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

rent19 — ‘Rent’ is now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio until Sunday February 17. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

Now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio is the pop culture phenomenon that is ‘Rent.’ This original rock musical by Jonathan Larson runs until Sunday February 17 in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets start at $25 and are available online and at the box office by calling (210) 733- 7258. ‘Rent’ is the story about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, it is a re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème and follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven struggling young artists in Lower Manhattan’s East Village living under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Disclaimer: may contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.

‘Rent’ is set in the East Village of New York City and begins on Christmas Eve as two roommates, Mark (Gavin Rohrer), a filmmaker and Roger (Robby French), a rock musician, are trying to produce a video “Tune Up A.” Their friend Tom Collins (Isidro Medina III), a gay anarchist professor at New York University, is on his way to surprise them at their apartment when he is mugged. Angel (Louie Canales) a cross-dressing street drummer presently out of drag finds and tends to him “You Okay Honey?” and they are instantly attracted to each other and find out that they are both HIV positive. The story continues throughout the year as the friends observe holidays including Valentine’s Day and Halloween. Their personal struggles and losses come full circle on Christmas the next year as the remaining friends gather in a final moment and resolve to enjoy whatever time they have left with each other because there is “no day but today” “Finale B.”

One of the reasons ‘Rent’ remains popular is because the characters are so relatable and the universal themes of love and hardships hit close to home and appeal to people of all ages. The 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. Show highlights include “Light My Candle” when Mimi and Roger meet, “Today 4 U” when Angel first comes out in drag, “La Vie Bohème” at the café as the group celebrates their bohemian lifestyle and of course, “Seasons of Love” sung by the entire cast at the beginning of Act II. The urban themed set, the talented cast and ensemble and Courtnie Mercer’s choreography all work brilliantly together to bring this tragically beautiful story to life onstage. Overall, ‘Rent’-heads as well as newcomers will be sure to enjoy this must-see production. It is a timeless classic but the disclaimer above should be taken into consideration.

Upcoming special dates:
Education Nights -Thursday February 7
ASL Night (interpreters present) – Saturday February 9

Theater review: ‘Jersey Boys’ at the Majestic Theatre

‘Jersey Boys’ returned to the Majestic Theatre this week for a limited run. Photo: Joan Marcus, used with permission.

The immensely popular jukebox musical ‘Jersey Boys’ returned this week to the Majestic Theatre for a limited run for three performances only on Friday February 1 and Saturday February 2. ‘Jersey Boys’ is the story of Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy De Vito and Nick Massi, known collectively as The Four Seasons. It is the true story of a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks who became one of the biggest American pop music groups of all time. Presented in a documentary-style format, it dramatizes the formation, success and eventual break-up of The Four Seasons.

‘Jersey Boys’ is structured as four “seasons,” each narrated by a different member of the band who gives his own perspective on its history and music. The story begins with “Ces Soirées-La,” a French rendition of “Oh, What a Night” after which Tommy DeVito, played by Corey Greenan, introduces himself and begins to narrate the story of the band’s beginnings with his brother Nick DeVito and friend Nick Massi and eventually Frankie Valli. Throughout the show, each band member takes turns narrating, (Bob Gaudio during Summer, Nick Massi during Fall and Frankie during Winter). This is an excellent way of bringing the audience into the story and making it more personal. While Act One is the story of the band’s inception, Act Two is a highlight reel of their best hits. In the Finale, Bob Crewe describes The Four Seasons’ 1990 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which reunited the original members onstage for the last time “Rag Doll.” Each of them address the audience separately to explain what being in the band meant to him and what he did afterwards.

After a successful opening night Friday, ‘Jersey Boys’ is still going strong, playing to an older crowd who no doubt remembers Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons during the highpoint of their careers. Regardless, the audience included guests of all ages who enjoy the music and keep coming back each time the show is in town. Highlights include their first hit “Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “My Eyes Adored You” which Frankie Valli (Jonny Wexler), sings to his wife. Judging by the audience’s reaction during “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” this was the audience favorite performance of the night. Overall, the setting, costumes and singing are first rate but there is adult language and themes so it might not appeal to everyone but for die-hard fans, it is an unforgettable night of nostalgia and music.

