‘Rent’ rush: Special $25 tickets

rent17 — The touring production of ‘Rent’ opens at the Majestic Theatre this Friday March 3, 2017. Photo: Gayle McCracken, used with permission.

The 20^th anniversary of ‘Rent’ comes to the Majestic Theatre this week starting on Friday and North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio has announced a special deal on tickets. On each performance day, twenty first row seats in the orchestra section will be available for $25. These tickets are available for in-person purchases at the Majestic Theatre box office located at 226 East Houston on the day of each performance only and two hours prior to the show. They are cash only tickets and are limited to two tickets per person. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

The tradition of the $25 tickets began in 1996 in New York when the show moved to Broadway after a sold out run in a small downtown theater. The producers of the show are committed to continuing the tradition of offering orchestra seats for $25 in each city the show will play. ‘Rent’ will play five performances from Friday March 3 through Sunday March 5, 2017 as part of the North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio season. Performances are at 7:30p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available at the Majestic Theatre box office, online, through Ticketmaster online or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

The winner of the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical, it is a reimagining 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.

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

The Playhouse San Antonio’s new season announcement

alliscalmpic — ‘All Is Calm’ returns to The Playhouse San Antonio as part of the 2017 – 2018 season. Photo: Daniel Baumer, used with permission.

Last week The Playhouse San Antonio announced their 2017-2018 season for The Russell Hill Rogers Theater and the Cellar Theater.

The Russell Hill Rogers Theater – The season starts with ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ from September 15 through October 15, 2017. It is Victor Hugo’s touching story of love and acceptance recreated by an Academy Award winning team. ‘All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’ returns to The Playhouse for the holiday season from November 24 through December 24, 2017. With musical arrangement by Erick Lichte and Timothy C Takach it is presented in collaboration with The Marcsmen and tells the story of an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music and peace told in the words and songs of the men who lived it. ‘Little Women’ starts off the year and opens on January 26 through February 18, 2018. It is based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott. This musical is filled with personal discovery, heartache, hope and everlasting love. ‘If/Then’ will play from March 16 through April 8, 2018. It is the story of Elizabeth and the consequences that occur when the carefully designed plans collide at the intersection of chance and choice. The popular musical ‘Mamma Mia!’ Ends the season and will play from July 6 through August 5, 2018. A mother, a daughter and three possible dads contribute to an unforgettable trip down the aisle with the music of ABBA as a backdrop.

Cellar Theatre – ‘Constellations’ starts off the season from October 27 through November 19, 2017. A romantic journey that begins with a simple encounter between a man and woman becomes an exploration of parallel universes. ‘A Bright New Boise’ will play from December 29 through January 21, 2018 and takes place in the bleak, corporate break room of a big box store in Idaho where someone is summoning The Rapture. It is where the thorny issues of faith, forgiveness and second chances are put on the table. ‘Wit’ will play from February 23 through March 11, 2018. It is the winner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and tells the story of Vivian Bearing, a professor of English, who after being diagnosed with a terminal illness looks back on her life and work. ‘Hand to God’ follows from April 13 through May 6, 2018. This ridiculously raunchy, irreverent and funny show revolves around a puppet who takes on a shocking personality all of its own. ‘Assassins’, which will play from June 8 through July 1 is the controversial musical about assassins who justify their actions with wit, humor and a sense of understanding. Rounding out the season is ‘Aye, No!’ from August 10 through August 26 in collaboration with Teatro Audaz. It is set in a small border town as young Alicia comes home from college with a “friend” for her family to meet.

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

‘Rent’ karaoke competition

The 20^th Anniversary Tour of ‘Rent’ is coming to the Majestic Theatre from March 3 through March 5 and to get things rolling The St Anthony Hotel is teaming up with the Majestic Theatre to bring the Broadway stage to Peacock Alley for one night. On Wednesday March 1 there will be a karaoke competition in the hotel’s famed Peacock Alley from 5.m. to 7p.m. The public is invited to enter for a chance to win two tickets to ‘Rent’ on Friday March 3 at 8p.m. Two winners will be chosen by crowd applause and judges from The St Anthony Hotel and the Majestic Theatre. Guests will be able to enjoy a “La Vie Boheim’ cocktail with a special twist on the classic French 75 for $7. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

‘Rent’ will play for five performances only as part of the North Park Lexus 2016-2017 season. The winner of the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical, 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. Prices for tickets begin at $35 and are available at the Majestic Theatre box office, online, through Ticketmaster online or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

The St Anthony Hotel
Peacock Alley aka temporarily as the ‘Life Café’
300 East Travis St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 227-439

