Theater review: ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’

hunchbackpic17 — ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ is now playing at the Playhouse San Antonio. Photo: Daniel D Baumer, used with permission.

After a successful opening weekend, the Texas premiere of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ continues at the Playhouse San Antonio in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater. Based on the book of the same name by Victor Hugo, it has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Peter Parnell and tells the story of Quasimodo, the misshapen but gentle-souled bell ringer of Notre Dame. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. and it runs until Sunday October 15. Ticket prices range from $15 to $35 and are available online.

The somber mood is set from the beginning as the choir and the congregation march into the dimly lit church. Quasimodo is content with his life in the tower since Frollo has convinced him he will be an outcast because of his looks if goes outside. Yet he dreams of venturing out and when curiosity gets the best of him he goes exploring, ‘Out There.’ While taking in the sights at the local festival, ‘Rhythm of the Tambourine’ he meets and befriends a young gypsy dancer named Esmeralda who teaches him the true meaning of friendship and acceptance. The cast includes Bob Galindo as the mean-spirited Claude Frollo, Nick Szoeke as the loveable Quasimodo, Travis Trevino as Jehan, Frollo’s brother and Alyssa Lopez as the gypsy Esmeralda.

There is so much more to this version of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ than the happy-go-lucky Disney version most people have come to know. Despite lighter numbers like ‘Rhythm of the Tambourine’ when the audience is introduced to Esmeralda and the rest of the gypsies, and sporadic comic relief, the themes and subject matter are serious. Bob Galindo is excellent as Frollo, especially during ‘Hellfire’ when he begs to be delivered from damnation. Nick Szoeke expertly brings the role of Quasimodo to life onstage. Some of the highlights of the show include when Esmeralda and Quasimodo are admiring the view from the top of the tower, ‘Top of the World’ and when Quasimodo pours molten lead onto the streets. The cast and crew have done an admirable job in bringing this incredible production to San Antonio audiences. From the incredible voices and acting to the sets and costumes, this professional grade production is not to be missed

Theater review: ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

howtosucceedpic — ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ is now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre through Sunday September 17. Photo by Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

The Woodlawn Theatre’s ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ had a challenging opening weekend due to Hurricane Harvey but those who braved the elements were rewarded with a hilarious workplace themed production. The Frank Loesser musical is a satire of big business and office politics and is based on Shepherd Mead’s 1952 book of the same name. There are still three chances to catch the show on Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. This being the final weekend, guests can take advantage of special pricing on tickets. By using the promo code WICKET, they can receive $10 off all ticket types as follows: Adult – $19, Senior/Military – $14, Child/Student – $8. This does not include service fees. Tickets are available online.

It begins with a young window washer, J Pierrepont Finch, who is reading the book “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” as he is working. After the Book Voice tells him that the only way to get ahead is to follow the book’s advice, he enters the World Wide Wicket Company looking for a job and he is hired to work in the mailroom. There he meets an ambitious young secretary named Rosemary who is instantly smitten by him, “Happy To Keep His Dinner Warm.” He also has to work alongside the boss’ lazy and arrogant nephew who constantly reminds the other employees of his status in the company. With the book’s guidance, he works his way up to Chairman of the Board, he gets the girl and the staff becomes like family.

The Woodlawn Theatre scores another hit with ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.’ The retro look is straight out of Mad Men but the workplace shenanigans are timeless. Anyone who has ever worked in an office can relate to the office gossiping and backstabbing, the overly ambitious co-workers and the office parties. The unifying force is coffee as the fatigued office staff rushes to get their fix during “Coffee Break.” With social commentaries such as office politics and sexual harassment, “A Secretary Is Not A Toy” it remains as relevant as ever. Brian Hodges is outstanding as the ambitious Finch and Mark McCarver’s portrayal of the seedy and creepy Bud is right on target. With the right combination of humor and romance, there is something for everyone and is a must-see show.

