Television adaptation: ‘Good Omens’ by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

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Good Omens will be released on Amazon Prime on Friday May 31.

Neil Gaiman is an English author of short fiction, novels, comic books, graphic novels, nonfiction, audio theater and films. He is best known for the comic book series The Sandman and the novels “Stardust,” “American Gods,” “Coraline” and “The Graveyard Book.” He collaborated with English author Terry Pratchett for the 1990 World Fantasy Award-nominated novel “Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch.” The book is a comedy about the birth of the son of Satan, the coming of the end of times and the attempts by the angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley to sabotage it, having grown accustomed to their comfortable surroundings in England. It was adapted into a six-part series and will be released on Friday May 31 on Amazon Prime and stars David Tennant and Michael Sheen.

“Good Omens” is about the coming of the End Times; the Apocalypse is near and Final Judgement will soon descend upon humans. Aziraphale was the guardian of the Eastern Gate of Eden and Crowley was the serpent who tempted Eve to eat the apple and respectively, the representatives of Heaven and Hell on Earth. They have become good friends and have decided to work together and keep an eye on the Antichrist. He is destined to be the son of a prominent American diplomat stationed in Britain and their plan is to make sure he grows up unable to decide between Good and Evil, therefore postponing the end of the world.

New release: ‘The Night Window’ by Dean Koontz

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‘The Night Window,’ the final novel in the Jane Hawk series by Dean Koontz was released this week. 

Dean Koontz is an American author whose works are billed as suspense thrillers but can also include horror, fantasy, science fiction, mystery and satire. His first novel, “Star Quest” was published in 1968 and since then he has sold over 450 million copies of his books with many of them appearing on The New York Times’ Best Seller list. “The Night Window,” the final chapter in the Jane Hawk series, was released this week and finds the rogue FBI agent gambling everything against a terrifying conspiracy, for vengeance, for justice and for humanity’s freedom.

In “The Night Window,” Jane crosses paths with a visionary young filmmaker hunted for sport across a Colorado ranch by a billionaire who is the head of a cabal, a brilliant computer hacker who gathers facts to fight powerful perpetrators of mass murder, and, among others, a Vegas mob boss out to kidnap a boy to use as leverage against his fugitive mother. Filled with ingenious twists, spellbinding action and resonant themes, it follows the heroine to her long-sought objective, in stunning, unforgettable finale.

The other books in the series include:
“The Silent Corner”– It all begins when Jane’s husband, and others with seemingly happy lives, kills himself. In her search to find the truth, she becomes the most wanted fugitive in America.

“The Whispering Room” – Jane picks up the trail of a secret cabal of powerful players who think themselves above the law and beyond punishment. That trail intersects with Cora Gundersun, who kills herself and others in a shocking act of carnage and appears to have been insane, but Jane knows better.

“The Crooked Staircase” – Knowing she may be living on borrowed time, Jane refuses to stop her one-woman crusade against those who threaten everyone’s freedom and free will. This time she goes after a cunning man with connections in high places, including an army of professional killers on call.

“The Forbidden Door” – Jane may be all that stands between a free nation and its enslavement by a powerful secret society’s terrifying mind control technology. Now that the number of brain-altered victims is growing and spreading, the war between her and her enemies will become a fight for all their lives against the lethal terror unleashed from behind the forbidden door.

Theater review: ‘The Little Foxes’ at The Classic Theatre

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‘The Little Foxes’ is now playing at The Classic Theatre through May 26. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission. 

After a sold-out opening weekend, ‘The Little Foxes’ continues this weekend at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio and will run through Sunday May 26. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are $33 for general admission, $29 for senior, military, educator or SATCO, and $18 for student and are available online or at the box office by calling (210) 589-8450. This classic drama is written by Lillian Hellman and directed by Melissa Utley and focuses on one family’s struggle for control of a family business.