Theater review: ‘Waitress’ at the Majestic Theatre

waitressmusical — ‘Waitress’ is playing at the Majestic Theatre through Sunday January 13. Photo: Broadway in San Antonio, used with permission.

Tuesday was opening night of ‘Waitress,’ now playing at the Majestic Theatre until Sunday January 13 with showtimes at 7:30p.m. through Thursday; 8p.m. Friday; 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $40 and are available through Ticketmaster online, by calling 800-982-2787 or by visiting the Majestic box office. With music by six-time Grammy Nominee Sara Bareilles and inspired by Adrienne Shelley’s beloved movie, ‘Waitress’ is an uplifting musical celebrating friendship, motherhood and the magic of a well-made pie. Recommended age is 13 and older as it deals with mature subjects.

After Sara Bareilles’ version of the ‘please turn off your cellphones’ message plays overhead, ‘Waitress’ begins with Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker at Joe’s Diner whose method of dealing with difficult situations is turning them into pie ingredients for her famous pies “What’s Inside.” Her fantasy scene is interrupted by her boss Cal and so begins another work day with co-workers Becky, a sassy and tough waitress and Dawn, an overly anxious yet loveable waitress. On this particular day, Jenna is distracted by a possible pregnancy and after taking a home pregnancy test in the restroom, she is dismayed when it comes out positive “The Negative.” Due to her abusive marriage to Earl, she decides not to tell him about the baby and when she goes to her OB/GYN, she meets and is instantly smitten by the young and handsome new doctor, Dr. Pommater. When Jenna finds out about a local pie contest, she decides to enter and use the winning prize money to start a new life on her own. Her plans are disrupted when Earl finds the money she has been hiding to use for the pie contest and she is dismayed by her new reality “She Used to Be Mine.” Not content with being “happy enough,” she ends her on again/off again affair with Dr. Pommater when she has the baby. She ends up inheriting the diner from Joe, the old man she befriended and becomes the owner and head chef of “Lulu’s Pies,” named after her daughter.

Pies, the ingredients used to make them, and baking, play a central role in ‘Waitress’ since they are used as coping mechanisms and substitutes for lost loves and emotions. It is refreshing to see the live band onstage, rather than underground, like in most musicals, so the musicians are seen as part of the cast, rather than totally forgotten, albeit important, members of the production. Christine Dwyer does a splendid job of portraying the lonely and downcast Jenna but Jeremy Morse steals the show as Ogie, Dawn’s love interest. His scenes, especially on “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me,” provide the necessary comic relief from some of the more serious scenes. Show highlights include “When He Sees Me” when Dawn is excited about a potential love match and “Take It From an Old Man” when Jenna bonds with Joe, the owner of the diner. Despite being based on a movie, it is not required viewing beforehand since the characters are all relatable and deal with issues almost everyone can relate to, even if at the end Jenna does not “get the guy.” Overall, the setting, costumes and singing are impressive but there is some colorful language and mature subject matter, so ‘Waitress’ is more in league for a girls night out.

Theater review: ‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley’ at The Classic Theatre

Originally set to end its run this weekend, The Classic Theatre’s ‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley’ has been extended through December 30 due to popular demand. The San Antonio premiere of this charming sequel to Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is on the fast track to becoming the newest holiday tradition. This weekend’s show times are completely sold out and next weekend’s performances are on Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m.

Merry Christmas from Mr. and Mrs. Darcy of Pemberley Estate. ‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley’ is set in England in 1815 where the popular ‘Pride and Prejudice’ characters return in a holiday setting. The story takes place in a large drawing room with a new German-inspired decoration called a Christmas tree and an attached library. This time, the bookish, often neglected middle sister Mary Bennet is the center of the story. Mary is an avid reader and accomplished musician and opens the play by asking through a letter whether one can live a large life in the mind while remaining alone. She comes off as humorless and preachy whose unfortunate destiny is as a spinster. That is, until fate steps in and she meets her intellectual equal in the shy, bookworm Arthur de Bourgh, who turns up unexpectantly at the estate a few days before Christmas. He has inherited the family estate following Lady Catherine’s recent death and is facing an uncertain future. Mary now has her own romantic entanglement and must learn to be the heroine of her own story if she wishes to have someone with whom to share her life.

