‘The Book of Mormon’ announces lottery ticket policy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Theater review: ‘On Your Feet’ at the Majestic Theatre

onyourfeetmarquee — ‘On Your Feet’ is playing at the Majestic Theatre through Sunday.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Now playing at the Majestic Theatre is the national tour of the hit musical ‘On Your Feet’ and there are still four chances to catch this show stopping production. Upcoming show times are 2p.m. and 8p.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. ‘On Your Feet’ 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. It stars Christie Prades as Gloria and Mauricio Martínez as Emilio.

Like all good rags-to-riches stories, ‘On Your Feet’ begins with a young Gloria and her family in Miami where they moved from Cuba after the revolution. Her family, especially her father, try to nurture and encourage her talent until eventually she meets a young Emilio who encourages her to audition for his band, the Miami Latin Boys. Despite achieving stardom in the Latin market, the band struggles to expand their audience and must rely on word of mouth to get their music the exposure needed for a successful crossover. The first act ends with “Conga,” their breakthrough song, as the cast leads a conga line through the audience. The second act gets serious as it chronicles the struggles that Gloria had to overcome after the near-fatal tour bus accident that nearly derailed her musical career. In the end, she manages to get back on the spotlight where she always belonged. It is all wrapped up with a party-like atmosphere filled with music, dancing and confetti.

Fans of Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine will enjoy the production since it is filled with hits including “1-2-3,” “Anything for You,” “Conga” and “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You.” Aside from that, it is a reminder of the American dream and that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. It is refreshing to see a mostly Hispanic cast depict the immigrant struggle onstage and the live orchestra brings the Cuban-inspired music to a broader audience. Show highlights include when the band must perform everything from bar mitzvahs to clubs to get their music heard and when Emilio stands up to his record producer when he tries to dissuade them from recording in English and tells him “this is what an American looks like.” It slows down towards the end, but overall, the lead actors have onstage chemistry and the cast works well together. It is a must-see show that appeals to audiences of all ages.

Theater review: ‘The Color Purple’ at the Majestic Theatre

‘The Color Purple’ is the 2016 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical Revival and it is now playing at the Majestic Theatre through Sunday February 11. 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 with prices starting at $35. It is based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker and follows the life story of Celie, an African-American Southern woman, from the early to mid-20^th century.

‘The Color Purple’ begins on a Sunday morning in 1909 as fourteen-year old Celie is playing a clapping game with her younger sister Nettie. She is pregnant with her second child by her father Alphonso and after she gives birth to a son, he coldly tells her he is going to get rid of it like the last one and she quietly says goodbye to her baby, “Somebody Gonna Love You.” Years later, a local farmer asks Alphonso for permission to marry one of his daughters, so he gives him Celie and throws in a cow as part of the deal. As she grows, her life is filled with hardships but along the way she meets women that will guide her through and eventually help her regain her power and reunite her with her grown children.

Celie’s tragic story is at the center of ‘The Color Purple’ so there are no elaborate settings or lighting effects but it works. Adrianna Hicks is amazing as Celie, especially on “I’m Here” towards the end when she finally accepts herself and realizes her worth. Carrie Compere brings the strong-willed Sofia to life, beginning with “Hell No” when she fights back when her boyfriend Harpo tries to beat her. Stand out performances include “Shug Avery Comin’ to Town,” “What About Love?” and “Hell No,” which had the loudest audience reaction. Even though the main themes include empowerment and self-worth, it does have mature content, so it might not be suitable for all ages. Overall, it is a heartfelt story of the triumph of the human spirit despite all the set-backs and tragedies that come along the way. It is definitely a must-see.

Theater review: ‘Cinderella’ at the Majestic Theatre

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

Tickets now on sale for ‘An American in Paris’ at the Majestic

americaninparis2 — ‘An American in Paris’ is coming to the Majestic Theatre in June. Tickets are now on sale. Phot: Broadway in San Antonio, used with permission.