‘The Little Foxes’ is a 1939 play set in a small Alabama town in 1900 and centers around Southerner Regina Hubbard Gidden (Kelly Hilliard), who, because fathers only consider sons when it comes to heirs, struggles for wealth and freedom. Her two brothers Ben (Byrd Bonner) and Oscar (Anthony Ciaravino) have taken advantage of the system and are considerably wealthy while she has had to rely on her husband Horace (John O’Neill). The brothers want to join forces to build a cotton mill but are short $75,000 and want Regina to invest in their project. When Horace refuses to give Regina the money, they pressure Leo (Hunter Wulff), who works as a bank teller, to steal Horace’s railroad bonds from the bank’s safe deposit box. When Horace finds out, he argues with Regina and threatens to change his will to favor their daughter Alexandra (Alyx Irene Gonzales) but he has a heart attack and dies without amending his will. Regina blackmails her brothers into giving her a majority ownership in the cotton mill but ends up losing her daughter’s respect. In the end, she has the wealth she dreams of but ends up completely alone.

The Classic Theatre is known for putting on thought-provoking productions and this one is no exception. This morality play deals with the themes of racism, classism and greed gone amuck, problems that modern society has yet to conquer. The pursuit of the American Dream has different meanings to everyone and this family in their own unique way is determined to do what it takes to get rich. Stuck in the middle are Cal and Addie, the African American staff who disbelievingly watch the family unravel. The standout scene is when Horace has a heart attack and Regina refuses to help him; it is uncomfortable and difficult to watch but it is raw and real. The entire cast is excellent but Kelly Hilliard’s portrayal of the cold and calculating Regina is tops. As is Byrd Bonner as the racist and money-grubbing Ben. Overall, the story is timeless and keeps up with the times. The setting is reminiscent of an old Southern home and the costumes are gorgeous. ‘The Little Foxes’ is a must-see family drama that proves the more things change, the more they stay the same.

This Sunday, May 19, there will be a Classic Community Conversation after the show. The conversation is free and open to the public. Those with tickets to the May 19 matinee are welcome to stay after the show. No ticket? No problem. Come in after the show at 5:40p.m. for the 20-30-minute talk-back with the cast and creative team.

Theater summer camp at The Classic Theatre

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Camp Classic is a theatre arts camp and begins in July at The Classic Theatre. Photo: Classic Theatre, used with permission.

It is not too late to get kids registered for summer camp. Camp Classic is a theatre arts camp linked to classical mythology for children ages 5-13 of all ability levels, located in the heart of the Deco District. (The Classic Theatre, 2019)

Campers will travel back in time to the days of adventure and magic, heroes and heroines, gods and rulers and giants and ogres. They will learn how to make a story come to life by using elements of the theatre to create their own characters, props, masks, costumes, and set pieces, culminating in a final performance. Camp Classic curriculum is based on TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) standards and National Core Arts Standards in Theatre Arts.

Registration is available online. Campers may register for more than one individual sessions. Each week will be split into three age groups, ages 5-7, 8-10 and 11-13, and focus on one of the following: Greek Mythology, Mexican Folklore, and European Fairytales.

Dates
Week 1 (July 15-19, 2019) Greek Mythology- Alpha
Campers will unlock the stories of Hercules, Dionysus, Athena, The Trojan War and The Iliad and The Odyssey.

Week 2 (July 22-26, 2019) Greek Mythology – Omega
Added week of Greek Mythology camp.

Week 3 (July 29-Aug 2, 2019) Mexican Folklore
Campers will learn Mexican heritage stories of La Lorona, Quetzalcoatl, El Cucuy, Tlaloc and the Cempasuchil Flower.

Week 4 (August 5-9, 2019) European Fairytales
Campers will explores stories such as Rumpelstiltskin, Rapunzel, Beowulf, Hansl and Gretl and The Boy Who Cried Wolf.

Camp Times – 9a.m. to 3p.m.
Every Friday of each session will end with a class performance.

