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

Book of Mormon
Audiences are loving ‘The Book of Mormon’ which runs through Sunday May 6 at the Majestic Theatre.  Photo: Broadway in San Antonio, used with permission.

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 Book of Mormon’ announces lottery ticket policy

Book of Mormon
‘The Book of Mormon’ opens at the Majestic Theatre on Tuesday May 1. Photo: Julieta Cervantes, used with permission.

‘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

Announcing the 2018 -2019 Broadway in San Antonio season

Hamilton Chicago
‘Hamilton’ is coming to the Majestic Theatre in May 2019.  Photo: Gayle McCracken, used with permission.

This week the Majestic Theatre announced its line-up of shows for the 2018-2019 North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio Season. ‘Hamilton’ anchors the season with a three-week run in May 2019. The season will include eight productions with a mixture of blockbuster Tony Award® winners, five market premieres and returning audience favorites. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2018)

‘Wicked’ – September 26 – October 14, 2018 (Season Option)
The season opens with the return of the remarkable odyssey of how two unexpected friends change each other’s lives for good. Declared “The Best Musical of the Decade” by Entertainment Weekly and “A Cultural Phenomenon” by Variety, ‘Wicked’ is the recipient of over 100 international awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards.

School of Rock’ – November 6-11, 2018
Making its market premiere, ‘School of Rock’ is based on the hit film. This hilarious new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band

The Phantom of the Opera’ – December 6-16, 2018 (Seven Show Package Option)
December will see the return to San Antonio of Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production. Overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh, it boasts many exciting special effects including the show’s legendary chandelier. The beloved story and thrilling score, with songs like “Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You” and “Masquerade,” will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this one of the largest productions now on tour.

‘Waitress’ – January 8-13, 2019
Making its San Antonio debut in January 2019, ‘Waitress’ is inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film and tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker. Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start. While her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness, Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.

‘Anastasia’– February 5-10, 2019
This romantic and adventure-filled new musical also opens in February and will transport audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s as a brave young woman sets out on a journey to discover the mystery of her past.

‘Fiddler on the Roof’ – March 26-31, 2019
This new production returns to the Majestic Theatre in March.  It features the Broadway classics “Tradition,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “To Life.”

‘Hamilton’ – May 7-26, 2019
‘Hamilton’ will make its San Antonio debut with a three-week run. It 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.

‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ – June 18-23, 2019
This award-winning smash comedy closes out the season in June.  It is a remarkable rags-to-riches story for a play which started its life at a London fringe venue with only four paying members of the public at the first performance and has gone on to play to an audience of over half a million around the world.

‘Jersey Boys,’ the Tony Award®-winning true-life musical phenomenon about Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, will return as a season option. Details will be announced soon.

Season tickets are on sale now. North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio season packages are now available. Subscribers can choose a six-show package starting at $270 or seven-show package including ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ starting at $315. For more information, patrons can visit Broadway In San Antonio or call Broadway in San Antonio at 800-215-SHOW (7469), from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. On sale dates for individual shows will be announced in the coming months. Group minimums start as low as 10 for select shows and can reserve seats now by calling (210) 226-5967.

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

Theater review: ‘Cinderella’ at the Majestic Theatre

cinderella
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s ‘Cinderella’ plays one more show at the Majestic Theatre tonight.

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s ‘Cinderella’ is now playing at the Majestic Theatre and even though there were numerous little girls in their best Cinderella outfit present on opening night, this contemporary take on the classic story appeals to all ages. Since it contains elements of the original French fairy tale the prince gets a back story and Cinderella’s step sisters become more than just the sidekicks to the evil stepmother. That deeper character development makes for a more balanced story telling in which all the characters get to tell their side of the story.

