Category: Theater News

Selena Maria Sings opens at the Magik Theatre this week

Selena Maria Sings opens at the Magik Theatre on Saturday, September 10, 2022. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

Magik Theatre is proud to present Selena Maria Sings, featuring a Mexican American family starring a teenager, Selena Maria struggling to find her own voice after being named after Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla. Selena Maria has much to live up to, like her namesake, Selena Maria’s passion is music—but her heart belongs to indie sounds and songwriting. This is a story of music, family love, and the strength it takes to be yourself. Enjoy a mix of different genres and original music by Las Cafeteras’ Daniel French uniquely created for this production. (Magik Theatre, 2022)

“Selena Maria Sings is not Selena Quintanilla’s story, but it is the story of embracing your true self — that’s the legacy that she left us, and it is the legacy of all the special people in our lives who have touched our souls but left us too early. It is a story of how we humans survive tragedy, and how we must live fully and completely to honor the gift of life and those who have loved us into being by being exactly who we are — to “sing” forever.” – Playwright Miriam Gonzales

Selena Maria Sings will be playing at the Magik Theatre from September 10 – October 2. It is recommended for ages 6 and over.

Single tickets are $18.50 for children (ages 2-17), Military, Seniors, and Educators | $22.50 for adults | Children under 2 years old are free. If a child under 2 uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general-admission ticket. Group rates are available to parties of ten or more people

Special Performances

American Sign Language Interpreted Performance

  • Saturday, September 14 at 2p.m.

Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary sign language interpreter, will be available during this performance for patrons that require ASL as their primary form of communication.

Sensory-Friendly Performance

  • Wednesday, September 28 at 10:30p.m.

Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming environment for people who are on the autism spectrum or may have sensory sensitivities. The integrity of the performance remains the same, while production elements are modified to accommodate individuals with sensory needs allowing families and friends of those with autism or other disabilities the opportunity to enjoy an authentic performance experience together.

Pay What You Wish Performances

  • Friday, September 16 at 6:30p.m. and Friday, September 30 at 6:30p.m.

Our way of giving back to the community and providing an opportunity for families to experience live theatre with a donation of any amount.

MASK REQUIRED PERFORMANCES

  • Saturday, July 30 at 2p.m.
  • Sunday, August 7 at 3p.m.

If you would like to attend a mask-required performance, this option is for you. We have adopted a model that allows us to go above and beyond standard schedules. It also provides you with peace of mind knowing that all of our performers and staff continue to follow strict health and safety protocols including the option to select your experience while in the theatre.

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American Mariachi opens this week at The Public Theater of San Antonio

American Mariachi will have a limited four weekend run at The Public Theater of San Antonio. Photo: The Public Theater of San Antonio

Opening this week at The Public Theater’s Russell Hill Rogers Theater is American Mariachi. American Mariachi is set in the 1970s, where Lucha spends her days caring for her ailing mother but longs to shake up her life. When a forgotten record sparks her mother’s memory, Lucha and her cousin strike upon a radical idea: to create an all-female mariachi band. Infused with live music played by a live mariachi band, this “big-hearted, musical tugs at the heartstrings” and reminds us how music and love can make just about anything possible. This play with music is filled with well-known mariachi classics and depicts beautiful portraits of Latina women that any San Antonian can relate to. Written by José Cruz González, this premiere production marks the first time a Latino writers’ work will be produced at the Russell Hill Rogers Theater in the organization’s 100 years. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2022)

American Mariachi opens on Friday September 9 and tickets are now on sale: Adults $45, Military/Senior/Student $30, and Youth $15. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. There will be an entire weekend (September 16 – 18) of Pay What You Will Nights when tickets are as low as $5 in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Directed by Claudia de Vasco, the cast includes Andrea Daniela, Giselle Galindo, Isabel de la Cerda, Abraham Zapata, Amy Mireles de la Rosa, Jai A. Gonzales Quintero, Bianka Nicole Torres, Crystal M. Bratton, and Jose de Hoyos.

