The Public Theater 2019-2020 season

publictheatreseason1920 — The Public Theater of San Antonio’s 2019-2020 season includes such hits as ‘Into the Woods’ and ‘Elf The Musical,’ Photo: Public Theater of San Antonio, used with permission.

The Public Theater of San Antonio recently announced their upcoming 2019-2020 season, including the Russell Hill Rogers Theater and Cellar Theater. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2019)

The Russell Hill Rogers Theater
September 13 through October 13 – ‘Mary Poppins’
A musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film. Based on one of the most popular Disney movie of all time, this is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, and breathtaking dance numbers. With a little bit of magic, Mary and Bert remind all of us that anything can happen if you let it.

November 22 through December 22 – ‘Elf The Musical’
Buddy embarks on a journey to discover his true identity and is determined to win over his new family. This modern-day holiday classic reminds us that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

January 31 through February 23 – ‘A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder’
A distant heir to a family fortune, Monty sets out to speed up the line of succession by using a great deal of charm and a dash of murder while falling in love. Non-stop laughs will see the doomed heirs meet their end in the most creative and side-splitting ways. Based on the novel ‘Israel Rank’ by Roy Horniman.

March 27 through April 19 – ‘Bright Star’
A refreshingly hopeful tale of love and redemption set against the backdrop of the 1920s and 1940s American South. Alice meets a young soldier that awakens her longing for the child she once lost. An uplifting journey holds you tight in its grasp with deep emotion and beautiful melodies. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.

May 15 through June 7 – ‘Amelie’
An extraordinary young woman lives quietly in the world but loudly in her mind. We learn that to find happiness we have to risk everything and say what is in our hearts. Amelie, the imaginative dreamer, finds her voice, discovers the power of connection and sees possibility around every corner.

July 10 through August 9 – ‘Into the Woods’
Everyone’s favorite storybook characters are intertwined for a timeless story played out in a magical world. The enchanting and touching collection of fables are set to one of the most dynamic scores ever written. The result is an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make.

Cellar Theater
October 18 through November 17 – ‘First Date’
A casual drink at a restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner. Delightful and unexpected twists, supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents, sing and dance Aaron and Casey through ice-breakers, appetizers and a potential dating disaster. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.

December 27 through January 19 – ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’
Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog. Under suspicion, he is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington. This profoundly moving play about adolescence, fractured families, mathematics, colors and lights takes us on a thrilling journey that upturns his world. Based on the novel by Mark Haddon.

February 28 through March 22 – ‘Admissions’
The head of an admissions department and the Headmaster at a prep school are fighting to diversify the student body. Personal ambition collides with progressive values when their son sets his sights on an Ivy League university. This controversial drama explodes the ideals and contradictions of liberal white America. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.

April 24 through May 10 – ‘Lonely Planet’
Jody stays in his map store all the time. Carl has been bringing chairs into Jody’s store and leaving them there. Through their interaction, the two realize how grateful they are to have such a strong lasting friendship. This compassionate play reveals friendship and fear in the age of AIDS. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.

June 12 through June 28 – ‘More Better Beautiful’
Alice Pring wakes with no recollection of the prior night and finds a stranger, that has an identical twin, asleep in her living room. Elements of noir and romance show the secrets we keep, the lies we tell and the people who accept us in spite of our mistakes. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.

August 14 through August 30 – ‘Fade’
Lucia, a young writer, quickly becomes friends with a studio janitor named Abel. As they share stories, similar plots begin to find their way into the TV script. Fade is a play about class, race, and how status does not change who you are at your core. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.

‘Oklahoma!’ opens this Friday at the Woodlawn Theatre

Coming up at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘Oklahoma!’ which opens on Friday February 22 and runs until Sunday March 17, 2019. ‘Oklahoma!’ is the first collaboration of famed partners Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II and is considered influential in setting the American musical theatre standard. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. There will be a special Saturday matinee show on March 9 at 2p.m., with no evening show that day. Tickets are available online or by calling the Box Office at 210-267-8388. Prices are $30 for adults, $24 for Senior/Military/First Responders and $18 for Children/Student. Groups of or more receive a 20% discount. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2019)

In ‘Oklahoma!’ fetching farm girl Laurey Williams finds herself being courted by two rival suitors, the confident cowboy Curly McLain and the unstable farmhand Jud Fry. As the territory around them transforms, the fiery love triangle comes to a head. The story takes place in 1906 Western Indian Territory with a spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys providing a backdrop to the romantic adventure of Curly and Laurey. As the roads to love and statehood converge, the two are poised to spend their new life together in a brand-new state.

