Theater review: ‘Avenue Q’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

woodlawnaveq — There are two more chances to catch the hilarious ‘Avenue Q’ at the Woodlawn Theatre this weekend. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

This is the last weekend to catch the funniest show produced so far at the Woodlawn Theatre stage. ‘Avenue Q’ is the Tony-Award winning musical that features dysfunctional twenty-something puppets coping with personal insecurities and identities while living on Avenue Q. There are two show times left: Saturday at 7:30p.m. for ASL Night and Sunday at 3p.m for the final matinee. Tickets prices are $30 for adults, $24 for senior/military/first responders, $18 for children/students and groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount.

*’Avenue Q’ contains adult language, and explicit content and situations. Parental discretion is advised.

‘Avenue Q’ is set on a fictional street in an “outer-outer borough” of New York City and begins as Princeton, who is a puppet and a recent college graduate, is feeling anxious about where his life is going. He wants to find his purpose in life, but first he must find somewhere to live and a job but he has no job experience and an English degree “What Do You Do with a B.A. in English?” He starts looking for an apartment on Avenue A with no luck until he gets to Avenue Q. His new neighbors include puppets like Kate Monster, a kindergarten assistant teacher, roommates Rod and Nicky and humans like Brian, an aspiring comedian and his Japanese fiancée Christmas Eve. Upon getting to know each other, they argue about whose life sucks most “It Sucks to Be Me” and the winner turns out to be Gary Coleman, the building superintendent. Kate and Princeton make a love connection and have a one-night stand after being egged on to drink by the Bad Idea Bears, two adorable but cunning troublemakers. Most of the neighbors have their own dramas but help each other when times get tough. In the end, the cycle begins again after a new college graduate comes around looking for an apartment to rent “What Do You Do with a B.A. in English? (Reprise)” and the cast reminds Princeton that in the real world, some people never find their purpose, but life goes on and everything, good and bad, is temporary “For Now.”

Based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, this coming-of-age story is performed by puppets and is animated by visible puppeteers in full view of the audience and alongside human actors. It is both nostalgic, because it uses Sesame Street like scenery, puppets and props like dancing letters and modern, because the themes of unemployment, homelessness and racism make it relatable and a show for the times. Show highlights include “It Sucks to Be Me” when the neighbors share how much their lives suck and “The Internet is for Porn” when Trekkie Monster and the neighbors explain to Kate the reality of the Internet. Some of the songs may be uncomfortable to hear, “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist” and “Schadenfreude,” but they address subjects that should be discussed. There are plenty of ‘did they just say that’ moments along with ‘should I be laughing at this’ guilty pleasures, but it is definitely worth catching this production. The cast handles the puppets and the off-color humor with class and the quality of the singing is top notch as usual. ‘Avenue Q’ combines heart with tough, mature subjects in an entertaining way to make this a must-see musical. Of course, it is for adults only, so please leave the little ones home.

‘Avenue Q’ opens this Friday at the Woodlawn Theatre

Opening this Friday at the Woodlawn Theatre and just in time for the Halloween season, is the riotous ‘Avenue Q.’ The Tony-Award winning musical features dysfunctional twenty-something puppets coping with personal insecurities and identities while living on Avenue Q. This heartwarming and timely production runs from Friday October 12 through Sunday November 4. Show times are every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets prices are $30 for adults, $24 for senior/military/first responders, $18 for children/students and groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. Tickets are on sale online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2018)

*’Avenue Q’ contains adult language, and explicit content and situations. Parental discretion is advised.

‘Avenue Q is based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx. This coming-of-age story is performed by puppets, animated by visible puppeteers in full view of the audience and alongside human actors. “What happens when you’ve been told throughout your entire childhood that you’re special, only to find out that, as an adult, maybe you’re not?” Recent college graduate Princeton is learning that very difficult lesson upon his arrival in New York City. Lacking in finances, Princeton is forced to get a place in a tiny apartment on Avenue Q where he meets Kate Monster, Rod, Trekkie, Christmas Eve, Lucy, Brian and more quirky characters who are each trying to find their own way in love, career and life. They discover to their surprise and dismay, that in the real world their options are limited and that they are no more “special” than anyone else. With musical numbers like “It Sucks to be Me,” Everyone’s a Little Racist” and “Schandenfreude,” it does not shy away from tackling tough, mature subjects in an entertaining way.

During this production’s run, Woodlawn Theatre will be accepting personal hygiene donations to benefit Martinez Street Women’s Center, a non-profit organization that provides critical services to girls, women, and families in San Antonio.

Promotional Nights:
Pride Night – Saturday October 27
College Night – Friday November 2
ASL (American Sign Language) Night – Saturday November 3

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

‘Waitress’ tickets on sale this Friday

waitressmusical — Tickets to ‘Waitress’ go on sale this Friday October 5 at 10a.m.