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The Classic Theatre of San Antonio announces Season 15

Peak behind the curtain of The Classic Theatre’s Groundbreaking Season 15. Photo: google 

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio’s upcoming 15th season promises to entertain and delight audiences in an exciting new way, as the award-winning theatre takes the performing arts on the road to a variety of unique – and at times atypical – “theatre locations” across the city. A primary goal is to create a new innovative and accessible theatre experience that will change the way people view and engage with theatre productions in San Antonio. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2022)

Here is what The Classic Theatre is bringing to theater goers this upcoming season:

Roosters, September 8 – 25, 2022
Roosters tells the passionate and symbolic story of a family in the American Southwest. The crux of the play is the battle for supremacy between a father, Gallo, who wants to exploit the family’s fighting rooster, which his son has been looking after, and Hector, his son, who argues that they should sell the animal and use the proceeds for family needs.

The Classic’s production of Roosters will be held outside at La Zona, Centro San Antonio’s newest outdoor placemaking space in the heart of the Alamo City. Tickets are currently on sale
via The Classic’s website, classictheatre.org.

A Christmas Carol, December 1-18, 2022
A Christmas Carol recounts the beloved story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. Deftly performed by one talented actor at the beautiful and historic Maverick Carter House museum, this lively production is sure to put patrons in the holiday spirit and will feature musical ambiance from some of San Antonio’s most beloved classical music groups.

A Christmas Carol will be showing outdoors at the Maverick Carter House.

Fences, February 9-26, 2023 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m.)
An American classic and moving family drama, Fences, is the story of Troy Maxson, a father struggling with the bitterness of the past while supporting his wife and children in 1950s Pittsburgh. This Pulitzer-Prize winning play depicts the evolving Black experience in America and explores what happens when one family’s dreams are deferred.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is proud to partner with The Carver Community Cultural Center to bring a production of August Wilson’s, Fences, to the stage.

Bound By Truth, March 2023 a Second Series production
A one time only workshop performance of a new work by local playwright Sheila Reinear. This play tells the story of young Meg Roper, a woman in King Henry VIII’s court. Passion, intrigue, and a matching of wits makes this piece engaging for any history buff. The Classic is proud to present this “Second Series” production to our city featuring local performers and design work from Broadway professionals.

Date and location to be announced.

Measure for Measure, May 2023 – San Antonio’s official Shakespeare in the Park experience.
Isabella, a young nun, is asked by a city official, Angelo, to sacrifice her vow of chastity in order to save her imprisoned brother’s life. Measure for Measure is Shakespeare’s most famous “problem play” mixing elements of comedy and extreme drama. This evocative theatre experience continues to ask the viewer to examine what roles women are asked to play in our society.

Dates and location to be announced.

Peter and the Starcatcher, July 2023, Free Summer Musical
Tony-winning Peter and the Starcatcher upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be Peter Pan. Peter and the Starcatcher will be free for the public as a gift to our city from The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. A hilarious musical comedy, Peter and the Starcatcher offers, pirates, mermaids, and family fun for all. Peter Pan themed summer camps for kids will be announced in the spring.

Dates and location to be announced.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is a nonprofit professional theatre in San Antonio, Texas, committed to producing theatre that is relevant, diverse, entertaining and transformative. We produce five main stage shows a year, as well as our Second Series, a series of smaller productions, partnering with local and national artists. The Classic Theatre of San Antonio was founded in 2008 by Chris Cheever, Asia Ciaravino, Anthony Ciaravino, Diane Malone, Rick Malone, Terri Peña Ross, and Allan S. Ross, and counts among its credits more than 70 Alamo Theatre Arts Council (ATAC) Awards.

 

‘Hadestown’ coming to San Antonio’s Majestic Theatre

‘Hadestown’ will play at the Majestic Theatre in September and tickets go on sale this Friday July 15, 2022. ‘Hadestown’ North American tour – Photo by T Charles Erickson, used with permission.