Cast includes Amanda Golden as Laurey, Chris Fuglestad as Curly, Brian Hodges as Jud and Jimmi Nielson-Reid as Ado Annie. In keeping with the original musical, there is a fifteen-minute dream ballet sequence as part of the love triangle storyline. For this sequence, Woodlawn Theatre has partnered with Alamo Arts Ballet Theatre to feature special guest artists Jeremy Rhom and Emily Rhom as Dream Curly and Dream Laurey, respectively. Jeremy Rhom appears courtesy of Ballet San Antonio.

During this production, the Woodlawn Theatre will be accepting gift cards from Home Depot, Lowes, Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics and gas station gift cards to be donated to the Alamo Arts Ballet Theatre. Established in 2006, the nonprofit organization is made up of student dancers, ages 13 and up and adults, chosen by audition. The company performs at least one major production annually, plus many community service performances, lecture demonstrations and career days in public schools, focusing on Title 1 schools. In their effort to bring ballet to underserved children, they have free student performances of their major productions.

Promotional Nights:
Student Night – Friday February 23, $10 Student/Child tickets with code: STUDENT
Pride Night – Friday March 8, 25% off tickets with code: PRIDE
ASL (American Sign Language) Night – Saturday March 16, 25% off tickets with code: ASL

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

Broadway in San Antonio season 2019-2020 at the Majestic Theatre

charliechocolatefactory — ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ is one of the shows playing at the Majestic Theatre during the 2019- 2020 Broadway in San Antonio season. Photo: Joan Marcus, used with permission.

This month the Majestic Theatre announced its line-up of shows for the 2019-2020 North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio Season. Pop-culture phenomenon ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ and Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ anchor the season with eight performances of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ and a three-week run of ‘Aladdin.’ With a total of eight productions, the season includes a mixture of Blockbuster Tony Award® winners, acclaimed revivals, four market premieres and beloved family favorites. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2019)

‘Les Misérables’ – September 17-22, 2019
Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, ‘Les Misérables’ direct from its acclaimed Broadway return. Featuring the beloved songs “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck.

‘Cats’ – October 29 – November 3, 2019
‘Cats,’ the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America. Winner of 7 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL, ‘Cats’ tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. The original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, original scenic and costume design by John Napier, all-new lighting design by Natasha Katz, all-new sound design by Mick Potter, new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne and direction by Trevor Nunn make this production a new one for the next generation.

‘Blue Man Group’ – November 22-24, 2019 (Season Special)
‘Blue Man Group’ performances are euphoric celebrations of human connection through art, music, comedy and non-verbal communication. It is universally appealing to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds and continually injected with new music, fresh stories, custom instruments and sensory stimulating graphics.

‘Dear Evan Hansen’ – December 17-22, 2019
A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he has always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. It features a book by Tony Award winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy, Tony and Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif.

‘Miss Saigon’ – January 7-12, 2020
Experience the acclaimed new production of the legendary musical ‘Miss Saigon,’ from the creators of ‘Les Misérables.’ This is the story of a young Vietnamese woman named Kim who is orphaned by war and forced to work in a bar run by a notorious character known as the Engineer. There she meets and falls in love with an American G.I. named Chris but they are torn apart by the fall of Saigon. For 3 years, Kim goes on an epic journey of survival to find her way back to Chris, who has no idea he has a son. Featuring stunning spectacle and a sensational cast of 42 performing the soaring score, including Broadway hits like “The Heat is On in Saigon,” “The Movie in My Mind,” “Last Night of the World” and “American Dream,” this is a theatrical event audiences will never forget.

‘Come From Away’ – February 25- March 1, 2020
This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes audiences into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.

Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ – March 25 – April 12, 2020
Discover a whole new world at Disney’s ‘Aladdin,’ the hit Broadway musical. From the producer of ‘The Lion King’ comes the timeless story of ‘Aladdin,’ a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It is an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.

‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ – May 26-31, 2020
Roald Dahl’s amazing tale ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ is now the Alamo city’s golden ticket. It is the perfect recipe for a delectable treat: songs from the original film, including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” alongside a toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score from the songwriters of ‘Hairspray.’

Currently, North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio season packages are only available to existing, renewing subscribers. Renewing subscribers can choose a six-show package starting at $276 or seven-show package including ‘Les Misérables’ starting at $321. For more information, patrons can visit Broadway in San Antonio online or call 800-215-7469 from 9a.m. to 5p.m., Monday through Friday. New patrons are encouraged to sign up for the official waiting list online and will be notified once new subscriptions become available.

