Category: Theater reviews

Local Spotlight: How Harlingen Community Theatre Breathes New Life into ‘Godspell’

Gospell is now playing at the Harlingen Community Theatre.

This year the Harlingen Community Theatre is celebrating its 50th Season and its current production is Godspell. Godspell, the beloved musical with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by John-Michael Tebelak, has charmed audiences since its debut in 1971 with its joyful energy, imaginative staging, and heartfelt message. Drawing inspiration from the Gospel of Matthew, the show reimagines biblical parables with a modern twist, blending pop-rock music, imaginative characters, and a vibrant, communal spirit. Its universal message of love, compassion, and forgiveness—values that transcend religion and remain deeply relevant today.

Locally, it opened on Thursday April 10 and features a talented cast that brings this classic musical to life. Over the years, Godspell has retained its appeal through its adaptability and emotional sincerity. Each production is encouraged to reflect the times, making it ever-fresh for new generations and this one is no exception. There are a couple of added scenes and dialogue to add relevance to modern times and the cast is encouraged to bring their own flavor to the scenes.

Stephen Rodriguez is a natural in the role of Jesus and David Laughlin’s portrayal of Judas is haunting and poignant. The show’s upbeat songs like ‘Day by Day’ and ‘Prepare Ye’ resonate across eras, reminding audiences of the enduring power of kindness and connection in an often divided world. Highlights include when Jesus defends the woman accused of adultery by challenging those accusing her that if any one them is without sin, to cast the first stone. He does this by playing a card game with them in which they are each given a card that has the word ‘SIN’ on it. Another is in Act Two, the emotional ‘Beautiful City’ by Jesus, which turns the tide of the show and sets the stage for the heartbreaking finale. The catchy musical numbers, humor, and humanity makes it a must-see production.

In today’s society—marked by social unrest, isolation, and a longing for meaning—Godspell serves as both a celebration and a call to action. Its themes of community, inclusion, and moral courage strike a powerful chord. Whether experienced as a nostalgic favorite or a first-time discovery, Godspell continues to inspire reflection and hope, proving that its message is not just timely, but timeless.

There are still two chances to catch this unforgettable production: Saturday and Sunday at 2:30p.m. General admission tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children and are available online and in person an hour before showtime.

Cast:
Jesus – Stephen Rodriguez
John the Baptist/Judas – David Laughlin

Vendors and Customers:
Xochitl Carmona, Alyssa Christiansen, David Dillon, Beth Ensign, Kathy Eunice, Justin Evans, Vicky Fultz, Amy Gonzalez, Ariel S. Gonzalez, Jorge Gonzalez, Stephanie Jackson, Trinity Minson, Carmen Montalvo, Ian Montalvo, Damian Moseley

Gospell stage.

Harlingen Community Theatre
1209 Fair Park Blvd
Harlingen, TX

Cowboys, Romance, and Frontier Life: ‘Oklahoma!’ Takes the Stage at the Camille

‘Oklahoma!’ is now playing at the Camille Playhouse in Brownsville. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Now playing at the Camille Playhouse in Brownsville is “Oklahoma!” – a timeless American musical that combines a compelling story with vibrant music, offering a celebration of frontier life and the complexities of love and community. It features a score by Rodgers and Hammerstein, including unforgettable songs like “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'” and “People Will Say We’re in Love.” Set in the early 1900s, it follows the lives of two rival groups—farmers and cowboys—in the Oklahoma Territory, with romance blossoming between the spirited Laurey Williams and the charming Curly McLain.

From the brilliant minds of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, the Camille takes a trip to the turn of the 20th century with “Oklahoma!” With the rivalry between local farmers and cowboys, the setting of this show is full of conflict, but it’s also a love story of a farm girl and her choice between a cowboy and a farmhand. (Camille Playhouse, 2025)

Tickets are $25 for ages 3 and up and are available online or avoid the service charge and buy them at the box office. The lobby opens 30 minutes before the curtain and seating opens 30 minutes before curtain. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

Cast includes:

Brandon Binder – Curly
Leah Hollingshead – Laurey
Daniel Ramirez – Will Parker
Grecia Ortiz – Ado Annie Carnes
Valentina Capistran – Aunt Eller

