The company of ‘Les Miserables” performs “One Day More.” Photo: Matthew Murphy, used with permission.
The much-anticipated return of Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon ‘Les Misérables’ will play at the Majestic Theatre this September. Direct from a celebrated two-and-a-half year Broadway engagement, it will run from Tuesday September 17 through Sunday September 22 and tickets go on sale at 10a.m. this Friday, July 12. Tickets, starting at $49.50, are available through Ticketmaster online, by 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, call (210) 226-3333 to verify. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling (210) 226-5967. Performance 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. on Sunday. (Broadway in San Antonio, 2019)
‘Les Misérables’ is set against the backdrop of 19th-century France and tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Featuring one of the best scores of all time, with thrilling and beloved songs including “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” “Do You Hear the People Sing” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Along with the Oscar-winning movie version, it has now been seen by more than 120 million people in 52 countries and in 22 languages around the globe. ‘Les Misérables’ is still the world’s most popular musical, breaking box office records everywhere in its 33rd year. With glorious new staging and dazzlingly re-imagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking production, which broke box office records during its pre-Broadway tour, has left both audiences and critics awestruck.
Cameron Mackintosh’s production has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer from the original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, additional material by James Fenton and original adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. The original ‘Les Misérables’ orchestrations are by John Cameron with new orchestrations by Christopher Jahnke, Stephen Metcalfe and Stephen Brooker. The production is directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell, designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo with costumes by Andreane Neofitou and Christine Rowland, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter, musical staging by Michael Ashcroft and Geoffrey Garratt and projections by Fifty-Nine Productions. Music Supervision is by Stephen Brooker and James Moore, with casting by Kaitlin Shaw for Tara Rubin Casting.
‘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.
‘In The Heights’ opens Friday April 12 at the Woodlawn Theatre. From left to right: Jillian Sainz as Nina Rosario, Miguel Ochoa as Usnavi De La Vega, Lisa Decker as Vanessa and Venny Mortimer as Benny. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.
Coming up this week at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘In The Heights.’ It opens on Friday April 12 and runs until Sunday May 5, 2019. ‘In The Heights’ is a musical with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and book by Quiara Alegria Hudes and takes place over the course of three days in the largely Hispanic-American neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York City. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. There will be a special Thursday show on April 18 at 7p.m. and an Easter show on Sunday April 21 at 7p.m. Tickets are available online or by calling the Box Office at 210-267-8388. Prices are $30 for adults, $24 for Senior/Military/First Responders and $18 for Children/Student. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2019)
‘In The Heights’ tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It is a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind. This musical is the winner of the 2008 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations.
Cast includes: Usnavi De La Vega – Miguel Ochoa, Nina Rosario – Jillian Sainz, Kevin Rosario – Michael J Gonzalez, Camila Rosario – Victoria Nieves, Benny – Venny Mortimer, Vanessa – Lisa Decker, Sonny – Michael Parisi, Abuela Claudia – Ana Hernandez, Daniela – Melissa Gonzalez, Carla – Amy Mireles, Piragua Guy – Rene Sandoval, Graffiti Pete – Chibbi Orduna. The Director is Tim Hedgepeth, Choreographer Carla Sankey and Musical Director Andrew Hendley.
Promotional Nights:
Student Night: Saturday April 13- $10 /Child/Student tickets with code STUDENT
Pride Night: Friday April 19 – 25% off all tickets with code PRIDE
ASL Night Sunday May 5 – 25% off all tickets with code ASL
Cast performing The Bottle Dance from ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’ which plays at the Majestic Theatre until Sunday March 31. Photo: Broadway in San Antonio, used with permission.
The Tony Award®- nominated Broadway revival of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ returns to the Majestic Theatre this week. It opened last night and will play for eight performances through Sunday March 31 with showtimes at 7:30p.m. through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. Tickets start at $40 and are available through Ticketmaster online, by calling (800) 982-2787 or by visiting the Majestic Box Office. This acclaimed revival of the classic musical is the story of Tevye, a Jewish milkman whose three eldest daughters get married, each one moving further from traditional ways, as he copes with the growing anti-Jewish sentiment in his country.
