Sam Mandelbaum as Trofimov and Gloria Sanchez as Pishchik in ‘The Cherry Orchard.’ Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.
Opening this weekend at The Classic Theatre is the play ‘The Cherry Orchard’ by Anton Chekhov. Chekhov was a Russian playwright and short-story writer and is considered one of history’s greatest writers of short fiction. ‘The Cherry Orchard’ centers around an aristocratic Russian landowner who returns to her family estate, which includes a large and well-known cherry tree, just before it is auctioned off to pay off debts. It opens on Friday May 4 and will run until Sunday May 27 with show dates Fridays and Saturdays at 8p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. Tickets are available online with prices at $32 for general admission, $28 for senior, military, educator or SATCO, and $17 for students. On opening night, there will be a complimentary champagne reception. (The Classic Theatre, 2018)
‘The Cherry Orchard’ is translated by Richard Nelson, Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky and directed by Andy Thornton. The Cherry Orchard takes place in 1904 Russia and 2018 USA, at the same time. It is Anton Chekhov’s masterpiece about a family on the edge of ruin and a country on the brink of revolution. Early one May morning, after a five-year absence, the widow Madame Ranevsky returns home to her family estate to find that it has been heavily mortgaged to pay for her extravagances and that it is to be auctioned off. Madame Ranyevskaya and her brother find themselves scrambling to retain a vision of gentility amidst a climate of huge social and economic transition. Chekhov described the play as a comedy with some elements of farce.
The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 468-3900
‘The Book of Mormon’ opens at the Majestic Theatre on Tuesday May 1. Photo: Julieta Cervantes, used with permission.
‘The Book of Mormon,’ winner of nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, is pleased to announce a lottery ticket policy for the national tour, which begins Tuesday, May 1, at the Majestic Theatre Majestic Theatre and plays a limited engagement through Sunday, May 6. In San Antonio, the production will conduct a pre-show lottery at the box office, making a limited number of tickets available at $25 apiece. This wildly popular lottery for the Broadway production has attracted as many as 800 entries at some performances. The producers of ‘The Book of Mormon’ are pleased to offer low-priced lottery seats for every city on the national tour. (Broadway in San Antonio, 2018)
Each day, 2½ hours prior to show time, people who present themselves at the Majestic Theatre box office will have their names placed in a lottery drum and then thirty minutes later, names will be drawn at random for a limited number of orchestra seats at $25 each, cash only. Each person will print their name and the number of tickets, 1 or 2, they wish to purchase on a card that is provided. Only one entry is allowed per person. This lottery is available only in-person at the box office, with a limit of two tickets per person. Winners must be present at the time of the drawing and show valid ID to purchase tickets. Limit one entry per person and two tickets per winner. Tickets are subject to availability.
‘The Book of Mormon’ opens with performances at 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 8p.m. on Friday; 2p.m. and 8p.m., Saturday and at 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday.
In ‘The Book of Mormon,’ Elder Kevin Price and Elder Arnold Cunningham are sent to Uganda for a two-year mission. Upon their arrival the villagers share their experiences of living with famine, poverty and AIDS. Eventually they meet the other missionaries who are stationed there but have been unable to convert anyone to Mormonism. Elder Price is convinced he will be different and he tries to teach the natives about Joseph Smith, the founder of their religion but he has trouble connecting with the natives. It features book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. Parker and Stone are the four-time Emmy Award-winning creators of the landmark animated series “South Park.” Considered a religious satire musical, it won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2011.
*Please be aware that this production contains explicit language.*
Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700
‘Hand to God’ opens at the Cellar Theater this Friday April 13. Photo: Jeremy Whittington, used with permission.
Opening this weekend in The Public Theater of San Antonio’s Cellar Theatre is ‘Hand to God.’ It will play from Friday April 13 through Sunday May 6 with show times on Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Written by Robert Askins, this ridiculously raunchy, irreverent, and funny show is bound to leave audiences sore from laughing. When Jason’s puppet takes on a shocking personality all its own, they begin to contemplate the startlingly fragile nature of faith, morality and the ties that bind everyone. This production is directed by David Rinear and stars Nicholas Ponting as Jason/Tyrone, Kimberlyn Kacie as Jessica, Doug Dawson as Pastor Greg, Renee Garvens as Margery and Michael Roberts as Timothy. (Cellar Theater, 2018)
Tickets are available online or at the box office at (210) 733-7258 and are $35 for adults, $25 for military members with ID, $25 for seniors age 60 and older and $20 for students with ID. Group Rates 10 or more are available.