Broadway in San Antonio announces this week that ‘Waitress’ is coming to the Majestic Theatre as part of the North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio 2018-2019 season. It will play for eight performances only from Tuesday January 8 through Sunday January 13, 2019 and tickets go on sale at 10a.m. this Friday, October 5. Ticket prices start at $40, are available at Ticketmaster online, by phone at (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. Orders for groups of 15 or more may be placed by calling (210) 226-5967. Show times are 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 8p.m. Friday; 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. (Broadway in San Antonio, 2018)

‘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. To make a real change, Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life. Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by 6-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (“Brave,” “Love Song”), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam), choreography by Lorin Latarro (Les Dangereuse Liasons, Waiting For Godot) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Hair, Pippin, Finding Neverland).

Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-3333

Theater review: ‘Disney’s Newsies’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio

newsies2 — ‘Disney’s Newsies’ now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio.

After a successful opening weekend, ‘Disney’s Newsies’ continues at The Public Theater of San Antonio’s Russell Hill Rogers Theater and runs through Sunday October 14. It was adapted from the 1992 Disney film Newsies which in turn was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. A co-presentation with Ballet San Antonio, this musical tells the story of the New York City newsboys who seize the day when they strike against unfair working conditions put in place by the publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online and at the box office but they are going fast. It has music by Alan Merken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein.

‘Disney’s Newsies’ is set in New York City in 1899 and begins as newspaper delivery boys Jack Kelly and his disabled friend Crutchie wake up early in the morning and Jack tells him of his dream to one day leave New York to live in Santa Fe. “Santa Fe (Prologue).” All the newsies then report to work “Carrying the Banner” where Jack meets Davey and his little brother Les, who unlike the others, have a home and family but must now get jobs to help the family after their father lost his job. There, they find out that the publisher of the New York World, Joseph Pulitzer, has increased the cost of the newspapers to the delivery boys so in retaliation, Jack organizes the city’s newsies to fight back by organizing a strike. When Jack meets a young female reporter named Katherine Plummer, she joins their cause because she sees it as an opportunity to be noticed as a serious reporter “Watch What Happens” but ends up falling for Jack.

To pull off a demanding show like ‘Disney’s Newsies,’ The Public Theater collaborated with Ballet San Antonio and the hard work has paid off. Under the direction of George Green with choreography by Courtnie Mercer, this immensely talented cast shines throughout the show, especially during the group dance numbers; those alone are worth the price of admission. Chaz Ingraham as Jack and Chelsea Levalley as Katherine have the excellent onstage chemistry needed to bring this inspiring and poignant story to life. Throughout the performance, real newspaper accounts of the strike are projected onto the background, including the group picture of the real newsies. Show highlights include “Carrying the Banner,” when the newsies make their stage debut and “Seize the Day” when they decide they have had enough and make the strike official. These high-energy dance numbers are amazing and understandably receive much love from the audience. ‘Disney’s Newsies’ is both educational and entertaining and makes for a must-see show the entire family can enjoy together.

Tickets to ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ go on sale Friday September 21

Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is coming to the Majestic Theatre in December and tickets go on sale this Friday September 21 at 10a.m. A part of the 2018-2019 North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio season, it will run from Thursday December 6 through Sunday December 16. Showtimes are 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m.,Saturday, 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday and a special 2p.m. performance on December 6. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2018)

Tickets start at $45 and are available online, by calling Ticketmaster at (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. Orders for groups of 15 or more may be placed by calling (210) 226-5967.

Based on the classic novel ‘Le Fantôme de L’Opéra’ by Gaston Leroux, ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it. He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and employing all devious methods at his command. With newly reinvented staging and stunning scenic design, this new version of is performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making it one of the largest productions on tour in North America.

‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is presented by Cameron Mackintosh, The Really Useful Group and NETworks Presentations. It is directed by Laurence Connor and features choreography by Scott Ambler, set design by Paul Brown, Tony Award®-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award®-winner Paule Constable, sound design by Mick Potter and musical supervision by John Rigby. The production is overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh and has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Charles Hart, book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber and orchestrations by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

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

‘Disney’s Newsies’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio

‘Disney’s Newsies’ is the next big musical playing in the Russell Hill Rogers Theatre at The Public Theater of San Antonio. It opens on Friday September 14 and will run through Sunday October 14. A co-presentation with Ballet San Antonio, this musical tells the story of the New York City newsboys who seize the day when they strike against unfair working conditions put in place by the publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer.

Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. On opening night Friday September 14, there will be a reception following the performance. Tickets are available online or at the box office at (210) 733-7258 and are $35 for adults, $25 for military members with ID, $25 for seniors age 60 and older and $20 for students with ID. Groups of ten or more receive a special rate. Tickets are going fast. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2018)

‘Disney’s Newsies’ is adapted from the 1992 Disney film Newsies which in turn was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. It has music by Alan Merken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein. Jack Kelly is a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city but when newspaper prices rise at the expense of the newsboys, Kelly and his fellow newsies fight back.

Special performances:
Thursday September 27 – Education Night
Friday September 28 – Food Truck Friday
Saturday September 29 – ASL Night – Interpreters present

The Public Theater of San Antonio
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

Theater review: ‘Hello, Dolly!’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

Anna Gangai as Dolly Levi and Tim Hedgepeth as Horace Vandergelder in ‘Hello, Dolly!’ now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

After a successful opening weekend, ‘Hello Dolly!’ continues at the Woodlawn Theatre for the long Labor Day weekend. It runs until Sunday September 16 with showtimes every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are on sale online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. ‘Hello Dolly!’ is the blockbuster Broadway hit about Dolly Gallagher-Levi, a turn of the century matchmaker and “woman who arranges things.” As a service to the community, during this performance’s run, the Woodlawn Theatre will be accepting new hoodie donations for local teens on behalf of San Antonio Threads. There is a donation box in the lobby where guests can drop off new hoodies, sizes small through extra-large for teen boys and girls during normal box office hours Tuesday through Friday from 2p.m. to 5.pm. and Saturdays from 11a.m. to 2p.m. or before any ‘Hello, Dolly!’ performance.

‘Hello, Dolly!’ is set in New York City at the turn of the last century and begins as the city is excited with Dolly’s visit to their fine city “Call On Dolly.” Dolly is a self-professed ‘meddler’ which includes matchmaking and other side jobs such as dance instruction and mandolin lessons. Currently, she is in the process of finding a wife for Horace Vandergelder, a grumpy but well-known half-a-millionaire but her intentions are to marry him herself. While in town, she meets Ambrose Kemper, a young artist who wants to marry Horace’s niece Ermengarde and enlists Dolly’s help to persuade Horace to give them his blessing. Together they travel to Yonkers, New York where Horace owns Vandergelder’s Hay and Feed. Horace has other intentions and he confesses to his two employees Cornelius and Barnaby that he is going to get married, “It Takes A Woman,” and plans to travel to New York City to march in the Fourteenth Street Association Parade and propose to the widow Irene Molloy, who owns a hat shop there. After an eventful trip that includes marching at the parade, dinner at a fancy restaurant and a polka competition, everyone finds a mate and Horace finally admits he needs Dolly in his life.

This musical is a Broadway classic and for good reason. It is filled with humor, romance, high-energy dancing and some of the greatest songs in musical theatre history. The costumes are gorgeous and reminiscent of the era and truthfully some of the best seen at the Woodlawn Theatre so far, especially the women’s hats. Show highlights include the hilarious shenanigans during “The Waiters’ Gallop” by Rudolph and the Waiters and of course the title song “Hello, Dolly!” by Dolly, Rudolph and Waiters which exudes elegance, style and old Hollywood-style dancing. The poignant moment comes during “It Only Takes a Moment” when Cornelius, Barnaby and Ambrose profess their love to their partners and Dolly convinces the judge that their only crime was being in love. The top-quality singing and dancing by the entire cast makes ‘Hello, Dolly!’ a must-see for the entire family and another winning classic performance at the Woodlawn Theatre.

Theater review: ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

wizardofozcast18 — ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre through July 29. Photo courtesy of Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

There are just two weekends left to catch the family-friendly musical ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at the Woodlawn Theatre. It runs through Sunday July 29 with show times every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is the story of Dorothy Gale, who lives in Kansas and after being blown away by a twister, ends up in the magical world of Oz. Together with Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion, she searches for her way home. Tickets are on sale online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. Prices are $18 for students and children, $24 for seniors, military and first responders and $30 for adults. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount.