Opening night on Friday was a wonderful start to the Camille’s presentation of this foot-stomping musical. The narrative strikes a balance between lighthearted moments and deeper themes and explores issues like jealousy, societal norms, and personal independence. The character-driven plot shines with its dynamic, well-developed roles, with excellent portrayals of Laurey by Leah Hollingshead and Curly by Brandon Binder. Their relationship stands at the forefront of the emotional core. A standout performance comes courtesy of Dean McElyea (Jud Fry) during the melancholy “Lonely Run” where Jud sings about his longing for a woman of his own and showcases the depth of the character. The lively choreography, paired with the energetic ensemble, brings the world of Oklahoma to life at the local level. Outstanding performances all around.

Despite some of its dated views on gender roles, “Oklahoma!” remains an important part of American musical theatre history. Its infectious energy, catchy tunes, and memorable characters continue to captivate audiences, making it a must-see for lovers of classic musicals. Do yourself a favor and stop by the Camille to experience this magical performance at its very best and discover the talent that Brownsville has to offer. Try and get the catchy “Oklahoma” tune out of your head. Congratulations to the cast and crew!

Now playing – February 1, 2, 7,8, and 9

Showtimes:

Friday 7p.m.
Saturday 2p.m. and 7p.m.
Sunday 2p.m.

Theater review: ‘Carrie the Musical’ at the Camille Playhouse

‘Carrie the Musical’ is now playing the Camille Playhouse.

This year, the Camille Playhouse is celebrating their 60th anniversary and is currently performing ‘Carrie the Musical.’ If you are looking for an indoor activity this Halloween weekend, consider checking it out on its closing weekend. Upcoming showtimes are Friday 10/27 at 8p.m. and Sunday 10/29 at 2p.m. There will not be a performance on Saturday 10/28. Tickets are $25 for general admission and are available at the box office one hour before the performance, which I recommend to avoid additional fees, or online. I am sure most of us are familiar with the story of Carrie, either the book or the movie, or both. It has become a Halloween staple, but suffice it to say, it does contain adult themes, so it might not be suitable for younger audiences.

‘Carrie the musical’ is adapted from Stephen King’s 1974 horror novel “Carrie” and focuses on an awkward teenage girl with telekinetic powers whose lonely life is dominated by an oppressive religious fanatic mother. She is a teenage outcast who only longs to fit in. At school, she is bullied by the popular crowd and is virtually invisible to everyone else. What none of them know is that Carrie just discovered that she has a special power and if pushed too far, she is not afraid to use it. So when she is humiliated by her classmates at the high school prom, she gets vengeance by unleashing chaos on everyone and everything in her path. Cast includes Renata Treviño, Stephanie Zamora, Abigail Crum, Sebastian Peña, Natalia Garza, Raul Lozano, and Lydia Castillo.

It might be a few years since the world was introduced to Carrie White but her story still resonates with people who see her either as a victim of bullying or a young woman who takes out her rage on those unfortunate enough to be around her. The show begins with Sue Snell (Abigail Crum), a traumatized witness who is recounting the incidents leading up to the tragic night of the prom. The different school mates are introduced, including Tommy Ross (Sebastian Peña) and Chris Hargensen (Natalie Garza) who despite their differences, they just long to fit in “In.” When Carrie (Renata Treviño) experiences her first period in the shower after gym class, it starts off a series of events that lead to the tragedy on prom night when she uses her telekinetic powers and goes on a killing rampage. The cast consists of so much young talent and they handle the show’s tough themes with the grace of a highly experienced cast but Stephanie Zamora’s portrayal of Margaret White, Carrie’s mom, stands out. She manages to humanize her despite her shortcomings and her vocal abilities are first rate. With a minimized setting, which consists of moveable panels that change with the scenes and dark, gloomy lighting, the focus is on Carrie’s sad reality.

