Tag: Broadway shows

‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ at The Playhouse San Antonio

hunchbackpic17
‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ opens at The Playhouse San Antonio on Friday September 15, 2017. Photo: Daniel D Baumer, used with permission.

The Playhouse San Antonio kicks off the new season this week with the Texas premiere of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame.’ It opens on Friday September 15 and will run through Sunday October 15 in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater. Based on the 1831 novel 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. It is directed by George Green with Darrin Newhardt as music director and Courtnie Mercer as choreographer. The cast includes Bob Galindo as Claude Frollo, Nick Szoeke as Quasimodo, Travis Trevino as Jehan and Alyssa Lopez as Esmeralda. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Ticket prices range from $15 to $35 and are available online. (The Playhouse San Antonio, 2017)

‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ is set in Paris, France in the Late Middle Ages during the reign of Louis XI. An elderly gypsy beggar narrates the story of Quasimodo which begins with two orphan brothers named Claude and Jehan. They are taken in by the Notre Dame cathedral and Claude eventually becomes the Archdeacon. He takes in Jehan’s deformed child and names him Quasimodo. Twenty years later, Quasimodo becomes a kind, but isolated young man who dreams of life outside the tower. His only companions are a trio of living gargoyles named Charles, Antoine and Lori. When he decides to venture out for a day, he meets a young gypsy dancer named Esmeralda who teaches him about true friendship and acceptance.

The Playhouse San Antonio
Russell Hill Rogers Theater
800 W Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

Theater review: ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

howtosucceedpic
‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ is now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre through Sunday September 17.  Photo by Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

The Woodlawn Theatre’s ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ had a challenging opening weekend due to Hurricane Harvey but those who braved the elements were rewarded with a hilarious workplace themed production. The Frank Loesser musical is a satire of big business and office politics and is based on Shepherd Mead’s 1952 book of the same name. There are still three chances to catch the show on Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. This being the final weekend, guests can take advantage of special pricing on tickets. By using the promo code WICKET, they can receive $10 off all ticket types as follows: Adult – $19, Senior/Military – $14, Child/Student – $8. This does not include service fees. Tickets are available online.

It begins with a young window washer, J Pierrepont Finch, who is reading the book “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” as he is working. After the Book Voice tells him that the only way to get ahead is to follow the book’s advice, he enters the World Wide Wicket Company looking for a job and he is hired to work in the mailroom. There he meets an ambitious young secretary named Rosemary who is instantly smitten by him, “Happy To Keep His Dinner Warm.” He also has to work alongside the boss’ lazy and arrogant nephew who constantly reminds the other employees of his status in the company. With the book’s guidance, he works his way up to Chairman of the Board, he gets the girl and the staff becomes like family.

The Woodlawn Theatre scores another hit with ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.’ The retro look is straight out of Mad Men but the workplace shenanigans are timeless. Anyone who has ever worked in an office can relate to the office gossiping and backstabbing, the overly ambitious co-workers and the office parties. The unifying force is coffee as the fatigued office staff rushes to get their fix during “Coffee Break.” With social commentaries such as office politics and sexual harassment, “A Secretary Is Not A Toy” it remains as relevant as ever. Brian Hodges is outstanding as the ambitious Finch and Mark McCarver’s portrayal of the seedy and creepy Bud is right on target. With the right combination of humor and romance, there is something for everyone and is a must-see show.

‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

howtosucceedpic
‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ opens at the Woodlawn Theatre on Friday August 25, 2017. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

The new season at the Woodlawn Theatre begins this week with the local production of ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.’ The Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway classic opens on Friday August 25 and runs until Sunday September 17, 2017. This musical by Frank Loesser is a satire of big business and office politics and is based on Shepherd Mead’s 1952 book of the same name. It is directed and choreographed by Woodlawn Theatre’s Executive and Artistic Director Christopher Rodriguez and stars Crystal Vera as Hedy, Mark McCarver as Bud, Brian Hodges as Finch and Kate Ragan as Rosemary. Show times are 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. Prices are $18 for students and children, $24 for seniors and military and $29 for adults. There is a $3 service fee for tickets. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. Free parking is available and located behind Vogue College of Cosmetology on W Lynwood Ave. This area is specifically designated for patrons and is patrolled by a uniformed security guard during the run of each show. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2017)

‘How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying’ tells the story of young, ambitious J. Pierrepont Finch who, with the help of the book “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” rises from window washer to chairman of the board of the World Wide Wicket Company. A satire of big business in the 1960s, it tackles the familiar but potent dangers such as the aggressively compliant “company man,” the office party, backstabbing co-workers, caffeine addiction and true love. Musical numbers include ‘How to Succeed,’ ‘Coffee Break’ and ‘Been a Long Day.’

On Saturday September 9, the Woodlawn Theatre will host an ASL Night (American Sign Language) with Robert Cardoza providing the deaf community with full communication access to the show.

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

Tickets now on sale for ‘The King And I’ at the Majestic Theatre

kingandicast
The cast of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ‘The King And I.’ Photo: Matthew Murphy, used with permission.

Ambassador Theatre Group and NETworks Presentations LLC announce that the national tour of the Lincoln Center Theater Production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ‘The King And I’ will make its San Antonio premiere at the Majestic Theatre for eight performances from Tuesday October 17 through Sunday October 22 as part of the North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio 2017-2018 season.  Tickets are now on sale and start at $35 and are available at Ticketmaster online, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or by visiting the Majestic Theatre box office. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday hours vary. Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed 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)

‘The King And I’ is set in 1860s Bangkok and tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher hired by the King to teach his many wives and children. It is based on Margaret Landon’s novel “Anna and the King of Siam” which is based on the memoirs of Anna Leonowens who was the governess to the children of King Mongkut of Siam. The fifth musical by Rodgers & Hammerstein, it is directed by Tony Award® winner Bartlett Sher and is the winner of four 2015 Tony Awards® including Best Revival of a Musical.  The score features such classics as “Getting to Know You,” “Hello Young Lovers,” “Shall We Dance,” “I Have Dreamed” and “Something Wonderful.”

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

Tickets now on sale for ‘The Bodyguard’ at the Majestic Theatre

The Bodyguard
Tickets for ‘The Bodyguard’ are now on sale.  It will play at the Majestic Theatre from September 19 through September 24, 2017.

The new season of North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio begins in September with the first U.S. national tour of the hit musical ‘The Bodyguard.’ It will play eight performances at the Majestic Theatre from Tuesday September 19 through Sunday September 24, 2017 and tickets are now on sale. Ticket prices begin at $35 and 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. Performances are 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. 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 Bodyguard’ is based on the 1992 Oscar-nominated Warner Bros. film and is adapted by Academy Award-winner Alexander Dinelaris. It is 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. Considered a romantic thriller, it features such classic songs as So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, Run to You, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and the mega-hit I Will Always Love You. This version changes the focus of the story from the bodyguard to Rachel Marron. 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. Jasmin Richardson will be playing the role of Rachel Marron for the Saturday matinee and Sunday evening performances.

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

Theater review: ‘Hairspray’ at The Playhouse San Antonio

hairspraypic17
Kass Ortiz as Tracy Turnblad in The Playhouse San Antonio’s production of ‘Hairspray.’  Photo: Daniel D Baumer, used with permission.

One of Broadway’s most popular musicals, ‘Hairspray,’ opened at The Playhouse San Antonio last weekend.  This musical is based on the 1988 John Waters film of the same name and tells the story of Tracy Turnblad whose innocent desire to dance on a television show ends up shaking up her hometown of Baltimore. It runs until Sunday August 6 with show times on Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m.  Tickets are available online and prices range from $12 for children to $42 for general adult admission.

‘Hairspray’ begins with “Good Morning Baltimore” where the audience is introduced to the perky Tracy Turnblad whose world revolves around watching The Corny Collins show. While watching the show one afternoon she finds out that there will be auditions to replace one of the ‘council members’ who is taking a leave of absence due to a pregnancy.  She eagerly goes to audition only to be rudely turned away, “Miss Baltimore Crabs.” While there she bumps into teenage heartthrob Link Larkin and that leads to a romantic dream sequence, “I Can Hear the Bells.” She ends up gaining a spot on the show and with the help of friends and family manages to get The Corny Collins Show fully integrated.

The stage version of ‘Hairspray’ is slightly different than the movie, which most people are familiar with, but it is still a joy to experience. With its infectious songs, energetic dancing and vital social commentaries it is easy to see why it so popular with theater audiences as evident by a sold out opening weekend. Show highlights include “Big Blonde and Beautiful,” a song about being proud of how you look despite what people think and “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” when Tracy emerges from the back of the theatre to crash the competition at the end. Danielle King, who plays Motormouth Maybelle, gives a poignant rendition of “I Know Where I’ve Been” that reminds audiences of the serious side of the show. Amid singing and dancing, ‘Hairspray’ tackles such topics as racism, segregation and finding love despite weight and color differences. The colorful staging and vibrant costumes bring this show to life. Top-notch choreography and a talented cast who work well together makes this a must-see show.

‘Shrek, The Musical’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

shrekpics
‘Shrek, The Musical’ opens on Friday June 30 at the Woodlawn Theatre. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

The next production at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘Shrek, The Musical.’ It opens on Friday June 30 and runs until Sunday July 30, 2017. This family friendly musical is based on the Oscar® winning DreamWorks Animation film and contains music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. It stars Morgan Clyde as Princess Fiona, Alejandro Pesina as Donkey and Joshua Goldberg as Shrek and has Mark McCarver as director, Alonzo Corona as choreographer and Darrin Newhardt as musical director. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are now on sale 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. There is a $3 service fee for tickets. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2017)

‘Shrek, The Musical’ 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. Other characters include a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale characters who were exiled from the Kingdom of Duloc by the evil Lord Farquaad for being different. Shrek decides to travel to see Farquaad and try to regain his swamp after he was chased out of his parent’s house to live on his own.

On July 8, the cast of Shrek, The Musical will perform musical favorites from 9a.m to 11a.m. at Whole Foods Market located at The Vineyards at 18403 Blanco Rd. During the July 22 performance, the Woodlawn Theatre will host an ASL (American Sign Language) night.

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

‘Matilda the Musical’ at the Majestic Theatre

Matllda
‘Matilda the Musical’ opens at the Majestic Theatre on Tuesday June 6, 2017. Photo: Joan Marcus, used with permission.

The next performance at the Majestic Theatre is ‘Matilda the Musical,’ a part of the North Park Lexus Broadway In San Antonio season. It is produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Dodgers and will play for eight performances only from Tuesday June 6 through Sunday June 11, 2017.  Tickets begin at $30 and are available at the theatre box office, online, or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Box office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday hours vary. Performances are 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

‘Matilda the Musical’ is a musical based on the novel of the same name by best-selling author Roald Dahl. 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. She dreams of a better life and armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind she dares to take a stand and changer her own destiny. Winner of four Tony Awards, it is directed by Matthew Warchus with a book by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin.

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

Tickets to ‘Finding Neverland’ go on sale Friday

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

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

 

‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

joseph
‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ opens at the Woodlawn Theatre on Friday November 25, 2016. Photo courtesy of Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission. 

The Woodlawn Theatre is wrapping up its current season with the local production of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.’ It being their holiday show, it opens this Friday November 25 and runs through Friday December 23, 2016. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Additional show dates are on Wednesday December 21 and Thursday December 22 at 7:30p.m. Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. Prices are $17 for students and children, $23 for seniors and military and $26 for adults with an additional $3 service fee. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2016)

‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ is a musical with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It is based on the “coat of many colors” biblical story of Joseph and is completely sung through with limited spoken dialogue. This musical journey is a mixture of high energy music and dancing with a family friendly storyline, universal themes and catchy music. It stars Travis Eades as Joseph with Michelle Pietri as choreographer and William McGrary as music director. Musical styles range from country-western to calypso, bubble-gum pop and rock and roll. Classic songs include “Any Dream Will Do,” “Benjamin Calypso” and the unforgettable “Go, Go, Go Joseph.”

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