The virtual production of ‘Thurgood’ runs until next weekend. Photo: The Public Theater of San Antonio, used with permission.
Thursday was opening night of ‘Thurgood’ by George Stevens, Jr. at The Public Theater of San Antonio but this production is virtual only. It will run until Sunday January 24, 2021 with performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online. Thurgood Marshall was an American lawyer and civil rights activist who served as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from October 1967 until October 1991. He was the Court’s first African American justice but before that, he successfully argued several cases before the Supreme Court, including Brown v. Board of Education. ‘Thurgood’ depicts the life of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court justice and his role in the historic decision on the Brown v. Board of Education case. This is a story rich in history, humanity, and humor.
‘Thurgood’ is one-man show with Marc Pouhé portraying the title role of the civil rights activist and Supreme Court justice. Strictly a biographical account of the life of Thurgood Marshall, it starts off with a slide show of the civil rights era after which Pouhé’s Marshall casually walks onto the set. He is excited to share his life story with the audience and begins with this childhood and how he was named after his grandfather but ended up shortening his name. His early life is not the focus even though he tells entertaining stories of growing up. He quickly shifts to his experiences in law-school after sharing how his mother had to pawn her wedding and engagement rings to pay the tuition. Most of the time is spent on the circumstances surrounding the Brown v. Board of Education case and how he used the equal protection of the law clause of the fourteen amendment to argue the case, or as he calls it, “Jim Crow deluxe,” using the separate but equal logic to demand truly equal schools for blacks. The 1954 decision concluded that separate but equal has no place because facilities are by nature unequal.
Ahead of Black History Month, ‘Thurgood’ is an excellent production to familiarize audiences with the highlights of Thurgood Marshall’s legislative career. It runs for an hour and a half with no intermission and may contain themes and content not suitable for all audiences, including various uses of the ‘n word.’ The simple set consists of a desk and chair with a pitcher of water, a glass, and sheets of paper besides it. There were a couple of glitches on the sound at the beginning but everything smoothed out a few minutes later. One of the highlights is when he makes his point on how segregation has detrimental effects on black children and uses the white vs brown doll test as as example; when questioned, most black children chose the white doll when asked which one looked nicer. His conclusion: “children learning together side by side is the best hope for this country.” Marc Pouhé’s portrayal of Thurgood Marshall grabs the audience’s attention with his commanding yet calming tone. ‘Thurgood’ is a well-balanced retelling of his personal life and legislative career, his humorous side evident when he declares “I expect to die at the age of 110 – shot by a jealous husband.” It is definite must-see.
Thurgood by George Stevens, Jr. opens at The Public Theater of San Antonio on Thursday, January 14, 2021. Photo: The Public Theater of San Antonio, used with permission.
Coming up at The Public Theater of San Antonio is Thurgood, which opens this Thursday, January 14 and runs until Sunday January 22. Performances will be virtual live stream only and ticket information is available online. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2021)
Thurgood by George Stevens, Jr. is a story rich in history, humanity, and humor and depicts the life of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court justice and his role in the historic decision on the Brown v. Board of Education case. He was an influential leader of the civil rights movement and his legacy lives on in the pursuit of racial justice. This performance may contain themes and content not suitable for all audiences.
The Geffen Playhouse production of A Christmas Carol. Photo: Chris Whitaker, used with permission.
The Classic Theatre and producer Hunter Arnold unofficially kicked off the holiday season early by announcing that a special filmed version of Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic A Christmas Carol, starring one of the finest stage actors of our time – Tony Award® winner Jefferson Mays, will be released worldwide on Saturday, November 28. This streaming video event will benefit The Classic Theatre as well as other community, amateur, regional theaters across the country which have been devastated by the pandemic. Directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Michael Arden, adapted by Mays, Susan Lyons, and Arden, and conceived by Arden and Tony Award nominee Dane Laffrey, the filmed version is based on the wildly acclaimed 2018 production which made its world premiere at Los Angeles’ Geffen Playhouse. The Classic Theatre San Antonio is a partner through a joint project between Arnold’s TBD Pictures, La Jolla Playhouse, and On The Stage. Tickets for A Christmas Carol are now available to purchase online. (The Classic Theatre, 2020)
Experience A Christmas Carol unlike any other – past, present or future. The timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge comes to thrilling new life as Jefferson Mays plays over 50 roles in a virtuosic, master class of a performance that must be seen to be believed. This theatrical achievement comes from the haunting vision of one of Broadway’s most imaginative directors, Michael Arden. Staged exclusively for this film and captured live with breathtaking clarity, this must-watch streaming event conjures the powerful spirits of Christmas and brings all the magic of live theatre home for the holidays.