* Contains themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
‘Hand to God’ is set in the devoutly religious, relatively quiet small town of Cypress, Texas. Margery is recently widowed, so to keep her occupied, her minister, Pastor Greg, has asked her to run the puppet club. Fundamentalist Christian congregations often use puppets to teach children how to follow the Bible and avoid Satan. The teenage members of the club are her son Jason; Jessica, the girl next door that Jason has a crush on; and Timmy, the neighborhood troublemaker whose mother is attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at the church. Pastor Greg wants the puppet club to put on a performance at the church next Sunday, but the characters have a plan of their own. They become sexually attracted to each other and Jason’s hand puppet, Tyrone, takes on a life of his own, announces that he is Satan, leads them into sin and expresses secrets that the characters would rather have left unacknowledged.
The Public Theater of San Antonio
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258
Carla Sankey and Matthew Lieber in the Woodlawn Theatre’s performance of ‘Anything Goes.’ Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.
The next production at the Woodlawn Theatre is the musical comedy ‘Anything Goes.’ This show opens on Friday April 13 and runs through May 13 with show times every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. On Saturday April 21 there will be a special matinee show at 2p.m. with no evening show that day. It is presented by arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc., 560 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10022. ‘Anything Goes’ features songs and lyrics by Cole Porter, is directed by Christopher Rodriguez and stars Carla Sankey as lead Reno Sweeney. Sankey is also director of choreography for the production. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2018)
Tickets are on sale online, or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. Prices are $18 for students and children, $24 for seniors, military and first responders and $30 for adults. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. Free parking is available and located behind Vogue College of Cosmetology on W Lynwood Ave. This area is specifically designated for patrons and is patrolled by a uniformed security guard during the run of each show.
‘Anything Goes’ is based on the book by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse, later revised by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The setting is 1934 aboard the ocean liner SS American. Along for the ride are headstrong temptress Reno Sweeney and her pal Billy Crocker. The two team up when Billy, a known playboy, falls for heiress Hope Harcourt, only to find she’s engaged. Reno and Billy concoct a wild plan to break up Hope and fiancé Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Hilarity ensues and musical dance numbers abound as the ship makes it way from New York to London. With musical direction by Jane Haas, ‘Anything Goes’ features a renowned score from legendary Cole Porter, including “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “It’s De-Lovely,” “Blow, Gabriel, Blow” and the musical’s main title “Anything Goes.”
During the production’s run, Woodlawn Theatre will be accepting donations to benefit The Guadalupe Dance Company. In addition, the Theatre will showcase works by local artist Sarah Brooke Lyons as part of their mission to highlight and support visual arts in the San Antonio community.
Special performances:
Pride Night – April 20th
College Night – May 4th
Educational Night – May 11th
ASL (American Sign Language) Night – May 12th
‘Wit’ opens Friday February 23 at The Public Theater of San Antonio’s Cellar Theater. Photo: Jeremy Whittington, used with permission.
Up next at The Public Theater of San Antonio is ‘Wit,’ a one-act play by American playwright Margaret Edson. The winner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, it opens this Friday February 23 at the Cellar Theater and runs until Sunday March 11, 2018. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sundays at 2p.m. Prices are $35 for general adult, $25 for military with valid ID, $25 for seniors aged 60 and older and $20 for students with valid ID. Additional ticket service fees may apply and discounts are available for groups of ten or more. Tickets are available online and at the box office at (210) 733-7258. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2018)
‘Wit’ tells the story of Vivian Bearing, a renowned English professor, who is diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. The action takes place during her final hours as she recalls the initial diagnosis and looks back on her life through the intricacies of the English language, especially with wit and using the metaphysical poetry of John Donne. She reassesses her life and her work with a profundity and humor that are transformative both for her and the audience. The cast includes Diana Trotter as Vivienne Bearing, PH. D, Shane Vickers as Harvey Kelekian, M.D., Brendan Brady as Jason Posner, M.D., Erin Polewski as Susie Monahan, R.N., B.S.N, Linda Ford as E.M. Ashford and Sam Mandelbaum, Michael Zaiontz and Kimberlyn Kacie as Ensemble cast members.
Disclaimer: this show contains adult themes and content.
The Public Theater of San Antonio
Cellar Theater
800 W Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258
Walter Sanders, III as Lee Johnson in ‘The Balcony’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio. Photo: The Public Theater of San Antonio, used with permission.
