Category: Theater News

‘The Santaland Diaries’ at The Classic Theatre

 

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‘The Santaland Diaries’ opens at The Classic Theatre on Friday December 8, 2017. Photo: The Classic Theatre, used with permission.

The Classic Theatre’s Second Series opens ‘The Santaland Diaries’ next week. This one-man show is based on the true chronicles of NPR comic genius David Sedaris’ experience as Crumpet the Elf in Macy’s Santaland display. In this cult classic he talks about some of his odd experiences during the height of the holiday crunch. John Stillwagon returns as Sedaris’ not so merry alter ego Crumpet the Elf with Bart Roush directing. The show is written by David Sedaris and adapted by Joe Mantello. It opens on Friday December 8 with subsequent show dates on December 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2017)

Tickets are $25 for general admission and may be purchased online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450. Group rates are available. There will be a complimentary eggnog reception on opening night Friday December 8. Please note that ‘The Santaland Diaries’ is recommended for ages 14 and over as it contains mature content and language and the secret of Santa is exposed.

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

‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

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‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ opens at the Woodlawn Theatre on Friday November 24, 2017.

Up next at the Woodlawn Theatre is the local production of ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.’ It is based on the 1968 movie produced by Alfred R Broccoli and opens on Friday November 24 and runs until Saturday December 24, 2017. Music and lyrics are by Richard and Robert Sherman with a book by Jeremy Sams. 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 and military and $29 for adults. There is a $3 service fee for tickets. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m.

‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ is the story of an inventor who sets about restoring an old race car from a scrap heap with the help of his children. They soon discover the car has magical properties including the ability to float and fly. Trouble occurs when the evil Baron Bomburst desires the magic car for himself. The family joins forces with Truly Scrumptious and batty Grandpa Potts to outwit the dastardly Baron and Baroness and their villainous henchman, the Child Catcher.

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

‘All is Calm’ at The Playhouse San Antonio

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‘All is Calm’ returns to The Playhouse San Antonio and opens this Friday November 24.  Photo:  Daniel D Baumer, used with permission.

A new holiday tradition returns to The Playhouse San Antonio for a second year. Opening this Friday November 24 in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater is ‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914.’ It will run until Sunday December 24. George Green and Bill Gundry co-direct with musical direction by Nicholas Ponting. It stars Nick Szoeke, Nicholas Ponting, David Nanny, Aaron Ely, Robert Nauman, Eric Buchaus, Kevin Collins, Robby Vance, Kyle Krambeck, Brendan Brady, Travis Trevino and John Towry. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sundays at 2p.m. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the box office at (210) 733-7258. Prices range from $20 to $35. Group rates are available for groups of ten or more. (The Playhouse San Antonio, 2017)

‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’ by Peter Rothstein has musical arrangements by Erick Lichte and Timothy C Takach. It is set in 1914, at the Western Front, where out of the violence comes a silence, then a song. When a German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht” it brings about a night of camaraderie, music and peace. A remarkable true experience, it is told in the words and songs of the men who lived it. This acapella musical highlights the beauty and power of the human spirit during the darkest of days.

Special Event Nights:
Pay What You Can Night – Wednesday November 22
Opening Night Reception – Friday November 24
Q101.9 Radio Night – Friday December 1
Food Truck Friday – Friday December 8
ASL Night/SA 2020 Talk Back Night – Saturday December 9

Project MEND is the community partner on ‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914.’ Project MEND is a San Antonio based nonprofit that provides home medical equipment and assistive technology items to individuals living with disabilities and life-altering illnesses.

The Playhouse San Antonio
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

‘On Your Feet’ at the Majestic Theatre

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Tickets for ‘On Your Feet’ go on sale Friday November 10 and will play at the Majestic Theatre in March.

North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio announces that tickets for the hit musical ‘On Your Feet’ will go on sale this Friday November 10 at 10a.m. ‘On Your Feet’ will play eight performances at the Majestic Theatre from Tuesday March 13 through Sunday March 18, 2018. It is based on the life story of seven-time Grammy winning international superstar Gloria Estefan and her husband, 19 Grammy winning producer-musician-entrepreneur Emilio Estefan. Tickets start at $35 and are available at Ticketmaster, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or by visiting the Majestic Theatre box office. Orders for groups of 10 or more should be done by calling (210) 226-5967. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.  (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

‘On Your Feet’ is a jukebox musical that follows the Estefan’s journey to superstardom. Gloria Estefan has sold over 100 million records and sold out stadiums around the world. Emilio and Gloria Estefan together have won 26 Grammy Awards® but their music is only half the story. From the heart of Havana to the streets of Miami came a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the music industry had ever seen. The score is built around the Cuban-fusion pop music made famous by Gloria and Emilio Estefan including the chart-topping smash hits “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “1-2-3,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Mi Tierra,” “Don’t Want To Lose You Now” and “Reach.” Also featured is the song “If I Never Got to Tell You,” with lyrics by Gloria Estefan and music by her daughter Emily Estefan. It is directed by two-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell and choreographed by Tony Award nominee & Olivier Award winner Sergio Trujillo with an original book by Academy Award winner Alexander Dinelaris.

