Oaxaca menu. Oaxaca is known as Mexico’s most iconic microcosm of food. With endless coasts, mountains, and forests, it is a region that presents some of the most unique and ancient flavors in Mexico. Known as the land of the seven moles, Oaxaca is a powerhouse of regional food. Its folklore and flavors are unique, and it is a state where food and drink are celebrated like nowhere else in Mexico. Guests can expect menu items such as Tichinda cold water mussels and chintestle; Barbacoa de Mariscos seafood barbacoa, seaweed salsa and tortillas and Mole Amarillo grass fed-ribeye with roasted onion and Chilhuacle Amarillo.

The Bar at Mixtli offers a variety of beverage options including cocktails, agave spirits, and a progressive wine list. Paying homage to the traveling food and drink menus, the bar features an 8 ft. cloud that has a mind of its own. The ever evolving cocktail list was crafted by longtime San Antonio mixologist Derik Cortez. Derik has been in the cocktail industry for 22 years and has trained under notable craft cocktail figures like Jake Corney from Jazz TX and Christopher Ware, formerly from Paramour.

Mixtli is located in San Antonio at 812 South Alamo Street Suite #103 and is open Tuesday—Saturday with the first seating beginning at 5p.m. Parking is available at the restaurant.

Helmed by owners and Executive Chefs Rico Torres and Diego Galicia, Mixtli’s menu travels from place to place, offering a tour in Mexican gastronomy. Chef Rico Torres and Diego Galicia were named one of FOOD & WINE’s Best New Chefs of 2017 and James Beard semifinalists for “Best Chef Southwest” in 2018. The current Mixtli is located at 5251 McCullough Ave.

 

Sneak peek at authors coming to the 2021 Texas Book Festival

List of 15 authors coming to the 2021 hybrid Texas Book Festival in October. Photo: google

The Texas Book Festival is excited to unveil fifteen authors joining the weeklong hybrid Festival this fall. The Festival will feature Pulitzer Prize–winning author Colson Whitehead, Michener Center for Writers instructor Elizabeth McCracken, bestselling novelist and 2016 Kirkus Prize finalist Amor Towles, National Medal of Arts recipient and 2005 Texas Writer Award recipient Sandra Cisneros, bestselling children’s author R. J. Palacio, and many more. (Texas Book Festival, 2021)

Starting October 25, the weeklong hybrid Festival will include a robust, diverse lineup of established, emerging, and debut literary talent for readers of all ages. TBF’s full lineup will be completed and revealed later this summer.

The full list of the fifteen sneak peek authors include:
• Rumaan Alam, “Leave the World Behind”
• Benjamin Alire Sáenz, “Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World”
• Sandra Cisneros, “Martita, I Remember You / Martita, te recuerdo”
• Mary Gaitskill, “The Devil’s Treasure”
• Gabriela Garcia, “Of Women and Salt”
• Elizabeth McCracken, “The Souvenir Museum”
• Maggie Nelson, “On Freedom: Four Songs of Care and Constraint”
• R. J. Palacio, “Pony”
• Raj Patel, “Inflamed: Deep Medicine and the Anatomy of Injustice”
• Don Tate, “Pigskins to Paintbrushes”
• Amor Towles, “The Lincoln Highway”
• Sergio Troncoso, “Nepantla Familias: An Anthology of Mexican American Literature on Families in Between Worlds”
• Colson Whitehead, “Harlem Shuffle”
• Lawrence Wright, “The Plague Year: America in the Time of Covid”
• Cecily Wong, “Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer’s Guide”

With a vision to inspire Texans of all ages, the Texas Book Festival connects authors and readers through experiences that celebrate the culture of literacy, ideas, and imagination. Founded in 1995 by former First Lady Laura Bush, Mary Margaret Farabee, and a group of volunteers, the nonprofit Texas Book Festival promotes the joys of reading and writing through its annual Festival Weekend, the Texas Teen Book Festival, the Reading Rock Stars Title I elementary school program, the Real Reads Title I middle and high school program, grants to Texas libraries, and year-round literary programming. This year’s hybrid Texas Book Festival will take place from October 25 through October 31, with virtual events October 25 – 28 and the Festival Weekend taking place on the grounds of the Texas Capitol October 30 – 31, featuring renowned authors, panels, book signings, and children’s activities. Thanks to generous donors, sponsors, and volunteers, the Festival remains free and open to the public.