The audience is introduced to Prince Topher during “Me, Who Am I” and Cinderella, whose real name is Ella during “In My Own Little Corner.” The Prince’s parents died and left him in the care of a villainous minister who is using him to prey on the poor. Jean-Michel is a rebel who desperately wants things to change. He and Cinderella’s stepsister Gabrielle fall in love and plan to reach the Prince and make him see the error of his ways. The more popular story line of the evil stepmother and Cinderella meeting the Prince at the ball are still at the center of this popular fairy tale.

‘Cinderella’ is an entertaining musical that combines humor, dazzling costumes and top notch singing and dancing. Highlights include the transformation of Cinderella’s humble clothes into gorgeous ball gowns, the horse and carriage that serve as transportation to the ball and the amazing ball room dancing. Joanna Johnson delivers a stand out performance as stepsister Charlotte, especially during “Stepsister’s Lament.” There is one more chance to watch the show tonight, Sunday, January 14, at 7:30p.m. Tickets start at $35 and are available online and at the Majestic Theatre box office.

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

Theater review: ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ at the Majestic Theatre

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‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ is now playing at the Majestic Theatre until Sunday.

Last night was opening night of ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ at the Majestic Theatre. The stage adaptation of the beloved classic film tells the story of two show business buddies who start out putting on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn and end up finding their perfect mates. Music and lyrics are by Irving Berlin with a book by David Ives and Paul Blake and it runs until Sunday December 17. Show times are 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. Sunday.

 

‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ follows Bob Wallace and Phil Davis from the Western Front of World War II to a Vermont inn where they put on a successful Christmas show and fall in love. With the first scene set in 1944 during a Christmas Eve performance put on by Bob and Phil, the audience is introduced to these lovable characters who were meant to be in the spotlight, “Happy Holidays/White Christmas.” The story fast forwards to 1954 where they perform on the Ed Sullivan Show and meet Betty and Judy Haynes, a sister act, “Sisters.” Their next stop was supposed to be sunny Florida but without telling Bob, Phil changes those plans to follow the sisters to Vermont. Upon their arrival, they are disappointed to find no snow but are determined to put on a Christmas show. The show goes on despite minor setbacks and they are rewarded with a “White Christmas.”

Perfect for a family holiday outing, ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ is full of dancing, romance, laughter and favorite familiar songs including “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” “Happy Holiday,” “Sisters” and “Blue Skies.” The talented cast brings this classic story to life with Sean Montgomery and Jeremy Benton brilliantly chosen for the roles of Bob Wallace and Phil Davis. Show highlights include “Sisters” by Betty and Judy and “Blue Skies” by Bob and the Chorus while “I Love a Piano” features a fabulous tap dancing number and was the audience favorite. It all wraps up with “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” and a pleasant surprise for the audience. This family-friendly holiday show is not to be missed.

Tickets for ‘The Book of Mormon’ go on sale December 8

Book of Mormon
Tickets to ‘The Book of Mormon’ go on sale this Friday December 8, 2017. Photo: Broadway in San Antonio, used with permission.

The Tony Award winning musical ‘The Book of Mormon’ is back by popular demand after successful runs in 2013 and 2015. It returns to the Majestic Theatre for a limited engagement from Tuesday May 1 to Sunday May 6 as part of the 2017-2018 North Park Lexus Broadway In San Antonio season. Tickets go on sale this Friday December 8 at 10a.m. and prices start at $39.  They are available through Ticketmaster online, by calling phone at 1-800-982-2787 or by visiting the Majestic Box Office.  The Majestic Box Office does not accept single ticket orders over the phone; all ticket sales must be made in person. Majestic Box Office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday hours vary weekly. Orders for groups of ten or more may be placed by calling (210) 226-5967. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday.  (Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

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 it contains explicit language.

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

‘The Color Purple’ at the Majestic Theatre

thecolorpurple
Tickets are now on sale for ‘The Color Purple’ which will play at the Majestic Theatre in February 2018.

