Opening this weekend at The Sheldon Vexler Theatre is ‘Cabaret. This dark musical about escaping the trials of life opens on Saturday May 4 and will run through Sunday June 2, 2019. Tickets are now available online and are $23 for general admission, $20 for seniors/military, $19 for JCC (Barshop Jewish Community Center) and $15 for students. Showtimes are 8p.m. Saturday, 2:30p.m. Sunday and 7:30p.m. Thursday.
‘Cabaret’ is based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. It is set in the infamous Kit Kat Klub where Emcee Sally Bowles and the rest of the ensemble take the stage nightly to tantalize the crowd and to leave their troubles outside. In a seedy Berlin nightclub, as the 1920s draw to a close, a garish Master of Ceremonies welcomes the audience and assured them they will forget all their troubles at the Cabaret. With the Emcee’s bawdy songs as wry commentary, ‘Cabaret’ explores the dark, heady and tumultuous life of Berlin’s natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. Memorable songs include “Cabaret,” “Willkommen” and “Maybe This Time.”
*Disclaimer: contains adult themes and language and is recommended for mature audiences. Parental discretion is advised.
The Sheldon Vexler Theatre
12500 NW Military Hwy, Ste 275 @ Wurzbach Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78231
(210) 302-6835
‘In The Heights’ is now playing 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.
Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘In The Heights,’ a musical that takes place over the course of three days in the largely Hispanic-American neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York City. It opened on Friday April 12 and runs until Sunday May 5, 2019. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. The upcoming ASL Night will be on Sunday May 5 with 25% off all tickets with code ASL. 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/Students.
‘In The Heights’ is set in Washington Heights and begins as the sun rises on the hottest day of the summer and Usnavi De La Vega (Miguel Ochoa), the owner of a small bodega, introduces the audience to the corner’s diverse residents. This includes Abuela Claudia, (Ana Hernandez) the local matriarch who helped raise most of them and Kevin (Michael J. Gonzalez) and Camila Rosario, (Victoria Nieves) who run the cab company “In The Heights.” Nina (Jillian Sainz), the Rosario’s daughter, is back from her first year at Stanford feeling defeated since she dropped out due to financial hardships. She is considered the “one who made it” and because she feels the weight of the neighborhood on her shoulders, she fears telling her parents the truth “Breathe.” When they eventually find out, they argue and Kevin feels inadequate at not being able to provide for his family “Inutil (Useless).” Everyone’s luck begins to turn when Usnavi’s bodega sells a winning lottery ticket and Abuela Claudia is the lucky winner. She passes away but not before distributing her winnings to help the neighborhood even with the changes it is experiencing. The Rosarios decide to sell the family business to help Nina with her college expenses and Nina finds love with Benny (Venny Mortimer). In the end, Usnavi is planning his future with Vanessa (Lisa Decker), his longtime crush, and accepts his role in the neighborhood and the bodega as his true home. “Finale”
The diversity of the Hispanic community and the challenges that unites them takes center stage in this entertaining musical. Despite life’s challenges, they pull together, fueled by humor and music, and prove that family is more than genetics. The talented cast works well together but Miguel Ochoa shines as Usnavi and Michael J. Gonzalez’ portrayal of Kevin’s complex character shows off his talent. Show highlights include “Breathe” as Nina laments disappointing her family and friends who wanted her to succeed, “Carnaval del Barrio (Neighborhood Carnival)” when the neighborhood celebrates after they learn who won the lottery and “Alabanza (Praise)” after Abuela Claudia passes away and they all set up a memorial outside her home. The latter number definitely pulls on the heart strings. With Fiesta season in full swing, this is the perfect time to catch the musical that celebrates Hispanic culture and music. Some of the dialogue and singing is in Spanish but the universal themes of family, loyalty and love transcends the language barriers and makes “In The Heights” a must-see production.
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
Maya Abelow, Roy Bumgarner and Alex Phillips in the Woodlawn Theatre’s production of ‘Annie.’ Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.
After a successful run at the Woodlawn Theatre, this is the final weekend to catch ‘Annie,’ the family friendly musical about the spunky little orphan Annie who must endure life at an orphanage headed by the despicable Miss Hannigan. The final three performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday are sold out; however, there will be Balcony seats available for Saturday and Sunday shows only and guests may purchase those tickets in person, first come, first served, one hour prior to showtime at the box office.
After the Overture, ‘Annie’ begins at the Municipal Girls Orphanage in 1933 where eleven-year-old Annie calms the youngest girl Molly after she awakens from a nightmare “Maybe.” Annie makes an unsuccessful escape attempt to try and find her parents and after being caught by Miss Hannigan, the girls are forced to clean up before their day of sweatshop duties begins “Hard Knock Life.” Later in the day, as Miss Hannigan flirts with Mr. Bundles the laundry man, Annie climbs into the laundry basket and escapes the orphanage. Now out on the streets, she runs into a friendly stray dog and comforts him by telling him of better days to come “Tomorrow.” She is eventually caught and sent back to the orphanage where Grace Farrel, assistant to the billionaire Oliver Warbucks, picks her to spend the Christmas holiday at this mansion. After she wins the hearts of everyone at the mansion, she finds a new home alongside the loveable mutt Sandy once it is revealed that her parents died when she was a baby “A New Deal for Christmas.”