Camp Rates (per week)
Early Bird Rate – $235
After May 1 – $250

Included in camp rates are one camp shirt and take-home masks, costumes and props on final day of session. Sibling Discounts Available. $25 non-refundable tuition deposit due upon registration. $25 Extended Care available from 7:30a.m. to 5:30p.m.

Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 468-3900

Theater review: ‘Hamilton’ at the Majestic Theatre

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‘Hamilton’ is now playing at the Majestic Theatre through Sunday May 26. Photo: Joan Marcus, used with permission. 

The Tony Award®- winning musical ‘Hamilton’ opened at the Majestic Theatre on Tuesday and will run until Sunday May 26. Showtimes are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2p.m. and 8p.m. Tickets start at $75.50 and are available by Ticketmaster online, by calling (800) 982-2787 or by visiting the Majestic Box Office. There will also be a lottery for forty (40) $10 seats for all performances. ‘Hamilton’ is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, ‘Hamilton’ is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.

‘Hamilton’ tells Alexander Hamilton’s story through major events in his life and American history with characters including Marquis De Lafayette, Aaron Burr, Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton, Angelica Schuyler, and former presidents George Washington, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson. It begins with the company’s retelling of Hamilton’s (Joseph Morales) childhood as an orphan on the island of Nevis “Alexander Hamilton.” In 1776 he meets Aaron Burr (Nik Walker) and other men with similar revolutionary ideas and they get together to compare notes “The Story of Tonight.” King George (Jon Patrick Walker) enters the story and mockingly sings about his definitive authority over the colonies “You’ll Be Back.” Hamilton marries Eliza Schuyler (Erin Clemons) “Helpless” and gets involved in the war effort as Washington’s aide-de-camp. Due to his endorsement of Thomas Jefferson (Kyle Scatliffe) in the presidential election of 1800, Burr challenges Hamilton to a duel. Hamilton is fatally shot and Burr laments that even though he survived, he will live with the curse of being known as the man who killed Hamilton “The World Was Wide Enough.” It all ends as Eliza sings about Hamilton’s legacy “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story.”

The hype that is ‘Hamilton’ finally hit San Antonio last week as even those who do not usually attend a live theater performance packed the Majestic Theatre. Behind all the glitz, glamour and lights is the poignant story of what is possible when people work together for a common goal. The ethnically diverse cast is significant, but not as important of the underlying message of the relevance of the role immigrants played in the founding of this country. Joseph Morales is outstanding as Hamilton and he works well with Erin Clemons to make history come alive onstage. Because the score features everything from hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway, there is something for everyone and there is at least one song that will speak to the individual heart. Highlights include the comic relief courtesy of King George’s hilarious rantings and Thomas Jefferson’s “What’d I Miss” at the beginning of Act Two. The revolving stage is impressive and the costumes are gorgeous. Overall, ‘Hamilton’ is a modern take on history and offers a much-needed reminder of what it truly means to be an American. With universal themes of family, honor and self-determination, it is a must-see production and definitely worthy of the hype.

Lick Honest Ice Creams’ May campaign

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Lick Honest Ice Creams’ May campaign is ‘Fresh is Best.’ Photo: Lick Honest Ice Creams, used with permission. 

Lick Honest Ice Creams introduces the “Fresh is Best” campaign with Flavor of the Month feature and boozy, interactive ice cream events. A portion of the proceeds from the campaign will be donated to Sustainable Food Center, supporting the organization’s mission to cultivate a healthy community by strengthening the local food system and improving access to nutritious, affordable food. (Lick Ice Cream, 2019)

All month long: One dollar of all Cilantro Lime sales. The flavor of the month is an original Lick flavor, Cilantro Lime, the perfect blend of subtle tartness from fresh G&S Groves lime zest and savory Johnson’s Backyard Garden cilantro. It is available at all Lick scoop shop locations in a cone, bowl or pint and $1 from all Cilantro Lime flavor sales will be donated to Sustainable Food Center