North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio at the Majestic Theatre recently announced that tickets to the San Antonio premiere of the North American Tour of ‘The Color Purple’ are now on sale. The Tony Award-winning Broadway revival will play at the Majestic Theatre for eight performances from Tuesday February 6 through Sunday February 11, 2018. Tickets start at $30 and are available online, by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or by visiting the Majestic Box Office.  Office hours are 10 a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday hours vary. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling (210) 226-5967. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday.  (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

‘The Color Purple’ is based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker and the Warner Bros./Amblin Entertainment movie. The story follows the journey of Celie, an African-American woman in the South from the early to mid-20th century and stars Adrianna Hicks as Celie, Carla R. Stewart as Shug Avery and Carrie Compere as Sofia. It is adapted for the stage by Tony and Pulitzer-winner Marsha Norman with music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. Tony Award®-winning director and scenic designer John Doyle recreates his award-winning work for the national tour with costumes by Ann Hould-Ward, lighting by Jane Cox, sound by Dan Moses Schreier and wig & hair design by Charles G. LaPointe.

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

Theater review: ‘The King and I’ at the Majestic Theatre

kingandicast
‘The King and I’ plays at the Majestic Theatre through Sunday October 22.  Photo: North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, used with permission.

Now playing at the Majestic Theatre is the national tour of the Lincoln Center Theater Production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ‘The King and I.’ There are still a few chances to catch it this weekend with show times at 8 p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available at the box office and through Ticketmaster and prices start at $35. This musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher hired by the King to teach his many wives and children. It stars Jose Llana as the King of Siam and Heather Botts as Anna Leonowens.

‘The King and I’ starts off with Anna and her son Louis as they are arriving in Bangkok, “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” and are met by the King’s Prime Minister, the Kralahome. They start off on the wrong foot when he informs her that they are expected to live in the palace, which is a violation of Anna’s contract which stated that they were to have their own house. Despite this breech in contract, she agrees to keep her part of the bargain but constantly reminds the King that he must do the same. Eventually they become friends and with Anna’s help he slowly attempts to modernize Siam. Conflicts arise at the palace and Anna and the King become estranged but she returns when he is at his deathbed and stays with him until his death when his son Chulalongkorn takes over.

The cast may be big but they work together splendidly to make this Broadway favorite work. Jose Llana and Heather Botts have outstanding stage chemistry that makes this true story come to life. Show highlights include “Getting to Know You” when Anna meets the royal children and wives and “Shall We Dance” when Anna and the King dance towards the end of Act II. Especially poignant is “We Kiss in a Shadow” by Lun Tha, the slave girl and Tuptim, her forbidden lover. “The Small House of Uncle Thomas,” the ballet the Royal Singers and Dancers put on for the British guests, is visually stunning and showcases the depth of talent of the cast. With its combination of humor, drama, and spectacular singing and dancing, ‘The King and I’ appeals to all ages and the universal themes of family and love, in all its forms, are relatable and timeless.

Tickets to ‘Finding Neverland’ go on sale Friday

findingneverlandThe touring production of ‘Finding Neverland’ will be stopping by the Majestic Theatre for eight performances only from Tuesday May 2 through Sunday May 7 as part of the 2016-2017 season of North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio.  Tickets go on sale tomorrow Friday January 20 at 10a.m. for performances at 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. Tickets start at $30 and are available through Ticketmaster online, by phone at (800) 982-ARTS (2787) and at all Ticketmaster outlets including the Majestic Theatre box office. Majestic Theatre box office hours are Monday through Saturday from 10a.m. to 5p.m. and Saturday hours vary. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

‘Finding Neverland’ is based on the Academy Award winning movie by David Magee and the play ‘The Man Who Was Peter Pan’ by Allan Knee. It follows the relationship between playwright J.M. Barrie and the family that inspired ‘Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up.’ It is directed by Tony winner Diane Paulus with a book by Olivier Award nominee James Graham, music and lyrics by Gary Barlow and Eliot Kennedy and choreography by Emmy Award winner Mia Michaels. This musical is a story about the power of imagination and proof that people never really have to grow up. It features mesmerizing visuals, irresistible songs and plenty of laughs.