Show highlights include Act II, the catchy ‘A Night We’ll Never Forget’ when everyone is excited and getting ready for prom night and the final number ‘Epilogue’ whose poignant message of ‘what does it cost to be kind’ should be a wake up call to how we treat others. The iconic prom scene is well done and the blood curling screams in the dark at the end of ‘The Destruction’ is an excellent touch and will haunt you afterwards. With a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, it has lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and music by Michael Gore and runs for 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission. ‘Carrie the Musical’ is a must see this Halloween season and aside from the spooky aspect, it reminds us of the need to be kind above all.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Camille Playhouse
1 Dean Porter Park Dr
Brownsville, Tx
(956) 542-8900

Theater review: ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ at the Camille Playhouse

‘Jekyll & Hyde’ is now playing at the Camille Playhouse in Brownsville. Photo: Camille Playhouse

Now playing at the Camille Playhouse is ‘Jekyll & Hyde,’ based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic thriller. After a successful opening night, it continues this weekend for the final three performances on Friday, and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are $25 for general admission and are available online. Jekyll & Hyde was conceived for the stage by Steve Cuden and Frank Wildhorn with book & lyrics by Leslie Bricusee, music by Frank Wildhorn, orchestrations by Kim Scharnberg and arrangements by Jason Howland. ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ is the gripping tale of a brilliant mind gone horrifically awry, set to a powerful pop-rock score by Frank Wildhorn with book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse.

‘Jekyll & Hyde’ begins with the introduction of John Utterson (Raul Lozano), Jekyll’s lawyer and best friend and Sir Danvers Carew (Bobby Torres), Jekyll’s future father in law. They take the audience back to a time when Jekyll (Anthony Ruiz) is in an insane asylum singing of his comatose father “Lost In the Darkness.” Jekyll believes that the evil in his father’s soul has caused his illness and tells the audience how he wants to find out why people are both good and evil and about his attempts to separate the good from the evil in the human personality. When the Board of Governors of St. Jude’s Hospital denies him a research proposal to test his formula on a human subject “Board of Governors,” the undeterred Jekyll decides to test the formula on himself “This Is the Moment.” He inadvertently creates an alternate personality of pure evil, named Mr. Hyde, who inflicts murderous devastation on the city of London. As his fiancée Emma (Evany Jackson) grows increasingly fearful for her betrothed, a prostitute, Lucy (Jocelyn Michelle), finds herself dangerously involved with both the doctor and his alter ego. Struggling to control Hyde before he takes over for good, Jekyll races to find a cure for the demon he has created in his own mind.

This production is different than the past ones this season at the Camille Playhouse. With themes including violence, lies and deceit, repression, and mankind’s duality (good vs. evil), it is darker than most audiences are used to but is well worth experiencing. The talented cast, which includes Anthony Ruiz as Dr. Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde, Evany Jackson as Emma Carew, and Jocelyn Michelle as Lucy Harris, does an impressive job of bringing this classic but relevant story to life on the local stage. The vocal talent is some of the best seen this season, especially Evany Jackson, whose scene stealing portrayal of the loving but long suffering Emma Crew is outstanding. Unfortunately, the sound system did not cooperate on opening night but hopefully this has been fixed. Anthony Ruiz does an excellent job depicting both the timid but brilliant Jekyll and the aggressive and murderous Mr. Hyde. He effortlessly switches between the personalities and manages to elicit the audience’s sympathy up to his tragic end. The costumes are gorgeous and the brilliant use of red lighting when Jekyll is transforming into Mr. Hyde, “First Transformation,” shows the darkness of the moment, especially at the end when he is struggling between both personalities. Show highlights include “Take Me As I Am” which emphasizes the strength of Jekyll and Emma’s relationship, “Bring On the Men” by Lucy and the prostitutes that temporarily lightens the mood, and “This Is the Moment” when Jekyll decides to throw caution to the wind and test the formula on himself. Overall, ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ is an intense and tragic tale of man’s constant struggle with his inner demons; it is a definite must-see production.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Theater review: ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ at the Camille Playhouse

‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ is now playing at the Camille Playhouse until Sunday September 19, 2021. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Now playing at the Camille Playhouse is ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ and after a successful opening weekend, there are only three chances left to experience this lighthearted musical. It is based on a story by Texas local legend Larry L. King that was inspired by the real-life Chicken Ranch in La Grange, Texas. This happy go lucky view of small town vice and statewide political side-stepping recounts the good times and the demise of one of the better pleasure palaces in all of Texas. Governors, senators, mayors, and even victorious college football teams frequent Miss Mona’s cozy bordello until that puritan nemesis Watchdog focuses his television cameras and his righteous indignation on the institution. It will run until Sunday September 19 with showtimes Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online for $25. All seats are general admission.

