Theater review: ‘Elf The Musical’ at The Public Theater

elfmusical — James R.Welch as Buddy the Elf in The Public Theater’s production of ‘Elf The Musical.’ Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

Now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio’s Russell Hill Rogers auditorium is ‘Elf The Musical.’ Time is running out to catch this modern day holiday classic before it ends on Sunday December 22. ‘Elf The Musical’ is the story of Buddy the Elf who embarks on a journey to discover his true identity and is determined to win over his new family. Tickets are available online and at the box office by calling (210) 733-7258. Prices are $45 for adults, $35 for military members with ID, $25 for seniors age 60 and older and students with ID and $20 for children aged 12 and under. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Education Night for Thursday December 19 is sold out.

‘Elf The Musical’ begins as Santa (Robert M. Moritz) sits down to watch TV after delivering presents only to discover that the football game he wanted to watch was recorded over. So instead, he decides to tell the audience the story of Buddy, the Elf. The story moves to the North Pole, where Buddy (James R. Welch), an oversized elf, is excited about another day working in Santa’s workshop. “Happy All the Time” At work, the shop manager (Kennith Andrew Patterson) informs the Elves that they must work harder this year because more and more humans do not believe in Santa and that Christmas spirit is what makes Santa’s sleigh fly. While on a break, Buddy finds out he is actually a human and, with Santa’s approval, goes to New York City in search of his father, Walter Hobbs (Brandon R. Mace).

Buddy locates Walter but finds a less than enthusiastic father who is forced to take Buddy with him to work. Now wearing a business suit, Buddy’s curiosity and playfulness are a distraction and when he mistakenly shreds an important manuscript, Walter tells Buddy to get out of his life. He ends up at a Chinese restaurant with several other “Santas” and “Elves” on Christmas Eve who complain about Christmas and children. “Nobody Cares About Santa.” During this time, Buddy forgets that he should be out on a date with Jovie, a co-worker (Mariel Ardila) who is upset and waiting in front of the restaurant where they were supposed to meet. “Never Fall in Love.” Eventually, Buddy is accepted by his father, finds love with Jovie and decides not to return to the North Pole with Santa.

Elf is one of the most beloved Christmas movies and ‘Elf The Musical’ is a wonderful adaptation of the hit New Line Cinema film by David Berenbaum. With a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin it brings the story of Buddy the Elf, who was raised among the elves in the North Pole, to life. The comedy and charming story translate well on stage and James R. Welch is the perfect choice to portray the loveable and innocent Buddy. Show highlights include “Happy All the Time” at the North Pole where the elves are happily working building toys and “Nobody Cares About Santa” when the different “Santas” complain about the state of Christmas. The bright and cheerful staging and costumes leaves little doubt that this is a Christmas musical and it is hard not to smile through the entire production. ‘Elf The Musical’ is a fun family friendly production and a must-see to celebrate the holiday season.

Theater review: ‘A Christmas Carol, the Musical’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

After a successful opening weekend, ‘A Christmas Carol, the Musical’ continues tonight at the Woodlawn Theatre and runs until Monday December 23. ‘A Christmas Carol, the Musical’ is the story of the mean-spirited Ebenezer Scrooge who, on Christmas Eve, receives visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Be and is given a chance for redemption. This family friendly holiday production plays Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Ticket are: Adults $30, Senior/Military/First Responders $24, Children/Student $18 and are available online or by calling the Box Office at 210-267-8388.

