Cast performing The Bottle Dance from ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’ which plays at the Majestic Theatre until Sunday March 31. Photo: Broadway in San Antonio, used with permission.
The Tony Award®- nominated Broadway revival of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ returns to the Majestic Theatre this week. It opened last night and will play for eight performances through Sunday March 31 with showtimes at 7:30p.m. through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. Tickets start at $40 and are available through Ticketmaster online, by calling (800) 982-2787 or by visiting the Majestic Box Office. This acclaimed revival of the classic musical is the story of Tevye, a Jewish milkman whose three eldest daughters get married, each one moving further from traditional ways, as he copes with the growing anti-Jewish sentiment in his country.
‘Fiddler on the Roof’ is set in the Russian shtetl of Anatevka in 1905 where Tevye, (Yehezkel Lazarov) lives with his wife (Maite Uzal) and five daughters. The opening scene consists of Tevye pointing out the fiddler and explaining why he sits on rooftops and remains there despite the danger—because it is tradition. He goes on to explain the various Jewish customs, one of which is arranged marriages “Prologue: Tradition.” His three eldest daughters are not looking forward to their eventual arranged marriages “Matchmaker, Matchmaker.” When Yente (Carol Beaugard), the matchmaker, matches Tevye’s older daughter Tzeitel (Mel Weyn) with Lazar Wolf, the butcher (Jonathan Von Mering), she resists because she wants to marry her childhood friend Motel (Jesse Weil). Tevye gives in to her wishes and the family celebrates the wedding Tzeitel and Motel “The Wedding” until Russian soldiers interrupt it. Tevye’s two other daughters also wish to marry for love and their choice of husband is anything but traditional. The story ends on a somber note as the government forces everyone in the village to relocate “Anatevka.”
This revival production proudly introduces a new generation to the iconic musical adored across the globe. From the first mesmerizing notes of “Prologue: Tradition” to the reverence of “Sabbath Prayer,” it is a treat to experience live. Yehezkel Lazarov is outstanding as Tevye, especially during the infectious “If I Were a Rich Man.” His witty conversations with God make his character relatable. The breaking of the fourth wall draws the audience in to empathize with the characters and share in their human experience. Highlights include “Prologue: Tradition” by the Tevye and the Villagers, “To Life” as the men celebrate when Lazar Wolf is matched with Tzeitel and “The Wedding” which includes The Bottle Dance, a crowd pleaser that drew the most applause and cheers. At the center is the importance of family traditions and faith as the older generation tries to hold on to these values in the face of a changing world. With topics such as family and history, the occasional self-deprecating humor and spectacular dancing, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ is a must-see musical with universal appeal.
‘The Sound of Music’ plays at the Majestic Theatre through Sunday March 10.
Now playing at the Majestic Theatre is ‘The Sound of Music’ and last night’s opening performance played to a full house. There are still two more chances to catch this immensely popular musical this weekend at 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $45 and are available through Ticketmaster online, by calling (800) 982-2787 or by visiting the Majestic Box Office. The show is the story of Maria, a postulant who is sent to work as a governess to a large family when she begins to second guess her decision to become a nun. Eventually she falls in love with the children and their widowed father Captain von Trapp. The Captain opposes the Nazis so when he is ordered to accept a commission in the German navy he and Maria flee Austria with the children. This brand-new production of the spirited, romantic and beloved musical continues to thrill audiences everywhere.
‘The Sound of Music’ takes place in Austria, just before World War II and begins at the Nonnberg Abbey as the nuns perform ‘Preludium.’ From there, it transitions smoothly into one of the audience’s favorite scene that includes Maria (Jill-Christine Wiley) singing ‘The Sound of Music.’ As soon as the von Trapp children take the stage, they captivate the audience, especially Gretl (Quinn Eden Titcomb), the youngest. Maria takes a liking to the children and teaches them the basics of music “Do-Re-Mi.” When she realizes that she might have developed feelings for the Captain (Mike McLean), she flees back to the Abbey. Lauren Kidwell, who portrays Mother Abbess, closes out the first act with ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’ when she tells Maria that she can not run from her problems. The von Trapps perform at the Kaltzberg Festival, after which Captain von Trapp sings “Edelweiss” as a farewell to this homeland. They sneak out before the winners are announced and hide out at the Abbey but when Sister Margaretta informs them that the borders are closed, they flee over the Alps while the nuns sing “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.”
This production features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and book by Howard Lindsay and Russell Crouse, suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp. It continues to be the most successful musical in history, and for good reason. The themes of family and music remain as relevant as ever and its overall feel good atmosphere is always welcome. Jill-Christine and Mike McLean are perfect together as Maria and Captain von Trapp and their chemistry makes the show work. Highlights include Maria and the children’s “Do-Re-Mi” and Maria and Mother Abess’ “My Favorite Things.” Special mention goes to Lauren Kidwell, whose rendition of “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” blew the audience away. They were still raving about it as they left the theater. This family friendly musical appeals to long-time fans as well as newcomers and is a definite must see.
‘Hamilton’ will be playing at the Majestic Theatre in May. Photo: Joan Marcus, used with permission.