‘Fiddler on the Roof’ is set in the Russian shtetl of Anatevka in 1905 where Tevye, (Yehezkel Lazarov) lives with his wife (Maite Uzal) and five daughters. The opening scene consists of Tevye pointing out the fiddler and explaining why he sits on rooftops and remains there despite the danger—because it is tradition. He goes on to explain the various Jewish customs, one of which is arranged marriages “Prologue: Tradition.” His three eldest daughters are not looking forward to their eventual arranged marriages “Matchmaker, Matchmaker.” When Yente (Carol Beaugard), the matchmaker, matches Tevye’s older daughter Tzeitel (Mel Weyn) with Lazar Wolf, the butcher (Jonathan Von Mering), she resists because she wants to marry her childhood friend Motel (Jesse Weil). Tevye gives in to her wishes and the family celebrates the wedding Tzeitel and Motel “The Wedding” until Russian soldiers interrupt it. Tevye’s two other daughters also wish to marry for love and their choice of husband is anything but traditional. The story ends on a somber note as the government forces everyone in the village to relocate “Anatevka.”
This revival production proudly introduces a new generation to the iconic musical adored across the globe. From the first mesmerizing notes of “Prologue: Tradition” to the reverence of “Sabbath Prayer,” it is a treat to experience live. Yehezkel Lazarov is outstanding as Tevye, especially during the infectious “If I Were a Rich Man.” His witty conversations with God make his character relatable. The breaking of the fourth wall draws the audience in to empathize with the characters and share in their human experience. Highlights include “Prologue: Tradition” by the Tevye and the Villagers, “To Life” as the men celebrate when Lazar Wolf is matched with Tzeitel and “The Wedding” which includes The Bottle Dance, a crowd pleaser that drew the most applause and cheers. At the center is the importance of family traditions and faith as the older generation tries to hold on to these values in the face of a changing world. With topics such as family and history, the occasional self-deprecating humor and spectacular dancing, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ is a must-see musical with universal appeal.
‘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.
Chris Fuglestad as Curly and Amanda Golden as Laurey in ‘Oklahoma!’ opening this Friday February 22 at the Woodlawn Theatre. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.
Coming up at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘Oklahoma!’ which opens on Friday February 22 and runs until Sunday March 17, 2019. ‘Oklahoma!’ is the first collaboration of famed partners Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II and is considered influential in setting the American musical theatre standard. 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. Prices are $30 for adults, $24 for Senior/Military/First Responders and $18 for Children/Student. Groups of or more receive a 20% discount. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2019)
In ‘Oklahoma!’ fetching farm girl Laurey Williams finds herself being courted by two rival suitors, the confident cowboy Curly McLain and the unstable farmhand Jud Fry. As the territory around them transforms, the fiery love triangle comes to a head. The story takes place in 1906 Western Indian Territory with a spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys providing a backdrop to the romantic adventure of Curly and Laurey. As the roads to love and statehood converge, the two are poised to spend their new life together in a brand-new state.
Cast includes Amanda Golden as Laurey, Chris Fuglestad as Curly, Brian Hodges as Jud and Jimmi Nielson-Reid as Ado Annie. In keeping with the original musical, there is a fifteen-minute dream ballet sequence as part of the love triangle storyline. For this sequence, Woodlawn Theatre has partnered with Alamo Arts Ballet Theatre to feature special guest artists Jeremy Rhom and Emily Rhom as Dream Curly and Dream Laurey, respectively. Jeremy Rhom appears courtesy of Ballet San Antonio.
During this production, the Woodlawn Theatre will be accepting gift cards from Home Depot, Lowes, Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics and gas station gift cards to be donated to the Alamo Arts Ballet Theatre. Established in 2006, the nonprofit organization is made up of student dancers, ages 13 and up and adults, chosen by audition. The company performs at least one major production annually, plus many community service performances, lecture demonstrations and career days in public schools, focusing on Title 1 schools. In their effort to bring ballet to underserved children, they have free student performances of their major productions.
Promotional Nights:
Student Night – Friday February 23, $10 Student/Child tickets with code: STUDENT
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
‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ is one of the shows playing at the Majestic Theatre during the 2019- 2020 Broadway in San Antonio season. Photo: Joan Marcus, used with permission.
This month the Majestic Theatre announced its line-up of shows for the 2019-2020 North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio Season. Pop-culture phenomenon ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ and Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ anchor the season with eight performances of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ and a three-week run of ‘Aladdin.’ With a total of eight productions, the season includes a mixture of Blockbuster Tony Award® winners, acclaimed revivals, four market premieres and beloved family favorites. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2019)
‘Les Misérables’ – September 17-22, 2019
Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, ‘Les Misérables’ direct from its acclaimed Broadway return. Featuring the beloved songs “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck.
‘Cats’ – October 29 – November 3, 2019
‘Cats,’ the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America. Winner of 7 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL, ‘Cats’ tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. The original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, original scenic and costume design by John Napier, all-new lighting design by Natasha Katz, all-new sound design by Mick Potter, new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne and direction by Trevor Nunn make this production a new one for the next generation.
