Tickets for ‘Cats’ go on sale Friday August 30

catscast — The North American tour company of ‘Cats.’ Photo: Matthew Murphy, used with permission.

‘Cats,’ one of the biggest hits in theatrical history, is coming to the Majestic Theatre for eight performances from Tuesday October 29 through Sunday November 3, as part of the North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio 2019-2020 season. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10a.m., Friday, August 30. Prices start at $45 and are available through Ticketmaster online, by phone at 1-800- 982-2787, or by visiting the Majestic Box Office. The Majestic Box Office does not accept single ticket orders over the phone; all ticket sales must be made in person. Majestic Box Office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday. Showtimes are 7:30p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; 8p.m. on Friday; 2p.m. and 8p.m., Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. (North Park Lexus Broadway, 2019)

‘Cats’ is a sung-through musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on the 1939 poetry book “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T. S. Eliot. It is the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles and the night they make the “Jellicle choice,” deciding which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life . The musical includes the popular song “Memory” as sung by Grizabella and over the years, it has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages. Now on tour across North America, it features new sound design, direction and choreography for a new generation.

The creative team for the new production of ‘Cats’ includes John Napier (Scenic & Costume Design), Natasha Katz (Lighting Design), Mick Potter (Sound Design), choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne, and direction by Trevor Nunn. The musical debuted on Broadway in 1982 where it won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Both the original London and Broadway cast recordings won Grammy Awards for Best Cast Album. The hit song “Memory” has been recorded by over 150 artists from Barbra Streisand and Johnny Mathis to Liberace and Barry Manilow. The Tony Award-winning Best Musical held the title of longest-running musical in Broadway history until it was surpassed in 2006 by Lloyd Webber’s ‘The Phantom of the Opera.’ This marks the first tour of the first-ever Broadway revival of the iconic musical. The first live-action film adaptation of ‘Cats’, produced by Universal Pictures and Working Title, will open on December 20, 2019.

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

‘Romeo and Juliet’ at The Classic Theatre

Coming up next month at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ written by William Shakespeare and directed by Joe Goscinski. Shakespeare’s famous story about two star-crossed lovers in the depths of forbidden love despite an ancient family feud opens on Friday September 6 and will run through Sunday September 29. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are $33 for general admission, $29 for senior, military, educator or SATCO, and $18 for student and are available online or at the box office by calling (210) 589-8450. Proper ID is required. Season Subscriptions and Flex Passes are now available. On opening night, there will be a complimentary champagne reception after the show. (The Classic Theatre, 2019)

‘Romeo and Juliet’ is set in Verona, Italy and is described as a tragedy that Shakespeare wrote early in his career. It centers around the two young lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families, the Montagues and the Capulets. During his lifetime, it was one of his most famous plays and along with ‘Hamlet,’ it is one of his most frequently performed. The title characters are often regarded as archetypal young lovers. Cast includes Josh Davis as Romeo and Alyx Gonzales as Juliet.

Special Student Performances — September 12, 19, 26, 2019 at 7p.m. School groups can register for this program online.

“So often the first Shakespeare play students are exposed to in high school is Romeo and Juliet. Its impetuous teen protagonists, fighting, flirting and fast-paced time frame make it a great beginners’ slope for Bard newbies.” – The Hollywood Reporter

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

‘Dreamgirls’ opens this Friday at the Woodlawn Theatre

Coming up at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘Dreamgirls,’ which opens on Friday August 23 and runs through Sunday September 15. ‘Dreamgirls’ is a musical about the aspirations of a female singing trio that take them from Chicago to the Apollo Theatre where they meet a would-be manager and begin their musical journey of fame, love, betrayal, and friendship that spans a decade. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Special Educational Night on September 13 (closed to public). Tickets are available online or by calling the Box Office at 210-267-8388. Ticket prices are: Adults $30, Senior/Military/First Responders $24, Children/Student $18. Groups of 10 people or more receive a 20% discount. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2019)

‘Dreamgirls’ chronicles the story of Effie White, Deena Jones, and Lorrell Robinson, three friends who form the singing group The Dreamettes in 1962 Chicago. Over the years, as the close-knit trio rises from obscurity to superstardom, the dynamics within the group shift, leading to damaging careers and devastating relationships. Based on popular Motown artists such as The Supremes, The Shirelles, and The Chiffons, ‘Dreamgirls’ is a dazzling musical befitting the glamorous and competitive world of the entertainment industry in 1960s and 70s. Cast includes LaToya Chenelle Crawford (Deena Jones), Janecia Stevenson (Lorell Robinson), Naomi Williams Johnson (Effie Melody White), and Amanda Jeffries (Michelle Morris). The foursome will make their Woodlawn Theatre stage debut together. With notable songs such as “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” “One Night Only” and “Fake Your Way to the Top,” San Antonio audiences can expect a high-drama, high-energy musical.