Season Subscribers avoid potential single ticket price increases closer to the show by reserving their seats now and enjoy the privilege of priority ticket opportunities, lost ticket replacement and exchange privileges on existing seats for select shows. On-sale dates for individual shows will be announced in the coming months. Group minimums start as low as 10 for select shows; groups can reserve seats now by calling (210) 226-5967.

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

‘The Trip to Bountiful’ at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio

Coming up this month at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is ‘The Trip to Bountiful,’ written by Texas playwright Horton Foote and directed by John O’Neill. This American drama opens on Friday February 15 and will run through Sunday March 10. 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 students. They are available online or at the box office by calling (210) 589-8450. Proper ID is required. On opening night, there will be a complimentary champagne reception after the show. (The Classic Theatre, 2019)

‘The Trip to Bountiful’ tells the story of Carrie Watts, an elderly woman who longs to escape a cramped Houston apartment and return to her beloved hometown of Bountiful, Texas one last time before she dies. But when dreams do not match up with reality, what does Carrie have to fall back on? Cast includes Alison Bridget Chambers, Joe De Mott, Jana Drew, Emily Huber, Chris Miller, Russell Oldmixon, Magda Porter, Steven Starr, Chad Thompson and Hunter Wulff.

Special Student Performances – Thursday February 28 at 7p.m.

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

‘Late Nite Catechism’ tickets now on sale

‘Late Nite Catechism’ returns to the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre for four performances from Friday April 5 through Sunday April 7, 2019. to benefit the Archdiocese San Antonio Chapter of the Retired Fund for the Religious which provides medication and nursing care to elderly sisters, brothers and priests. Performance times are 8p.m. on Friday; 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $39.50 and go on sale Friday, February 1 at 10a.m. in person at the Majestic Theatre Box Office, online through Ticketmaster or by phone at 800-745-3000. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling (210) 226-5967. All tickets subject to applicable service charges and fees. (Charline McCombs Empire Theatre, 2019)

Written by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan, ‘Late Nite Catechism’ made its debut May 28, 1993 at the Live Bait Theatre in Chicago, Illinois and since has grossed over $100 million in box office receipts. It has been presented in more than 410 cities around the world and has played six countries with attendance exceeding 3.5 million people. There have been more than 100 “Sisters” presenting the eight shows now in the series which has raised in excess of $4 million for retired Sisters and Catholic Organizations.

‘Late Nite Catechism’ is an uproarious piece of theater that takes audience members back – sometimes nostalgically, sometimes fearfully to the children they once were. The irrepressible Sister teaches an adult catechism class to a roomful of “students,” the audience. Throughout the play, Sister goes from benevolent instructor, rewarding the “students” for correct answers with glow-in-the-dark rosaries and laminated saint cards, to authoritative drill sergeant. These abrupt mood swings are bound to strike a resonant chord with anyone who survived the ups and downs of going to school, with an omniscient authoritarian at the helm. It was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award in New York and won the L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Lead Performance for Maripat Donovan.

Charline McCombs Empire Theatre
226 N. St. Mary’s St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

‘Rent’ opens this Friday at The Public Theater

rent19 — ‘Rent’ opens at The Public Theater this Friday January 25. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

Opening at The Public Theater of San Antonio this week is the local production of ‘Rent.’ This original rock musical by Jonathan Larson opens on Friday January 25 and will run until Sunday February 17 in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater. It is a story about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online and at the box office by calling (210) 733- 7258. Prices are $40 for general adult, $35 for military with valid ID, $35 for seniors aged 60 and up and $25 for students with valid ID. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more. There will be a post-show reception on opening night. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2019)

‘Rent’ is set in the East Village of New York City and is an inspiring musical about friends and artists struggling with addiction, poverty and most of all love. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, 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.

Cast includes Robby French as Roger, Gavin Rohrer as Mark, Taylor Chilton as Maureen, Alexandria Henderson as Joann, Damon McToy as Benny, Isidro Medina as Collins, Louie Canales as Angel and Athena Boneta as Mimi. The Director is David Nanny, Choreographer is Courtnie Mercer and Music Director is Zachariah Baker.

*May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.

Special dates:
Education Nights -Thursday January 31 and Thursday February 7
ASL Night (interpreters present) – Saturday February 9

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

Las Casas Scholarship Program application deadline is January 27

Las Casas Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2019 Performing Arts Scholarship Program through Sunday January 27. Applications are available online. (Las Casas Foundation, 2019)

Now in its 11th year, this annual education scholarship program culminates at the Joci Awards, a one-night showcase of 25 talented performing arts students in San Antonio and the surrounding area. The program is open to students in grades 9-12 and includes five categories: Vocal, Acting, Dance, Best Lead Actor in a Musical and Best Lead Actress in a Musical. This year, Las Casas will award its one-millionth dollar, maintaining its designation as the largest scholarship funding source of its kind in the United States.