Theater review: ‘Clear to Partly Crazy’ at The Classic Theatre

‘Clear to Partly Crazy’ opened at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio last night as Jaston Williams brings his one-man show to San Antonio audiences. Picking up where he left off after ‘A Wolverine Walks Into a Bar,’ he muses on subjects from cheerleaders to tornadoes and certifiably insane blood relatives. It is written and performed by Jaston Williams and no late seating is allowed at any performance. Next show times are Friday at 8p.m. Saturday at 3p.m. and 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission and are available online and at the box office.

Before the show, he takes the time to welcome everyone and say how happy he is to be back in San Antonio despite the hot weather. The stories contained in this show are: An Empty Space, The Whistle and A Window Seat to Never, Neverland. Dressed casually in a robe, pajamas and slippers he begins with a rant about how silly television is nowadays with reality shows and other nonsensical forms of ‘entertainment’ including televised cheerleading competitions. Being from West Texas, he can relate to football culture and the one thing that comes with it: cheerleaders. This is the topic of An Empty Space where he recalls how important they were to high school society. Tornadoes and storm shelters take center stage on The Whistle while a family member’s unfortunate bout with mental illness and institutions make it into A Window Seat to Never, Neverland.

Fans of Jaston Williams and his brand of comedy are in for a treat with ‘Clear to Partly Crazy.’ He always manages to find the humor in even the bleakest of situations. His animated storytelling pulls the audience in as they hang on to his every word. After the laughter dies down every story has its serious side; an especially poignant moment is his quiet ode to his cousin as he ended A Window Seat to Never, Neverland. Some of the references may be aged but that should not be a deterrent. Laughter and humor, after all, are ageless. It is a must see show that explores the themes of politics, television, natural disasters and family but most of all, it is a reminder not to take life so seriously.

Theater review: ‘Hairspray’ at The Playhouse San Antonio

hairspraypic17 — Kass Ortiz as Tracy Turnblad in The Playhouse San Antonio’s production of ‘Hairspray.’ Photo: Daniel D Baumer, used with permission.

One of Broadway’s most popular musicals, ‘Hairspray,’ opened at The Playhouse San Antonio last weekend. This musical is based on the 1988 John Waters film of the same name and tells the story of Tracy Turnblad whose innocent desire to dance on a television show ends up shaking up her hometown of Baltimore. It runs until Sunday August 6 with show times on Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are available online and prices range from $12 for children to $42 for general adult admission.

‘Hairspray’ begins with “Good Morning Baltimore” where the audience is introduced to the perky Tracy Turnblad whose world revolves around watching The Corny Collins show. While watching the show one afternoon she finds out that there will be auditions to replace one of the ‘council members’ who is taking a leave of absence due to a pregnancy. She eagerly goes to audition only to be rudely turned away, “Miss Baltimore Crabs.” While there she bumps into teenage heartthrob Link Larkin and that leads to a romantic dream sequence, “I Can Hear the Bells.” She ends up gaining a spot on the show and with the help of friends and family manages to get The Corny Collins Show fully integrated.

The stage version of ‘Hairspray’ is slightly different than the movie, which most people are familiar with, but it is still a joy to experience. With its infectious songs, energetic dancing and vital social commentaries it is easy to see why it so popular with theater audiences as evident by a sold out opening weekend. Show highlights include “Big Blonde and Beautiful,” a song about being proud of how you look despite what people think and “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” when Tracy emerges from the back of the theatre to crash the competition at the end. Danielle King, who plays Motormouth Maybelle, gives a poignant rendition of “I Know Where I’ve Been” that reminds audiences of the serious side of the show. Amid singing and dancing, ‘Hairspray’ tackles such topics as racism, segregation and finding love despite weight and color differences. The colorful staging and vibrant costumes bring this show to life. Top-notch choreography and a talented cast who work well together makes this a must-see show.

Theater review: ‘Burning Patience’ at The Classic Theatre

burningpatiencepic — Hector Machado as Pablo Neruda in The Classic Theatre’s production of ‘Burning Patience’ playing until Sunday. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

Now playing at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is ‘Burning Patience’ by Antonio Skármeta. Translated by Tim Klinger and directed by José Rubén De León, it stars Hector Machado as Pablo Neruda, Marisa Varela as Rosa González, Juan Carlos Calderon as Mario Jiménez and Amanda Ireta-Goode as Beatriz González. It tells the story of Mario Jiménez, a fictional postman in revolution-era Chile who befriends the real-life poet Pablo Neruda. There are still three chances to catch this delightful and poetic production at 8p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 3p.m. on Sunday. General admission tickets are $20 and are available online or by phone at (210) 589-8450. There is no late seating at any performance.