During the entire run of Dreamgirls, Woodlawn Theatre will be partnering with the nonprofit The Renaissance Guild in San Antonio. Media sponsor is KONO 101.1.

Promotional Nights:
Student Night – Saturday August 24 – $10 Student/Child tickets with code: STUDENT
Pride Night – Friday September 6, 25% off tickets with code: PRIDE
ASL (American Sign Language) Night – Sunday September 15, 25% off tickets with code: ASL

“’Dreamgirls’ takes place during thrilling and tumultuous times as we watch the rise of Motown, mainstream pop versus R&B, and the coming of disco. Themes such as ambition, family, betrayal, and achieving the American dream are all key to the story and like all show business sagas, ‘Dreamgirls’ has its share of romance and heartbreak.” – Director Tim Hedgepeth

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

‘Matilda The Musical’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio

Opening at The Public Theater of San Antonio this week is the local production of Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda The Musical.’ It runs from Friday July 12 through Sunday August 11 in the Russell Hill Rogers Auditorium. ‘Matilda The Musical’ is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Tickets are available online and at the box office by calling (210) 733-7258. Prices are $40 for adults, $35 for military members with ID and seniors age 60 and older and $25 for students with ID. Group rates are available for groups of ten or more. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2019)

‘Matilda The Musical’ is a musical based on the novel of the same name by best-selling author Roald Dahl. It is the story a Matilda, a precocious five-year-old girl with the gift of telekinesis who loves reading, overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school and helps her teacher reclaim her life. She dreams of a better life and with her astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers, Matilda becomes the school’s saving grace. Winner of four Tony Awards, it is directed by Ken Urso with a book by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin. Cast includes Taylor Henderson and Audrey Davis as Matilda, Shane Glenn Vickers as Agatha Trunchbull, Robby Vance as Mr. Wormwood, Briane Green as Mrs. Wormwood and Madison Genovese as Ms. Honey.

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

Tickets for ‘Les Misérables’ at the Majestic Theatre go on sale Friday

lesmiserables — The company of ‘Les Miserables” performs “One Day More.” Photo: Matthew Murphy, used with permission.

The much-anticipated return of Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon ‘Les Misérables’ will play at the Majestic Theatre this September. Direct from a celebrated two-and-a-half year Broadway engagement, it will run from Tuesday September 17 through Sunday September 22 and tickets go on sale at 10a.m. this Friday, July 12. Tickets, starting at $49.50, are available through Ticketmaster online, by phone at 1-800-982-2787 or by visiting the Majestic Box Office. The Majestic Box Office does not accept single ticket orders over the phone; all ticket sales must be made in person. Majestic Box Office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday. 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. Performance times are 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 8p.m. on Friday; 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. (Broadway in San Antonio, 2019)

‘Les Misérables’ is set against the backdrop of 19th-century France and tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Featuring one of the best scores of all time, with thrilling and beloved songs including “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” “Do You Hear the People Sing” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Along with the Oscar-winning movie version, it has now been seen by more than 120 million people in 52 countries and in 22 languages around the globe. ‘Les Misérables’ is still the world’s most popular musical, breaking box office records everywhere in its 33^rd year. With glorious new staging and dazzlingly re-imagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking production, which broke box office records during its pre-Broadway tour, has left both audiences and critics awestruck.

Cameron Mackintosh’s production has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer from the original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, additional material by James Fenton and original adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. The original ‘Les Misérables’ orchestrations are by John Cameron with new orchestrations by Christopher Jahnke, Stephen Metcalfe and Stephen Brooker. The production is directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell, designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo with costumes by Andreane Neofitou and Christine Rowland, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter, musical staging by Michael Ashcroft and Geoffrey Garratt and projections by Fifty-Nine Productions. Music Supervision is by Stephen Brooker and James Moore, with casting by Kaitlin Shaw for Tara Rubin Casting.

Last call for Camp Broadway registrations

Broadway’s original summer camp will shine its spotlight at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre Monday, July 29 through Friday, August 2. Camp Broadway, in partnership with Las Casas Foundation is the only dramatic camp in San Antonio that immerses young aspiring artists in a week of theatrical training and rehearsals with professional actors from Los Angeles and New York. (Las Casas Foundation, 2019)

Open to all skill levels, Camp Broadway is a five-day summer camp from 9a.m. to 5p.m., designed to immerse children ages 10 to 17 in an authentic Broadway rehearsal process. No previous theatre experience is necessary to enroll in the camp. After a week of training, the program culminates in a special on-stage performance for family and friends with professional actors at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre.