Set in Texas, the bulk of the story takes place in the 1970s. ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ begins as Shy (Isabella Barrios) and Angel (Jocelyn Michelle) arrive at the Chicken Ranch asking for a job from Miss Mona (Velma De Los Santos), the proprietor of the place. Miss Mona likes their honesty, hires them, and gives them the rundown of the place “A Lil’ Ole Bitty Pissant Country Place.” They are getting ready for the big night of the Texas Aggies/Longhorn football-game party and on any given day, everyone from political to business leaders frequent the chicken ranch as well. This has caught the attention of Melvin P. Thorpe (Francisco Partida), a Houston TV reporter and do-gooder who is on a mission to shut them down for good “Texas Has a Whorehouse in It.” He has yet to convince Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd (Ronnie Rodriguez) to do so, partly because he has a relationship with Miss Mona. As a last resort, Thorpe raids the Ranch with his camera crew and proves to be highly embarrassing for everyone involved.  The Chicken Ranch is now in the public eye and is getting too much attention, so Miss Mona has no choice but to shut down the Ranch and send the girl packing.

Despite the obvious focus of the story, the general ambiance is cheerful as the audience is witness to the retelling of the demise of the Chicken Ranch. The combination of adult entertainment, catchy tunes, and political side-stepping makes for an entertaining musical. Velma De Los Santos does an excellent job of bringing Miss Mona to life onstage and has the onstage chemistry with Ronnie Rodriguez (Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd) that makes this complicated relationship work. Some of the highlights include the romping good-time of ‘The Aggie Song’ and ‘Doatsey Mae’ the poignant solo by Sylvia Lester that slows the action and shines the spotlight on a lesser known character. The cast is big, but they all work together wonderfully under the guidance of choreographers Andrew Smith and Tanya Swayze Miller (on ‘Twenty Four Hours of Lovin.’) Some of the dancing is risqué and there is some adult language involved but overall, it all makes for a “toe-tappin’” good time and the cast and crew do a fantastic job of bringing ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ to the Brownsville stage. 

Rating: 3 out of 5.
Photo: Sandra Cruz

Theater review: ‘The Panza Monologues’ at the Cellar Theatre

‘The Panza Monologues’ is playing through Sunday August 22, 2021. Photo: google

This weekend is your last chance to catch Teatro Audaz’ production of ‘The Panza Monologues.’ Upcoming showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. at the Cellar Theatre and livestream online. Written by Virginia Grise and Irma Mayorga, ‘The Panza Monologues’ is based on women’s stories about their panzas—tú sabes—that roll of belly we all try to hide. ‘The Panza Monologues’ features the words of Chicanas speaking with humor and candor. Their stories boldly place the panza front and center as a symbol that reveals the lurking truths about women’s thoughts, lives, loves, abuses, and living conditions. Directed by Paula Rodriguez and featuring the ensemble cast of Brizzo Torres, Jojanie Moreno, Isabel DeLaCerda, and Laura T. Garza, it runs an hour and ten minutes with no intermission.

‘The Panza Monologues’ has played across the nation and now it has come home to where it all began. Right from the start, it gives off an unmistakable ‘San Anto’ vibe and is a bilingual narrative of everything having to do with curves. It begins with an introduction by the four ladies onstage stating that women have no problem talking about vaginas, and then give various synonyms for it, yet are hesitant, even shy, to talk about their ‘panzas.’ Their battle cry is “Panza Power!” The production includes the sections ‘Historia’ (an ode to shoes – ‘tacones’ and female empowerment), ‘Hunger for Justice,’ ‘Noticias’ (sobering facts about how people have gotten fatter and San Antonio is seen as one of the fattest cities), ‘Praying,’ ‘Panza Power,’ and ‘Political Panza.’ It ends with a party-like atmosphere and all four ladies return onstage to urge women to be proud of their curves, or ‘panza proud.’ As they proclaim: “When all else fails, power to the panza.”

