‘9 Circles’ at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio

9circlespic — ‘9 Circles’ by Bill Cain opens on Thursday June 15 at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. Photo: The Surround Project, used with permission.

The Surround Project is a new San Antonio theater company created by theater artists Eva Laporte and Zach Lewis and it focuses on producing contemporary work new to the city. Their work will be innovative in the sense that they plan to “surround” a play with a context for themes and issues within a story. Producer Eva Laporte has worked with community agencies and individuals to give theater guests a rich and dynamic experience. In partnership with The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, The Surround Project will produce its first play, ‘9 Circles,’ from June 15 through June 25 as part of their Classic Presents Series. (The Surround Project, 2017)

‘9 Circles’ is a play by Bill Cain and is a fictional story based on the real military career and subsequent civilian trial of Steven Dale Green. The title is a reference to Dante Alighieri’s ‘Inferno’ in which Dante descends into the “nine circles of hell.” Green is charged with unspeakable crimes and like Dante, passes through a surreal labyrinth ranging from his discharge from the Army to various judicial and administrative procedures. The play is structured so that other cast members can return to play multiple characters, each at a different circle. It is directed by Eva Laporte and stars Zach Lewis, Makenzie Jene, Torence B White and Andrew Thornton.

There will be only eight performances of ‘9 Circles’ with show times Thursday through Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. General admission tickets are $20 and are available online or at the box office by calling (210) 589-8450. Guests will check in and will receive a seating arrangement the day of the performance. Seating begins 45 minutes before curtain time and no late seating or re-entry will be allowed. This play is for adults aged 17 and older and contains nudity, explicit language and descriptions of war and sexual violence. There will be pre-show information and resources about military trauma and PTSD and in partnership with community agencies, The Surround Project will bring panels, forums, exhibits and resources to the theater.

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

‘Matilda the Musical’ at the Majestic Theatre

Matllda — ‘Matilda the Musical’ opens at the Majestic Theatre on Tuesday June 6, 2017. Photo: Joan Marcus, used with permission.

The next performance at the Majestic Theatre is ‘Matilda the Musical,’ a part of the North Park Lexus Broadway In San Antonio season. It is produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Dodgers and will play for eight performances only from Tuesday June 6 through Sunday June 11, 2017. Tickets begin at $30 and are available at the theatre box office, online, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Box office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday hours vary. Performances are 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

‘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 armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind she dares to take a stand and changer her own destiny. Winner of four Tony Awards, it is directed by Matthew Warchus with a book by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin.

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

‘Bus Stop’ at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio

busstopcast — The cast of ‘Bus Stop,’ opening at The Classic Theatre on Friday May 5, 2017. Photo by Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is getting ready for the fourth and final production of their 9th season. ‘Bus Stop’ is set to open on Friday May 5 and will run through Sunday May 28, 2017. It is a drama with romantic and comedic elements and is set in a diner in rural Kansas in early March 1955. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. Tickets are available online and are $25 for general admission, $20 for senior, military, educator or SATCO and $10 for students. On opening night, there will be a complimentary champagne reception and after the Saturday May 20 performance there will be a Community Talk Back. (The Classic Theatre, 2017)

‘Bus Stop’ is a 1955 play by William Inge, an American playwright and novelist, whose works rooted in the American heartland earned him the title of “Playwright of the Midwest.” The story unfolds in the middle of a howling snowstorm as a bus out of Kansas City, Missouri pulls up at a roadside diner about 25 miles west of Kansas City. The weather-enforced layover forces the passengers to hole up in the diner until morning. One of those passengers, Cherie, a nightclub singer, is being pursued by a cowboy on the bus. Romantic relationships form within the group as they wait for sunrise. Virgil is the older, wiser cowboy and Will is the local sheriff and both are the authority figures in the group.

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

‘Urinetown, The Musical’ at The Playhouse San Antonio

urinetownpic — ‘Urinetown, The Musical’ opens at The Playhouse San Antonio on Friday May 5, 2017. Photo courtesy of The Playhouse San Antonio, used with permission.