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

‘The Color Purple’ at the Majestic Theatre

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Tickets are now on sale for ‘The Color Purple’ which will play at the Majestic Theatre in February 2018.

North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio at the Majestic Theatre recently announced that tickets to the San Antonio premiere of the North American Tour of ‘The Color Purple’ are now on sale. The Tony Award-winning Broadway revival will play at the Majestic Theatre for eight performances from Tuesday February 6 through Sunday February 11, 2018. Tickets start at $30 and are available online, by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or by visiting the Majestic Box Office.  Office hours are 10 a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday hours vary. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling (210) 226-5967. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday.  (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

‘The Color Purple’ is based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker and the Warner Bros./Amblin Entertainment movie. The story follows the journey of Celie, an African-American woman in the South from the early to mid-20th century and stars Adrianna Hicks as Celie, Carla R. Stewart as Shug Avery and Carrie Compere as Sofia. It is adapted for the stage by Tony and Pulitzer-winner Marsha Norman with music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. Tony Award®-winning director and scenic designer John Doyle recreates his award-winning work for the national tour with costumes by Ann Hould-Ward, lighting by Jane Cox, sound by Dan Moses Schreier and wig & hair design by Charles G. LaPointe.

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

‘A Doll’s House’ at The Classic Theatre

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‘A Doll’s House’ opens at The Classic Theatre on Friday November 3. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio continues their 10th season with ‘A Doll’s House’ by Henrik Ibsen. It opens on Friday November 3 and runs until Sunday November 26, 2017. Directed by Kelly Roush, it stars Kacey Roye, Nick Lawson, Christina Casella, Zach Lewis and John Boyd.  Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are $32 for general admission and $28 for senior, military, educator and SATCO and $17 for student. They are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450. There will be a complimentary champagne reception on opening night. After the 3p.m. show on Sunday November 19, there will be a Community Talk Back conversation event on the issue of gender roles in modern society. This talk back is free and open to the public. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2017)

‘A Doll’s House’ is a three-act play written in 1879 and is noted for the way it deals with the fate of a married woman and reflects the lack of opportunities Norwegian women had for self-fulfillment in a male-dominated world. It is a “modern tragedy” that changed theatre forever. The message that a marriage was not sacrosanct, that a man’s authority in his home should not go unchallenged and that the prime duty of anyone was to find out who he or she really is and to become that person, shocked audiences and still resonates with them today. The controversy it caused went beyond the theatre to the world newspapers and society. The Classic Theatre’s production is set in 1950s America and has a Mad Men flair.

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

Theater review: ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

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‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre until Sunday November 5, 2017.  Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

October is Halloween month and nothing says horror and creepiness like ‘Little Shop of Horrors.’ Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre until Sunday November 5, is the horror comedy rock musical about an unlucky florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human flesh and blood. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets range from $18 to $29 and are available online. This production is recommended for audiences 13 and over and parental supervision is advised due to mature language.

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is a musical about Seymour Krelborn who stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” – after his coworker crush. Seymour is a poor young orphan living in skid row who was taken in by Mr. Mushnik, a flower shop owner. He works for him now at the shop along with Audrey, a pretty young blonde and as the story begins, they both lament their stations in life, “Skid Row (Downtown).” Every day, Seymour cares for the mysterious new plant, “Grow for Me,” that looks like a large Venus flytrap and turns out to be a foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore. It promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Seymour if he keeps on feeding it blood. After he witnesses Audrey’s boyfriend Orin being abusive to her, he longs to protect her and plots to kill him. Eventually he discovers Audrey II’s out of this world origins and intent towards global domination but not before he loses everyone he cares about.