For $600, Camp Broadway enables theater-loving children to develop their confidence, character, and presentation skills through ensemble performance.

Mainstage package includes 5 days (40 hours) of instruction and activities including:

Intensives in singing, acting and dancing taught by Broadway professionals
A memorable lunch on stage of the Majestic Theatre and talk back with industry professionals
Camp Broadway swag – including official t-shirt, labeled bag and pencil
A collectible Mainstage program patch
Professional ‘Cast of Characters’ head shot
Healthy lunches, snacks and water

Mainstagers and their families also receive:

Access to the ‘Call Board’ with exclusive sneak peeks and all the need-to-know details to get ready for Broadway
End-of-day information to prepare for the next day’s activities
A keepsake playbill from the Mainstage Finale performance
Complimentary admission to the Family Finale show at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre

Registration for this camp is available online. Camp Broadway San Antonio features a sibling discount for families with multiple children who want to enjoy a turn in the spotlight. A special discount for military families is also available.

Charline McCombs Empire Theatre
226 N. St. Mary’s St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700

Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

beautyandbeast — Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ opens this Friday July 5 at the Woodlawn Theatre.

Good news for anyone who cannot get enough of Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ This Friday July 5 is opening night of the local production of the beloved tale at the Woodlawn Theatre. This family friendly production will run through Sunday July 28. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Ticket prices range from $18 to $30 and are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. This classic story revolves around Belle, a young woman in a small town and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2019)

Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is a musical based on the 1991 movie of the same name with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. It is the story of a prince who is transformed into a hideous beast as punishment for his cruel ways and the young woman he keeps captive in his castle. When an old beggar woman comes to the prince’s castle asking for refuge from the cold he cruelly turns her away. The woman then changes into a beautiful enchantress, turns the prince into a beast and his servants into household items. She gives him a rose in an hourglass and tells him that the only way to break the spell is to learn to love another and earn her love before the last petal falls. Years later, Belle, a young beautiful woman from a small town, wanders into the woods looking for her lost father. She finds him imprisoned in a castle’s dungeon and strikes a deal with Beast that allows him to go free but she must remain behind. Soon they become friends and eventually break the spell when they fall in love and Beast is returned to his human form. Musical performances include audience favorites ‘Be Our Guest’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast.’

Cast includes Reagan Wilson as Belle and Chris Fuglestad as Beast, Cary Farrow IV as Gaston and Michael Parisi as Le Fou. Christopher Rodriguez is Director/Choreographer, Josh Pepper Music Director and Kristin McGregor Assistant Director/Choreographer.

Throughout the run of Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ the Woodlawn Theatre will be collecting donations to benefit SA Reads. Founded in 2010, SA Reads is a project of Literacy San Antonio, Inc. whose mission is to successfully teach children to read by training and inspiring teachers.

Special promotional dates:
Saturday July 6 Student Night: $10 Child/Student tickets with code STUDENT
Friday July 19 Pride Night: 25% off all tickets with code PRIDE
Friday July 26 ASL Night: 25% off all tickets with code ASL

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

Greater Tuna’s Jaston Williams in ‘Don’t Blame the Car!’ at The Classic Theatre

jastonwilliamscar — Jaston Williams’ ‘Don’t Blame the Car!’ opens on Thursday June 27 at The Classic Theatre. Photo: The Classic Theatre, used with permission.

On Thursday June 27, The Classic Theatre is opening their Second Series production of Greater Tuna’s Jaston Williams’ ‘Don’t Blame the Car!’ It will run until Sunday June 30 with only six performances: June 27 at 8p.m., June 28 at 8p.m., June 29 at 2p.m. and 8p.m. and June 30 at 2p.m. and 7p.m. General admission tickets are $25 and available online. There will be no late seating at any performance. Written and Performed by Jaston Williams. The theatre is handicapped accessible. (The Classic Theatre, 2019)

Jaston Williams’ first driver’s license read 4 feet 11 and 85 pounds. He learned to drive from his mother who assured him that passing on the right was permitted even on a two-lane road. The day his father tried to teach him to drive a standard shift, the man had to cut the lesson short and return home for bed rest. Hear this along with other stories including the one about the twirler who repeatedly injured herself with her own baton and the true account of why Jaston holds a lifelong grudge against potatoes.