‘Blue Man Group’ – November 22-24, 2019 (Season Special)
‘Blue Man Group’ performances are euphoric celebrations of human connection through art, music, comedy and non-verbal communication. It is universally appealing to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds and continually injected with new music, fresh stories, custom instruments and sensory stimulating graphics.
‘Dear Evan Hansen’ – December 17-22, 2019
A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he has always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. It features a book by Tony Award winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy, Tony and Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif.
‘Miss Saigon’ – January 7-12, 2020
Experience the acclaimed new production of the legendary musical ‘Miss Saigon,’ from the creators of ‘Les Misérables.’ This is the story of a young Vietnamese woman named Kim who is orphaned by war and forced to work in a bar run by a notorious character known as the Engineer. There she meets and falls in love with an American G.I. named Chris but they are torn apart by the fall of Saigon. For 3 years, Kim goes on an epic journey of survival to find her way back to Chris, who has no idea he has a son. Featuring stunning spectacle and a sensational cast of 42 performing the soaring score, including Broadway hits like “The Heat is On in Saigon,” “The Movie in My Mind,” “Last Night of the World” and “American Dream,” this is a theatrical event audiences will never forget.
‘Come From Away’ – February 25- March 1, 2020
This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes audiences into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.
Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ – March 25 – April 12, 2020
Discover a whole new world at Disney’s ‘Aladdin,’ the hit Broadway musical. From the producer of ‘The Lion King’ comes the timeless story of ‘Aladdin,’ a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It is an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.
‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ – May 26-31, 2020
Roald Dahl’s amazing tale ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ is now the Alamo city’s golden ticket. It is the perfect recipe for a delectable treat: songs from the original film, including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” alongside a toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score from the songwriters of ‘Hairspray.’
Currently, North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio season packages are only available to existing, renewing subscribers. Renewing subscribers can choose a six-show package starting at $276 or seven-show package including ‘Les Misérables’ starting at $321. For more information, patrons can visit Broadway in San Antonio online or call 800-215-7469 from 9a.m. to 5p.m., Monday through Friday. New patrons are encouraged to sign up for the official waiting list online and will be notified once new subscriptions become available.
Season Subscribers avoid potential single ticket price increases closer to the show by reserving their seats now and enjoy the privilege of priority ticket opportunities, lost ticket replacement and exchange privileges on existing seats for select shows. On-sale dates for individual shows will be announced in the coming months. Group minimums start as low as 10 for select shows; groups can reserve seats now by calling (210) 226-5967.
Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700
Lila Coogan as Anastasia, Stephen Brower as Dmitry and Edward Staudenmayer as Vlad in ‘Anastasia,’ playing at the Majestic until Sunday February 10. Photo: Gayle McCracken, used with permission.
Now playing at the Majestic Theatre is the national tour of ‘Anastasia’ and there are still a few chances to catch it with showtimes at 8p.m. Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $40 and are available through Ticketmaster, by calling (800) 982-2787 or by visiting the Majestic Box Office. This dazzling show transports audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past accompanied by a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat.
‘Anastasia’ begins with a Prologue set in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1906 as the Dowager Empress (Joy Franz) comforts her seven-year-old granddaughter Princess Anastasia who is saddened because her grandmother is moving to Paris, France. Years later in 1917, eighteen-year old Anastasia is attending a ball with her family when the Bolsheviks invade the palace and kill the family “The Last Dance of the Romanovs.” Time forwards again, this time to 1927, when two con-men, Dmitry (Stephen Brower) and an ex-member of the Imperial Court named Vlad (Edward Staudenmayer), upon hearing of the rumor that Anastasia may have survived the attack on her family, contrive to groom a naïve girl to become Anastasia to con money out of the Dowager Empress “A Rumor in St. Petersburg.” They find that girl in Anya (Lila Coogan), a street sweeper with no memory of her past but who bears a striking resemblance to Anastasia. After giving her history, dining and dancing lessons “Learn to Do it,” they take a train to Paris, France where all three have plans of their own. Eventually, Anya and her grandmother, the Dowager Empress, are reunited after her real identity is confirmed.
Based on the 1997 movie, ‘Anastasia’ adapts the legend of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia who some believe could have escaped the execution of her family. Lila Coogan and Edward Staudenmayer have excellent chemistry and bring this heartfelt tale to life onstage.The costumes are gorgeous, especially those of the royal family. Show highlights include “Once Upon a December” when Anya dreams about her family when her memory starts coming back, “Still” when Gleb, the Russian soldier, receives orders to go after Anastasia and kill her, but is conflicted because he has developed feelings for her and “The Countess and the Common Man” when Vlad and Lily reunite – a hilarious physical comedy routine. Overall, the humor, heart and spectacular costumes, singing and dancing, makes ‘Anastasia’ a must-watch production. It should be noted, though, that the train scene in Act I when Anya, Dmitry and Vlad flee to Paris, has a rotating train set that might trigger motion sickness in some audience members.
