Whataburger celebrates heroes with #Whatamoments. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
Whataburger Heroes come in all shapes and sizes and sometimes the smallest actions can create the biggest impact. Today, Whataburger kicks off its #Whatamoments campaign, an initiative geared towards bringing everyday heroes to life through a collection of traditional vintage comic strips – Whataburger style. Two professional illustrators will turn all Whataburger’s Hometown Heroes into a work of art: Texas-based Ryan Parker and John Sprengelmeyer, who created Whataburger’s mascot, Whataguy. Have a hero in mind? The public is invited to share their story online for a chance to have it brought to life. (Whataburger, 2019)
Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. He wanted customers to take one bite and say, “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Whataburger now has over 700 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals every day with superior customer service. Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.
‘The Sound of Music’ plays at the Majestic Theatre through Sunday March 10.
Now playing at the Majestic Theatre is ‘The Sound of Music’ and last night’s opening performance played to a full house. There are still two more chances to catch this immensely popular musical this weekend at 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $45 and are available through Ticketmaster online, by calling (800) 982-2787 or by visiting the Majestic Box Office. The show is the story of Maria, a postulant who is sent to work as a governess to a large family when she begins to second guess her decision to become a nun. Eventually she falls in love with the children and their widowed father Captain von Trapp. The Captain opposes the Nazis so when he is ordered to accept a commission in the German navy he and Maria flee Austria with the children. This brand-new production of the spirited, romantic and beloved musical continues to thrill audiences everywhere.
‘The Sound of Music’ takes place in Austria, just before World War II and begins at the Nonnberg Abbey as the nuns perform ‘Preludium.’ From there, it transitions smoothly into one of the audience’s favorite scene that includes Maria (Jill-Christine Wiley) singing ‘The Sound of Music.’ As soon as the von Trapp children take the stage, they captivate the audience, especially Gretl (Quinn Eden Titcomb), the youngest. Maria takes a liking to the children and teaches them the basics of music “Do-Re-Mi.” When she realizes that she might have developed feelings for the Captain (Mike McLean), she flees back to the Abbey. Lauren Kidwell, who portrays Mother Abbess, closes out the first act with ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’ when she tells Maria that she can not run from her problems. The von Trapps perform at the Kaltzberg Festival, after which Captain von Trapp sings “Edelweiss” as a farewell to this homeland. They sneak out before the winners are announced and hide out at the Abbey but when Sister Margaretta informs them that the borders are closed, they flee over the Alps while the nuns sing “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.”
This production features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and book by Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse, suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp. It continues to be the most successful musical in history, and for good reason. The themes of family and music remain as relevant as ever and its overall feel good atmosphere is always welcome. Jill-Christine and Mike McLean are perfect together as Maria and Captain von Trapp and their chemistry makes the show work. Highlights include Maria and the children’s “Do-Re-Mi” and Maria and Mother Abess’ “My Favorite Things.” Special mention goes to Lauren Kidwell, whose rendition of “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” blew the audience away. They were still raving about it as they left the theater. This family friendly musical appeals to long-time fans as well as newcomers and is a definite must see.
‘Hamilton’ will be playing at the Majestic Theatre in May. Photo: Joan Marcus, used with permission.
Producer Jeffrey Seller and The Majestic Theatre announced this week that tickets for ‘Hamilton’ will be available online through Ticketmaster Verified Fan® at 10a.m. on Friday, March 15. Verified Fan is a new fan-facing technology from Ticketmaster that allows pre-registered fans to unlock access to tickets without competing against scalpers and bots. Ticketmaster Verified Fan® registration is now open and will close Monday, March 11 at 11:59p.m. (Broadway in San Antonio, 2019)
Those who registered will be notified by Ticketmaster via email on Thursday, March 14 if they have been selected for the Verified Fan on sale. The Ticketmaster Verified Fan® on sale will be available for purchases online only and for performances from May 7 through 26. There is a maximum purchase limit of four (4) tickets per household for the engagement. Tickets range from $75.50 – $195.50, with a select number of $425.50 premium seats available. Ticket prices do not include any applicable fees. There will be a lottery for forty (40) $10 seats for all performances. Details will be announced closer to the engagement. A limited number of tickets will be available at The Majestic Theatre (226 East Houston Street) at 10a.m. on Friday, March 15.