A Christmas Carol was filmed at New York’s United Palace, chosen to preserve the power of the theatrical storytelling Mays and Arden have created. When it played the Geffen Playhouse in 2018, A Christmas Carol and was called “a stunning adaptation” by Jordan Riefe of The Hollywood Reporter, and “a tour-de-force performance” by Jefferson Mays. A Christmas Carol is produced by Hunter Arnold with George Bamber, Kayla Greenspan, Carl Daikeler, Roberto Quiroz Mata, and Tom Kirdahy serving as Executive Producers for the film.
“Due to COVID-19, the country’s theaters have lost over 80% of their income, a number that is devastating to our community. These theaters, the work they produce, and the artists and workers they support are a fundamental part of our society. We must fight for their survival.” – Hunter Arnold
Jesus I. Valles in ‘(Un) Documents,’ opens Thursday November 14. Photo: Teatro Audaz
Teatro Audaz proudly presents the award-winning production of ‘(Un) Documents’ by Jesús I. Valles. It is directed by Rudy Ramirez and opens on Thursday November 12. It runs until November 14 with performances at 7:30p.m. (live-stream) and on November 15 there will be a streamed recording matinee show at 2p.m. Tickets are available online and are $15 for military/student/senior and $20 for general admission. (Teatro Audaz, 2020)
‘(Un) Documents’ – With a single phrase, you can give up your country. With a single signature, you can tear a family apart. With a single word, you can learn to transform. In their first full-length solo show, ‘(Un) Documents,’ award-winning actor and poet Jesús I. Valles journeys across both sides of a river with two names, moving between languages to find their place as a child, a lover, a teacher and a sibling in a nation that demands sacrifice at the altar of citizenship. In doing so, they create a new kind of documentation written with anger, fierce love and the knowledge that what makes us human can never be captured on a government questionnaire.
‘(Un) Documents’ is a multiple B. Iden Payne Award winner for Outstanding Actor in a Drama (Jesús I. Valles), Outstanding Director of a Drama (Rudy Ramirez) and Outstanding Original Script. It is also an Austin Critics Table Award recipient for Excellence in Direction (Rudy Ramirez) and it was named one of Robert Faires’ Top 10 Theatrical Treasures of 2018 in the Austin Chronicle.
The Classic Theater of San Antonio’s next performance, Macbeth, opens October 2. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.
Coming up next month at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Directed by Joe Goscinski, performances will be on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 7:30p.m., it opens Friday October 2, 2020. Ticket prices range from $24 to $39 and are available online. COVID related safety guidelines are available online. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2020)
Performance dates: Friday October 2 – Sunday October 11, 2020 at the San Antonio Botanical Garden 555 Funston Place.
Friday October 16 – Sunday October 25, 2020 at The Espee (formerly known as Sunset Station) 1174 East Commerce Street.
Macbeth, a brave Scottish general, receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. The play follows this loyal soldier as he seeks the crown regardless of consequences, asking the question what happens when ambition subverts reason in an honorable and loyal man? Cast includes Christina Casella, Carolyn Dellinger, Alyx Irene Gonzales, Emily Huber, Zach Lewis, Jon Manzke, Randee Nelson, Kacey Roye, John Stillwagon and Hunter Wulff.
Coming up at Teatro Audaz is Curanderas & Chocolate: Cuentos of a Latina Life by Patricia Zamora. Directed by Teatro Audaz Artistic Director Laura T. Garza, it will be staged at The Public Theater of San Antonio. This one-woman show is written and performed by San Antonio, Texas Playwright and Actress Patricia Zamora, featuring stories of love, loss and hardship. Funny, poignant and sometimes heartbreaking, this autobiographical show highlighting faith healers and religious candles will resonate with all audiences. The play features seven colorful characters who explore the concept of faith and healing. All performances are in English and will be livestreamed for guests to be able to enjoy a live theater performance from the comfort of home, or any other location. Once live audiences are allowed back in the theater, livestreamed performances dates will be available as well. (Teatro Audaz, 2020)
Curanderas & Chocolate opens on Wednesday, September 30 at 7:30p.m. with subsequent performances on Friday October 2 at 7:30p.m., Saturday October 3 at 2p.m., Wednesday October 7 at 7:30p.m., Friday October 9 at 7:30p.m. and Saturday October 10 at 2p.m. Ticket prices start at $20 for military, student, senior and children and $25 for general admission and are available online. Wednesday nights are Hispanic Heritage nights – special discount prices on Wednesdays: $10, $15.
Teatro Audaz is dedicated to exploring the varied experiences and cultures of Latinx people through producing and showcasing the creative talents of Latinx artists. Their passion is to present monolingual and bilingual theater to San Antonio.