‘A Christmas Carol, the Musical’ takes place on Christmas Eve in 1843 in London where Ebenezer Scrooge (Isidro Medina), an ageing miser who dislikes Christmas, first encounters the three ghosts of Christmas as a candle lighter-Past (Jillian Sainz), a charity show barker-Present (Bob Galindo) and an old beggar woman-Yet to Be (Giselle Galindo). “Nothing To Do With Me” That night at home, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his deceased business partner, Jacob Marley, (Michael Cooling) who warns him to repent or face condemnation in the afterlife and informs him that three spirits will visit him during the night. “Link by Link” As Jacob Marley predicted, the ghosts visit Scrooge at one, two and three o’clock that night. They remind him of his past, show him the joys of Christmas Day in the present and foretell a grim future if he does not change his ways. Recognizing his faults, Scrooge wakes up on Christmas Day and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful “Happy Christmas” before spending the day reconnecting, making amends and sharing love with those who mean the most to him.

With the holiday season in full swing, now is the time to enjoy a holiday classic like ‘A Christmas Carol, the Musical’ with the family. It has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and book by Mike Ockrent and Lynn Ahrens and is a delightful reminder of the magic of the season. From the first notes of “Hear the Bells,” the audience is surrounded by Christmas cheer and nostalgia from this classic production. For those who think they have seen it all, there is always something new to discover about the story. Show highlights include the hilarious “Link by Link” when the ghost of Jacob Marley and other ghosts visit Scrooge and “Fezziwig’s Annual Christmas Ball” in the Present, during the big Christmas party, which has an abundance of singing and amazing dance sequences. With outstanding performances by the entire cast, beautiful costumes and plenty of holiday cheer, ‘A Christmas Carol, the Musical’ is a production the entire family can enjoy together. It is definitely a must-see. The show is shorter than expected and runs two hours with a 15 minute intermission.

Upcoming promotional nights.
Pride Night – Friday December 13, 25% off tickets with code: PRIDE
ASL (American Sign Language) Night – Saturday December 21 – 25% off tickets with code: ASL

‘A Christmas Carol, the Musical’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

The holidays have arrived at the Woodlawn Theatre with their next production, ‘A Christmas Carol, the Musical.’ It opens this Friday November 29 and will run through Monday December 23, 2019. ‘A Christmas Carol, the Musical’ is the story of the mean-spirited Ebenezer Scrooge who, on Christmas Eve, receives visits from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future and is given a chance for redemption. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are available online or by calling the Box Office at 210-267-8388. Ticket prices are: Adults $30, Senior/Military/First Responders $24, Children/Student $18. Groups of 10 people or more receive a 20% discount. The non-profit partner during this production is Any Baby Can. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2019)

‘A Christmas Carol, the Musical’ is based on Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella of the same name. Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!” Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving but he is forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful “Happy Christmas” before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him. It has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and book by Mike Ockrent and Lynn Ahrens. Cast includes Isidro Medina as Ebenezer Scrooge, Travis Bulen as Bob Cratchit and Nicholas Duke as Tiny Tim with Ronald Watson as director and Kate Ragan as choreographer.

Promotional Nights:
Student Night – Saturday November 30 – $10 Student/Child tickets with code: STUDENT
Pride Night – Friday December 13, 25% off tickets with code: PRIDE
ASL (American Sign Language) Night – Saturday December 21 – 25% off tickets with code: ASL

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

‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley’ returns to The Classic Theatre

Back by popular demand, ‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley,’ returns to The Classic Theatre of San Antonio this month. It opens Friday November 22 and will run through Sunday December 22. This charming production is based on the characters from Jane Austen’s beloved novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and is written by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon and directed by Kelly Roush. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are available online and are $34 for general admission, $30 for senior, military, educator, SATCO and AEA Members and $19 for student. ID is required. On opening night, there will be a complimentary champagne reception after the show. (The Classic Theatre, 2019)

‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley’ takes place two years after the conclusion of Jane Austen’s beloved novel ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ where the bookish, oft-neglected middle sister, Mary Bennet becomes the center of this holiday story. When the shy, bookworm Arthur de Bourgh turns up unexpectedly at the family celebration, Mary must learn to be the heroine of her own story in order to receive the romance she longs for.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450

‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio

alliscalmpic — ‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’ will be playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio from November 23 through December 23. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