Coming up at The Public Theater of San Antonio this month is ‘The Balcony.’ It will play in the Cellar Theatre on Tuesday February 27 and Wednesday February 28 at 7:30p.m. as part of Black History Month. Tickets are $20 and are available online or at the box office at (210) 733-7258. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2018)
Set in 1913, ‘The Balcony’ is a historical fiction production about a young Black man named Lee Johnson. Mr. Johnson is accused of murdering San Antonio’s most beloved physician, Dr. Augustus Maverick and the city of San Antonio is up in arms, threatening to lynch the young man before he has his day in court. To keep him from being killed by the 1,500 angry citizens in the street outside the courthouse, the Bexar County Judge hides the young man in his chambers. The trial testimony reveals some surprises that no one anticipated but Mr. Johnson becomes a victim of his circumstances.
‘The Balcony’ is an original play written by attorney and author Lee Cusenbary, who has been a contributing writer to The Renaissance Guild’s series “Divas and Men of Eastwood,” receiving the Best Script Award from ATAC for his script, “Men of Eastwood,” produced at the Carver Center. It stars Walter Sanders, III as Lee Johnson, Tyler Askins as Sidney Overton, Kimberly Askins as Mary Overton/Fena Nussbaum, Judge Philip Kazen as Judge Charles Anderson, Scott Leibowitz as District Attorney A.B. Storey, Robert Mortiz as Dr. L.L. Shropshire, John Heller as Bailiff Fred Barnes and Rebekah Williams as Mable Lewis.
The Public Theater of San Antonio
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258
Kelly Hilliard Roush was recently named Artistic Director of The Classic Theatre. Photo: The Classic Theatre, used with permission.
As The Classic Theatre of San Antonio celebrates its 10th season, they are delighted to name Kelly Hilliard Roush as Executive and Artistic Director, a new role for the company. Roush has been the Executive Director since June of 2015 and now she steps into the role of Artistic Director as well, following co-founders/co-Artistic Directors Diane Malone and Allan S. Ross. Malone and Ross, along with co-founders Terri Pena Ross and Rick Malone, will continue to provide board and staff support through the newly formed Classic Advisory Board. (The Classic Theatre, 2018)
Kelly Roush has worked regionally as a professional artist, educator and administrator for over twenty-five years. She has worked in both corporate and non-profit management, as well as acting with numerous theatres regionally. In addition to performing and directing, she has worked as a producer, writer, collaborator and educator. Roush is an Equity actress who earned her M.F.A. in Professional Actor Training from Louisiana State University.
“As we start this new chapter for our organization, we are focused on broadening the base of artists, designers, and technicians we work with, as well as increasing our audience members, patron base, and community partners” – Kelly Hilliard Roush
The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450
‘Bless Me, Ultima’ opens at The Classic Theatre on Friday February 16. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.
With their upcoming production of Rudolfo Anaya’s ‘Bless Me, Ultima,’ The Classic Theatre continues to celebrate the company’s 10th anniversary season. Rudolfo Anaya is an American author best known for his 1972 novel ‘Bless Me, Ultima’ and is considered one of the founders of contemporary Chicano literature. The novel is a coming of age story of Antonio Márez and his mentorship under his curandera and protector, Ultima. It opens on Friday February 16 and will run until Sunday March 11 with show dates Fridays and Saturdays at 8p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. Ticket prices are $32 for general admission, $28 for senior, military, educator or SATCO, and $17 for students and are available online. On opening night, there will be a complimentary champagne reception. (The Classic Theatre, 2018)
‘Bless Me, Ultima’ is a drama set in the 1940s, centered on the social-psychological maturation of a Mexican-American, or Chicano, six-year-old Antonio Márez, living on the eastern plains of New Mexico. Ultima is a curandera, or folk healer, who helps Antonio contend with the battle between good and evil that rages in his village. The Classic Theatre pays homage to Chicano literature pioneer, playwright and 2016 National Medal of Arts recipient Rudolfo Anaya with a fully staged version of his iconic breakthrough 1972 novel. Directed by José Rubén De León, it features familiar faces at Classic, like Marisa Varela, Classic’s Second Series Production of ‘Burning Patience’ and ‘The House of Bernarda Alba,’ Bella Villarreal ‘The House on Mango Street’ and Amanda Ireta-Goode, Classic’s Second Series Production of ‘Burning Patience.’
The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450
‘Hamilton’ is coming to the Majestic Theatre in May 2019. Photo: Gayle McCracken, used with permission.
This week the Majestic Theatre announced its line-up of shows for the 2018-2019 North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio Season. ‘Hamilton’ anchors the season with a three-week run in May 2019. The season will include eight productions with a mixture of blockbuster Tony Award® winners, five market premieres and returning audience favorites. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2018)
‘Wicked’ – September 26 – October 14, 2018 (Season Option)
The season opens with the return of the remarkable odyssey of how two unexpected friends change each other’s lives for good. Declared “The Best Musical of the Decade” by Entertainment Weekly and “A Cultural Phenomenon” by Variety, ‘Wicked’ is the recipient of over 100 international awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards.