Last Saturday’s performance played to an eager and packed house as fans of all ages came to see the musical about a spunky and optimistic orphan Annie whose life changes in ways she never dreamed possible. During this run, Maya Abelow and Alex Phillips took turns playing the title role and this time it was Alex Phillips’ turn at the spotlight and she did not disappoint. From the first notes of “Maybe” the orphans take center stage and all eyes are on them as they perform the audience favorite “Hard Knock Life.” Alex is a darling as Annie and her rendition of “Tomorrow” brought thunderous applause from the audience. Show highlights include “Little Girls” by Miss Hannigan and “Easy Street” by Miss Hannigan, Rooster and Lily. Melissa Gonzalez’ comical portrayal of Miss Hannigan is spot on and Jake the dog steals the scenes as Sandy. Alex Phillips and Roy Bumgarner as Oliver Warbucks have excellent on-screen chemistry and bring the story of Annie brilliantly to life. ‘Annie’ is a timeless story filled with humor, heart and catchy tunes that will resonate in the hearts and minds of audience members long after the show is over. It is a must-see holiday tradition the entire family can enjoy.
Alyx Gonzales and Hunter Wulff in ‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley’ at The Classic Theatre. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.
Just in time for the holiday season, the next production at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, ‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley,’ opens on Friday November 30. This San Antonio premiere 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. It runs from Friday November 30 through Sunday December 23. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are available online and at the box office and are $33 for general admission, $29 for senior, military, educator or SATCO and $18 for student. ID is required. On opening night, there will be a complimentary champagne reception after the show. (The Classic Theatre, 2018)
‘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.
Special Student Performances – Thursday December 6 at 7p.m.
The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450
‘Annie’ plays at the Woodlawn Theatre through Sunday December 23. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
After a successful opening weekend, the Tony-Award winning musical ‘Annie’ continues at the Woodlawn Theatre. This family friendly musical centers around little orphan Annie, a spunky orphan who must endure life at an orphanage headed by the despicable Miss Hannigan. It runs until Sunday December 23 with showtimes 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. They are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2018)
‘Annie’ is based on the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin and book by Thomas Meehan. It is set in New York City’s depression era of the 1930s. After enduring a life of misery at the orphanage, her luck begins to change when she is chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas at the home of wealthy businessman Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family. After winning the hearts of the household staff, Mr. Warbucks and Grace Farrell, his personal secretary, she finds a new home complete with the loveable mutt Sandy. Among the most popular musical numbers are ‘Tomorrow,’ ‘It’s the Hard Knock Life’ and ‘You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.’
Cast includes Maya Abelow and Alex Phillips as Annie, Roy Bumgarner as Warbucks, Nora Martinez as Grace Farrell, Melissa Gonzalez as Miss Hannigan and Jake as Sandy. Christopher Rodriguez serves as Director, Carla Sankey as Choreographer and Jane Haas as Music Director.
Promotional Nights:
Family Pride Night – Saturday December 1
ASL Night – Friday December 7
Student Night – Friday December 14
Education Night (sold out) – Friday December 21
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.
‘Aye, No!’ at the Cellar Theater. The last two performances this weekend are sold out but there will be an encore performance on August 31. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.
Word around town has it that Teatro Audaz’ ‘Aye, No!’ is a hilarious and poignant production. It sold out during its run at The Public Theater’s Cellar Theater this month, so it is back by popular demand for an encore presentation for one night only at Woodlawn Pointe on Friday August 31 from 8p.m. to 10p.m. Tickets are $15 to $20 and are available online but are going fast. Do not miss a chance to catch this show written by Liz Coronado-Castillo and directed by Laura T. Garza. Cast includes Miranda Valdez, Jaime Gonzalez-Quintero, Nora Moreno-Jarrell, Brizzo Torres, Karlyn Buchaus, Ivan Ortega, Louie Canales, Ray D. Seams and Christian Gomez. The show is bilingual, 90% English, 10% Spanish.
‘Aye, No!’ takes place in a small town, where young Alicia comes home from college with a ‘friend’ for her family to meet. The trouble begins when her loving grandma and well-intentioned, yet nosy aunts assume that Alicia is bringing home a boyfriend or fiancée. Alicia, wanting her family’s acceptance and fearing ancient Mexican magic, turns to her three fairy-drag-queen friends for guidance.
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.
Opening this weekend at The Sheldon Vexler Theatre is ‘Cabaret. This dark musical about escaping the trials of life opens on Saturday May 4 and will run through Sunday June 2, 2019. Tickets are now available online and are $23 for general admission, $20 for seniors/military, $19 for JCC (Barshop Jewish Community Center) and $15 for students. Showtimes are 8p.m. Saturday, 2:30p.m. Sunday and 7:30p.m. Thursday.
SA Examiner 