‘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. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway, ‘Hamilton’ is the story of America then, as told by America now. 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.
Majestic Theatre
224 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700
‘The Ultimate Droodles Compendium’ is now available everywhere. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Roger Price was an American humorist, author and publisher who created Droodles in the 1950s and later collaborated with Leonard B. Stern on the Mad Libs series. His Droodles books sold more than 1 million copies between their debut in 1953 and his death in 1990. His Mad Libs have sold more than 150 million copies, and counting, since he co-created them with Leonard Stern in 1958. On March 6, what would have been Roger Price’s 101st birthday, Tallfellow Press will release ‘The Ultimate Droodles Compendium: The Absurdly Complete Collection of All the Classic Zany Creations of Roger Price.’ It is arranged and annotated by Emmy-winning writer Fritz Holznagel and features a foreword by America’s best-known film historian, critic and author, Leonard Maltin. Always funny and often provocative, Price was one of America’s most original comic voices. (Smith Publicity, 2019)
Before he delighted fans with Mad Libs, comedian Roger Price invented Droodles – absurdly funny drawings that joined hula hoops and UFOs as one of the biggest fads of the 1950s. At the peak of their popularity, Droodles had their own TV show, daily newspaper column, bestselling books and even cocktail napkins. Until now, Droodles, and the remarkable legacy of Roger Price, have been forgotten by all but a few diehard fans. Featuring over 350 hilarious Droodles, from the most popular to the wonderfully obscure and even “Kinda Croodles” that are more than a bit insensitive from today’s modern viewpoint, ‘The Ultimate Droodles Compendium’ is the first and only full retrospective of Price and his creations.
In ‘The Ultimate Droodles Compendium,’ longtime fans and newbies alike will be captivated by this forgotten genius of American comedy. This is a one-of-a-kind collection of humor and history and Millennials and Baby Boomers alike are in for a treat. It is now available in paperback wherever books are sold.
Mi Golondrina will have a pop-up store at the Pearl during the month of March. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
Pearl has exciting events planned for the month of March. From First Thursday Night Market to a Mi Golondrina retail pop-up and St. Patrick’s celebrations at the Bottling Department, Pearl is the perfect spot to enjoy Spring Break with the family and kids, with plenty of dining and shopping options for every taste. (Pearl, 2019)
Mi Golondrina Pop-up
March 5 through June 1- 11a.m. to 5p.m.
The Pearl is excited to bring back Mi Golondrina, a collection of handcrafted clothing and accessories, to San Antonio. Shop the collection at the Pearl pop-up store, located next to Niche and The Sporting District. Mi Golondrina’s collection is handcrafted in Mexico and the finishing details are added by their talented team in Dallas to create a curated collection of high-end artisan apparel and accessories. This event is free and open to the public.
First Thursday Night Market
March 7 from 4p.m. to 8p.m.
Kick off a new month with First Thursday Night Market at the Pearl. Shop from favorite local Farmers Market vendors and artists while enjoying music by regional performers. Big Cedar Fever performs at Pearl Park from 5:30p.m. to 7:30p.m. Richard Diaz de Leon Music performs in Pearl Parkito from 4 to 8 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
St. Patrick’s Day at the Bottling Department
March 17 from 8a.m. to 9 p.m.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Pearl with various drink specials at the Bar at the Bottling Department. Guinness will be flowing to celebrate the luck of the Irish as well as other beer and drink specials. Pearl Farmers Market will be open from 10a.m. to 2p.m. so guest can enjoy locally sourced goods. This event is free and open to the public.
Pearl
303 Pearl Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 212-7260
The next Oh Whata Night fundraiser is this Thursday March 7. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.