‘School of Rock’ – November 6-11, 2018
Making its market premiere, ‘School of Rock’ is based on the hit film. This hilarious new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band.
‘The Phantom of the Opera’ – December 6-16, 2018 (Seven Show Package Option)
December will see the return to San Antonio of Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production. Overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh, it boasts many exciting special effects including the show’s legendary chandelier. The beloved story and thrilling score, with songs like “Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You” and “Masquerade,” will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this one of the largest productions now on tour.
‘Waitress’ – January 8-13, 2019
Making its San Antonio debut in January 2019, ‘Waitress’ is inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film and tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker. Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start. While her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness, Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.
‘Anastasia’– February 5-10, 2019
This romantic and adventure-filled new musical also opens in February and will transport audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s as a brave young woman sets out on a journey to discover the mystery of her past.
‘Fiddler on the Roof’ – March 26-31, 2019
This new production returns to the Majestic Theatre in March. It features the Broadway classics “Tradition,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “To Life.”
‘Hamilton’ – May 7-26, 2019
‘Hamilton’ will make its San Antonio debut with a three-week run. It is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, ‘Hamilton’ is the story of America then, as told by America now.
‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ – June 18-23, 2019
This award-winning smash comedy closes out the season in June. It is a remarkable rags-to-riches story for a play which started its life at a London fringe venue with only four paying members of the public at the first performance and has gone on to play to an audience of over half a million around the world.
‘Jersey Boys,’ the Tony Award®-winning true-life musical phenomenon about Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, will return as a season option. Details will be announced soon.
Season tickets are on sale now. North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio season packages are now available. Subscribers can choose a six-show package starting at $270 or seven-show package including ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ starting at $315. For more information, patrons can visit Broadway In San Antonio or call Broadway in San Antonio at 800-215-SHOW (7469), from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. On sale dates for individual shows will be announced in the coming months. Group minimums start as low as 10 for select shows and can reserve seats now by calling (210) 226-5967.
Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700
The 2018- 2019 season at The Public Theater of San Antonio. Photo: The Public Theater of San Antonio, used with permission.
The Public Theater of San Antonio recently announced the 2018-2019 during their Season Announcement Party. Guests such as Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Laura Garza from Teatro Audaz made the official announcements during an evening of camaraderie and support for the arts.
The Russell Hill Rogers Theater
September 14 – October 14 Disney’s ‘Newsies’ – This musical is based on the 1992 movie which was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City.
November 23 – December 23
‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’ – Back for a third year, this show is a re-telling of the real life temporary cease-fire that took place at the Western Front at Christmas Eve during World War I. The Marcsmen, the men’s a cappella chorus, will once again participate.
January 25 – February 17 ‘Rent’ – Loosely based on Puccini’s La Bohème, it tells the story of a group of young artists struggling to survive in New York City’s East Village under the shadow of AIDS.
May 17-June 9, 2019 ‘Once’ – Based on the 2007 movie of the same name, this musical is the story of two musicians who meet and fall in love. It includes the Academy Award-winning song “Falling Slowly.’
July 12-Aug. 11, 2019 ‘Matilda: The Musical’ – Based on the novel of the same name, ‘Matilda’ is the musical about a precocious young girl with telekinetic ability who overcomes her own obstacles and helps her teacher reclaim her life.
The Cellar Theater
October 19 – November 18 ‘Fun Home’ – This musical is based on Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir about her own sexuality, her relationship with her gay father and her attempts to get to know him.
December 28 – January 20 ‘An Infinite Ache’– David Schulner’s one-act play about love, time, and the infinite directions in which two lives can travel.
March 1 – 17 ‘Daddy Long Legs’ – Based on the novel of the same name, this is the story of a young orphan and her mysterious benefactor who agrees to send her to college under the condition that she sends him a letter once a month.
April 19 – May 12 ‘Freud’s Last Session’ – Mark St. Germain’s play about a conversation between Dr. Sigmund Freud and writer C.S. Lewis as they address the greatest questions of all time.
June 14 -30 ‘Sink, Florida, Sink’ – A Fresh Ink Theater Program world premiere about the remaining residents of a small beach town in Florida as they struggle to keep their town afloat after a series of hurricanes.
July 12 – August 11 ‘Real Women Have Curves’ – Presented by Teatro Audaz, this story is set in a sewing factory in East Los Angeles where the women workers talk about issues such as gender politics and the Latina immigrant experience.