Overall, ‘The Panza Monologues’ celebrates women and urges them to love their curves. One of the funniest and most relatable moments is when one of the ladies uses a pair of pliers to try to adjust her jeans – definite grade A performance. The show does an excellent job of balancing humor, history, and more serious topics such as ‘the diabetic mom’ – how she developed diabetes and how it affected the family. The real conversation starter must be the debate between Cubans and Mexicans where the question that hangs is “If obesity is synonymous with capitalism, then why is San Antonio one of the poorest and fattest cities around?” It also uses poetry to convey the frustrating and challenging ways that women feel about their bodies. While the main topic is how women should accept and love themselves, it also touches on obesity, diabetes, and income inequality and hopefully it will spark a conversation to bring about much needed changes in our society. There is moderate cursing, but it does not distract from the message. ‘The Panza Monologues’ is a must-see production filled with humor and relevant social issues with excellent performances by everyone involved.

Notes on the livestream: sometimes it is hard to hear the dialogue when there is music in the background.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Classic Theatre announces 2021 – 2022 season

Season 14: Love & Marriage – performances will be at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Photo: google

The Classic Theatre announces 2021-2022 Season, Season 14: Love & Marriage. Performances will be Thursdays through Sundays at San Antonio Botanical Garden located at 555 Funston Pl. San Antonio, TX 78209. Tickets available online. (The Classic Theatre, 2021)

As You Like It by William Shakespeare, September 9-26, 2021
Season 14 opening show
Rosalind’s uncle is placed on the throne and she is immediately banished from court. With her best friend and uncle’s daughter Celia by her side, she runs into the forest of Arden for refuge, only to catch the lovesick eye of another banished youth named Orlando. The result is a hilarious conglomeration of cross-dressing, foolery, melodic songs, questionable poetry, and laughs aplenty. Will love always win or are we merely mad? As You Like It is an entertaining and touching exploration of life, death, love, family, and the bonds that tie us together.

A Doll’s House, Part 2 by Lucas Hnath, February/March, 2022
In A Doll’s House, Part 2, many years have passed since Nora’s historic exit. Now, there is a knock on that same door. Nora has returned, but why? And what will it mean for those she left behind?

Misalliance by George Bernard Shaw, May, 2022
Hypatia, the daughter of a self-made underwear mogul, is bored with the stuffy attitudes of the aristocracy. She is anxious to shape her own new world. Suddenly, an airplane crashes into the family estate. With new and attractive characters thrown into the mix, traditional norms get overturned as women become the ardent hunters and men their hapless prey. This fast-paced romantic comedy is Shaw’s ironic debate about marriage, the “New Woman,” and the distance that exists between parent and child.

Flex Passes
Click here to purchase a Season 14 (2021-2022) Flex Pass.
Please contact our box office for more information at 210-589-8450.

Ticket Policies
• Each Season 14 production will be performed at the San Antonio Botanical Garden.
• In order to gain access to our Season 14 Theatre in the Rough productions, you do NOT need to purchase a separate ticket to the Botanical Garden.
• Please make accommodations to bring your own seating (i.e. chairs and/or blankets).
• It is required that you wear a mask upon entrance to the performance, and throughout, unless you are eating or drinking.
• All seating areas are arranged beforehand to adhere to 6 feet of physical distancing.
• Ticket sales are final. There are no refunds. Plays, dates, and artists are subject to change without notice.
• The Classic Theatre of San Antonio reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone.
• No refunds will be issued to latecomers.
• Cell phones and/or recording devices are not permitted to be used outdoors during a performance. Use of such devices may result in ejection without refund.
• Please do not text during the performance – it is distracting to actors and audience members alike.
• The Classic Theatre of San Antonio reserves the right to make schedule and production changes. When possible, we will call all ticket holders regarding the cancellation of a specific performance.
• Children under the age of four will not be admitted to performances at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio.
• There is no dress code, although many patrons dress in business casual for regular performances.