‘Hadestown,’ the winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards® including Best New Musical and the 2020 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album, will come to San Antonio as part of the 2022-2023 North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio Season. The show will play at the Majestic Theatre September 13-18, 2022. Tickets go on sale on Friday July 15, 2022 at 10a.m. through the Majestic Theatre, Broadway In San Antonio, or in person at the Majestic Theatre box office. Ticket prices start at $40. (Majestic Theatre, 2022)

‘Hadestown’ is the most honored show of the 2018-2019 Broadway season. In addition to the show’s eight Tony Awards®, it has been honored with four Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Outstanding New Broadway Musical, and the Drama League Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical. “It tells a version of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Eurydice, a young girl looking for something to eat, goes to work in a hellish industrial underworld to escape climate-change induced poverty before her poor singer-songwriter lover Orpheus comes to rescue her and together show others the way to escape.” (Wikipedia, 2022)

The North American touring production of ‘Hadestown’ stars Morgan Siobhan Green as Eurydice, Chibueze Ihuoma as Orpheus, Tony Award® winner Levi Kreis as Hermes, Kimberly Marable as Persephone, and Olivier Award® nominee Kevyn Morrow as Hades. Belén Moyano, Bex Odorisio, and Shea Renne play The Fates. The Workers Chorus features Jordan Bollwerk, Lindsey Hailes, Courtney Lauster, Eddie Noel Rodríguez, and Jamari Johnson Williams. The swings for the touring production include Tyla Collier, Ian Coulter Buford, Alex Lugo, J. Antonio Rodriguez, and Cecilia Trippiedi.

The acclaimed new musical is by celebrated singer-songwriter and Tony Award® winner Anaïs Mitchell and developed with innovative director and Tony Award® winner Rachel Chavkin. ‘Hadestown’ marks the first time in over a decade that a woman has been the solo author of a musical: writing the music, lyrics, and book, and is the fourth time in Broadway history a woman has accomplished this creative feat.

The show originated as Mitchell’s indie theater project that toured Vermont which she then turned into an acclaimed album. With Chavkin, her artistic collaborator, ‘Hadestown’ has been transformed into a genre-defying new musical that blends modern American folk music with New Orleans inspired jazz to reimagine a sweeping ancient tale. Following two intertwining love stories — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — ‘Hadestown’ invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Mitchell’s beguiling melodies and Chavkin’s poetic imagination pit industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love. Performed by a vibrant ensemble of actors, dancers, and singers, ‘Hadestown’ delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience.

Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center announces Groupo Animo 2022 summer theater camp

Grupo Animo members Class of 2019: ‘Youth Nation Network.’ Photo: Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, used with permission.

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center announces Grupo Animo 2022, a summer theater camp for students between the ages of 13 and 18 years old. This three-week theatrical camp is at no cost to students and will take place at the historic Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St, from July 5 to 22, 2022. Camp will take place Monday through Friday from 1p.m. to 5p.m. Its summer program will culminate with a student showcase created and performed by Grupo Animo company members on Saturday, July 23 at 7p.m. (Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 2022)  

Grupo Animo is the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s resident youth theater company consisting of youth (ages 13-18) members from all backgrounds and areas of San Antonio and beyond. Under the mentorship of professional teaching artists and directors, Grupo Animo’s company members are guided through a three-week summer theater experience, allowing youth a platform to make their voices heard through thought-provoking, engaging, and culturally relevant, performance-based Teatro.  

“It is critical, even more so now in light of recent events in Uvalde, that students are taught to use their natural talents to creatively express themselves, working cooperatively to share their thoughts and feelings about the world they live in. We strive to provide a safe space for our members to feel comfortable no matter what race, sex, economic background, or sexual orientation. Lastly, we understand that through Chicano, Latino, and Native American arts and culture, we can revolutionize how we imagine the world.”  – Jorge Piña, Guadalupe Theater Manager.

Founded in 1993, Grupo Animo’s mission is to use teatro/theatre to instill an understanding of the value of culture, creativity, and community. Grupo Animo’s goal at the end of the program is to have taught students basic history and practice of teatro/theatre, acting, teamwork, poetry, creative writing, movement, and videography.