‘An American in Paris’ is the most awarded new musical of 2015 and it is coming to the Majestic Theatre in June. A part of the 2017 – 2018 North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio season, it will play eight performances from Tuesday June 12 through Sunday June 17, 2018. Tickets start at $35 and 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. 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. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

The winner of four Tony Awards, ‘An American in Paris’ is inspired by the 1951 Academy-Award winning film of the same name. It is the romantic story of an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war. Directed and choreographed by the 2015 Tony-Award winner Christopher Wheeldon, it features the music and lyrics of George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin and a book by Craig Lucas. The score includes the songs “I Got Rhythm,” “Liza,” “’S Wonderful,” “But Not For Me,” “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise” and orchestral music including “Concerto in F,” “Second Prelude,” “Second Rhapsody/Cuban Overture” and “An American In Paris.”

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

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

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)

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

Theater review: ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

littleshop17 — ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre until Sunday November 5, 2017. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

October is Halloween month and nothing says horror and creepiness like ‘Little Shop of Horrors.’ Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre until Sunday November 5, is the horror comedy rock musical about an unlucky florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human flesh and blood. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets range from $18 to $29 and are available online. This production is recommended for audiences 13 and over and parental supervision is advised due to mature language.

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is a musical about Seymour Krelborn who stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” – after his coworker crush. Seymour is a poor young orphan living in skid row who was taken in by Mr. Mushnik, a flower shop owner. He works for him now at the shop along with Audrey, a pretty young blonde and as the story begins, they both lament their stations in life, “Skid Row (Downtown).” Every day, Seymour cares for the mysterious new plant, “Grow for Me,” that looks like a large Venus flytrap and turns out to be a foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore. It promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Seymour if he keeps on feeding it blood. After he witnesses Audrey’s boyfriend Orin being abusive to her, he longs to protect her and plots to kill him. Eventually he discovers Audrey II’s out of this world origins and intent towards global domination but not before he loses everyone he cares about.

Far from a typical musical happy ending, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is a wickedly fun time. Brian Hodges shines in the role of the shy and unlucky Seymour and is paired well with Paige Berry as Audrey. Despite not being a lead character, Orin the sadistic dentist, leaves audiences conflicted because they love to hate him. Chris Berry’s hilarious portrayal of Orin during “Now (It’s Just the Gas)” had the audience in stitches but is a perfect example of why this production is not for the very young. Show highlights include when Orin makes his entrance “Dentist!,” “Grow for Me” when Seymour discovers what makes Audrey flourish and “Suddenly, Seymour” when Seymour and Audrey finally get together, even if it does not last. Overall, it is a dark and tragically funny production filled with humor, drama and heart and is a must see for the Halloween season.

Tickets now on sale for ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ at the Majestic

The holiday season is almost here and it is time to start making plans. Celebrate the season with ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ when it plays at the Majestic Theatre in December. The stage adaptation of the beloved classic film is coming to San Antonio as part of the North Park Lexus Broadway In San Antonio season. This family friendly production will play for eight performances from Tuesday December 12 to Sunday December 17. Show times are 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. Sunday. Tickets are now on sale and prices begin at $30. 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 placed by phone at (210) 226-5967. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ tells the story of two show business friends who start out putting on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn and end up finding their perfect mates. It is full of dancing, romance and laughter and includes some of the greatest songs ever written. These include “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” “Happy Holiday,” “Sisters,” “Blue Skies,” and the unforgettable title song. Music and Lyrics are by Irving Berlin with Book by David Ives and Paul Blake and is based on the Paramount Pictures film written for the screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank.