Important Dates:
Tuesday May 14 from 7p.m. to 10p.m.- Ice Cream Making Class at CRAFT.
Once a year, Lick fans get a chance to learn from the expert himself as Lick founder and owner Anthony Sobotik will host an ice cream making class at CRAFT, where guests will learn to churn the Cilantro Lime flavor with a group. At the event, guests will receive a recipe card and free pint card to be redeemed at Lick scoop shops. Tickets are $45 and are available online. All proceeds will be donated to Sustainable Food Center: 4620 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

Tuesday May 21 from 6p.m. to 8p.m. – Beer & Ice Cream Pairing at Lazarus Brewing Co.
Lick Honest Ice Creams and Lazarus Brewing Co. are kicking off a series of public Beer and Ice Cream Pairing events with one that gives back to charity. Guests will receive five beer samples (5 oz.) with 5 ice cream pairings (1 oz.) of assorted Lick spring flavors. Lazarus and Lick will educate attendees on the pairings while they sip and Lick. Tickets are $40 and are available online. All proceeds will be donated to Sustainable Food Center: 1902 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702

The Cilantro Lime flavor is available at all Lick Honest Ice Creams locations:

Austin
1100 S Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78704

6555 Burnet Rd. #200
Austin, TX 78757

1905 Aldrich St. #150
Austin, TX 78723

San Antonio
312 Pearl Pkwy #2101
San Antonio, TX 78215

Mother’s Day at COVER 3

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Celebrate mom at COVER 3 this Sunday. Photo: COVER 3, used with permission. 

Mother’s Day is this Sunday and for those who would prefer to treat mom to brunch, COVER 3 has a special deal to make the day extra special. (COVER 3, 2019)

COVER 3 will be offering every mother a complimentary Blooms and Bubbles Bar at their brunch service that day, which runs from 10a.m. to 3p.m. The Bubbles Bar is a standalone station featuring 4 make-your-own mimosa options with cranberry, orange, grapefruit, peach nectar and pomegranate flavors as well as fresh fruit and juices.

Reservations are being accepted now, and guests are encouraged to call their preferred COVER 3 location in advance to set up a reservation.

COVER 3 is locally owned and operated restaurant group that provides guests with an elevated food experience featuring scratch-kitchen menu options, craft cocktails, local brews and high-end wine offerings in a sophisticated, yet approachable atmosphere. Founded in 2008, COVER 3 brings a unique and refined approach to sports bars in Austin. Nearly a decade later, the restaurant has expanded to four locations in Central Texas, including San Antonio and Round Rock, as well a second restaurant concept in COVER 2. Paying homage to football, COVER 3 works hard to cover its three “zones” – dining, spirits and sports – to provide a truly upscale dining experience.

COVER 3
1806 N 1604, West St.
San Antonio, TX 78248

2700 W Anderson Ln, Ste 202
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 374-1121

1717 West Sixth Street, #21 OR
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 982-1550

2800 N-IH 35, Suite 300
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 693-2393

COVER 2:
13701 Research Blvd
Austin, TX 78750
(512) 506-9935

Savor at Pearl opens with new class of students

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Savor opens Friday May 10 with a new class of students. Photo: Giant Noise, used with permission. 

Savor, the latest restaurant by The Culinary Institute of America, is excited to re-open with a new rotation of culinary students after a short hiatus in between semesters. Under the direction of CIA faculty and a new chef, students will continue to prepare and serve dinner as part of their associate degree studies. Sofia Sada Cervantes, a lecturing instructor at CIA who started her food career at La Embajada in Monterrey, Mexico, will now oversee and lead the menu. (The Culinary Institute of America, 2019)