‘Burning Patience’ is set in 1969 in Isla Negra, Chile where Mario Jiménez, the local postman frequently visits poet Pablo Neruda to bring him his correspondence. He is a big fan of Neruda and since he also wishes to be a poet his visits usually center around poetry. Until one day when Mario brings exciting news that he has met Beatriz, the woman of his dreams and wants Neruda’s help in winning her heart—with poetry, of course. Beatriz’ mother Rosa disapproves and wants to send her away to separate them and goes so far as to write Neruda to ask him to intervene. Love wins in the end and the two end up married but their happiness is disrupted when Neruda falls ill and dies when the country’s political instability touches home.

Productions at The Classic Theatre are quality classic works and ‘Burning Patience’ is no exception. Audience members at last Friday’s performance were there because they were either familiar with Pablo Neruda or the movie adaptation but this was the exception and not the rule. Familiarity with the subject matter is not necessary to enjoy this excellent piece of theater, only a love and appreciation of poetry. The cast works perfectly together but Calderon’s portrayal of the love-struck Mario with the heart of a poet is the shinning beacon of the story. Neruda’s personal life is also examined including his political views and his 1971 Nobel Prize in Literature. Overall, it is a must see, well-balanced story of love, friendship, politics and poetry and will appeal to fans of classic literature.

Theater review: ‘Shrek, The Musical’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

shrekpics — Morgan Clyde as Fiona, Alejandro Pesina as Donkey and Joshua Goldberg as Shrek in the Woodlawn Theatre’s production of ‘Shrek, The Musical.’ Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

The hot summer months are here and those looking for an indoor activity to enjoy with the family might want to consider a night at the theater. Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘Shrek, The Musical,’ the family friendly tale of the loveable green ogre based on the hit DreamWorks animated movie. It runs until Sunday July 30 with show times on Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets range from $18 to $29 and are available online. This highly entertaining show brings the beloved characters from the movie to life onstage for a musical about an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess.

The story begins with Shrek’s parents throwing him out on his seventh birthday to fend for himself, “Big Bright Beautiful World,” while warning him that his life will not be easy because of his looks. Years later, Shrek is living in a swamp, alone and bitter but content with his solitary life. That is, until the quiet is interrupted by a group of fairy tale characters, including Pinocchio, The Three Bears, Peter Pan, the Ugly Duckling and many more. They have been thrown out of the Kingdom of Duloc by the evil Lord Farquaad just for being different. Shrek agrees to travel to see Lord Farquaad to convince him to let them come back so he can have his swamp back. Along the way he rescues a talkative donkey from some of Farquaad’s guards and in return for his kindness, he offers Shrek his friendship, “Don’t Let Me Go” and ends up tagging along for the rest of the journey. Once there, he is given the task of rescuing Princess Fiona who is trapped in a castle. In return, Lord Farquuad promises to give Shrek the deed to the swamp.

While the cast of ‘Shrek, The Musical’ is bigger than in most shows, they all work in synch to make this an enjoyable show. Joshua Goldberg, as Shrek, has good chemistry with Morgan Clyde who plays Fiona and they complement each other on stage. Alejandro Pesina’s spot on comedic timing makes him the perfect choice for playing the funny and sometimes irreverent Donkey. Joshua Buce’s hilarious portrayal of Lord Farquaad makes this production a must-see. Show highlights include Shrek and Donkey’s “Travel Song” when their friendship evolves and “Freak Song” when the ensemble accepts who they are and agree to fight together against their tormentors. Some of the humor is off-color but it still appeals to audiences of all ages with its themes of friendship and acceptance.

Theater review: ‘Matilda The Musical’ at the Majestic Theatre

Matllda — “Revolting Children” – the company of ‘Matilda The Musical’ now playing at the Majestic Theatre. Photo: Joan Marcus, used with permission.