Las Casas will recognize the top three outstanding high school productions at the annual Joci Awards, which is open to the public and scheduled for Sunday April 14, 2019 at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre. Each production will be awarded a $500 stipend to support its theatre program and a special trophy to be displayed in the school’s award case. A teacher or director from the top production will also receive the chance to attend the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in New York City.

In affiliation with the Joci Awards production team, Las Casas Foundation will select three Production Assistants for the 2019 Joci Awards. This opportunity is open to students in grades 9-12 and each Production Assistant will receive a $1,000 scholarship. A separate application for the Joci Awards Production Assistant internship is available online.

Las Casas Foundation is dedicated to the development of the performing arts through education and scholarships, as well as the restoration and preservation of historic theatres. Las Casas Foundation offers a variety of educational initiatives to nurture and grow the performing arts, including an annual scholarship program, awarding more than $100,000 in scholarship funds each year, as well as additional educational and training opportunities.

The Public Theater and the San Antonio Area Foundation announce scholarship opportunities

publictheaterscholarship — Registration is now open for the Joe Salek Scholarship for the Theater Arts Trust. Photo: The Public Theater, used with permission.

Scholarship opportunity announcement courtesy of the San Antonio Area Foundation:

The Public Theater of San Antonio in partnership with the San Antonio Area Foundation are pleased to announce Scholarship Opportunities for the 2019-2020 academic year through the Joe Salek Scholarship for the Theater Arts Trust. (San Antonio Area Foundation, 2019)

The Trust was created in honor of Joe Salek, whose years as Executive Director of the San Antonio Little Theater from 1949-1976 demonstrated his dedicated leadership and artistic inspiration and enriched the lives of all San Antonians.

Scholarships are available to students graduating from, or who have already graduated from, any public or private high school in Bexar County. Prospective student applicants must major or concentrate in one or more of the following subjects related to the theater arts: Acting/Performance, Playwriting, Directing, Scenery and Costume Design and Theater Management. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on academic achievement, experience, community involvement and career goals. A minimum 3.0 GPA, sample theater work attachments and a letter of recommendation are required. Scholarship application is now open and will close March 23, 2019.

For application questions or technical assistance, please email Bernice Uresti or call (210) 225-2243. Anyone interested in making a charitable contribution to the Joe Salek Scholarship for the Theater Arts Trust, please visit The Public Theater online.

Teatro Audaz’ ‘The Taming of the Shrew’

tamingshrew — ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ will be playing at Palo Alto College’s Performing Arts Center Auditorium. Photo: Teatro Audaz, used with permission.

Teatro Audaz San Antonio’s next production is William Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew.’ Teatro Audaz gives this classic battle of the sexes tale a Latinx twist. Set in a Texas border town in 2018, this production cautions audiences to be careful what they wish for and invites them to come and find out who is taming who. In collaboration with Teatro Palo Alto. Thursday January 10 through Saturday January 12 at 7:30p.m. and Sunday January 13 at 2:30p.m. Tickets are $15 and are available online. It is directed by Laura T. Garza and stars Victoria Gutierrez as Grumio, Olivia Guerras as Bianca, Ruby Lopez as Wife/Kate and Gabriel Itzcoatl Luera as Sly/Petruchio.

Palo Alto College
Palo Alto Performing Arts Center Auditorium
1400 W. Villaret Blvd.
San Antonio, TX 78224

‘An Infinite Ache’ at the Cellar Theater

Opening this Friday December 28 at The Public Theater’s Cellar Theater is ‘An Infinite Ache’ by David Schulner. This fresh and heartfelt play about love, time and the infinite directions in which two lives can travel plays until Sunday January 20. Tickets are available online or at the box office by calling (210) 733-7258. Prices are $30 for adults, $25 for military members with ID and seniors age 60 and older, $20 for students with ID and $15 for children under 12. Group rates are available for groups of ten or more. Additional ticket service fees may apply. There will be a post-show reception on opening night. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Thursday December 27 is Pay What You Can Preview Night. (Cellar Theater, 2018)

In ‘An Infinite Ache,’ Hope and Charles are a pair of lonely twenty-somethings about to end a supremely uninteresting first date. But just as they say good night, the myriad possibilities of their futures and a life shared together come rushing to meet them. From their first kiss to their first child, from a horrible tragedy to a second chance, each moment moves with breathtaking sincerity that will have audiences clinging to every word. It stars Stephanie Lim and Nich Witham and is directed by Jim Mammarella.

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

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