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

‘Four Places’ at The Surround Project

Local theatre company The Surround Project is taking on their second outing this summer with ‘Four Places’ by Joel Drake Johnson. Once again partnering with The Classic Theatre of San Antonio to bring another San Antonio premiere to the stage, the company will explore themes similar to those tackled in their maiden voyage production of ‘9 Circles.’ Co-founder Eva Laporte directs ‘Four Places’ by Joel Drake Johnson which will run from Thursday June 13 through Sunday June 23 and will consist of eight performances only with showtimes Thursday through Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. (The Surround Project, 2019)

General seating in groups begins 45 minutes to curtain. No late seating or re-entry will be allowed. This play includes mature content. Tickets are $25 and are available online and consists of General Admission seating only. Guests will check-in and be assigned seating groups.

Laporte shares the connection between the two plays: “There’s a through line from our first production of ‘9 Circles,’ a play about war trauma, sexual violence and the politics of war, to our current production of ‘Four Places.’ In this play, we’re exploring the politics of a family and the trauma adult children must face in order to be happy, resilient, fulfilled people.”

In ‘Four Places,’ a seemingly innocent and routine family lunch between Peggy and her two adult children Ellen and Warren slowly reveals itself to have dire implications. The cast includes Kathy Couser as Peggy, Catherine Babbitt as Ellen and Andrew Thornton as Warren. Sarah Fisch rounds out the cast as Barb, the waiter for the family lunch. Directed by Eva Laporte, it includes Lighting Design by Kaitlin Muse, Music Composition & Sound Design by John Coker.

The Surround Project is inviting local non-profits to participate and build a bridge between audiences and experts, creating a dialogue about the themes seen on stage.

“Our first official community partner for ‘Four Places’ is Jewish Family Service. Providing mental health services for the entire San Antonio community, JFS is a local resource for many of the issues found in our play. JFS CEO Talli Dolge, MS, is excited to work with us and will serve as one of our talk back panel experts,” Eva LaPorte

Special Events:
Audiences are invited to join an informal chat with the artistic team after every performance. More information about The Surround Project is available online where new events will also be added.
Friday, June 14 – Donor Pre-show Reception
Sunday, June 15 – Expert-led panel post-show discussion
Friday, June 21 – Dual ASL-interpreted performance

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

Theater summer camp at The Classic Theatre

campclassic.org — Camp Classic is a theatre arts camp and begins in July at The Classic Theatre. Photo: Classic Theatre, used with permission.

It is not too late to get kids registered for summer camp. Camp Classic is a theatre arts camp linked to classical mythology for children ages 5-13 of all ability levels, located in the heart of the Deco District. (The Classic Theatre, 2019)

Campers will travel back in time to the days of adventure and magic, heroes and heroines, gods and rulers and giants and ogres. They will learn how to make a story come to life by using elements of the theatre to create their own characters, props, masks, costumes, and set pieces, culminating in a final performance. Camp Classic curriculum is based on TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) standards and National Core Arts Standards in Theatre Arts.

Registration is available online. Campers may register for more than one individual sessions. Each week will be split into three age groups, ages 5-7, 8-10 and 11-13, and focus on one of the following: Greek Mythology, Mexican Folklore, and European Fairytales.

Dates
Week 1 (July 15-19, 2019) Greek Mythology- Alpha
Campers will unlock the stories of Hercules, Dionysus, Athena, The Trojan War and The Iliad and The Odyssey.

Week 2 (July 22-26, 2019) Greek Mythology – Omega
Added week of Greek Mythology camp.

Week 3 (July 29-Aug 2, 2019) Mexican Folklore
Campers will learn Mexican heritage stories of La Lorona, Quetzalcoatl, El Cucuy, Tlaloc and the Cempasuchil Flower.

Week 4 (August 5-9, 2019) European Fairytales
Campers will explores stories such as Rumpelstiltskin, Rapunzel, Beowulf, Hansl and Gretl and The Boy Who Cried Wolf.

Camp Times – 9a.m. to 3p.m.
Every Friday of each session will end with a class performance.

Camp Rates (per week)
Early Bird Rate – $235
After May 1 – $250

Included in camp rates are one camp shirt and take-home masks, costumes and props on final day of session. Sibling Discounts Available. $25 non-refundable tuition deposit due upon registration. $25 Extended Care available from 7:30a.m. to 5:30p.m.

Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 468-3900

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Category: Theater News

Tickets for ‘Cats’ go on sale Friday August 30

‘Romeo and Juliet’ at The Classic Theatre

‘Dreamgirls’ opens this Friday at the Woodlawn Theatre

‘Matilda The Musical’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio

Tickets for ‘Les Misérables’ at the Majestic Theatre go on sale Friday

Last call for Camp Broadway registrations

Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

Greater Tuna’s Jaston Williams in ‘Don’t Blame the Car!’ at The Classic Theatre

‘Four Places’ at The Surround Project

Theater summer camp at The Classic Theatre

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