 

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The Classic Theatre of San Antonio’s next production of Theatre in the Rough

The Classic Theatre’s production of ‘As You Like It’ opens September 9, 2021. Photo: The Classic Theatre of San Antonio.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is opening the second season of Theatre in the Rough with ‘As You Like It’ by William Shakespeare. Opening on Thursday, September 9, it will run until Sunday, September 26, 2021. Performed at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, it will be directed by Nick Lawson with performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 7:30p.m. with the exception of a performance on Monday, September 20 and no performance on Thursday, September 23. Tickets are available online. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2021)

‘As You Like It’ – Rosalind’s uncle rises to the throne and she is immediately banished from court. With her best friend and uncle’s daughter Celia by her side, she runs into the forest of Arden for refuge, only to catch the lovesick eye of another banished youth named Orlando. The result is a hilarious conglomeration of cross-dressing, foolery, melodic songs, questionable poetry, and laughs aplenty. Will love always win or are we merely mad? ‘As You Like It’ is an entertaining and touching exploration of life, death, love, family, and the bonds that tie us together.

Cast includes Kacey Roye, Josey Porras, Eddie Morfin Jr., Hunter Wulff, Randee Nelson, Adam Ochoa, Natalie Blackman, and Emit Quintero.

First impression: Amor Y Pan

These pastries are delicious, sugar free, and low carb. Photo: Sandra Cruz

I am definitely loving my weekly trips into town to discover the variety of options, from restaurants, to coffee shops and bakeries. Even though I am vegan, I have no dietary restrictions like low-fat or sugar free but I like to keep track of restaurants and shops that cater to people who do to help out friends and family. My next culinary adventure took me to Amor Y Pan in Brownsville. It is listed as a lifestyle market and bakery that sells breads and desserts perfect for keto, paleo and vegan needs but they also have healthy snacking options.

It was not hard to find, it is along Expressway 77 and there is plenty of parking, which I love. This alone will guarantee that I will keep going back time and time again. Located on Suite 16, the inside is smaller than I expected, but they make excellent use of the space available. As you come in, the wall to the right is fitted with shelves stocked with grocery must-haves like granola, protein bars, avocado oil, chips, and dressings. The refrigerated section stocks pre-packaged almond flour and nopal tortillas, which are raw and ready to be cooked, and other food items. What drew my attention were the baked goods on the counter ready to go home with me: keto sandwich thins, tella cookies, cinnamon rolls, honey butter biscuits, and conchitas. Most of them were sold out by the time I got there, but I am guessing that is a positive sign. They are labeled and designated as keto, low carb, paleo, or vegan, whichever the case may be. This is a major plus. On my next trip I will try definitely try their coffee.

Let it be known that I have already been back twice. The first time I bought the almond flour tortillas, the nopal tortillas, the Primal Kitchen avocado oil, and two tella cookies. The second time I decided to sample more of the baked goods, so I bought a carrot cake cupcake, an assortment of cookies, and a piece of cheesecake. Everything is delicious and it is hard to tell that the baked goods are sugar free and low carb. The prices are reasonable considering that it is a health focused business. I spent $36.77 on my first visit.

A big thank you to Karime, the friendly and helpful cashier who patiently answered all my questions and guided my shopping for the day. This gem of a market has an assortment of products geared towards the health-conscious shopper. Next time you are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth craving without added sugar or carbs, shop small, shop local, and stop by Amor Y Pan. Save a cookie for me.