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center’s Teatro Salon presents La Niña Girasol

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center proudly presents the Teatro Salon’s world premiere of La Niña Girasol (The Sunflower Girl) by J. Cesar Duenas. Photo: The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, used with permission.

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center proudly presents the Teatro Salon’s world premiere of La Niña Girasol (The Sunflower Girl) by J. Cesar Duenas, scheduled for June 22 – 25, 2022 at the historic Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St., San Antonio, TX 78207. Clint Taylor, who has over 25 years working with numerous theater companies in San Antonio and New York, will be directing this unique and imaginary children’s play. (Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 2022)

“Follow a brother & sister on a journey through their dreams to save their maternal line from being lost forever…. A magical tale of family, history, and the struggle to keep their roots alive,” this, according to playwright J. Cesar Duenas. Mr. Duenas is a local theatre actor and while La Niña Girasol is his first play, he has acted with VIVA 48hr Play, Teatro Audaz, Killer Productions, Overtime Theatre, and Jumpstart. He is a first-generation American and a US Army veteran who was born and raised in San Antonio. “I am so excited with this rare opportunity to have my first play produced and enjoyed by the community.”

Teatro Salon is a project of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center that provides opportunities to developing new plays and is sponsored by City of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture, Texas Commission on the Arts, Trinity University and National Performance Network.

Show times include two morning performances on Wednesday and Thursday June 22 and 23 at 11a.m. and two evening performances on Friday and Saturday June 24 and 25 at 7p.m.. Admission is $12 Adults, $6 Teens and Seniors and $2 Children (13yrs and under). All performances will take place at the historic Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St. San Antonio, TX 78207.

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center was founded in 1980 as a non-profit, multidisciplinary organization. Located in the heart of San Antonio’s westside, the Guadalupe is one of the largest community-based organizations in the United States. Its mission is to cultivate, promote, and preserve traditional and contemporary Chicano, Latino, and Native American arts and culture through multidisciplinary programming.

Magik Theatre announces 2022/2023 season

The Hero Twins: Blood Race is one of the productions in the upcoming 2022-2023 Magik Theatre season. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

The Magik Theatre is thrilled to announce its 2022/2023 season filled with classics, timeless tales, and new works. This season presents a range of titles that celebrate diversity, inspire curiosity, and encourage an appreciation for the arts. There is something for everyone. We are offering Sensory-Friendly, Pay What You Wish, and American Sign Language Interpreted performances for each production, all designed to create a welcoming environment. Season subscriptions, flex passes, and single tickets are now on sale. (Magik Theatre, 2022)

“If the past two years have been about change and survival, then I am happy to say we are moving into a season of growth. As we begin to find life’s new rhythm, the plays and musicals in Magik’s upcoming season will remind us not only that change is possible throughout our lives, but necessary for growth. We see this through the eyes of a very hungry caterpillar, a young woman trying to find her place in the world, a boy who embraces his learning differences, a toy rabbit who becomes real through love, and a young person speaking truth to power. I hope you will join us for what promises to be an exciting year!” – Artistic Director Anthony Runfola

The 2022-20203 season:
Performance times vary and programs/dates are subject to change.

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW
Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, Based on Eric Carle’s Books
Directed by Jon Gentry
July 9–August 7
Recommended for ages 3 +

The critically acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, created by Jonathan Rockefeller, features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets. The production faithfully adapts four stories by author/illustrator Eric Carle: The Very Lonely Firefly, The Artist Who Painted A Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, and of course, the star of the show–The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The Very Hungry Caterpillar has delighted generations of readers since it was first published in 1969 selling more than 48 million copies worldwide.

SELENA MARIA SINGS
By Miriam Gonzales | Music by Daniel French
Co-Production with Childs play in Phoenix, AZ
Directed by Andréa Morales
September 6–October 2
Recommended for ages 9+

Named after Selena Quintanilla, Selena Maria has much to live up to. Selena Maria has a passion for music. While her Selena superfan mother hopes she takes after the popstar, Selena Maria is working to find her own beat. Selena Maria Sings tells a story of music, family, immense love, and the strength it takes to be yourself.