Mary is the stereotypical middle child, the neglected sibling who in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ receives no more than a few mentions. This time around, she is the star of ‘Miss Bennet’ and the unlikely heroine in a geek’s love story. It has the same social rituals that Jane Austen fans know and love as well as the pomposity of social classes and the humor that crosses all barriers. While those familiar with the novels and the characters’ backstory will no doubt enjoy this classic, new-comers will have no problem getting into the plot. The Bingleys and Darcys already have their happily ever after and this is Mary’s time to shine. Since the social interactions between the genders and society’s expectations are timeless and relevant in any time period, the time period is mostly irrelevant. Alyx Gonzales perfectly conveys Mary’s frustrations and is brilliantly paired with Hunter Wulff who brings the nerdy and socially awkward Arthur to life. Wonderful performances all around. The period costumes are gorgeous and the holiday setting gives ‘Miss Bennet’ a warm, inviting feel and that makes this a must-see show to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

Theater review: ‘Annie’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

annie18 — Maya Abelow, Roy Bumgarner and Alex Phillips in the Woodlawn Theatre’s production of ‘Annie.’ Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

After a successful run at the Woodlawn Theatre, this is the final weekend to catch ‘Annie,’ the family friendly musical about the spunky little orphan Annie who must endure life at an orphanage headed by the despicable Miss Hannigan. The final three performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday are sold out; however, there will be Balcony seats available for Saturday and Sunday shows only and guests may purchase those tickets in person, first come, first served, one hour prior to showtime at the box office.

After the Overture, ‘Annie’ begins at the Municipal Girls Orphanage in 1933 where eleven-year-old Annie calms the youngest girl Molly after she awakens from a nightmare “Maybe.” Annie makes an unsuccessful escape attempt to try and find her parents and after being caught by Miss Hannigan, the girls are forced to clean up before their day of sweatshop duties begins “Hard Knock Life.” Later in the day, as Miss Hannigan flirts with Mr. Bundles the laundry man, Annie climbs into the laundry basket and escapes the orphanage. Now out on the streets, she runs into a friendly stray dog and comforts him by telling him of better days to come “Tomorrow.” She is eventually caught and sent back to the orphanage where Grace Farrel, assistant to the billionaire Oliver Warbucks, picks her to spend the Christmas holiday at this mansion. After she wins the hearts of everyone at the mansion, she finds a new home alongside the loveable mutt Sandy once it is revealed that her parents died when she was a baby “A New Deal for Christmas.”

Last Saturday’s performance played to an eager and packed house as fans of all ages came to see the musical about a spunky and optimistic orphan Annie whose life changes in ways she never dreamed possible. During this run, Maya Abelow and Alex Phillips took turns playing the title role and this time it was Alex Phillips’ turn at the spotlight and she did not disappoint. From the first notes of “Maybe” the orphans take center stage and all eyes are on them as they perform the audience favorite “Hard Knock Life.” Alex is a darling as Annie and her rendition of “Tomorrow” brought thunderous applause from the audience. Show highlights include “Little Girls” by Miss Hannigan and “Easy Street” by Miss Hannigan, Rooster and Lily. Melissa Gonzalez’ comical portrayal of Miss Hannigan is spot on and Jake the dog steals the scenes as Sandy. Alex Phillips and Roy Bumgarner as Oliver Warbucks have excellent on-screen chemistry and bring the story of Annie brilliantly to life. ‘Annie’ is a timeless story filled with humor, heart and catchy tunes that will resonate in the hearts and minds of audience members long after the show is over. It is a must-see holiday tradition the entire family can enjoy.

Theater review: ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ at the Majestic Theatre

Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ opened at the Majestic Theatre last week and audiences are loving it. ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is the story of a Phantom, a disfigured composer who haunts the Paris Opera House. It plays until Sunday December 16 with show times at 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m.,Saturday, 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday and tickets start at $45. This new version is performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this one of the largest productions on tour in New America.