Amor y Pan
800 N. Expressway 77/83, Suite 16
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 443-0607

Business hours:
Monday through Friday 10a.m. to 7p.m.
Saturday 10a.m. to 3p.m.
Sunday Closed

Price range: $ – $$

Rating: 4 out of 5.
  • Partial menu
  • A nearly sold out counter
  • A wide variety of choices
  • Tella cookies
  • My shopping for the day
  • I made tacos with the almond flour tortillas

Celebrate National Tequila Day 2021

Taco Cabana will have $2 margaritas on National Tequila Day. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

National Tequila Day is around the corner on Saturday, July 24, and whether you like your tequila in a glass or a croissant, frozen or on the rocks, these local businesses have the perfect way to celebrate. For an at-home celebration, Twang is sharing a delicious Cerveza Rosa recipe, while San Antonio staple La Panadería is serving up house blend frozen margaritas in addition to their traditional Tequila Almond Croissants. EVO Entertainment is welcoming movie lovers back to the theaters with seven margarita offerings, and New Braunfels establishments 188 South and Krause’s Café are creating specialty margaritas available for a limited time. (La Panadería, EVO Entertainment, Taco Cabana, Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 188 South, Twang, 2021)

** Update: July 21, 2021

Taco Cabana is now including a $3 bundle in addition to their $2 margaritas. This means that any margarita plus choice of shredded chicken or bean and cheese taco will be $3. Offer will be available this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 

La Panadería
Since opening in 2014, La Panadería’s claim to fame has been their signature Tequila Almond Croissant boasting a golden, airy exterior and sweet tequila-infused almond paste filling — a creative twist on the classic French pastry. For the first time, guests can now pair this signature pastry with “Besos,” La Panadería’s offering of house blend and frozen margaritas and Frosé, available exclusively at La Cantera Heights. La Panaderia has three locations and online ordering to best serve the San Antonio area this National Tequila Day.

EVO Entertainment
Movies are making a comeback and EVO Entertainment has seven specialty margaritas to enjoy, all made with EVO’s very own select tequila. Choices include a zesty Jalapeño Margarita, a Watermelon Margarita, a Paloma, a Beer-Rita and their signature Midnight Rambler. This National Tequila Day, grab a drink and relax in one of EVO’s luxury loungers while enjoying one of the year’s blockbusters.

Taco Cabana
Celebrate National Tequila Day with $2 margaritas at Taco Cabana. With eight flavors including Lime, Strawberry, Mango, Strawberry Mango, Mangonada, Blue Curacao, Watermelon, and Dragonfruit, Taco Cabana is the ultimate margarita stop. The popular Pickle Margarita is also available at select locations for just $2, and guests have the option to add chamoy for no additional cost.

Krause’s Café + Biergarten
In celebration of National Tequila Day, Krause’s Café + Biergarten in New Braunfels is serving up a special cocktail appropriately called Beat the Heat for a holiday in late July. This take on a margarita includes tequila, lime juice, agave, ancho reyes with a chamoy and Tajin rim garnished with jalapeño and lime. Guests can take a break from floating the river to grab a refreshing treat at Krause’s Café for $6.00 on Saturday, July 24.

Krause’s Café + Biergarten
148 S Castell Ave.
New Braunfels, TX

188 South
To commemorate National Tequila Day, 188 South in New Braunfels will be offering a refreshing Strawberry Basil Margarita worthy of a celebration. The cocktail is made with strawberry, basil, Cointreau, Dulce Vida Tequila and agave, and garnished with a lime wheel. The cocktail can be enjoyed at 188 South on Saturday, July 24 for $11.

188 South
188 S Castell Ave.
New Braunfels, TX

Twang
For those planning to stay in, Twang and Aaron Pena, owner/bartender at The Squeezebox and Amor Eterno in San Antonio, TX, have just the cocktail to appropriately celebrate National Tequila Day.