Broadway In San Antonio announces 2017-2018 season lineup

North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio recently announced the line up for next season and theater fans are in for another unforgettable season of fabulous shows. The 2017-2018 season at the Majestic Theatre will include eight productions including four market debuts, Tony Award winning shows, family classics and returning favorites. It was also announced that the national tour of ‘Hamilton’ will play the Majestic Theatre as part of the 2018-2019 season. Season subscribers can choose a six show package starting at $211 or seven show package including ‘The Book of Mormon’ starting at $250. The benefits of being a season subscriber include avoiding possible ticket price increases closer to the show, priority ticket opportunities, lost ticket replacement and seat exchange privileges. More information is available online or by calling Broadway in San Antonio at 800-215-SHOW (7469) from 9a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

In 2017 the season begins with ‘The Bodyguard’ from September 19 through September 24, ‘The King and I’ from October 17 through October 22 and Irving Berlin’s ‘White Christmas’ from December 12 through December 17. ‘The Bodyguard’ is based on the hit film and tells the story of former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, who is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. It includes the hit songs “Saving All My Love,” “I Have Nothing” and the iconic “I Will Always Love You.” ‘The King and I’ is set in 1860s Bangkok and is the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher who is hired to tutor his many wives and children. Irving Berlin’s ‘White Christmas’ is based on the 1954 movie starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. It is the story of a song and dance team who put on a show at a Vermont Inn and end up falling for a stunning sister act. Hit songs include “Sisters,” “Happy Holiday” and “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing.”

In 2018 the season continues with season option Rodgers + Hammerstein’s ‘Cinderella’ from January 12 through January 14, ‘The Color Purple’ from February 6 through February 11, ‘On Your Feet’ from March 13 through March 18, ‘The Book of Mormon’ from May 1 through May 6 and ‘An American In Paris’ from June 12 through June 17. Rodgers + Hammerstein’s ‘Cinderella’ is the Tony Award winning musical that has delighted audiences with its contemporary take on the classic fairy tale. It includes the beloved songs “In My Own Little Corner” and “Ten Minutes.” ‘The Color Purple’ won the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival and is about a young woman’s journey to love and triumph in the American South. ‘On Your Feet’ tells the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan’s humble beginnings in Cuba and how they came to America and became a crossover success in the pop music world. ‘The Book of Mormon’ is the outrageous musical comedy that follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries who are sent halfway around the world to share the good news. The season ends with ‘An American In Paris,’ the new hit musical about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city all longing for a new beginning after the war.

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

‘The Secret Garden’ at The Playhouse San Antonio

secretgarden17 — ‘The Secret Garden’ opens tonight at The Playhouse San Antonio. Photo by Daniel D Baumer, used with permission.

Tonight is opening night for The Playhouse San Antonio’s midseason musical ‘The Secret Garden.’ This family friendly musical will run through Sunday March 12 and is directed by Laura Michelle Hoadley. It stars Ashley Doyle as Mary Lennox and Nicholas Szoeke as Archibald Craven. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 733-7258. Prices are $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)

‘The Secret Garden’ is a musical based on the 1911 book of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett with script and lyrics by Marsha Norman and music by Lucy Simon. The story is set in the early 20^th century and tells the story of Mary Lennox, a young English girl born and raised in the British Raj. When she is ten years old she becomes an orphan when a cholera outbreak kills her family. She is sent to live in England with relatives she has never met which include her tormented uncle Archibald Craven. While living at Misselthwaite Manor she and a young gardener tend a neglected garden back to life and she learns that a little kindness can make a big difference in her life and that of her family.

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

Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ at The Classic Theatre

tempestpic — Allan Ross as Prospero, Grace Lamberson as Miranda and Hunter Wulff as Ferninand in The Classic Theatre of San Antonio’s production of ‘The Tempest.’ Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

The mission of The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is to produce classic plays with contemporary connections and this continues with their next production. William Shakespeare’s comedy ‘The Tempest’ opens at The Classic Theatre stage on Friday February 17 and will run until Sunday March 12, 2017. This is considered one of Shakespeare’s last and greatest work and is part fairy tale and part romance with a touch of magic. The story is set on a remote island where Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, plots to restore his daughter Miranda to her rightful place as princess of Milan using illusion and skillful manipulation. It features begrudged creatures and drunken clowns, charmed royals and magical spirits who all struggle between the temptation for revenge and the grace of forgiveness and humility. Mark McCarver is the director and co-founder Allan S Ross stars as Prospero and Grace Lamberson as Miranda. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2017)

Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Ticket prices are $25 for general admission, $20 for senior, military, educator or SATCO and $10 for students and are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450. There will be a complimentary champagne reception on opening night Friday February 17, 2017. Following the Sunday March 5 show at 3p.m. there will be a ‘Community Talk Back’ discussion about the play.

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

‘Pippin’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

This month the Woodlawn Theatre will open its 2017 season and first on the list is the local production of the Tony Award-winning ‘Pippin’. This musical journey of a young prince in search of fulfillment opens Friday February 10 and runs through Sunday March 12. It is sponsored by KONO 101.1 and has a show rating of PG-13 for suggestive dance style and some adult language. Show times are every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets 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 and all tickets are subject to a $3 service fee. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2017)

‘Pippin’ uses a mysterious performance troupe led by a Leading Player to tell the story of Pippin, a young prince who is searching for meaning and significance to his life. To prove his loyalty to his father, he goes to war but when the Leading Player convinces him to fight tyranny, Pippin kills Charles and takes over the throne. After he realizes his mistake he convinces the Leading Player to bring his father back to life. Pippin then falls in love with a widow with a young son and must decide whether to settle down or continue to make magic with the dazzling troupe of performers. The show is directed by Katie Benson with musical direction by Josh Pepper and choreography by Alonzo Corona. Even though the characters of Pippin and his father Charlemagne are real life people from the Middle Ages this particular show makes no reference to true historical facts. Rather, it explores the glories of war, the temptations of love and the intrigues of political power before unveiling that happiness lies not in the extraordinary but in the ordinary moments of everyday life. With Trevor Chauvin as Pippin and Gianna Rodriguez as the Leading Player the show features styled dancing, high-flying acrobatics, wondrous music and soaring songs including the popular “Magic To Do.”

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

Tickets to ‘Finding Neverland’ go on sale Friday

findingneverland The touring production of ‘Finding Neverland’ will be stopping by the Majestic Theatre for eight performances only from Tuesday May 2 through Sunday May 7 as part of the 2016-2017 season of North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio. Tickets go on sale tomorrow Friday January 20 at 10a.m. for performances at 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. Tickets start at $30 and are available through Ticketmaster online, by phone at (800) 982-ARTS (2787) and at all Ticketmaster outlets including the Majestic Theatre box office. Majestic Theatre box office hours are Monday through Saturday from 10a.m. to 5p.m. and Saturday hours vary. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

‘Finding Neverland’ is based on the Academy Award winning movie by David Magee and the play ‘The Man Who Was Peter Pan’ by Allan Knee. It follows the relationship between playwright J.M. Barrie and the family that inspired ‘Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up.’ It is directed by Tony winner Diane Paulus with a book by Olivier Award nominee James Graham, music and lyrics by Gary Barlow and Eliot Kennedy and choreography by Emmy Award winner Mia Michaels. This musical is a story about the power of imagination and proof that people never really have to grow up. It features mesmerizing visuals, irresistible songs and plenty of laughs.

‘Fool for Love’ at the Cellar Theater

foolforlovepic — Sam Shepard’s ‘Fool for Love’ opens at The Playhouse’s Cellar Theater on Friday January 13, 2016. Photo by Daniel D Baumer, used with permission.

Up next at The Playhouse’s Cellar Theater is Sam Shepard’s ‘Fool for Love.’ It opens on Friday January 13 and will run until Sunday February 5, 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 are $40 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. Group rates are available for groups of ten or more. (The Playhouse San Antonio, 2016)

‘Fool for Love’ is the Obie award winning play written by playwright and actor Sam Shepard. The lines of love and scandal blur in the story of May and Eddie, former lovers who meet again in a motel in the desert. Their on again, off again relationship has bonded them to each other and they are doomed to keep repeating their destructive past. May is trying to go on with her life with a new life and a new job when Eddie shows up in the hopes of reconciling with her. Her date, Martin, is caught in the middle of the drama while the character of the Old Man sits on the sidelines and offers commentaries. It is directed by The Playhouse’s CEO and Artistic Director George Green with a cast that includes Damon C Mentzer as Eddie, Holly Clifford as May, Bill Gundry as the Old Man and Michael Zaiontz as Martin.

The Playhouse San Antonio
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212

‘The Santaland Diaries’ at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio

santalanddiariespic — John Stillwagon in ‘The Santaland Diaries’ opening this week at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. Photo by Kaitin Muse, used with permission.

Opening at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio this week is ‘The Santaland Diaries.’ 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 stars as Sedaris’ not so merry alter ego Crumpet the Elf with Kelly and Bart Roush directing. It opens on Friday December 9 with subsequent shows on December 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. and 7p.m. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2016)

Tickets are $20 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 9. 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.