Tag: Broadway Musicals

‘On Your Feet’ at the Majestic Theatre

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Tickets for ‘On Your Feet’ go on sale Friday November 10 and will play at the Majestic Theatre in March.

North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio announces that tickets for the hit musical ‘On Your Feet’ will go on sale this Friday November 10 at 10a.m. ‘On Your Feet’ will play eight performances at the Majestic Theatre from Tuesday March 13 through Sunday March 18, 2018. It is based on the life story of seven-time Grammy winning international superstar Gloria Estefan and her husband, 19 Grammy winning producer-musician-entrepreneur Emilio Estefan. Tickets start at $35 and are available at Ticketmaster, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or by visiting the Majestic Theatre box office. Orders for groups of 10 or more should be done by calling (210) 226-5967. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.  (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

‘On Your Feet’ is a jukebox musical that follows the Estefan’s journey to superstardom. Gloria Estefan has sold over 100 million records and sold out stadiums around the world. Emilio and Gloria Estefan together have won 26 Grammy Awards® but their music is only half the story. From the heart of Havana to the streets of Miami came a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the music industry had ever seen. The score is built around the Cuban-fusion pop music made famous by Gloria and Emilio Estefan including the chart-topping smash hits “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “1-2-3,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Mi Tierra,” “Don’t Want To Lose You Now” and “Reach.” Also featured is the song “If I Never Got to Tell You,” with lyrics by Gloria Estefan and music by her daughter Emily Estefan. It is directed by two-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell and choreographed by Tony Award nominee & Olivier Award winner Sergio Trujillo with an original book by Academy Award winner Alexander Dinelaris.

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

‘Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella’ at the Majestic Theatre

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Tickets to ‘Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella’ go on sale this Friday October 6, 2017.  Show plays at the Majestic Theatre in January.

The 2013 Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical ‘Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella’ is coming to San Antonio and will play at the Majestic Theatre from Friday January 12 through Sunday January 14, 2018. From the creators of ‘The King and I’ and ‘The Sound of Music,’ this musical will play for only five performances for a limited engagement as part of the North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio season. Performances are 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. Tickets go on sale this Friday October 6 at 10a.m. and prices begin at $35. They are available online, at the box office, through Ticketmaster online or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Box office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday hours vary. Orders for groups of ten or more may be place by phone at (210) 226-5967. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

The classic story has a fresh new take on ‘Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella.’ The tale of a young woman who is transformed from a chambermaid into a princess, this version combines the glass slippers, pumpkin and a beautiful ball with some surprising twists. She is more than just a pretty face with the right shoe size; she is a contemporary figure living in a fairytale setting who longs to escape the drudgery of her work at home and instead work to make the world a better place. As a spirited young woman with savvy and soul, she does not let her rags or her gowns trip her up in her quest for kindness, compassion and forgiveness. She not only fights for her own dreams but she also forces the prince to open his eyes to the world around him and realize his own dreams.

The production has music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, a new book by Douglas Carter Beane and original book by Oscar Hammerstein II. It is directed by Gina Rattan and choreographed by Lee Wilkins. Music adaptation and arrangements are by David Chase and music supervision is by Greg Anthony Rassen. Some of the songs include “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” “Ten Minutes Ago” and “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?”

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

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

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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.

‘Hairspray’ at The Playhouse San Antonio

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

Opening at The Playhouse San Antonio this week is the local production of the Tony Award-winning musical ‘Hairspray.’ This wildly popular musical opens on Friday July 7 and will run until Sunday August 6 in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater. It is the story of Tracy Turnblad, whose innocent desire to dance on a television show ends up shaking up her hometown of Baltimore. The book was written by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, music is by Mark Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Mark Shaiman. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are available online and are $42 for general adult, $23 for military with valid ID, $23 for seniors aged 60 and up, $15 for students with valid ID and $12 for children aged 12 and under. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more. (The Playhouse San Antonio, 2017)

‘Hairspray’ is set in 1962 where Tracy Turnblad, a plus size teenager with a passion for singing and dancing, dreams of her chance to dance on the local dance television show. When she finally wins a spot on The Corny Collins Show, she becomes an overnight celebrity and meets a wide variety of characters. They band together to challenge the status quo which leads to social change when they campaign for the show’s integration. Amid singing and dancing, ‘Hairspray’ tackles such topics as racism, segregation and finding love despite weight and color differences. Omar Leos is the director and it stars Kass Ortiz as Tracy Turnblad, David Nanny as Edna Turnblad, Brendan Brady as Corny Collins, Emily Cleveland as Penny Pingleton and Cade Thomas as Link Larkin.

The Playhouse San Antonio
Russell Hill Rogers Theater
800 W Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-725

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

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“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: ‘Urinetown – the Musical’

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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.

‘Sister Act’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

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‘Sister Act, The Musical’ opens at the Woodlawn Theatre on Friday April 7, 2017. Photo courtesy of Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

Coming up this month at the Woodlawn Theatre is the local production of the Broadway Blockbuster ‘Sister Act, The Musical.’ This family friendly musical is a premiere for San Antonio’s local theatre community and opens on Friday April 7 and will run until Sunday May 7, 2017. Show times are every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. On Sunday April 16 the 3p.m. matinee performance will be replaced with a special Easter evening performance at 7p.m. Tickets are now on sale and are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. Prices are $18 for students and children, $24 for seniors and military and $29 for adults. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. Please note that a $3 service fee applies. Woodlawn Theatre’s exclusive 2017 Fiesta medal will be available for purchase at the theater for $10. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2017)

Based on the 1992 hit movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, ‘Sister Act’ is the story of Deloris Van Cartier who works as a singer in a nightclub. When she witnesses a murder she is put in protective custody in the one place no one will look for her – a convent. Disguised as a nun, at first she finds it hard to fit in with the rigid lifestyle of the convent and the uptight Mother Superior. She soon finds that she can use her singing ability to help the choir and in turn breathe new life into the church. When she blows her cover she has to go on the run but her new found friendship with the nuns turns out to be a lifesaver. This hilarious and glorious tribute to friendship stars Sherry Gibbs-Houston, Kate Ragan, Anna Gangai, Krystal Newcomer and Bryd Bonner. It features original music by Tony® and eight-time Oscar® winning composer Alan Menken.

Woodlawn Theatre
1920 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 267-8388