Whataburger periodically hosts events to help the community and its various schools. These events have ranged from “Oh Whata Nights” to jalapeño eating contests, drawings and raffles. This Thursday March 7 from 5p.m. to 8p.m., Whataburger is hosting a fundraiser to benefit Mora Elementary School students. The public is invited to come and show their support by enjoying their favorite menu items and during the posted hours, Whataburger will donate 20 percent of the sales to the school. The first 100 guests will receive free Whataburger glasses and to add to the fun, there will be a photobooth and giveaways. This Whata Night fundraiser will be at the posted location only. (Whataburger, 2019)
“Whataburger believes in investing in the communities we call home. Mora Elementary is a new school in the area and we are happy to support it with a fundraising event.” Tom Willet, Whataburger Director of Operations.
Whataburger has been making burgers since 1950 when Harman Dobson opened a humble hamburger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. He wanted customers to take one bite and say, “What a burger” so he named his stand on Ayers St “Whataburger.” Whataburger now has over 700 locations across the country and continues to deliver fresh, made to order meals every day with superior customer service. Community support includes charitable giving and volunteerism to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s charities, cancer research, hunger assistance, disaster relief and military support.
Whataburger
530 W. Loop 1604 N. (near Potranco Rd.)
San Antonio, TX 78251
(210) 647-4402
Lorenzo Gomez, author of ‘The Cilantro Diaries’ will be the keynote speaker at the 2019 Lit ‘n Lunch on Tuesday, March 5.
Assistance League of San Antonio will be hosting its 2019 Lit ‘n Lunch on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at The Witte Museum’s Mays Family Center. Lorenzo Gomez, III will keynote the event. (Assistance League of San Antonio, 2019)
Lorenzo Gomez is a San Antonio native and author of the celebrated book, ‘The Cilantro Diaries: Business Lessons From the Most Unlikely Places,’ which provides practical and entertaining advice for business-starters young and old. A local celebrity known for thinking outside the box and keeping it real, he is the Chairman of the Board of Geekdom and the 80/20 Foundation and co-founder of Techbloc. He is also an expert in ecosystems development, a public speaker, an author, a podcast host and a compelling storyteller. Now the Chairman of the Board for both Geekdom and The 80/20 Foundation, Mr. Gomez has had a notably positive impact on the tech industry in San Antonio, the city’s economic growth and its tremendous revitalization. ‘The Cilantro Diaries’ is the story of how Mr. Gomez went from a grocery stockroom to the boardrooms of two private companies, and beyond, without a college degree. He is a dynamic speaker and eager supporter of Assistance League of San Antonio.
Lit ‘n Lunch provides a wonderful opportunity for corporations and individuals to support Assistance League of San Antonio’s charitable programs while enjoying a local author-focused lunch. In addition to the keynote speaker, the event will also include a Wall of Wine raffle, a decadently themed basket auction and a Clothe A Child Auction conducted by KENS 5 Evening Weather Anchor, Bill Taylor. The auction will provide an opportunity for guests to raise their bid card and donate to Assistance League of San Antonio’s key programs, Togs For Tots and Operation School Bell®. Togs For Tots provides new clothes for infants to 4-year-olds, while Operation School Bell provides new school clothes to kindergarten through fifth graders. Nearly 500 guests attended Lit ‘n Lunch in 2018, raising almost one-quarter of Assistance League of San Antonio’s annual program budget. Each year at Lit ‘n Lunch, Assistance League of San Antonio grants the Rising Star Award to a high school student who has shown great literary potential. A student from Judson Independent School District is the recipient of the 2019 Rising Star Award.
Chris Fuglestad as Curly and Amanda Golden as Laurey in ‘Oklahoma!’ now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.
Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘Oklahoma!’ the story of Laurey Williams, a farm girl who is courted by two rival suitors, the confident cowboy Curly McLain and the unstable farmhand Jud Fry, all while Oklahoma is on its way to becoming a state. It opened on February 22 with much acclaim and runs until Sunday March 17. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. There will be a special Saturday matinee show on March 9 at 2p.m., with no evening show that day. Tickets are available online or by calling the Box Office at 210-267-8388.