‘Rent’ is now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio until Sunday February 17. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.
Now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio is the pop culture phenomenon that is ‘Rent.’ This original rock musical by Jonathan Larson runs until Sunday February 17 in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets start at $25 and are available online and at the box office by calling (210) 733- 7258. ‘Rent’ is the story about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, it is a re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème and follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven struggling young artists in Lower Manhattan’s East Village living under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Disclaimer: may contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
‘Rent’ is set in the East Village of New York City and begins on Christmas Eve as two roommates, Mark (Gavin Rohrer), a filmmaker and Roger (Robby French), a rock musician, are trying to produce a video “Tune Up A.” Their friend Tom Collins (Isidro Medina III), a gay anarchist professor at New York University, is on his way to surprise them at their apartment when he is mugged. Angel (Louie Canales) a cross-dressing street drummer presently out of drag finds and tends to him “You Okay Honey?” and they are instantly attracted to each other and find out that they are both HIV positive. The story continues throughout the year as the friends observe holidays including Valentine’s Day and Halloween. Their personal struggles and losses come full circle on Christmas the next year as the remaining friends gather in a final moment and resolve to enjoy whatever time they have left with each other because there is “no day but today” “Finale B.”
One of the reasons ‘Rent’ remains popular is because the characters are so relatable and the universal themes of love and hardships hit close to home and appeal to people of all ages. The message of joy and hope in the face of fear reminds people to measure their lives with love, which is the only thing that matters. Show highlights include “Light My Candle” when Mimi and Roger meet, “Today 4 U” when Angel first comes out in drag, “La Vie Bohème” at the café as the group celebrates their bohemian lifestyle and of course, “Seasons of Love” sung by the entire cast at the beginning of Act II. The urban themed set, the talented cast and ensemble and Courtnie Mercer’s choreography all work brilliantly together to bring this tragically beautiful story to life onstage. Overall, ‘Rent’-heads as well as newcomers will be sure to enjoy this must-see production. It is a timeless classic but the disclaimer above should be taken into consideration.
Upcoming special dates:
Education Nights -Thursday February 7
ASL Night (interpreters present) – Saturday February 9
‘Jersey Boys’ returned to the Majestic Theatre this week for a limited run. Photo: Joan Marcus, used with permission.
The immensely popular jukebox musical ‘Jersey Boys’ returned this week to the Majestic Theatre for a limited run for three performances only on Friday February 1 and Saturday February 2. ‘Jersey Boys’ is the story of Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy De Vito and Nick Massi, known collectively as The Four Seasons. It is the true story of a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks who became one of the biggest American pop music groups of all time. Presented in a documentary-style format, it dramatizes the formation, success and eventual break-up of The Four Seasons.
‘Jersey Boys’ is structured as four “seasons,” each narrated by a different member of the band who gives his own perspective on its history and music. The story begins with “Ces Soirées-La,” a French rendition of “Oh, What a Night” after which Tommy DeVito, played by Corey Greenan, introduces himself and begins to narrate the story of the band’s beginnings with his brother Nick DeVito and friend Nick Massi and eventually Frankie Valli. Throughout the show, each band member takes turns narrating, (Bob Gaudio during Summer, Nick Massi during Fall and Frankie during Winter). This is an excellent way of bringing the audience into the story and making it more personal. While Act One is the story of the band’s inception, Act Two is a highlight reel of their best hits. In the Finale, Bob Crewe describes The Four Seasons’ 1990 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which reunited the original members onstage for the last time “Rag Doll.” Each of them address the audience separately to explain what being in the band meant to him and what he did afterwards.
After a successful opening night Friday, ‘Jersey Boys’ is still going strong, playing to an older crowd who no doubt remembers Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons during the highpoint of their careers. Regardless, the audience included guests of all ages who enjoy the music and keep coming back each time the show is in town. Highlights include their first hit “Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “My Eyes Adored You” which Frankie Valli (Jonny Wexler), sings to his wife. Judging by the audience’s reaction during “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” this was the audience favorite performance of the night. Overall, the setting, costumes and singing are first rate but there is adult language and themes so it might not appeal to everyone but for die-hard fans, it is an unforgettable night of nostalgia and music.
SA Examiner 