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

Theater review: ‘The Bodyguard’ at the Majestic Theatre

Now playing at the Majestic Theatre is the stage adaptation of the 1992 Oscar-nominated Warner Bros. film. It is adapted by Academy Award-winner Alexander Dinelaris and tells the story of former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard Frank Farmer who is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge but what they do not expect is to fall in love. Grammy® Award-nominated and multi-platinum R&B and pop recording artist Deborah Cox stars as Rachel Marron and television star Judson Mills stars as bodyguard Frank Farmer. There are still three chances to catch the hit musical with show times at 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Sunday. Ticket prices begin at $35 and are available online, at the box office, through Ticketmaster online or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

The first scene introduces audiences to superstar Rachel Marron and her music as she performs ‘Queen of the Night’ all the while unaware of the threat she faces from a stalker. Her manager hires Frank Farmer, a former Secret Service Agent to protect her and upgrade the security protocols. This version changes the focus of the story from the bodyguard to Rachel Marron. She collaborates with her sister Nikki on a new song, ‘Greatest Love of All’ and insists on performing her music as usual until she has a close call with the stalker while performing at the Mayan. From there they take the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe but when Rachel performs at the Oscars, Frank gets injured trying to protect her. Eventually they go their separate ways as he takes another job and she continues with her tour, ‘I Will Always Love You.’

With more than a dozen songs in the production, ‘The Bodyguard’ is more of a Whitney Houston tribute than a Broadway musical. It appeals to her fans and has a nostalgic feel from the first song to the iconic final performance of ‘I Will Always Love You.’ It is considered a romantic thriller but has occasional funny moments. Show highlights include Rachel’s concert-like performances and the hilarious karaoke scenes with the drunken college girls attempting to sing ‘Where Do Broken Hearts Go’ and Frank’s failed attempt at karaoke. It features such classic songs as ‘So Emotional,’ ‘One Moment in Time,’ ‘Saving All My Love,’ ‘Run to You’, ‘I Have Nothing’ and ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody.’ A word about the curtain call: give Stefan Raulston, who plays the assassin, a break. He is only playing a role. On opening night, he was booed when he took his bow.

Theater review: ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’

hunchbackpic17 — ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ is now playing at the Playhouse San Antonio. Photo: Daniel D Baumer, used with permission.

After a successful opening weekend, the Texas premiere of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ continues at the Playhouse San Antonio in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater. Based on the book of the same name by Victor Hugo, it has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Peter Parnell and tells the story of Quasimodo, the misshapen but gentle-souled bell ringer of Notre Dame. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. and it runs until Sunday October 15. Ticket prices range from $15 to $35 and are available online.

The somber mood is set from the beginning as the choir and the congregation march into the dimly lit church. Quasimodo is content with his life in the tower since Frollo has convinced him he will be an outcast because of his looks if goes outside. Yet he dreams of venturing out and when curiosity gets the best of him he goes exploring, ‘Out There.’ While taking in the sights at the local festival, ‘Rhythm of the Tambourine’ he meets and befriends a young gypsy dancer named Esmeralda who teaches him the true meaning of friendship and acceptance. The cast includes Bob Galindo as the mean-spirited Claude Frollo, Nick Szoeke as the loveable Quasimodo, Travis Trevino as Jehan, Frollo’s brother and Alyssa Lopez as the gypsy Esmeralda.

There is so much more to this version of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ than the happy-go-lucky Disney version most people have come to know. Despite lighter numbers like ‘Rhythm of the Tambourine’ when the audience is introduced to Esmeralda and the rest of the gypsies, and sporadic comic relief, the themes and subject matter are serious. Bob Galindo is excellent as Frollo, especially during ‘Hellfire’ when he begs to be delivered from damnation. Nick Szoeke expertly brings the role of Quasimodo to life onstage. Some of the highlights of the show include when Esmeralda and Quasimodo are admiring the view from the top of the tower, ‘Top of the World’ and when Quasimodo pours molten lead onto the streets. The cast and crew have done an admirable job in bringing this incredible production to San Antonio audiences. From the incredible voices and acting to the sets and costumes, this professional grade production is not to be missed

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Tag: Broadway shows

‘The Book of Mormon’ announces lottery ticket policy

Theater review: ‘On Your Feet’ at the Majestic Theatre

Theater review: ‘The Color Purple’ at the Majestic Theatre

Theater review: ‘Cinderella’ at the Majestic Theatre

Tickets now on sale for ‘An American in Paris’ at the Majestic

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

Theater review: ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

Tickets now on sale for ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ at the Majestic

Theater review: ‘The Bodyguard’ at the Majestic Theatre

Theater review: ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’

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