A new holiday tradition returns to The Public Theater of San Antonio with opening night of ‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’ on Friday November 23. It will play in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater until Sunday December 23 and has George Green as Director, Zachariah Baker as Music Director and Courtnie Mercer as Choreographer. It stars Zachariah Baker, Chaz Ingraham, David Nanny, Robby Vance, Travis Trevino, Robert Nauman, Gavin Rohrer, Aaron Ely, Eric Dean Buchaus, John Towry, Miguel Ochoa and Trey Hoadley. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sundays at 2p.m. Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 733-7258. Prices are $30 for Adults, $25 for Military members with ID, $25 for Seniors age 60 and older and $25 for Students with ID. Group rates are available for ten or more guests. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2018)

‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’ by Peter Rothstein has musical arrangements by Erick Lichte and Timothy C Takach. It is set in 1914, at the Western Front, where out of the violence comes a silence, then a song. When a German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht” it brings about a night of camaraderie, music and peace. A remarkable true experience, it is told in the words and songs of the men who lived it. This acapella musical highlights the beauty and power of the human spirit during the darkest of days.

Special Event Nights:
Opening Night with post show reception to follow – Friday November 23
Education Night – Thursday December 6
Food Truck Friday – Friday December 7
Special Marcsmen performance following show – Friday and Saturday December 14 and 15

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

Theater review: ‘All is Calm’ at The Playhouse

In the middle of the holiday rush it is good to slow down and enjoy a night at the theater. Now playing until Sunday December 24 at The Playhouse San Antonio’s Russell Hill Rogers Theater is ‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914.’ George Green and Bill Gundry co-direct with musical direction by Nicholas Ponting. It stars Nick Szoeke, Nicholas Ponting, David Nanny, Aaron Ely, Robert Nauman, Eric Buchaus, Kevin Collins, Robby Vance, Kyle Krambeck, Brendan Brady, Travis Trevino and John Towry. This weekend there will be a special Holiday Double Feature on Friday and Saturday. ‘All is Calm’ will start at 7p.m. and will be followed by A Marcsmen Christmas at 8:30p.m. There is an additional cost for A Marcsmen Christmas, but they can both be purchased as a package. Other showtimes for ‘All is Calm’ are Sunday at 2p.m. and Friday December 22 and Saturday December 23 at 7:30p.m. and Sunday December 24 at 2p.m. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the box office at (210) 733-7258.

‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’ is set in 1914, at the Western Front, where out of the violence comes a silence, then a song. The show features a talented cast of all-male singers and a mixture of songs, all sung acapella. These range from war tunes like “Keep the Home Fires Burning” to seasonal carols in several languages such as “O Tannenbaum” in German and “O Holy Night” in French. When a German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht” it brings about a night of camaraderie, music and peace. Approximately 90 minutes long with no intermission, it is composed of five parts, not including the Prologue and the Epilogue. In between the songs, both sides recount what happened that night and what daily life in the trenches was like. These narratives are taken from real letters from soldiers who were there.

The show itself is not that long but it is powerful and calming. Despite the dark overtones, it is a reminder of the kindness that resides in humanity regardless of race or creed. The staging and costumes are simple, but they set the mood perfectly. The voices are remarkable and the singers work together flawlessly to bring this remarkable true story to life. Highlights include the somber “I Want to Go Home” and “Stille Nacht.” It is told in the words and songs of the men who lived it. This acapella musical highlights the beauty and power of the human spirit during the darkest of days. Sure to be a conversation starter, it is a must see for the holiday season and appeals to all ages.

Theater review: ‘The Santaland Diaries’ at the Classic Theatre

santalanddiariespic — This is the last weekend to catch John Stillwagon as Crumpet the Elf on ‘The Santaland Diaries’ at The Classic Theatre. Photo: The Classic Theatre, used with permission.

The holiday season is in full swing and with it comes the holiday cheer and the same Christmas shows as last year. Thankfully, for anyone looking for something different ‘The Santaland Diaries’ is now playing at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. This one-man show is based on NPR comic genius David Sedaris’ experiences working as an elf in Macy’s Santaland display during the holiday rush. John Stillwagon returns as Sedaris’ not so merry alter ego Crumpet the Elf with Bart Roush directing. The show is written by David Sedaris and adapted by Joe Mantello. There is still one weekend left to enjoy this cult classic with shows on December 15, 16 and 17. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets may be purchased online or by phone at (210) 589-8450.

The show begins as Sedaris’ character ponders how he got to the point of considering applying for a job as a Macy’s elf. He comes into town looking to become an actor but now he is running out of money and is ‘$20 away from walking dogs’ so he applies for and is called in for an interview. What follows is nothing short of hysterical. He disappears offstage for a couple of minutes and comes back in full elf costume to share his shame and continue his story. His colorful descriptions of the selection process and eventual training give way to his impressions of everyone from co-workers to clueless tourists who do not speak the language but got railroaded into the Santa line. Some of the funnier moments include when he is so frustrated with the job that he muses that ‘Santa’ must be an anagram for ‘Satan’ and his portrayal of over controlling parents.

‘The Santaland Diaries’ is a must see comical and sometimes irreverent behind the scenes look at life at Santa’s village. John Stillwagon’s performance is lively and energetic and he manages to get the audience to sympathize with his plight. As a bonus, anyone familiar with One Life to Live will find his bit about the show especially funny. This show is not to be missed, especially for anyone looking for an unconventional way to celebrate the holidays. On opening night, the audience consisted of adults of all ages, proving that it appeals to a wide audience, but it must be said that it contains adult language in case some find that questionable.

Disclaimer: Please note that ‘The Santaland Diaries’ is recommended for ages 14 and over as it contains mature content and language.

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

New Year’s Eve show at Jazz, TX

jazztxdancing — Jazz, Tx at the Pearl is having a New Year’s Eve show this Saturday. Photo courtesy of Jazz, TX, used with permission.

The Pearl’s newest upscale music venue, Jazz, TX, is having a New Year’s Eve show featuring venue owner and musician Doc Watkins and his orchestra. Ticket price includes dancing, featured show by Doc Watkins and his Orchestra and a full dinner that includes prime rib, crab cakes, shrimp, parmesan risotto and braised kale. Beverages are not included but will be available for purchase. This is a black tie event with the early show starting at 6p.m. and the late show at 10p.m. Early show bar seating is $150 per person and $200 per person for reserved table seating. Late show bar seating is $150 per person (sold out) and $200 per person for reserved table seating. Tickets may be purchased online. (Jazz, TX, 2016)

Jazz, TX is owned and operated by renowned musician Brent “Doc” Watkins. It is located in the cellar of the Bottling House and hosts musical acts include jazz, blues, big band, Texas swing, salsa, conjunto and Americana including Doc Watkins. It is open from Tuesday through Saturday and aside from music guest can enjoy a wide variety of food, beverages, wine and spirits.

Jazz, TX
312 Pearl Pkwy, Suite 6001
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 332-9386

‘The Santaland Diaries’ at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio

Opening at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio this week is ‘The Santaland Diaries.’ This one man show is based on the true chronicles of NPR comic genius David Sedaris’ experience as Crumpet the Elf in Macy’s Santaland display. In this cult classic he talks about some of his odd experiences during the height of the holiday crunch. John Stillwagon stars as Sedaris’ not so merry alter ego Crumpet the Elf with Kelly and Bart Roush directing. It opens on Friday December 9 with subsequent shows on December 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. and 7p.m. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2016)

Tickets are $20 for general admission and may be purchased online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450. Group rates are available. There will be a complimentary eggnog reception on opening night Friday December 9. Please note that ‘The Santaland Diaries’ is recommended for ages 14 and over as it contains mature content and language and the secret of Santa is exposed.