‘Macbeth’ will be one of The Classic Theatre’s Season 13. Photo: The Classic Theatre, used with permission.
On Sunday, The Classic Theatre celebrated its announcement of season 13, Theatre in The Rough, with carefully selected cocktail recipes, classic party favors to be delivered to all attendees, performance space reveals, the season 13 line-up of shows and conversations with season 13 directors. (The Classic Theatre, 2020)
For Season 13: We are the Choices We Make, each production will perform the first two weekends of shows at:
San Antonio Botanical Garden
555 Funston Pl.
San Antonio, TX 78209
The last two weekends of shows at:
The ESPEE (previously Sunset Station)
1174 East Commerce
San Antonio, TX 78205
Shows will be held at 7:30p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, except for a few Thursdays in April.
Season 13 opening show: ‘Macbeth,’ by William Shakespeare – October 2 – 25, 2020 with alternate performance dates in March 2021. Performances Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30p.m. and directed by New York director Joe Goscinski.
‘Macbeth,’ a brave Scottish general, receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. The play follows this loyal soldier as he seeks the crown regardless of consequences, asking the question ‘what happens when ambition subverts reason in an honorable and loyal man?’
‘Our Town’ by Thornton Wilder- February 5 – 28, 2021. Performances Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30p.m. and directed by Mark Stringham.
This heartfelt classic drama by American playwright Thornton Wilder tells the story of the fictional American small town of Grover’s Corners between 1901 and 1913 through the everyday lives of its citizens. How do the characters find meaning and contentment with their choices as their dreams, relationships, and futures unfold?
‘Antigone’ by Sophocles – April 8 – May 2, 2021. Performances Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30p.m. and directed by Kelly Roush.
‘Antigone’ begins with two brothers fighting for the kinship of Thebes. Both men die in battle. Their successor and uncle, Creon, decides that one brother will be buried but the other brother will be left on the field of battle. Their sister, Antigone, finds herself having to choose between what she believes to be right, burying her brother, or following the laws of man and facing death herself. What happens when we are forced to choose between doing what we feel is right and what the world is telling us is right? What forces us to take a stand? What are we willing to die for?
(center) Sam Simahk as Freddy Eynsford-Hill, Shereen Ahmed as Eliza Doolittle, Kevin Pariseau as Colonel Pickering and Leslie Alexander as Mrs. Higgins in the Lincoln Center Theater Production of Lerner & Loewe’s ‘My Fair Lady.’ Photo by Joan Marcus, used with permission.
The Majestic Theatre announced its line-up of shows for the 2020-2021 North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio Season and the line-up features a mix of revivals, Broadway Blockbusters, a dramatic adaptation of a classic novel and pop culture favorites for a season that offers diversity and broad appeal.
North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio season packages are now available. Subscribers can choose a six-show package starting at $305 or seven-show package including ‘The Lion King’ starting at $335. Patrons can visit Broadway in San Antonio or call Broadway in San Antonio at 800-215-7469, from 9a.m. to 5p.m., Monday through Friday. Season Subscribers avoid potential single ticket price increases closer to the show by reserving their seats now and enjoy the privilege of priority ticket opportunities, lost ticket replacement, exchange privileges on existing seats and much more. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2020)
‘My Fair Lady’ – September 22-27, 2020
The Lincoln Center Theater production of Lerner & Loewe’s ‘My Fair Lady.’ Boasting such classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “On the Street Where You Live,” ‘My Fair Lady’ tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But who is really being transformed?
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ – December 1-6, 2020
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ is an iconic musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production comes to North America. Featuring award-winning music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, the legendary score includes “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,’ “Gethsemane” and “Superstar,” rock roots that defined a generation. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.
‘The Lion King’ – December 17, 2020 – January 10, 2021 (Add to make a seven-show package)
Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ is making its triumphant return to the Majestic Theatre for a three-week run. Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. ‘The Lion King’ also features some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular – one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage.
‘Tootsie’ – January 19-24, 2021
Based on the Oscar®-nominated film, ‘Tootsie’ is being touted as “the best comedy on Broadway” (Forbes). Featuring a Tony Award®-winning book by Robert Horn and an outrageously clever score by 2018 Tony Award® winner David Yazbek, this The New York Times Critic’s Pick is a “hilarious, thoroughly modern ‘Tootsie.” (People Magazine) that’s “even funnier than the movie!” (New York Post).
‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ – February 16-21, 2021
All rise for Academy Award® winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ with direction by Tony Award® winner Bartlett Sher. ‘To Kill a Mockingbird, “the greatest novel of all time” (Chicago Tribune), has quickly become “one of the greatest plays in history” (NPR).
‘Beautiful – The Carole King Musical’ – March 12-14, 2021 (Season Option)
‘Beautiful – The Carole King Musical’ tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation.