The weekends were made for family fun and there is still one more chance to catch ‘Matilda The Musical’ at the Majestic Theatre tonight at 7:30p.m. Tickets start at $30 and are available at the Majestic Theatre box office. ‘Matilda The Musical’ is a based on the novel of the same name by best-selling author Roald Dahl. The winner of four Tony Awards, it is the story a Matilda, a precocious five-year-old girl with the gift of telekinesis who loves reading, overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school and helps her teacher reclaim her life.

The story begins with a large group of spoiled children at a birthday party singing “Miracle” and delighted about how special they are, as their parents shower them with praise and attention. At the same time, a clue-less and nine-months pregnant Mrs. Wormwood is at the hospital and even though she insists she must travel to Paris for a dancing competition, she gives birth to a baby girl. Mr. Wormwood is disappointed that it is a girl and that is where Matilda’s mistreatment begins at the hands of her family. The party scene returns and it is now five years later. Matilda is at the birthday party but she is an outsider.

This version of the story of Matilda is darker than what most people, who are fans of the movie, are used to. The cast of children do an admirable job alongside the adults and Gabby Gutierrez, as Matilda, is especially talented in the role. An honorable mention goes to Dan Chameroy for his portrayal of the heartless and mean Miss Trunchbull. Show highlights are when the company performs “When I Grow Up” as the children ponder what their lives as adults will be and “Revolting Children” as the defiant children swear to continue to fight for their rights. At first it seems like Matilda will not get her happy ending until Mr. Wormwood lets her stay with Miss Honey and finally acknowledges her as a girl. A happy Matilda and Miss Honey cartwheel off stage and the entire cast enters the stage on brilliantly colored scooters for the final scene. Overall, it is a charming story of an underestimated little girl who uses her imagination and sharp mind to take a stand and change her own destiny. It appeals to audiences of all ages and is filled with humor, laughter and heart.

Theater review: ‘Bus Stop’ at The Classic Theatre

busstopcast — The cast of ‘Bus Stop’ now playing at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is wrapping up the current season with a glimpse at small town America with their delightful production of William Inge’s ‘Bus Stop.’ It is a combination of drama and comedy set in a rural Kansas diner about 25 miles West of Kansas City, Missouri in early March 1955. The story takes place in the middle of a snowstorm as a bus heading West pulls up at a roadside diner. Front and center are the lives of the passengers forced to wait out the storm together.

‘Bus Stop’ opened last Friday and starts off with Grace and Elma, the waitresses, working at the diner during a typical night. Carl the bus driver comes in an announces that the weather has taken a turn for the worse and they need to wait it out for the night. Him and Grace ‘discreetly’ go their separate ways but it is obvious that they have planned a rendez-vous. The bus passengers start drifting in as the audience is introduced to each one and their stories. One of those passengers is Cherie, a nightclub singer, who is being pursued by a Bo, the young cowboy on the bus. Along for the ride are Professor Lyman who has a drinking problem and a hankering for young girls and Virgil Blessing, the older cowboy and father figure to Bo, who was orphaned at a young age. Will Masters is the local sheriff and the voice of reason.

William Inge’s works usually revolve around small town life and this one is no exception. The intimate setting at The Classic Theatre is perfect because it makes the audience feel like they are in the diner witnessing the interaction between the characters. Bo Decker’s role is challenging and Hunter Wulff does an excellent job. John O’Neill is a welcome sight on the local stage and his performances area always on target. The relatable characters make the story timeless decades after it was first performed and the character development keeps it interesting. Small details like the snow on the coats and hats and the fact that they are eating and drinking real food and drinks gives it a touch of authenticity. ‘Bus Stop’ is a classic and a must see for fans of character and dialogue driven performances.

‘Bus Stop’ is playing at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio through Sunday May 28, 2017. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. Tickets are available online or by calling (210) 589-8450.

Theater review: ‘Urinetown – the Musical’

urinetowncast — The cast of ‘Urinetown – the Musical,’ now playing at The Playhouse San Antonio through May 28. Photo: Daniel D Baumer, used with permission.