After the Overture, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ begins with Madeline Gutierrez’ poignant rendition of “Over the Rainbow” and the audience is introduced to Dorothy who wishes she could escape to a nicer place. When her mean neighbor Miss Gulch threatens to take her dog Toto away, she runs away and meets Professor Marvel “The Wonders of the World” and begs him to let her come along with him in his travels. They are interrupted when a twister hits and she runs back home for shelter but once inside the house, it gets blown away by the storm. It lands in Oz and flattens the Wicked Witch of the East and Dorothy is greeted by the Glinda, the Good Witch of the North and the Munchkins “Munchkinland.” Glinda tells Dorothy that the Wizard of Oz might be able to help her return home “Follow the Yellow Brick Road.” On her way to the Emerald City to speak with the Wizard, she meets the Scarecrow, who wants a brain, the Tin Man, who wants a heart and the Lion, who wants courage. Eventually the Wizard grants them their wish, which they had inside them all along and Glinda helps Dorothy return home via the ruby slippers.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ is a crowd pleaser as the humor and heart are well balanced and the combination of spectacular settings and quality performances by the cast makes this a show the entire family can enjoy together. Show highlights include Glinda’s grand entrance, the cast’s performance of “Follow The Yellow Brick Road” and “If I Only Had a Brain” by the Scarecrow, Dorothy and the Crows. Manny as Toto is a definite scene stealer, especially during a group scene at last Saturday’s performance when he chased the Lion’s tail. A special mention goes to Joshua Buce who plays the Lion and whose comic genius makes the role an uproarious delight to witness. He was recently seen as Lord Farquaad in ‘Shrek, the Musical,’ a similarly comic role for which he received an ATAC Globe Award. This weekend, escape the heat and bring the kids to experience live theater at its best. This classic never goes out of style and is a must-see.

Theater review: ‘Mamma Mia!’ at The Public Theater

mammamiabree — Briane Green as Rosie in The Public Theater’s ‘Mamma Mia!’ Photo: Carrie Daniels, used with permission.

Now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio is the smash hit musical ‘Mamma Mia!’ It runs until Sunday August 5 in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater and there are still a few more chances to experience this popular guilty pleasure firsthand. This jukebox musical uses popular ABBA songs to tell the story of Sophie who is searching for her father. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are going fast and available online or at the box office at (210) 733-7258 and are $35 for adults, $25 for military members with ID, $25 for seniors age 60 and older and $20 for students with ID. Groups of ten or more receive a special rate.

‘Mamma Mia!’ takes place on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi where 20-year-old Sophie is making plans to marry her fiancé Sky. She wants her father to walk her down the aisle but she does not know who he is. When she discovers her mother’s old diary with details about the men she dated, she invites them to the wedding. The show begins with an overture, a montage of instrumental versions of ABBA songs. That leads to “Money, Money, Money” during which Sophie’s mom Donna and her two friends catch up on their lives. When the three possible fathers, Sam Harry and Bill, arrive on the day before the wedding, Donna is surprised to see them, “Mamma Mia,” and flees in tears. Eventually, Sky finds out what Sophie is up to and accuses her of wanting a wedding with the sole intent of finding her father. Sam attempts to console her and gives her some fatherly advice on “Knowing Me, Knowing You.” On the big day of the wedding, Sophie and Sam agree not to marry and decide to take off together and see the world. Sam still loves Donna and proposes to her at the wedding and she accepts “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do.”

Overall, ‘Mamma Mia!’ is a fun show full of laughter and music that die-hard ABBA fans will enjoy. With the general theme of female empowerment, it celebrates friendship and love and is a musical nostalgic trip down memory lane. Show highlights include “Mamma Mia” and the hilariously played “Take a Chance on Me” when Donna’s friend Rosie tries to connect with Bill. Jessi Little delivers a strong performance as Sophie but Briane Green steals the show as the infectiously funny Rosie. Even those who are not familiar with ABBA’s music will find the show’s infectious songs hard to resist and the story a treat in and of itself. The cast is big but they all work together flawlessly to make this show a must-see and perfect for a girl’s night out. After the curtain call, the audience gets treated to a mini concert.

‘The Bridges of Madison County’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio

‘The Bridges of Madison County’ is now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

Now playing in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater at The Public Theater of San Antonio is ‘The Bridges of Madison County.’ It opened on Friday May 11 and will run until Sunday June 3. This musical is based on Jason Robert Brown’s 1992 novel of the same name with a book by Marsha Norman and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online or at the box office at (210) 733-7258 and are $35 for adults, $25 for military members with ID, $25 for seniors age 60 and older and $20 for students with ID. Groups of ten or more receive a special rate. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2018)

‘The Bridges of Madison County’ is set in Iowa in 1965 and tells the story of Francesca Johnson, an Italian war bride who has led a quiet and unfulfilling farm life. When her husband and two children leave on a three-day trip to Indianapolis, she meets and has an affair with Robert, a photographer for the National Geographic, who is in town to photograph the famous covered bridges of Madison County. This show captures the lyrical expanse of America’s heartland and is the winner of the 2014 Tony Award for Best Score and Orchestrations. The themes include the roads people travel, the doors they open and the bridges they dare to cross. It stars Mary Morrow as Francesca, Nick Szoeke as Robert Kincaid, Robby Vance as Bud, Ramsay Sweatmon as Michael and Campbell Wilford as Carolyn. J. Scott Lapp is the director, Darrin Newhardt the music director and Courtnie Mercer the choreographer.