‘Mean Girls’ – March 30- April 4, 2021
Direct from Broadway, ‘Mean Girls’ is the hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team, including book writer Tina Fey, composer Jeff Richmond, lyricist Nell Benjamin and director Casey Nicholaw. Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you cannot cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.
‘Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show’ – May 7-9, 2021 (Season Option)
‘Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show’ is a powerful and stirring reinvention of the beloved favorite, celebrated the world over for its Grammy Award®-winning score and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. Twenty-five years on, composer Bill Whelan has rerecorded his mesmerizing soundtrack while producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan have completely reimagined the ground-breaking show with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection, stage and costume designs.
‘The Cher Show’ – July 20-25, 2021
Superstars come and go. Cher is forever. For six straight decades, only one unstoppable force has flat-out dominated popular culture, breaking down barriers, pushing boundaries and letting nothing and no one stand in her way. ‘The Cher Show’ is the Tony Award®-winning musical of her story, and it is packed with so much Cher that it takes three women to play her: the kid starting out, the glam pop star, and the icon. This hit Broadway musical features a book by Tony Award® winner Rick Elice, direction by Tony Award® nominee Jason Moore and choreography by Tony Award® winner Christopher Gattelli. It features 35 smash hit songs including “I Got You Babe,” “If I Could Turn Back Time” and “Believe.”
“Our Broadway in San Antonio subscriber base is evolving, and we are excited to bring a varied lineup this season that offers a wide range of options with cross generational appeal. Our 2020-2021 season delivers pop culture classics, Broadway blockbusters, acclaimed revivals and a dramatic play based on one of the greatest novels of all time.” – Emily Smith, general manager of the Majestic and Charline McCombs Empire Theatres
Josey Porras and Joshua Segovia in ‘Anna in the Tropics’ at The Classic Theatre. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.
The next production at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, Nilo Cruz’ 2003 Pulitzer Prize-winning play ‘Anna in the Tropics,’ opens on Friday February 7. Set in 1929 in a Cuban-American cigar company, it is written by Nilo Cruz and directed by Kelly Hilliard Roush and will run until Sunday March 1. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are $34 for general admission, $30 for senior, military, educator or SATCO, and $19 for student and are available online. ID is required. On opening night, there will be a complimentary champagne reception after the show. (The Classic Theatre, 2020)
‘Anna in the Tropics’ is set in 1929 Florida in a Cuban-American cigar factory, where cigars are still rolled by hand, and “lectors” are employed to educate and entertain the workers. The lector reads Anna Karenina as the play delves into desire, power, rivalry, secrets and love. As the lives of a Cuban immigrant family begins to intertwine with the scandalous lives of Tolstoy’s characters, we ask what do we need to feel loved and alive?
Special event:
Community Conversation- February 23, 2020. Join The Classic Theatre for a conversation with Dr. Gerald Poyo from St. Mary’s University, whose great-grandfather was a lector, as well as the cast and director of the show.
The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450
The local production of ‘The Music Man’ opens at the Woodlawn Theatre on Friday January 31. Photo: Google
The next production at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘The Music Man’ and it opens this Friday January 31 and runs until Sunday February 23. ‘The Music Man’ centers around con man Harold Hill, who poses as a boys’ band organizer and leader and sells band instruments and uniforms to naïve Midwestern townsfolk, promising to train the members of the new band. Showtimes are 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. Ticket prices are: Adults $30, Senior/Military/First Responders $24, Children/Student $18. The non-profit partner during this production is YOSA (Youth Orchestras of San Antonio) and the theater will be accepting musical instrument and office supply donations beginning January 31. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2019)
In ‘The Music Man,’ smooth-talking con man Harold Hill arrives in town to dupe its residents with his elaborate moneymaking scheme. Despite his complete lack of musical literacy, he will convince everyone that he is a brilliant bandleader. As Harold struggles to keep his scheme afloat, he also finds himself increasingly attached to the townspeople, who have all experienced a positive change since Harold came to town. Complicating matters even more, he is falling head-over-heels in love with the beautiful Marian. Sponsored by North Park Lincoln, ‘The Music Man’ is a musical with book, music and lyrics by Meredith Wilson and is based on a story by Wilson and Franklin Lacey. Cast includes Trey Hoadley as Harold Hill, Sami Serrano as Marian Paroo, Michael Parisi as Marcellus Washburn and Ivan Ortega as Mayor Shinn.
Promotional Nights:
Student Night – Saturday February 1 – $10 Student/Child tickets with code: STUDENT
Pride Night – Friday February 7 – 25% off tickets with code: PRIDE
ASL (American Sign Language) Night – Saturday February 22 – 25% off tickets with code: ASL
SA Examiner 