Now playing at The Playhouse San Antonio is the local production of ‘Urinetown – the Musical,’ the Tony Award winning satirical comedy musical about a dystopian future where a drought has caused a water shortage that has led to a government enforced ban on private toilets. It satirizes the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement and municipal politics. Starring Brendan Brady as Bobby Strong and Emily Cleveland as Hope Caldwell, it has music by Mark Hollmann, lyrics by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis and the book by Greg Kotis.

Despite the dubious title, it opened to an almost full house on Friday as the audience was treated to a night of laughter and homage to musical theater. The show opens as the citizens are in line to use the public toilet, in this case Public Amenity #9, that is run by Penelope Pennywise. While Penelope is by the book-strict, her assistant Bobby Strong is not and desperately wants to do the right thing. After his father, Old Man Strong, defiantly relieves himself on the street rather than pay for the ‘privilege’ of using the facility and is taken away by the authorities, he gets the desire to fight for what is right. When he meets Hope Caldwell, the naïve but well-meaning daughter of Caldwell B Cladwell, the CEO of the megacorporation that owns the public toilets, he is inspired to start a rebellion where everyone can “pee for free.”

The cast is big but they work well together under the direction of Tim Hedgepeth. Brendan Brady’s performance as Bobby Strong is solid and together with Emily Cleveland as Hope Caldwell and the rest of the talented cast, they make ‘Urinetown’ an enjoyable experience. Show highlights include the disturbing yet funny “Don’t Be the Bunny” by Cladwell, McQueen and Fipp and the inspiring “Run, Freedom, Run” by Bobby and the ensemble. Toilet humor aside, fans of musical theater will appreciate the references to shows like ‘Les Misérables,” “West Side Story,” “Cabaret” and many more. Officer Lockstock and other characters periodically break the fourth wall to talk about the show and explain what is going on. Overall, ‘Urinetown – the Musical’ is a hilarious story of greed, corruption, love and revolution and what happens when heroes arise out of desperate times. Even though it is not the typical ‘feel good’ show it is worth seeing more than once to catch all the musical references and hidden jokes.

‘Urinetown – the Musical’ plays at The Playhouse San Antonio through Sunday May 28 with show times on Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are available online or at the box office at (210) 733-7258.

Theater review: ‘Finding Neverland’ at the Majestic Theatre

Peter Pan is one of the world’s most beloved characters and right now playing at the Majestic Theatre is ‘Finding Neverland,’ the story behind the inspiration for the story of Peter Pan. It is based on the Academy Award winning movie by David Magee and the play “The Man Who Was Peter Pan” by Allan Knee. It is the story of the relationship between playwright J.M. Barrie and the family who inspired ‘Peter Pan or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up.’

After a successful opening night, it is easy to see why “Finding Neverland” is one of those musicals that appeals to all ages. It has the childhood wonder of imagination and the adult themes of perseverance and strength. The show begins with “Welcome to London” as ‘Peter Pan’ is well under way and J.M. Barrie comes onstage, interrupts the show and begins the story of how he got the idea that started it all. Desperate for inspiration, one day he is out walking his dog at the park when he meets four young brothers and their mother. He is fascinated by their make-believe adventures and while getting to know them he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers.

Billy Harrigan Tighe is strong as J.M. Barrie and the children, Ben Krieger as Peter, Finn Faulconer as George, Mitchell Wray as Jack and Jordan Cole as Michael hold up their own alongside the adults and steal every scene they are in. Show highlights are “We Own the Night” and “Circus of Your Mind” where J.M. Barrie’s imagination is unfolding and the audience gets a sneak peek inside his mind. Especially powerful is “Stronger” during which he finally has a breakthrough and has the courage to go after his dreams. Overall it is a must see musical about the power of imagination and proof that people never have to grow up and features mesmerizing visuals, irresistible songs and plenty of laughs. ‘Finding Neverland’ plays until Sunday May 7 at the Majestic Theatre. Tickets start at $30 and are available at the box office.

“A man who is not willing to fight for what he wants gets what he deserves.”

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