Starting Friday May 10, a new wave of future food stars will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in a real-world sit-down restaurant that promises a seasonal, Modern American menu. The evening dinner menu has refreshed for spring with new items like Young Roasted Chicken with foie gras, truffle honey butter, mushrooms and white beans; Sea Scallop and Octopus, Saffron Risotto with parmesan and chives and Steak Tartare with Chipotle, quail egg and plantain chips. The menu format, which allows guests to build their own customized three or four-course meal, remains. The prices are $39 and $45 respectively. Guests also have the option to have shareable plates at the bar and lounge. A full classic cocktail menu is highlighted as well as a great wine list and local draft beers. Dinner is served from 5:30p.m. to 8p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

Savor at Pearl
200 E Grayson St., Suite #117
San Antonio, TX 78215
210-554-6484

The Vintage Bouquet Bar announces rebrand

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The Vintage Bouquet is now dedicated to weddings and events. Photo: May Carlson, used with permission.

The Vintage Bouquet Bar is a Pearl retail space that consists of full-service floral customization where customers can select their florals, fillers, greenery and arrangement style for a completely unique and personalized piece. Fresh from announcing the rebrand to The Vintage Bouquet, it will be transitioning from a retail space into a studio, dedicating its entire focus to weddings and events, something the brand is extremely passionate about. The studio space will continue to offer the same one-of-a-kind floral design classes to its customers by appointment. The new private studio will open by appointment only starting on May 7; to make an appointment, please fill out submission form online. (The Vintage Bouquet, 2019)

Vintage Heart Farm, the flower farm owned by the same company, will continue to have its grab-and-go flowers available for customers at the Pearl Farmers Market on Saturdays and Sundays.

“It’s incredibly exciting to have the opportunity to bring to fruition something I feel so passionate about, especially in a place of such integrity and foresight. My passion for design and creating truly unforgettable events has inspired me to create a studio space where we can provide clients with a unique and dedicated experience for their event or wedding.” – Ashley Mauricio-Flores, owner and creative director for The Vintage Bouquet.

Full Goods Building at Pearl
200 E. Grayson St., Suite 108
San Antonio, TX 78215

Moms eat free at Pluckers this Mother’s Day

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Pluckers Wing Bar has a special offer for mothers on their special day. Photo: Pluckers Wing Bar, used with permission. 

Pluckers Wing Bar is thrilled to announce that this Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, moms eat free at all Texas locations. Moms can enjoy a complimentary entree, side, and non-alcoholic beverage (up to a $15 value) from Pluckers’ extensive menu when they show their Pluckers Club or Pluckers Club Lite membership on the Pluckers mobile app upon arrival. The Pluckers app is now available on iTunes and Google Play and allows members to ditch the Pluckers Club card and explore more ways than ever to earn points and keep up with the latest specials, events and competitions. (Pluckers Wing Bar, 2019)

Pluckers menu includes fan favorites such as Fried Pickles, Holy Macaroni, The Bypass Burger topped with bacon, cheddar, grilled onions, and jalapeños, and the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. Additionally, Pluckers will offer their famous wings paired with signature sauces Buffalo, Spicy BBQ, and Spicy Ranch, along with unique flavors Fire in the Hole, Ginger Peach Sriracha, Gochujang, and Spicy Mandarin.

Owners Mark Greenberg, Dave Paul and Sean Greenberg opened their first Pluckers restaurant in Austin in 1995. Over the past 23 years, Pluckers Wing Bar has opened 23 locations, expanding to Baton Rouge, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Killeen, San Marcos and San Antonio. Pluckers is known for their signature wings and is consistently recognized as the best sports bar and chicken wing restaurant. They offer guests a fun, laid-back atmosphere where friends, family, and co-workers can enjoy a great meal and watch sports. Pluckers has been named in USA Today’s “Top Ten Wing Restaurants” and ESPN’s “Top 5 Sports Bar in North America,” along with being named one of “Austin’s Best Places to Work 2017” by the Austin Business Journal and Dallas Observer’s “Best Sports Bar.”

Pluckers Wing Bar
14881 IH-35 North
Selma, TX 78154