‘The Phantom of the Opera’ begins with a Prologue set in Paris in 1911 at an auction where the Paris Opéra is auctioning off old theatrical props, one of which is lot 666, a chandelier in pieces. Act I is set in Paris in 1881 where the cast of a new production, Hannibal, are rehearsing onstage when they learn that the opera house has new owners. After being nearly killed by a falling backdrop, the soprano prima donna angrily walks off because nothing is being done to prevent such incidents. Christina Daaé, one of the chorus girls, is chosen to replace her. (“Think of Me”) The Phantom appears to her in her mirror and she, thinking him to be the Angel of Music, follows him to the cellar of the opera house. They board a small boat and cross a lake leading to his secret lair (“The Phantom of the Opera”) where he explains that he has chosen her to sing his music and he serenades her. (“The Music of the Night”) He becomes obsessed with her but makes it known to all that as long as his demands are met, he will stay out of sight but when the new owners do not take his threats seriously, he makes good on his threats.

Friday’s performance was to a nearly full house and the excitement in the air was palpable. As soon as the lights dimmed and the orchestra played the first few notes, the audience was captivated; especially when the chandelier was first revealed at the auction. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Charles Hart, ‘Phantom of the Opera’ boasts bigger and better scenery, the most impressive being the Labyrinth Underground and The Phantom’s Lair. Show highlights include “The Phantom of the Opera” by the Phantom and Christine and “The Music of the Night” by the Phantom; not to mention the chandelier crash scene. Quentin Oliver Lee and Eva Tavares work well together as the Phantom and Christine and the costumes and scenery are stunning. Long time fans are in for a treat and first timers will be charmed by this enchanting story and first-rate performances all around. Overall, audiences will be thrilled by the majesty and intrigue that is ‘The Phantom of the Opera.’

Theater review: ‘Avenue Q’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

woodlawnaveq — There are two more chances to catch the hilarious ‘Avenue Q’ at the Woodlawn Theatre this weekend. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

This is the last weekend to catch the funniest show produced so far at the Woodlawn Theatre stage. ‘Avenue Q’ is the Tony-Award winning musical that features dysfunctional twenty-something puppets coping with personal insecurities and identities while living on Avenue Q. There are two show times left: Saturday at 7:30p.m. for ASL Night and Sunday at 3p.m for the final matinee. Tickets prices are $30 for adults, $24 for senior/military/first responders, $18 for children/students and groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount.

*’Avenue Q’ contains adult language, and explicit content and situations. Parental discretion is advised.

‘Avenue Q’ is set on a fictional street in an “outer-outer borough” of New York City and begins as Princeton, who is a puppet and a recent college graduate, is feeling anxious about where his life is going. He wants to find his purpose in life, but first he must find somewhere to live and a job but he has no job experience and an English degree “What Do You Do with a B.A. in English?” He starts looking for an apartment on Avenue A with no luck until he gets to Avenue Q. His new neighbors include puppets like Kate Monster, a kindergarten assistant teacher, roommates Rod and Nicky and humans like Brian, an aspiring comedian and his Japanese fiancée Christmas Eve. Upon getting to know each other, they argue about whose life sucks most “It Sucks to Be Me” and the winner turns out to be Gary Coleman, the building superintendent. Kate and Princeton make a love connection and have a one-night stand after being egged on to drink by the Bad Idea Bears, two adorable but cunning troublemakers. Most of the neighbors have their own dramas but help each other when times get tough. In the end, the cycle begins again after a new college graduate comes around looking for an apartment to rent “What Do You Do with a B.A. in English? (Reprise)” and the cast reminds Princeton that in the real world, some people never find their purpose, but life goes on and everything, good and bad, is temporary “For Now.”

Based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, this coming-of-age story is performed by puppets and is animated by visible puppeteers in full view of the audience and alongside human actors. It is both nostalgic, because it uses Sesame Street like scenery, puppets and props like dancing letters and modern, because the themes of unemployment, homelessness and racism make it relatable and a show for the times. Show highlights include “It Sucks to Be Me” when the neighbors share how much their lives suck and “The Internet is for Porn” when Trekkie Monster and the neighbors explain to Kate the reality of the Internet. Some of the songs may be uncomfortable to hear, “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist” and “Schadenfreude,” but they address subjects that should be discussed. There are plenty of ‘did they just say that’ moments along with ‘should I be laughing at this’ guilty pleasures, but it is definitely worth catching this production. The cast handles the puppets and the off-color humor with class and the quality of the singing is top notch as usual. ‘Avenue Q’ combines heart with tough, mature subjects in an entertaining way to make this a must-see musical. Of course, it is for adults only, so please leave the little ones home.