EDDIE & VINNIE (World Premiere)
by Jenny Millinger Directed by Anthony Runfola
October 15–October 28, 2022

Recommended for ages 6+Eddie has dyslexia and struggles with schoolwork, and finds out he cannot play on the basketball team unless he gets his grades up. With the help of his pet gecko, Vinnie, and the overly-helpful new girl in class, will Eddie’s final class presentation come together, or will his basketball dreams be dashed forever? A Magik Theatre world premiere, produced in collaboration with Celebrate Dyslexia.

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT
Adapted for the stage by Magik Theatre
Based on the book by Margery Williams
November 19–December 24

Recommended for ages 5+The Velveteen Rabbit is a delightful ‘Magikal’ retelling of the classic children’s story of a boy who receives a stuffed rabbit sewn from velveteen as a present on Christmas Day. When another toy is lost, the Rabbit quickly becomes the Boy’s new favorite. As the Rabbit’s dapper appearance gets worn and shabby from play, a wonderful change begins to happen. Join us this holiday season for the heart-warming and much-loved classic story about a shy toy rabbit who longs for nothing more than to become real.

THE HERO TWINS: BLOOD RACE
By Ramón Esquivel
Director TBD
February 4–March 5, 2023
Recommended for ages 7+

Who will win the Blood Race, an ancient competition between two tribes that takes place in the underworld? The winner rules the capital city and all the people who labor for it, while the loser remains trapped forever in the underworld. Cricket has trained for his entire life with his twin sister, Moth, and he is favored to be the first of their tribe to win the Blood Race. When Cricket fails, the high priestess, Iguana, challenges Moth to compete in the next race against King Jaguar. When Moth learns the truth of the Blood Race, she is faced with a choice that could turn the world upside down. An invented mythology inspired by classic Mayan narratives, The Hero Twins: Blood Race is an action-filled adventure that is also an allegory about inequality, justice, and liberation.

SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!
Originally Adapted and Produced for the Stage by Theatre BAM | Form the Series Created by George Newall and Tom Yohe | Based on an Idea by David McCall
Book by Scott Ferguson, George Keating, and Kyle Hall
Music and Lyrics by Lenn Ahrens, Bob Dorough, Dave Frishberg, Kathy Mandry, George Newall, and Tom Yoha
Directed by Anthony Runfola
April 15–June 4, 2023

Recommended for ages 6+Now’s your chance to catch the musical that wowed audiences nationwide. Schoolhouse Rock Live! follows Tom, a nervous schoolteacher who is anxious about his first day of teaching. He tries to relax by watching TV and discovers that his favorite show comes to life on the set. Together with the Schoolhouse Rock gang, Tom realizes how fun learning can be. Enjoy classic songs such as “Just a Bill,” “Interjections,” and “Conjunction Junction” at this fun-filled retro revue.

Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

Junie B. Jones: Toothless Wonder at Magik Theatre

Magik Theatre presents the world premiere of Junie B. Jones: Toothless Wonder. Photo: Darcell Bios, used with permission.

This world-renowned children’s book star is coming to life on stage. Magik Theatre proudly presents a never-before-seen production to premiere in the Alamo City –Junie B. Jones: Toothless Wonder. It opened May 6 and will run through June 12, 2022 at Magik Theatre in Hemisfair, 420 S. Alamo. The production will be adapted for the stage by Allison Gregory, based on the hit book series written by Barbara Park and illustrated by Denise Brunkus. (Magik Theatre, 2022)

Artistic Associate, Rosa Gardner, stars as Junie B. the toothless wonder that adventures through the first grade. Watch the story unfold as we see Junie B. face the trials of her age group and handle them the best way she knows how – with boundless energy, unbridled imagination, and buckets of enthusiasm. One of Junie B. Jones’s top front teeth is loose! Only Junie B. is not that thrilled about this development because what if she looks like toothless Uncle Lou? And even worse – what is all this tooth fairy business? Experience the child-like wonder Junie B. undergoes as she maneuvers through yet another big life change. The feisty and fun-loving character will bring laughter and smiles to audiences of all ages.