‘Oklahoma!’ is set in 1906 Western Indian Territory and begins when cowboy Curly McLain (Chris Fuglestad) is looking forward to a brand-new day, “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,” as he wanders into Laurey Williams’ (Amanda Golden) yard. The two tease each other back and forth while Laurey’s Aunt Eller (Rebecca Trinidad) watches their playful banter. Meanwhile, cowboy Will Parker (Kevin Cox) has returned from a visit to the modern Kansas City, “Kansas City,” bedazzled and filled with souvenirs and tells everyone about his experiences. Laurie is torn between Curly and Jud Fry (Brian Hodges) and has accepted an invitation from Jud to a social just to spite Curly. She purchases “smelling salts” from Ali Hakim (Ivan Ortega), a Persian peddler, in the hopes that it will help her sort out her feelings and while under its spell,“Dream Ballet,” she realizes that Curly is the man for her. At the social, the rivalry between the local farmers and the cowboys boils over, “The Farmer and the Cowman,” until Aunt Eller breaks it up by firing a gun. After the drama at the lunch box auction designed to raise money for the school house, Curly and Laurey finally end up together. They get married and everyone rejoices in celebration of the territory’s impending statehood, “Oklahoma!”
This being Rodgers and Hammerstein’s first musical, it has withstood the test of time and has become a classic for good reason. It has humor, heart and romance as well as dark and shocking moments when Jud confronts Laurie about her feelings for him. The dance numbers are so infectious and toe-tapping fabulous that guests will be sure to be singing “Oklahoma” well past the end of the show. Amanda Golden and Chris Fuglestad have the necessary onstage chemistry to portray Laurey and Curly while the set and costumes transport the audience to the early age of cowboys and square dances. The dream ballet sequence is gorgeous , kudos to Jeremy Rhom and Emily Rhom for a job well done. Show highlights include “Kansas City,” “Lonely Room” when Jud’s dark side is explored and “The Farmer and the Cowman” during the town social. Sometimes the dialogue is hard to understand due the accents but that is just part of its charm. Overall, “Oklahoma” is a fun musical with plenty of singing and dancing that will appeal to all ages. But please, try not to boo Brian Hodges during his curtain call, he is just an actor playing a part.
Upcoming promotional performances:
Pride Night – Friday March 8, 25% off tickets with code: PRIDE
ASL (American Sign Language) Night – Saturday March 16, 25% off tickets with code: ASL
Let the good times roll at Fast Eddie’s. Come celebrate Mardi Gras from March 1 to March 3 (Fat Tuesday). Catch some beads and wear a mask. There will be a photo booth onsite, plus DJ sets on Friday and Saturday and drink specials flowing on Hurricanes, plus buy one and keep the glass. (Fast Eddie’s, 2019)
Fast Eddie’s Billiards & Sports Bar San Antonio locations:
9910 W Loop 1604 N Suite 113
San Antonio, TX
La Panaderia has the colorful King Cake for Mardi Gras. Photo: Giant Noise, used with permission.
With Fat Tuesday, March 5, around the corner, it is time to indulge in fun, traditional treats such as the colorful King Cake. San-Antonio-based restaurant/bakery, La Panadería is run by Mexican brothers José and David Cáceres who have always, and will always, continue to embrace bread cultura (culture). (La Panadería, 2019)
La Panadería is already known to provide San Antonians with their tortas, conchas, pan dulce and Rosca De Reyes fix all year long. For the first time ever, the bakery will be preparing a San Antonio spin on New Orleans’ traditional purple, green and gold colored King Cake. La Panadería’s ‘King Cake Rosca’ is their original Rosca de Reyes recipe with a twist: the sweet cake is covered with bright Mardi Gras-colored icing, sprinkles and filled with chocolate chips inside. For those who wish to fill up for Fat Tuesday, the special cake is available now through mid-March.
8305 Broadway St.
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 375-6746
301 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 592-6264
SA Examiner 