Theater review: ‘Wicked’ at the Majestic Theatre

wicked18 — ‘Wicked’ is now playing at the Majestic Theatre through Sunday October 14.

The 2018-2019 North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio season officially began on Wednesday with opening night of the return of ‘Wicked’ to the Majestic Theatre. This hugely popular musical has become a cultural phenomenon since its first performance in San Francisco in 2003 will run through Sunday October 14 with showtimes Friday at 8p.m., Saturday at 2p.m. and 8p.m., Sunday at 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30p.m. Tickets start at $53.50 and are available through Ticketmaster online, by calling 800-982-2787, or by visiting the Majestic box office. ‘Wicked’ is based on the 1995 bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire and has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. It is the story of Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda, the future Good Witch of the North, who meet in the Land of Oz before Dorothy drops in. Their friendship is put to the test through a series of events including their reaction to the Wizard’s corrupt government and Elphaba’s eventual fall from grace.

‘Wicked’ begins with Act I set in the Land of Oz where the Ozians are celebrating the death of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. Glinda the Good Witch confirms the death and starts to recount Elphaba’s past, including how her mother had an affair while her father was out of town and how she was the product of that affair. (“No One Mourns the Wicked”) When an Ozian asks Glinda if Elphaba and she were friends, she reluctantly agrees and proceeds to tell the story of how they became best friends. The flashbacks begin when Elphaba and her sister Nessarose arrive at Shiz University (“Dear Old Shiz”) where the beautiful and popular Galinda, who later changes her name to Glinda, is also a student. During a confrontation with the headmistress Madame Morrible, Elphaba displays her magic powers which eventually lead to her being summoned to work with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, something she has always dreamed of. (“The Wizard and I”) When she finally meets him, she is disappointed to learn that he is a regular man with no magical powers and behind all the terrible things that have been going on in Oz, including the subjugation of the animals. Elphaba becomes a confident young woman and together with Glinda and Fiyero, a shared love interest, they fight to right the wrongs and bring peace to the Land of Oz, regardless of the consequences.

The complicated relationship between Elphaba and Glinda takes center stage but this multi-layered musical has something for everyone. There is enough humor, action and romance to keep audiences coming back every time it rolls into town. Considered a prequel of sorts, it gives numerous references to ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ namely the origins of Tin Man, Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion and the Flying Monkeys and how she got the reputation as the bad witch. Ginna Claire Mason and Mary Kate Morrissey are excellent as Glinda and Elphaba and work together splendidly while the lighting and gorgeous costumes help transport the audience to the magical Land of Oz. Show highlights include “Popular” as Galinda tries to give Elphaba a make-over, “Defying Gravity” when Elphaba realizes that she must not let anyone hold her down and “No Good Deed” when Elphaba fails to protect Fiyero because of the limitations of her powers and vows to live up to her reputation as the “bad witch.” It is not necessary to be familiar with ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ but it helps because of the various refences throughout the story. With universal appeal, it is appropriate for all ages, but the appearance of the Flying Monkeys might make some people uncomfortable. There are still many chances to catch this must-see production.

“Are people born Wicked, or do they have Wickedness thrust upon them?” – Glinda the Good Witch

Theater review: ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at The Classic Theatre

midsummersnightdream — John Stillwagon and Carolyn Dellinger in The Classic Theatre’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

September may be coming to an end, but there are still three more chances to catch one of William Shakespeare’s most famous comedy ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. It consists of four interconnecting love stories, connected by a celebration of the wedding of Duke Theseus of Athens and the Amazon queen Hippolyta, which is set simultaneously in the woodland and in the realm of Fairyland, under the light of the moon. Sometimes while dreaming and desiring, a little magic is all it takes to set the course of love, comedy and reality in motion. Upcoming showtimes Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450.