The production is approximately one-hour  and recommended for ages 5 and up. Kids under 2 are free. This performance is made possible in part by a generous grant from the Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts. Performance times vary. Programs and dates are subject to change.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES           

Military Appreciation Day: Sunday, May 15, 2022 at 3p.m.

Active or retired members of the military with I.D. pay $11.50 (Reg. $26.50) per ticket for their entire party.

Pay What You Wish: 

  • Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 5p.m.
  • Thursday, June 2, 2022 at 10:30a.m.

Purchases are only available at the door on the day of the show. Our way of giving back to the community and providing an opportunity for families to experience live theater with a donation of any amount.

American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreted Performance: Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 2p.m. Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary sign language interpreter, will be available during this performance for patrons who require ASL as their primary form of communication.

Sensory-Friendly Performance: Saturday, June 4, 2022 at 10:30a.m.

Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming environment for people who are on the autism spectrum or may have sensory sensitivities. The integrity of the performance remains the same, while production elements are modified to accommodate individuals with sensory needs allowing families and friends of those with autism or other disabilities the opportunity to enjoy an authentic performance experience together.

TICKETS AND OTHER INFORMATION

Tickets are now on sale. Single tickets are on sale now for $25 per adult and children $20 for ages 3 to 17, educators, military, students, and seniors. Children under 2 must sit on an adult’s lap. If a child under 2 uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general-admission ticket. Group rates are offered to parties of ten or more people. For questions and further inquires, contact Magik Theatre.

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES

Due to recent news, Bexar County is considered to be at the LOW community level for Covid-19. Because of this, we are offering two performance experience options to our patrons. As a patron, you have the ability to choose a mask-required performance or a highly recommended but not required performance experience.

Below you will find the list of performances that will continue to be a mask-mandated performance – 

  • Saturday, May 7 at 5p.m.
  • Saturday, May 14 at 5p.m.
  • Saturday, May 28 at 5p.m.
  • Sunday, May 22 at 3p.m.
  • Friday, June 3 at 10:30a.m.
  • Wednesday, June 8 at 10:30a.m.

Please visit HERE for current safety protocols.

Magik Theatre is San Antonio’s professional family theater. Founded in 1994, it has presented more than 160 main stage and touring productions for more than 2 million children and their families. Magik Theatre’s mission is to utilize the power of theatre to create Magikal storytelling for children that Activates imagination, Grows young minds and Inspires creativity and a love of learning that is the Key to a more literate future for our community. Magik Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Photo: Darcell Bios, used with permission.

Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center presents ‘Interview With a Mexican!’

‘Interview With a Mexican!’ is scheduled for May 6 and 7 at the Guadalupe Theater. Photo: Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, used with permission.

The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center proudly presents ‘Interview With A Mexican!,’ scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 6 and 7, 2022 at the historic Guadalupe Theater, 1301 Guadalupe St., San Antonio. The performance begins at 8p.m. with general admission tickets for $12. ‘Interview With A Mexican!’ is a touring production by Denver-based Su Teatro Cultural & Performing Arts Center.  (Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 2022)

‘Interview With A Mexican!’ is an original play by Su Teatro Executive Artistic Director and resident playwright Anthony J. Garcia. It was inspired by Gustavo Arellano’s column ‘Ask a Mexican’ using satire, humor, and political incorrectness to examine stereotypes, anti-immigration politics, and misconceptions outsiders hold about Mexican culture.

“We at Su Teatro are so excited to bring this explosive and humorous play to the Westside of San Antonio,” said Garcia. “The last time we performed at the Teatro Guadalupe was in the early 1990s,” he added. “Su Teatro’s work and contribution to theater is widely recognized,” said Guadalupe Theater Manager Jorge Piña. “I am very honored Su Teatro is returning to the Guadalupe stage.” 