The Public Theater of San Antonio announces 2021-2022 season

The Public Theater of San Antonio’s 2021 – 2022 season announcement. Photo: The Public Theater of San Antonio

Live theater is back in San Antonio and The Public Theater of San Antonio recently announced their 2021 – 2022 season. Ticket information is available online. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2021)

tick, tick…BOOM! – September 10 to October 17
His girlfriend wants to get married and move out of the city, his best friend is making big bucks on Madison Avenue and, yet, Jon is still waiting on tables and trying to write the great American musical. Set in 1990, this compelling story of personal discovery is presented as a rock musical filled with instantly appealing melodies and a unique blend of musical theatre styles.

Plaid Tidings – November 19 to December 19
At first, Francis, Jinx, Smudge, and Sparky are not sure why they have returned to Earth for another posthumous performance, but a phone call from the heavenly Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they are needed to put a little harmony into a discordant world. Sprinkled among the Christmas offerings are audience favorites, like their riotous three-minute-and-eleven-second version of The Ed Sullivan Show – this time, featuring the Rockettes, the Chipmunks and The Vienna Boys Choir, as well as a Plaid Caribbean Christmas that puts the “Day-O” in Excelsis.

35MM: A Musical Exhibition – January 14 to February 20
A picture is worth 1,000 words — what about a song? Can a picture inspire a song or fifteen? In 35mm, each photo creates a unique song, moments frozen in time; a glimmer of a life unfolding, a glimpse of something happening. A stunning new multimedia musical which explores a groundbreaking new concept in musical theatre. This intricately woven collection of stories told through song re-imagines what the modern American musical can be.

She Loves Me – March 25 to May 1
Set in a 1930s European perfumery, we meet shop clerks, Amalia and Georg, who, more often than not, do not see eye to eye. After both respond to a “lonely hearts advertisement” in the newspaper, they now live for the love letters that they exchange, but the identity of their admirers remains unknown. Join Amalia and Georg to discover the identity of their true loves… and of all the twists and turns along the way.

A Bronx Tale The Musical – May 20 to June 26
Based on the critically acclaimed play that inspired the now classic film, this streetwise musical will take you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s—where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. Featuring a book by Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri, music by Oscar, Grammy, and Tony Award winner Alan Menken, and lyrics by Grammy Award winner and Oscar and Tony Award nominee Glenn Slater, A Bronx Tale is a story about respect, loyalty, love, and above all else: family.

Once On This Island – July 15 to August 21
Ti Moune, a peasant girl, rescues a wealthy boy from the other side of the island, Daniel, with whom she falls in love. Unbeknownst to Ti Moune, the pompous gods who preside over the island make a bet with one another over which is stronger, love or death, the stakes being Ti Moune’s life. When she pursues Daniel, who has returned to his people, Ti Moune is shunned because of her lowly status. Her determination and capacity to love, though, is not enough to win Daniel’s heart, and Ti Moune pays the ultimate price; but the gods turn Ti Moune into a tree that grows so strong and so tall, it breaks the wall that separates the societies and ultimately unites them.

Theater review: ‘Thurgood’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio

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.

Summer Movie Nights at Woodlawn Theatre

dreamgirlsposter
Dreamgirls is the next movie showing at the Woodlawn Theatre as part of their Summer Movie Nights series. Photo: google

This year, the Woodlawn Theatre is celebrating 75 years of entertaining San Antonio and are turning back the clock with Summer Movie Nights.  For five Fridays, the Woodlawn is revisiting the days as a grand movie theater and showcasing some of their favorite musical feature films on their indoor big screen. Proceeds will benefit Woodlawn Theatre and Woodlawn Theatre Academy. Tickets are $10 each and must be purchased in advance, online, prior to each film. There will be no in-person ticket sales at the box office leading up to or at any time prior to showtime.  Seating begins at 6p.m. and the movie starts at 7p.m.  (Woodlawn Theatre 2020)

To comply with the state’s COVID-19 measures, Woodlawn Theatre will not exceed 50% capacity for each Summer Movie night. All tickets are general admission and guests must print ticket at home in advance and bring it with them or have it ready for viewing via a smartphone upon entering. Everyone over the age of two must wear a mask. More COVID-19 protocols are available online. 

The series started last Friday with Chicago and continues with:

June 26 –  Dreamgirls (2006)

July 3 – Hairspray (2007)

July 10 – Evita (1996)

July 17 – Little Shop of Horrors (1986)