The Playhouse San Antonio is getting ready for their next production coming up in May. ‘Urinetown, The Musical’ opens on Friday May 5 and will run until Sunday May 28, 2017. It includes a book by Greg Kotis, music by Mark Hollmann and lyrics by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. in the Russell Hill Rogers Theatre. Tickets are available online and prices are $42 for general adult, $23 for military with valid ID, $23 for seniors aged 60 and up, $15 for students with valid ID and $12 for children aged 12 and under. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more. (The Playhouse San Antonio, 2017)

‘Urinetown, The Musical’ is a satirical comedy musical that satirizes the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement and municipal politics. It is a hilarious tale of greed, corruption, love and revolution in a time when water is worth its weight in gold. The story unfolds when a twenty-year drought has led to a government enforced ban on private toilets. Due to this water shortage people must use public amenities which are regulated by a single, malevolent company. When a hero decides he has had enough he plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom.

The Playhouse San Antonio
Russell Hill Rogers Theater
800 W Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

Theater review: ‘Sister Act’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

sisteractpic — ‘Sister Act’ the musical is now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre until Sunday May 7, 2017. Photo courtesy of Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

Currently playing at the Woodlawn Theatre is the local production of ‘Sister Act’ starring Rebekah Williams as Deloris Van Cartier and Sherry Gibbs Houston as Mother Superior. It is based on the 1992 movie starring Whoopi Goldberg and is set in 1978 Philadelphia and has a disco/Motown feel to it. ‘Sister Act’ is the story of singer Deloris Van Cartier who witnesses a murder at her boyfriend’s nightclub and is put in protective custody in a convent.

The show begins with Deloris auditioning for her boyfriend Curtis in the hopes of singing in his nightclub. When he tells her she is not ready she breaks up with him and plans to leave town to pursue her dreams on her own. She stumbles upon Curtis and his crew as they kill someone they believe to be a snitch and she ends up going to the cops. To protect her until she can testify against Curtis in court they hide her in the last place he would look for her. Eventually she bonds with the nuns and helps them turn the troubled choir around which helps the church stay afloat.

This family friendly musical uses humor and the overall themes of dream fulfillment and the power of friendship to entertain audiences. The musical numbers vary from funny, like Mother Superior’s “I Haven’t Got a Prayer” and Joey, TJ and Pablo in “Lady in the Long Black Dress” to Sister Mary Robert’s poignant “The Life I Never Led.” “When I Find My Baby” by Curtis, Joey, TJ and Pablo is funny and disturbing at the same time and manages to elicit some nervous chuckles from the audience.

Rebecca Williams plays Deloris vividly and Walter Sanders III, as Curtis’ funny nephew TJ, steals every scene he is in. It is hard not to root for “Sweaty Eddie” as he tries to woo Deloris especially after he performs “I Could Be That Guy.” Overall it is a highly entertaining show full of humor, heart and show stopping songs.

‘Sister Act’ is now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre until Sunday May 7, 2017. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. Tickets start at $18 and are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388.

‘Sister Act’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

Coming up this month at the Woodlawn Theatre is the local production of the Broadway Blockbuster ‘Sister Act, The Musical.’ This family friendly musical is a premiere for San Antonio’s local theatre community and opens on Friday April 7 and will run until Sunday May 7, 2017. Show times are every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. On Sunday April 16 the 3p.m. matinee performance will be replaced with a special Easter evening performance at 7p.m. Tickets are now on sale and are available 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. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. Please note that a $3 service fee applies. Woodlawn Theatre’s exclusive 2017 Fiesta medal will be available for purchase at the theater for $10. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2017)

Based on the 1992 hit movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, ‘Sister Act’ is the story of Deloris Van Cartier who works as a singer in a nightclub. When she witnesses a murder she is put in protective custody in the one place no one will look for her – a convent. Disguised as a nun, at first she finds it hard to fit in with the rigid lifestyle of the convent and the uptight Mother Superior. She soon finds that she can use her singing ability to help the choir and in turn breathe new life into the church. When she blows her cover she has to go on the run but her new found friendship with the nuns turns out to be a lifesaver. This hilarious and glorious tribute to friendship stars Sherry Gibbs-Houston, Kate Ragan, Anna Gangai, Krystal Newcomer and Bryd Bonner. It features original music by Tony® and eight-time Oscar® winning composer Alan Menken.

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

‘The House on Mango Street’ at The Classic Theatre

mangostreetcast — Sandra Cisneros’ ‘The House on Mango Street’ is back for a limited run at The Classic Theatre. Photo courtesy of The Classic Theatre, used with permission.