The production is made possible with support from the City of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture and the National Performance Network.

Su Teatro is one of the oldest Chicano theater companies in the United States and is currently celebrating their 50th anniversary. The company has established a national reputation for home-grown productions that speak to the history and experience of Chicanos. Garcia has created over forty original plays and adaptations. Su Teatro develops work focused on demystifying the Chicano identity and celebrating the experiences, history, language, and culture of Chicanos, Mexicanos, and Latinos throughout the Americas. They have performed throughout the country along with more than thirty theatrical seasons at their own cultural and performing arts center in Denver.

Children’s Ballet of San Antonio debuts ‘Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp’

Aladdin dancers at Estancia del Norte. Photo: Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.

A poor young man, a beautiful princess, a wealthy Sultan, a powerful sorcerer, and a magical genie come together on stage in the enchanting, exotic adventure that is the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio’s debut production of ‘Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp’ at the Majestic Theatre. Set against the mystical background of the Arabian city of Agrabah, the ballet tells the story of Aladdin and how his quest for self-discovery ultimately becomes an adventure in true love. From flying carpets to other big surprises, this debut production will take audiences on a journey to far-off lands where wishes do come true. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2022)

Based on one of the most famous folktales from “The Book of One Thousand and One Nights,” the show features all the splendor and richness of the culture. Award-winning CBSA founder and artistic director Vanessa Bessler spent countless hours researching and immersing herself in all the details to provide the most authentic production for her audiences. The show will feature a combination of the classic Disney orchestral scores audiences loved from Aladdin, along with original live scores created specifically for CBSA by local French Lebanese composer Gabriel Nohra. Using traditional Arabic instruments including the Oud, Bendir, Darbuka, and Kanun, Nohra provides the musical backdrop for the talented array of young performers to showcase their skills. Award-winning choreographers Bessler and Nick Fearon, along with Feleacia Quezergue have created spectacular numbers that highlight the abilities of each dancer while integrating traditional numbers choreographed by Karen Barbee, who specializes in the cultural dances of the land of Aladdin. It is the perfect combination of culture and creativity, enhanced by the dazzling costumes brought in from London, Moscow, and the Far East. The final effect will cause the audience’s hearts to soar—no magic carpet required.

Featuring performers ranging from internationally acclaimed classical dancers to gifted special needs artists ages 3-19, the production showcases a variety of disciplines and talents. Award-winning dancers including hip-hop, jazz, tap, and contemporary will take the stage with a talented array of young performers including actors, musicians, gymnasts, and singers for this larger-than-life production. Leading this talented cast is founder and former Prima Ballerina and seven-time Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding Teacher Award winner Vanessa Bessler. Under her watchful eye, CBSA has become a gateway for young artists interested in pursuing a professional dance career. The elite artists have had the privilege to train in some of the world’s best academies including the Royal Ballet School in London, the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia, and the School of American Ballet in New York City, to name a few. Through recognition, awards, and scholarships from the most prestigious ballet competitions and schools in the world for many of its dancers, CBSA has elevated San Antonio to the world stage, making it a strong player in the arts world.

Performance dates and times
Friday, May 6, 7p.m. to 9p.m.
Saturday, May 7, 2p.m. to 4p.m.
Saturday, May 7, 7p.m. to 9p.m.

The Majestic Theatre
224 E. Houston Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
Tickets are available on the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio website.

Admission proceeds directly benefit CBSA in fulfilling its mission to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds. Donations from the event will benefit dance scholarships for special needs and underserved youth, as well as the transportation and organization of several hundred Title 1 school students to attend each performance. Funds also go to the production costs of theatre, costumes, lights, and special effects that allow these dancers to perform in San Antonio’s top theatres in professional productions as part of their professional-level training.

The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is an authentic, professional-level ballet company that produces professionally staged productions showcasing San Antonio’s most talented children. Dancers are selected by invitation or audition. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is a nonprofit organization 501(c)3. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) seeks to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds.