Theater review: ‘The Book of Mormon’ at the Majestic Theatre

The Tony Award winning ‘The Book of Mormon’ is back at the Majestic Theatre this week and there are still two chances of catching this production. This religious satire musical follows Mormon missionaries Elder Kevin Price and Elder Arnold Cunningham who are sent to Uganda for a two-year mission. It features book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez. Stone and Parker are the creators of South Park and Lopez is one of the composers of Avenue Q. Next show times are Sunday May 6 at 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. Please be aware that it contains explicit language and adult themes.

‘The Book of Mormon’ starts off as the future missionaries are finishing up their training, “Hello!” and are paired off with their partners. Elder Kevin Price’s dream missionary destination is Orlando, but he ends up paired off with Elder Arnold Cunningham “Two By Two,” who is an insecure compulsive liar and sent to Uganda. Upon their arrival the villagers share their experiences of living with famine, poverty and AIDS, “Hasa Diga Eebowai.” Price and Cunningham try to teach them about the Book of Mormon, but they have trouble connecting with the natives because they are more concerned with everyday life than they are about religion. Eventually they meet the other missionaries who are stationed there but have been unable to convert anyone to Mormonism. When Elder Price backs off, Elder Cunningham mans up and ends up converting the village using his own version of the book he has never actually read.

Wednesday’s performance was well received by the audience and most were pleasantly surprised by the “definitely different” show. The laughter began early with the first scene and was constant throughout this irreverent but hilarious production. Kevin Clay and Conner Peirson bring the roles of Elder Price and Elder Cunningham brilliantly to life, but Holmes stands out as the naïve but lovable Cunningham. The highlights of the show include “Man Up” when Cunningham decides to stop being a follower and “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream” when Price dreams he is in hell with Jeffrey Dahmer and Hitler, among others. Despite the adult content and language, ‘The Book of Mormon’ delivers a tale overflowing with good intentions and heart and appeals to audiences not afraid to step outside of their comfort zone and have a good laugh.

‘The Cherry Orchard’ opens Friday at The Classic Theatre

Opening this weekend at The Classic Theatre is the play ‘The Cherry Orchard’ by Anton Chekhov. Chekhov was a Russian playwright and short-story writer and is considered one of history’s greatest writers of short fiction. ‘The Cherry Orchard’ centers around an aristocratic Russian landowner who returns to her family estate, which includes a large and well-known cherry tree, just before it is auctioned off to pay off debts. It opens on Friday May 4 and will run until Sunday May 27 with show dates Fridays and Saturdays at 8p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. Tickets are available online with prices at $32 for general admission, $28 for senior, military, educator or SATCO, and $17 for students. On opening night, there will be a complimentary champagne reception. (The Classic Theatre, 2018)

‘The Cherry Orchard’ is translated by Richard Nelson, Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky and directed by Andy Thornton. The Cherry Orchard takes place in 1904 Russia and 2018 USA, at the same time. It is Anton Chekhov’s masterpiece about a family on the edge of ruin and a country on the brink of revolution. Early one May morning, after a five-year absence, the widow Madame Ranevsky returns home to her family estate to find that it has been heavily mortgaged to pay for her extravagances and that it is to be auctioned off. Madame Ranyevskaya and her brother find themselves scrambling to retain a vision of gentility amidst a climate of huge social and economic transition. Chekhov described the play as a comedy with some elements of farce.

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

Book review: ‘Take Off Your Shoes’ by Ben Feder

takeoffyourshoespic — Ben Feder’s new memoir ‘Take Off Your Shoes’ is now available everywhere. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Ben Feder is President of International Partnerships for the U.S. at Tencent, the Chinese Internet titan and formerly CEO of Take Two interactive. He is also the publisher of the smash video game hits, Red Dead Redemption, Grand Theft Auto and NBA 2K. With all his success, he also experienced the inevitable cost it took on his family and personal life. This led to a self-imposed sabbatical in Bali with his family and in his new memoir ‘Take Off Your Shoes: One Man’s Journey from the Boardroom to Bali and Back,’ he shares his experiences and what he learned from his journey of self-discovery.

‘Take Off Your Shoes’ begins with an introduction in which Ben Feder explains that he wrote this memoir mainly for his children. Not only did he want them to understand why he embarked on this journey, but he also wanted it to serve as a memento of the special time they shared as a family. One thing that led him to take a sabbatical was his curiosity about brain plasticity and how people can change their lives by changing their minds. It all started one evening when Ben came home late from work and his wife Victoria approached him with the idea. After weighting the pros and cons, which included sacrificing careers that they both worked hard to attain, they decided that any increased time together as a family was worth any downside.

Ben Feder did what most people caught up in the everyday rat race only wish they could do and took the time to share his experiences. His memoir reads like a journal because not only does he write about the journey, he writes about his personal development and struggles as well as his personal growth through it all. Like adults, children can also become overwhelmed with their busy lives, so it is admirable that the author and his wife chose to involve them in this life-changing experience. Seeing the poverty in other countries made them thankful for what they have and made them more conscientious citizens of the world. Along the way, Ben learns to appreciate how activities like meditation and art can help him handle stress and the family gets a different perspective on life. Not everyone can afford to pick up and travel the world with the family, but they can find ways to lead a more mindful life. All they must do is think outside the box and dare to step outside their comfort zone. Overall, ‘Take Off Your Shoes’ is easy to read with language that is easy to understand and will appeal to readers who are looking for ideas to enrichen their lives. It is insightful, personal and humorous with something for everyone.

*A copy of this book was given for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are solely the author’s.

‘The Book of Mormon’ announces lottery ticket policy

‘The Book of Mormon,’ winner of nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, is pleased to announce a lottery ticket policy for the national tour, which begins Tuesday, May 1, at the Majestic Theatre Majestic Theatre and plays a limited engagement through Sunday, May 6. In San Antonio, the production will conduct a pre-show lottery at the box office, making a limited number of tickets available at $25 apiece. This wildly popular lottery for the Broadway production has attracted as many as 800 entries at some performances. The producers of ‘The Book of Mormon’ are pleased to offer low-priced lottery seats for every city on the national tour. (Broadway in San Antonio, 2018)

Each day, 2½ hours prior to show time, people who present themselves at the Majestic Theatre box office will have their names placed in a lottery drum and then thirty minutes later, names will be drawn at random for a limited number of orchestra seats at $25 each, cash only. Each person will print their name and the number of tickets, 1 or 2, they wish to purchase on a card that is provided. Only one entry is allowed per person. This lottery is available only in-person at the box office, with a limit of two tickets per person. Winners must be present at the time of the drawing and show valid ID to purchase tickets. Limit one entry per person and two tickets per winner. Tickets are subject to availability.

‘The Book of Mormon’ opens with performances at 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 8p.m. on Friday; 2p.m. and 8p.m., Saturday and at 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday.

In ‘The Book of Mormon,’ Elder Kevin Price and Elder Arnold Cunningham are sent to Uganda for a two-year mission. Upon their arrival the villagers share their experiences of living with famine, poverty and AIDS. Eventually they meet the other missionaries who are stationed there but have been unable to convert anyone to Mormonism. Elder Price is convinced he will be different and he tries to teach the natives about Joseph Smith, the founder of their religion but he has trouble connecting with the natives. It features book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. Parker and Stone are the four-time Emmy Award-winning creators of the landmark animated series “South Park.” Considered a religious satire musical, it won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2011.

*Please be aware that this production contains explicit language.*

Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700

Cinco De Mayo Cocktails

batmanmexico — ‘Batman of Mexico’ at Downstairs at Esquire. Photo: Kody Melton, used with permission.

With Cinco De Mayo right around the corner, some cocktail bars choose to celebrate the holiday by incorporating the rich influence of Mexican spirits into their cocktail menus. Three of those are in San Antonio, a city known for its Mexican influence in food and drinks, and include Downstairs at Esquire, Esquire Tavern and El Mirador. Beverage Director Houston Eaves helps lead a beverage program that thoughtfully creates cocktails in ways that both utilize Mexican ingredients in a playful way while others reflect and pay homage to the rich Mexican history associated with San Antonio. In honor of Cinco De Mayo, here are some recipes, each with a clever story or character inspiring them. (Downstairs at Esquire, Esquire Tavern, El Mirador, 2018)

‘BATMAN OF MEXICO’ AT DOWNSTAIRS AT ESQUIRE
Named for Dr. Rodrigo Medellín, a Mexican Conservationist and Ecologist known as the ‘Batman of Mexico’ for his academic work studying bats. Dr. Medellín is co-founder of the Bat-Friendly Tequila & Mezcal Program, which is studying the relationship between agaves and their main pollinator, bats. This program looks at how the Tequila industry can help impact populations of migrating bats by allowing a portion of their plants to flower each year.

Ingredients:
2 oz. Siembra Valles High Proof Blanco Tequila
.75 oz. Fresh corn/chile syrup
.75 oz. Key Lime juice
Shake ingredients well with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass rimmed with sal de chapulín. Garnish with Bat Signal.

‘TEXECUTIONER’ AT ESQUIRE TAVERN
Named after Texas politician Rick Perry, Wahaka’s brazen espadín serves as an herbal fortitude for this memorable mix. Crafted in 2011 by bartender Houston Eaves during his time at ranch-like restaurant Contigo in Austin, the recipe traveled down to San Antonio’s historic Esquire Tavern after he relocated to the Alamo City a year later. Thanks to its savvy balance of snappy grapefruit and sweet Cocchi Americano, the drink has endured as a menu staple at both bars. Drink it served up or on a large ice cube and watch for the punchy mezcal to soften as the honeysuckle and orange notes of Cocchi weave throughout.

Ingredients:
3⁄4 oz. Wahaka Espadín mezcal
3⁄4 oz. Xtabentún
3⁄4 oz. Cocchi Aperitivo Americano
3⁄4 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
GRAPEFRUIT TWIST, for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin with ice and shake well. Strain into a coupe glass. Express the oil from a grapefruit swath over the top of the drink for aromatics and garnish with grapefruit twist.

‘EL CHAVO’ AT EL MIRADOR
Created by El Mirador bartender John Cox and inspired by popular 80s Mexican TV show “El Chavo del Ocho”, the El Chavo cocktail stirs up reminiscent feelings of the show centered around the adventures and tribulations of the title character—a poor orphan nicknamed “El Chavo.” When ordering the drink during happy hour, patrons at El Mirador can often find the bartender playing this show on TV.

Ingredients:
1oz Paranubes Oaxacan Rum
0.5oz Cimarrón Reposado Tequila
0.5oz Tempus Fugit Crème de Cacao
0.5oz Fresh Key Lime Juice
0.25oz Cinnamon Syrup
1 barspoon Condensed Milk
Shake well with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass with a half-Chapulín salt rim.

Dough Pizzeria Napoletana to open location at Hemisfair

doughexterior — Dough Pizzzeria Napoletana is set to open a location downtown at Hemisfair in May. Photo: Kevin Geil, used with permission.

Dough Pizzeria Napoletana is a San Antonio restaurant known for its authentic Neopolitan style pizza concept and coming up in May, there will be another location, this one to be located downtown at Hemisfair. Dough’s success stems from the original San Antonio location on Blanco Road which Doug and Lori Horn opened in 2007 and another location in Plano, TX, which opened in 2012. The debut of Dough’s second location in San Antonio will add further grandeur to the vibrant and redeveloping urban district downtown. (Dough Pizzeria Napoletana, 2018)

Inspired by the traditions of Italian ingredients, Executive Chef and Co-Owner Doug Horn, with his wife, Co-Owner Lori Horn, have developed the only pizzeria in San Antonio certified to serve under the guidelines created by Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani (Neapolitan Pizzaioli Association) founded in Naples, Italy. All ingredients are sourced as much as possible from Italy as well as from local farmers. A true Neapolitan-style pizza is easy to distinguish: charred crust, sparse toppings and a raised border.

Menu pizza options will range from Arugula & Prosciutto, blending house-made mozzarella with truffle vinaigrette, to Pork Love, made with house-made spicy sausage, Speck, Soppressata Salami, Pancetta, house-made mozzarella and tomato sauce. Aside from traditional pizza, guests can expect house-made burrata, meatballs, antipasti, Tuscan and Italian salads and Italian-inspired desserts. Dough Pizzeria Napoletana will also reflect Italy with its extensive wine menu featuring carefully selected and imported vino from Southern Italy. The drink menu will include a range of Italian sodas and local craft beers on tap, as well as Kimbo espresso.

Dough will be located on the corner of South Alamo Street and East César E. Chávez Boulevard at the southwest corner of Hemisfair. Owners Doug and Lori Horn anticipate the renowned restaurant will become a neighborhood spot for locals, a checklist destination for downtown tourists and convention attendees, a relaxing place in the park and a jumping off point for exploring Southtown. Like other businesses at Hemisfair, Dough will operate out of a restored historic property, an icehouse once called the O.K. Bar, serendipitously matching Dough’s branding which has always included the “O.K.” symbol. There will be a neon “O.K.” hand symbol sign outside the restaurant, as well as an “O.K.” symbol mural located near the entranceway, as an homage to the historic building’s name.

“We’re thrilled to bring Dough downtown and join all the exciting developments throughout Hemisfair,” – Chef Horn, co-owner of Dough.

Dough Pizzeria Napoletana
518 South Alamo Street
San Antonio, TX 78205

Theater review: ‘Anything Goes’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre is the musical comedy ‘Anything Goes’ about Billy Crocker, a stowaway aboard an ocean liner bound for London from New York. He is in love with heiress Hope Harcourt and with the help of his friends, he plots to win her over before she marries Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. The show runs through May 13 with show times every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. ‘Anything Goes’ features songs and lyrics by Cole Porter, is directed by Christopher Rodriguez and stars Carla Sankey as lead Reno Sweeney. Tickets prices range from $18 to $30 and are available online, or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388.

‘Anything Goes’ is set in 1934 aboard the ocean liner SS American and begins as Reno, a nightclub singer and an old friend of Billy Crocker’s, expresses her love for him in “I Get a Kick Out of You.” Billy, a young Wall Street broker goes to the dock to say farewell to his boss Elisha J Whitney who is on his way to London on business. When the sailors and guests board the ship, “Bon Voyage,” Billy sees Hope, a beautiful girl he met beforehand, and upon hearing that she will be on that same ship, he stows away hoping to win her heart. During “Easy to Love,” he declares his love for Hope who agrees with him but turns him away. Eventually, Billy wins her over and Reno and Lord Evelyn, Hope’s fiancée, end up together.

The combination of silly antics, comedy and first rate singing and dancing makes ‘Anything Goes’ a joy to experience. Carla Sankey is excellent as Reno Sweeney and Isidro Medina is a scene stealer as the haughty British Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, who desperately tries to fit in by unsuccessfully picking up American idioms. Show highlights include “I Get a Kick Out of You” when Reno makes her entrance and “It’s De-Lovely” when Billy and Hope share a beautiful and elegant dance number worthy of any classic Hollywood musical. It is refreshing to see such a classic production at the local level. Overall, this family friendly musical is charming and funny with spectacular musical numbers and it is a must see.

Seersucker Distillery hosts grand opening Cinco de Derby Party

The makers of San Antonio’s own Seersucker Southern Style Gin are celebrating the grand opening of Seersucker Distillery with a Cinco de Mayo party and viewing of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday May 5 from 12p.m. to 9p.m. The public is invited to the recently remodeled 5,000 square-foot distillery to watch the race on an outdoor video wall. This Seersucker Distillery Cinco de Derby Party is free to enter, open to all ages and dog-friendly for well-behaved pets on leashes. To encourage guests to travel safely, Seersucker Southern Style Gin has partnered with Lyft to offer $10 off rides for the first 150 people to redeem the promo code SEERSUCKER55. The RSVP is available on Facebook. (Seersucker Distillery, 2018)

Attendees will be able to enjoy:

Cocktails from Seersucker Southern Style Gin + Cinco Vodka
Gin Juleps with $2.25 (or 25%) of each cocktail benefitting SNIPSA
Onsite food trucks including Guerilla Gourmet, Classic lawn games including bocce ball
Seersucker derby attire contest with cash prizes
Free tours of the distillery at 12p.m., 2p.m. and 4p.m.
Live horses and photo ops from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
DJ tunes by The Giant Hornets from Japan before the race
Live music by Zack Walther Band after the race

Phase one of Seersucker Distillery was completed in February 2018 and was followed by a soft opening to the public. Phase two of the remodel marks the completion of “The Grand Lawn” which includes a turf court for bocce ball, cornhole and washers and a dedicated area for food trucks. Seersucker Distillery’s Cinco de Derby Party is the first large scale unveiling of the completed tasting room and outdoor spaces.

Seersucker Distillery
8501 Cover Rd
San Antonio, TX 78263

Mexican rock band Zoé to perform at Aztec Theatre

zoephoto — Zoe is bringing their current tour to the Aztec Theatre on April 26. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Zoé is a Latin Grammy Award winning Mexican rock band and on Thursday April 26 they are performing at the Aztec Theatre in San Antonio. This event is appropriate for all ages and doors open at 7p.m. with the show starting at 8p.m. Tickets start at $45 and are available online. Their current tour is in support of Aztlan, their sixth studio album, which contains the new single “Clarividad” and will be released this Friday April 20. Other Texas dates include El Paso on 4/25, McAllen on 4/27, Dallas on 4/29 and Houston on 4/30. (Zoé, 2018)

Founded in Mexico City in 1994, Zoé has achieved success in Mexico and most Spanish-speaking countries with albums such as Rocanlover, Memo Rex Commander y el Corazón Atómico de la Vía Láctea and Reptilectric. With more than 1.5 million records sold, band members Jesus Baez (Keyboards), Sergio Acosta (Lead Guitar), Leon Larregui (Vocals), Rodrigo Guardiola (Drums) and Angel Mosqueda (Bass) make up one of Mexico’s premiere Latin Alternative groups and are now embarking on a world tour to celebrate their musical history which has been a soundtrack to the lives of their fans.

They have performed at some of the most important festivals and stages around the world including Mexico City, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States at Coachella. Last year they premiered their film “Zoe: Panoramas” along with its soundtrack. The film ‘Panoramas’ premiered earlier this year in movie theatres in 20 U.S. cities and was screened at film festivals in Mexico, Colombia and the United States.

Aztec Theatre
104 N St. Mary’s St.
San Antonio, TX 78205

Cask & Canine at The Granary ‘Cue & Brew

granarycanines — This Thursday April 19 at The Granary. Photo: The Granary ‘Cue & Brew, used with permission.

The Granary ‘Cue & Brew is getting into the Fiesta season with Cask & Canine this Thursday April 19 from 4:30p.m. to 10p.m. In partnership with Saint Arnold Brewing Co., they are hosting a pet adoption event with local animal rescue, San Antonio Humane Society. During this Fiesta Kick-Off event, guests can stop by the Granary to find a fur-ever friend or to enjoy a beer. The Granary will be tapping a special cask of Saint Arnold’s “Ale Wagger” and donating a portion from each cask sold to the San Antonio Humane Society. As passionate animal lovers, Saint Arnold’s “Ale Wagger” will also donate a portion to support local rescue organizations in the Houston area. “Ale Wagger” is a full malty body brown ale with hints of chocolate. (The Granary ‘Cue & Brew, 2018)

This event is free and open to the public with beer and food available for purchase. The San Antonio Humane Society will have dogs for adoption on site from 4:30p.m. t o 6:30p.m. and the event will run until 10p.m. The Granary and Saint Arnold will be handing out free Fiesta medals.

The Granary ‘Cue & Brew
602 Avenue A
San Antonio, TX 78215

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