Back by popular demand this April is ‘The House on Mango Street’ at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. This return engagement is for a limited run and will consist of only seven shows from Thursday April 6 through Saturday April 15. ‘The House on Mango Street’ was adapted from Sandra Cisneros’ book by Amy Ludwig. It is the story of Esperanza Cordero whose neighborhood is one of harsh realities and harsh beauties. She is determined to “say goodbye” to her impoverished neighborhood by turning to a life on the streets. Major themes include her quest for a better life and the promise she makes to come back for those she left behind. Esperanza is a young Latina coming into her power and finding out what she will become. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. There will be no show on Easter Sunday April 16. Ticket prices are $25 for general admission, $20 for senior, military, educator or SATCO and $10 for students. They are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450 (The Classic Theatre, 2017)

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

‘Disgraced’ at the Cellar Theater

Up next at The Playhouse’s Cellar Theater is Aayad Akhtar’s ‘Disgraced.’ It opens on Friday March 17 and will run until Sunday April 9, 2017. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the box office at (210) 733-7258. Prices range from $12 to $42. Special rates include $23 for military with valid ID, $23 for seniors aged 60 and up, $15 for students with valid ID and $12 for children aged 12 and under. Group rates are available for groups of ten or more. (The Playhouse San Antonio, 2017)

‘Disgraced’ is a 2012 play by novelist and screenwriter Aayad Akhtar which premiered in Chicago and had Off-Broadway and Off West End engagements. This is a well-crafted piece containing rich and complex characters. The focus is on a dinner party between four people with very different backgrounds and the drama that follows as the mood quickly escalates when the dinner discussion turns to politics and religion. Sociopolitical themes include Islamophobia and the self-identity of Muslim Americans and it depicts racial and ethnic prejudices prevalent in modern society. It won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Kate Glasheen stars as Emily, Suhail Arastu as Amir, Luis Legaspi as Abe, Megan Van Dyke as Jory and Nicholas Szoeke as Isaac and it is directed by David Rinear.

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

‘Wake Up, Brother Bear!’ at the Pearl Studio

There is a theater event coming up for families who are wanting to introduce the littlest members of the family to the theater. The Magik Theatre will be performing ‘Wake Up, Brother Bear!’ at the Pearl Studio thanks to a grant from Whataburger. Performances will be on Saturdays from March 11 through April 1 at 10a.m. Tickets are $12 for ages one and older and children under one are free. Space is limited so reservations are suggested. Tickets and detailed information is available online. (The Magik Theatre, 2017)

‘Wake Up, Brother Bear!’ is a production of Theatre for the Very Young and is designed to be a gentle introduction to theater for children ages zero to five. It uses music, art and hands on sensory experiences in a toddler friendly atmosphere. The Magik Theatre’s ‘Wake Up, Brother Bear!’ has delighted and inspired toddlers, young children and their parents everywhere. The audience gets to watch Brother and Sister Bear experience a full year of seasons. The bears see a waterfall melt, meet a butterfly, chase an elusive fish and skate on an icy pond. Children are invited to join in the action using a small bag of props that help create the magical interactive moments.

‘Wake Up, Brother Bear!’ stars John Stillwaggon as Brother Bear and Carolyn Dellinger as Sister Bear. It is written by Janet Stanford and Kathryn Chase Bryer with music by Katie Chambers. Originally developed by Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Maryland, it is produced by special arrangement with Plays for Young Audiences.

Pearl Studio
Inside the Full Goods Building
200 E Grayson, Ste 115
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 212-7260

Tickets on sale for ‘Matilda The Musical’ at the Majestic Theatre

matildamusical — Tickets to ‘Matilda The Musical’ go on sale Friday March 3, 2017. Photo: google

‘Matilda The Musical’ is coming to the Majestic Theatre in June as part of the North Park Lexus Broadway In San Antonio season. It is produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Dodgers and will play at the Majestic Theatre for eight performances only from Tuesday June 6 through Sunday June 11, 2017. Tickets go on sale this Friday March 3 at the Majestic Theatre box office, online, through Ticketmaster online or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Prices begin at $30 and orders for groups of ten or more can be made by calling (210) 226-5967. Single ticket orders must be done in person at the box office. Box office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday hours vary. Performances are 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

‘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 armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind she dares to take a stand and changer her own destiny. Winner of four Tony Awards it is directed by Matthew Warchus with a book by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin.