Category: Theater News

Theater review: ‘Sister Act’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

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‘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

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‘Sister Act, The Musical’ opens at the Woodlawn Theatre on Friday April 7, 2017. Photo courtesy of Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

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

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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

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Aayad Akhtar’s ‘Disgraced’ opens at the Cellar Theater on Friday March 17, 2017. Photo by Daniel D Baumer, used with permission.

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

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The Magik Theatre will be performing ‘Wake Up, Brother Bear!’ at the Pearl Studio. Photo: google

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

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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.

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

‘Rent’ rush: Special $25 tickets

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

The 20th 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

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‘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

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There will be a ‘Rent’ karaoke competition on Wednesday March 1 at The St Anthony Hotel for a chance to win tickets for the performance on Friday March 3. Photo: Gayle McCracken, used with permission.

The 20th 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

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‘The King and I’ is one of the productions coming to the Majestic Theatre as part of the 2017-2018 Broadway in San Antonio season. Photo by Gayle McCracken, used with permission.

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