See recipe below:
• Twang Paloma Love grapefruit rimming salt
• .5 oz. lemon juice
• .5 oz. simple syrup
• 1.5 oz. Tequila
• Top with champagne served in a flute rimmed with Twang Paloma Love

 

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National Tequila Day

Camille Playhouse announces new season

The Camille Playhouse announced its 58th season this week. Photo: google

This week, the Camille Playhouse in Brownsville announced its 58th season. The season consists of ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ in September, ‘Our Lady of the Tortilla’ in October, ‘Humbug’ in December, ‘Sweet Charity’ in February, ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ in April, and “Lucky Stiff’ in May. Ticket information is available online. (Camille Playhouse, 2021)

‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’
September 10-19
This happy-go-lucky view of small-town vice and statewide political side-stepping recounts the good times and the demise of the Chicken Ranch, known since the 1850s as one of the better pleasure palaces in all of Texas. Governors, senators, mayors, and even victorious college football teams frequent Miss Mona’s cozy bordello, until that Puritan nemesis Watchdog focuses his television cameras and his righteous indignation on the institution. Music and lyrics by Carol Hall; book by Larry L. King.

‘Our Lady of the Tortilla’
October 15-24
The Cruz family is volatile even in the best of times. On this particular day, Nelson, the youngest son, enters the house in a panic to hide the more obvious religious relics from the sight of his “gringo” girlfriend, who is visiting for the weekend. Nelson’s mother, Dahlia, is obsessed with retrieving her husband from his new girlfriend; Eddie, her elder son, shows up in a van with his failed life and pregnant girlfriend. But the “real” pandemonium is caused by sweet, long-suffering Dolores, Dahlia’s old-maid sister, when she sees the face of the Holy Virgin in a tortilla. This miracle brings hordes of believers and reporters to camp out on the Cruz’s lawn to await further miracles. As the family struggles with beliefs and conflicts, old and new, the endurance of family love is revealed to be the real miracle. Book by Luis Santeiro.

‘Humbug’
December 10-19
As ‘A Christmas Carol’ with a modern-day twist, Humbug follows the story of Eleanor Scrooge, a ruthlessly ambitious Wall Street executive who has an aversion to Christmas and an insatiable appetite for power. Locked in her office on a snowy Christmas Eve, Eleanor is determined to finish a corporate takeover proposal until three “advisors” provide her with an eye opening new appreciation for the holidays and the spirit of Christmas. An upbeat and moving adaptation of Dickens’ holiday classic, Humbug is one for the ages. With a contemporary flair, it is a tale the whole family will enjoy. Book by John Wooten

‘Sweet Charity’
February 11-20
Inspired by Federico Fellini’s Nights of Cabiria, ‘Sweet Charity’ explores the turbulent love life of Charity Hope Valentine, a hopelessly romantic but comically unfortunate dance hall hostess in New York City. With a tuneful, groovy, mid 1960s score by Cy Coleman, sparkling lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and a hilarious book by Neil Simon, ‘Sweet Charity’ captures all the energy, humor, and heartbreak of Life in the Big City for an unfortunate but irrepressible optimist.

‘Jekyll & Hyde’
April 01-10
Based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic thriller, ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ is the gripping tale of a brilliant mind gone horrifically awry, set to a powerful pop rock score by Frank Wildhorn with book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. In an attempt to cure his ailing father’s mental illness by separating “good” from “evil” in the human personality, talented physician Dr. Jekyll inadvertently creates an alternate personality of pure evil, dubbed Mr. Hyde, who wrecks murderous havoc on the city of London. As his fiancée Emma grows increasingly fearful for her betrothed, a prostitute, Lucy, finds herself dangerously involved with both the doctor and his alter ego. Struggling to control Hyde before he takes over for good, Jekyll must race to find a cure for the demon he has created in his own mind.

‘Lucky Stiff’
May 13-22
Based on the novel “The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo” by Michael Butterworth, Lucky Stiff is an offbeat, hilarious murder mystery farce, complete with mistaken identities, six million bucks in diamonds, and a corpse in a wheelchair. The story revolves around an unassuming English shoe salesman who is forced to take the embalmed body of his recently murdered uncle on a vacation to Monte Carlo. Should he succeed in passing his uncle off as alive, Harry Witherspoon stands to inherit $6,000,000.00. If not, the money goes to the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn, or else his uncle’s gun-toting ex. Music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, book by Lynn Ahrens.