Far from a typical musical happy ending, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is a wickedly fun time. Brian Hodges shines in the role of the shy and unlucky Seymour and is paired well with Paige Berry as Audrey. Despite not being a lead character, Orin the sadistic dentist, leaves audiences conflicted because they love to hate him. Chris Berry’s hilarious portrayal of Orin during “Now (It’s Just the Gas)” had the audience in stitches but is a perfect example of why this production is not for the very young. Show highlights include when Orin makes his entrance “Dentist!,” “Grow for Me” when Seymour discovers what makes Audrey flourish and “Suddenly, Seymour” when Seymour and Audrey finally get together, even if it does not last. Overall, it is a dark and tragically funny production filled with humor, drama and heart and is a must see for the Halloween season.

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

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‘Little Shop of Horrors’ opens at the Woodlawn Theatre on Friday October 13, 2017.  Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

The next production at the Woodlawn Theatre is the horror comedy rock musical ‘Little Shop of Horrors.’ It opens on Friday October 13 and runs until Sunday November 5 with show times every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tim Hedgepeth is the guest Director, Lizel Sandoval is the Choreographer, Andrew Hendley is the Music Director and Rose Kennedy is the Costume Designer. This production is recommended for audiences 13 and over and parental supervision is advised due to mature language.

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 and military and $29 for adults. There is a $3 service fee for tickets. 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.  (Woodlawn Theatre, 2017)

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is based on the low budget 1960 black comedy of the same name about an unlucky florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human flesh and blood. Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” – after his coworker crush. The foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Seymour if he keeps on feeding it blood. Eventually he discovers Audrey II’s out of this world origins and intent towards global domination. This deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical features a lovesick hero, a bloodthirsty plant and a 1960s pop/rock score by creative geniuses Howard Ashman and Alan Menken.

Special dates:

Friday, October 27 – Little Shop of Horrors Costume Contest, dress as your favorite character.
Saturday, October 28 – Halloween Costume Contest, dress as you please.
Sunday, October 29 – Kids Costume Contest, kids dress up.
Saturday, November 5 – American Sign Language Night, interpreted services by Robert Cardoza.

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

‘Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella’ at the Majestic Theatre

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Tickets to ‘Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella’ go on sale this Friday October 6, 2017.  Show plays at the Majestic Theatre in January.

The 2013 Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical ‘Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella’ is coming to San Antonio and will play at the Majestic Theatre from Friday January 12 through Sunday January 14, 2018. From the creators of ‘The King and I’ and ‘The Sound of Music,’ this musical will play for only five performances for a limited engagement as part of the North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio season. Performances are 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. Tickets go on sale this Friday October 6 at 10a.m. and prices begin at $35. They are available online, at the box office, through Ticketmaster online or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Box office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday hours vary. Orders for groups of ten or more may be place by phone at (210) 226-5967. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

The classic story has a fresh new take on ‘Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella.’ The tale of a young woman who is transformed from a chambermaid into a princess, this version combines the glass slippers, pumpkin and a beautiful ball with some surprising twists. She is more than just a pretty face with the right shoe size; she is a contemporary figure living in a fairytale setting who longs to escape the drudgery of her work at home and instead work to make the world a better place. As a spirited young woman with savvy and soul, she does not let her rags or her gowns trip her up in her quest for kindness, compassion and forgiveness. She not only fights for her own dreams but she also forces the prince to open his eyes to the world around him and realize his own dreams.

The production has music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, a new book by Douglas Carter Beane and original book by Oscar Hammerstein II. It is directed by Gina Rattan and choreographed by Lee Wilkins. Music adaptation and arrangements are by David Chase and music supervision is by Greg Anthony Rassen. Some of the songs include “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” “Ten Minutes Ago” and “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?”

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

Tickets now on sale for ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ at the Majestic

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Tickets are now on sale for ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ coming to the Majestic Theatre in December.

The holiday season is almost here and it is time to start making plans. Celebrate the season with ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ when it plays at the Majestic Theatre in December.  The stage adaptation of the beloved classic film is coming to San Antonio as part of the North Park Lexus Broadway In San Antonio season. This family friendly production will play for eight performances from Tuesday December 12 to Sunday December 17. Show times are 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m.  Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. Sunday. Tickets are now on sale and prices begin at $30. They are available online, at the box office, through Ticketmaster online or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Box office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday hours vary. Orders for groups of ten or more may be placed by phone at (210) 226-5967. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ tells the story of two show business friends who start out putting on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn and end up finding their perfect mates. It is full of dancing, romance and laughter and includes some of the greatest songs ever written. These include “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” “Happy Holiday,” “Sisters,” “Blue Skies,” and the unforgettable title song. Music and Lyrics are by Irving Berlin with Book by David Ives and Paul Blake and is based on the Paramount Pictures film written for the screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank.

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