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ opens with four characters who are wrapped up in a love quarrel: Hermia who is in love with Lysander but whose father has promised her to Demetrius and Helena, Hermia’s best friend who secretly pines for Demetrius who broke up with her to be with Hermia. There is also Peter Quince, who along with his friends Nick Bottom, Francis Flute, Robin Starveling, Tom Snout and Snug are preparing to put on a play for the wedding of the Duke Theseus of Athens and the Amazon queen Hippolyta, which is titled “Pyramus and Thisbe.” In the parallel realm of Fairyland, Oberon, king of the fairies and Titania, his queen are estranged because of her refusal to give him her changeling. He plans to shame her into changing her mind and instructs his faithful servant Puck to help him. With the help of a magical flower, Puck wreaks havoc in the forest by causing everyone to fall for the wrong person. Eventually everything returns to normal and the actors perform the play for Theseus, Hippolyta and the lovers but the actor’s performances are so bad that the guests laugh as if it were a comedy. When everyone goes to bed, Oberon, Titania, Puck and the other fairies bless the house and its occupants with good fortune.

The story and the subplots can get confusing but the cast does a splendid job of moving the action along under the expert direction of Joe Goscinski. The poetic dialogue flows effortlessly throughout the production and the lighting and staging create a magical environment. Compared to Shakespeare’s other works, this is a light-hearted comedy and had the audience laughing all night. Jordon Acker, Kacey Roye, Tyler Smith and Hunter Wulff are excellent as the quartet of lovers but Maggie Tonra steals the show as the fiendish Puck. For anyone who has ever wanted to see a Shakespearean play but found the material intimidating, The Classic Theatre’s performance of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is the perfect way to dive right in. The combination of magic, action, love and humor along with the high-grade caliber performances from the entire cast makes this a show not to be missed. This is classic Shakespeare at its best.

Theater review: ‘Disney’s Newsies’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio

newsies2 — ‘Disney’s Newsies’ now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio.

After a successful opening weekend, ‘Disney’s Newsies’ continues at The Public Theater of San Antonio’s Russell Hill Rogers Theater and runs through Sunday October 14. It was adapted from the 1992 Disney film Newsies which in turn was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. A co-presentation with Ballet San Antonio, this musical tells the story of the New York City newsboys who seize the day when they strike against unfair working conditions put in place by the publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online and at the box office but they are going fast. It has music by Alan Merken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein.

‘Disney’s Newsies’ is set in New York City in 1899 and begins as newspaper delivery boys Jack Kelly and his disabled friend Crutchie wake up early in the morning and Jack tells him of his dream to one day leave New York to live in Santa Fe. “Santa Fe (Prologue).” All the newsies then report to work “Carrying the Banner” where Jack meets Davey and his little brother Les, who unlike the others, have a home and family but must now get jobs to help the family after their father lost his job. There, they find out that the publisher of the New York World, Joseph Pulitzer, has increased the cost of the newspapers to the delivery boys so in retaliation, Jack organizes the city’s newsies to fight back by organizing a strike. When Jack meets a young female reporter named Katherine Plummer, she joins their cause because she sees it as an opportunity to be noticed as a serious reporter “Watch What Happens” but ends up falling for Jack.

To pull off a demanding show like ‘Disney’s Newsies,’ The Public Theater collaborated with Ballet San Antonio and the hard work has paid off. Under the direction of George Green with choreography by Courtnie Mercer, this immensely talented cast shines throughout the show, especially during the group dance numbers; those alone are worth the price of admission. Chaz Ingraham as Jack and Chelsea Levalley as Katherine have the excellent onstage chemistry needed to bring this inspiring and poignant story to life. Throughout the performance, real newspaper accounts of the strike are projected onto the background, including the group picture of the real newsies. Show highlights include “Carrying the Banner,” when the newsies make their stage debut and “Seize the Day” when they decide they have had enough and make the strike official. These high-energy dance numbers are amazing and understandably receive much love from the audience. ‘Disney’s Newsies’ is both educational and entertaining and makes for a must-see show the entire family can enjoy together.

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