The Camille Playhouse opened its doors in January 1964 after the City of Brownsville provided the land in Dean Porter Park and the Sams Foundation provided a grant to fund the construction of the facility. With a drive to stimulate interest in theatre through production of stage performances and the development and application of the arts necessary to such productions, utilizing the talents and abilities of those in the Brownsville community and neighboring communities with a passion for the art, thereby engaging audiences in the artistic process, sparking the imaginations of young children and developing the next generation of stage actors, the theater is proud to be carrying on Camille’s dream and legacy of having community theatre in Brownsville. Camille’s legacy remains the primary mission.

July events at Krause’s Café & Biergarten

Bier stein-holding competitions are still going on at Krause’s Café before the finals on August 21, 2021. Photo: Krause’s Café & Biergarten, used with permission.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten is hosting a variety of live music and events throughout July including the musical stylings of the Rick Cavender Band, Masskrugstemmen competitions, UEFA EURO Championship watch parties, and more. This is a sampling of upcoming events; a full list is available online. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2021)

UEFA EURO Championship Watch Party, July 11: Finals
Guests are encouraged to stop by Krause’s Bierhalle to catch the final “football” championship and grab a pint. Krause’s will be hosting a watch party for the UEFA EURO 2020 Championship on Sunday, July 11 at 2p.m.

Masskrugstemmen Competitions – Saturdays, July 17 and 24
There are only five more bier stein-holding competitions before the finals. On select Saturdays, guests are invited to try their hand at the traditional Bavarian contest in which contestants hold a full bier stein at arm’s length for as long as they can. Winners of the men’s and women’s competitions receive a $50 gift card and are invited back to compete in the finals on August 21. Champions will receive airfare plus a two night hotel stay in New York City. There is also a kid’s version with Root Beer for some family fun.

Rick Cavender Band – Friday, July 9
Rick Cavender is known to many as the voice and face of his family’s auto dealerships, but when the lights are off in his showroom, Rick leads one of South Texas’ favorite party bands. He has shared a stage with well-known artists Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson, Alabama, Glen Campbell, and George Strait. Guests can expect a fantastic ride through songs from all decades and genres from the Eagles to Creedence, from George Strait to Robert Earl Keen, from Lady A to Fleetwood Mac to Marty Robbins and Roy Orbison. The Rick Cavender band will start their set at Krause’s at 6:30p.m. on July 9.

Terry Cavanagh Duo & The Alpine Express – Sunday, July 11
Terry Cavanagh and the Alpine Express is one of America’s best German bands. The group energizes the stage with traditional German music stylings. The upbeat and interactive band will play at Krause’s Cafe on July 11 as a duo at 10a.m. and the entire band will perform at 2p.m.

Rochelle & The Sidewinders – Friday, July 16
Austin-based blues rock band Rochelle & The Sidewinders will take the stage at Krause’s Friday, July 16 at 7p.m. Guests can expect a quality show provided by Austin’s Number One Blues Band, according to the Austin Blues Society.

Mark Halata & Texavia – Saturday, July 17
Mark Halata began playing the accordion at an early age and has used it as a means to connect with his Czech-Moravian heritage. The band plays traditional polka music, notable for its upbeat tempo and rhythmic sounds. Mark Halata & Texavia will be playing at Krause’s Cafe Saturday, July 17 at 5:30p.m.

Das Ist Lustig – Sunday, July 25
Das Ist Lustig translates to “That’s Fun” and this German Band based in Houston, TX promises to deliver. The traditional German band performs nationally and throughout Texas year round, sharing their energetic style with all who come to listen. Das Ist Lustig will be performing at Krause’s Cafe Sunday, July 25 at 2p.m.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten is a New Braunfels historic restaurant opened in 1938 and successfully run until 1995. Today, Krause’s Café honors the previous traditions of the restaurant with the addition of a ‘biergarten,’ live music, and more. The menu reflects New Braunfels’ German heritage as well as South Texas flavors. Over 100 beers are available on tap with local, regional, and international options. The restaurant also features cocktails and wines on tap. Krause’s Café is located at 186 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, next to the popular New Braunfels Farmers Market.