Producer Jeffrey Seller and The Majestic Theatre announced this week that tickets for ‘Hamilton’ will be available online through Ticketmaster Verified Fan® at 10a.m. on Friday, March 15. Verified Fan is a new fan-facing technology from Ticketmaster that allows pre-registered fans to unlock access to tickets without competing against scalpers and bots. Ticketmaster Verified Fan® registration is now open and will close Monday, March 11 at 11:59p.m. (Broadway in San Antonio, 2019)
Those who registered will be notified by Ticketmaster via email on Thursday, March 14 if they have been selected for the Verified Fan on sale. The Ticketmaster Verified Fan® on sale will be available for purchases online only and for performances from May 7 through 26. There is a maximum purchase limit of four (4) tickets per household for the engagement. Tickets range from $75.50 – $195.50, with a select number of $425.50 premium seats available. Ticket prices do not include any applicable fees. There will be a lottery for forty (40) $10 seats for all performances. Details will be announced closer to the engagement. A limited number of tickets will be available at The Majestic Theatre (226 East Houston Street) at 10a.m. on Friday, March 15.
‘Hamilton’ is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway, ‘Hamilton’ is the story of America then, as told by America now. With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, ‘Hamilton’ is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.
Majestic Theatre
224 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700
‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ is one of the shows playing at the Majestic Theatre during the 2019- 2020 Broadway in San Antonio season. Photo: Joan Marcus, used with permission.
This month the Majestic Theatre announced its line-up of shows for the 2019-2020 North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio Season. Pop-culture phenomenon ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ and Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ anchor the season with eight performances of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ and a three-week run of ‘Aladdin.’ With a total of eight productions, the season includes a mixture of Blockbuster Tony Award® winners, acclaimed revivals, four market premieres and beloved family favorites. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2019)
‘Les Misérables’ – September 17-22, 2019
Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, ‘Les Misérables’ direct from its acclaimed Broadway return. Featuring the beloved songs “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck.
‘Cats’ – October 29 – November 3, 2019
‘Cats,’ the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America. Winner of 7 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL, ‘Cats’ tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. The original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, original scenic and costume design by John Napier, all-new lighting design by Natasha Katz, all-new sound design by Mick Potter, new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne and direction by Trevor Nunn make this production a new one for the next generation.
‘Blue Man Group’ – November 22-24, 2019 (Season Special)
‘Blue Man Group’ performances are euphoric celebrations of human connection through art, music, comedy and non-verbal communication. It is universally appealing to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds and continually injected with new music, fresh stories, custom instruments and sensory stimulating graphics.
‘Dear Evan Hansen’ – December 17-22, 2019
A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he has always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. It features a book by Tony Award winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy, Tony and Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif.
‘Miss Saigon’ – January 7-12, 2020
Experience the acclaimed new production of the legendary musical ‘Miss Saigon,’ from the creators of ‘Les Misérables.’ This is the story of a young Vietnamese woman named Kim who is orphaned by war and forced to work in a bar run by a notorious character known as the Engineer. There she meets and falls in love with an American G.I. named Chris but they are torn apart by the fall of Saigon. For 3 years, Kim goes on an epic journey of survival to find her way back to Chris, who has no idea he has a son. Featuring stunning spectacle and a sensational cast of 42 performing the soaring score, including Broadway hits like “The Heat is On in Saigon,” “The Movie in My Mind,” “Last Night of the World” and “American Dream,” this is a theatrical event audiences will never forget.
‘Come From Away’ – February 25- March 1, 2020
This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes audiences into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.
Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ – March 25 – April 12, 2020
Discover a whole new world at Disney’s ‘Aladdin,’ the hit Broadway musical. From the producer of ‘The Lion King’ comes the timeless story of ‘Aladdin,’ a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It is an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.
‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ – May 26-31, 2020
Roald Dahl’s amazing tale ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ is now the Alamo city’s golden ticket. It is the perfect recipe for a delectable treat: songs from the original film, including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” alongside a toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score from the songwriters of ‘Hairspray.’
Currently, North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio season packages are only available to existing, renewing subscribers. Renewing subscribers can choose a six-show package starting at $276 or seven-show package including ‘Les Misérables’ starting at $321. For more information, patrons can visit Broadway in San Antonio online or call 800-215-7469 from 9a.m. to 5p.m., Monday through Friday. New patrons are encouraged to sign up for the official waiting list online and will be notified once new subscriptions become available.
Season Subscribers avoid potential single ticket price increases closer to the show by reserving their seats now and enjoy the privilege of priority ticket opportunities, lost ticket replacement and exchange privileges on existing seats for select shows. On-sale dates for individual shows will be announced in the coming months. Group minimums start as low as 10 for select shows; groups can reserve seats now by calling (210) 226-5967.
Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700
Lila Coogan as Anastasia, Stephen Brower as Dmitry and Edward Staudenmayer as Vlad in ‘Anastasia,’ playing at the Majestic until Sunday February 10. Photo: Gayle McCracken, used with permission.
Now playing at the Majestic Theatre is the national tour of ‘Anastasia’ and there are still a few chances to catch it with showtimes at 8p.m. Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $40 and are available through Ticketmaster, by calling (800) 982-2787 or by visiting the Majestic Box Office. This dazzling show transports audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past accompanied by a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat.
‘Anastasia’ begins with a Prologue set in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1906 as the Dowager Empress (Joy Franz) comforts her seven-year-old granddaughter Princess Anastasia who is saddened because her grandmother is moving to Paris, France. Years later in 1917, eighteen-year old Anastasia is attending a ball with her family when the Bolsheviks invade the palace and kill the family “The Last Dance of the Romanovs.” Time forwards again, this time to 1927, when two con-men, Dmitry (Stephen Brower) and an ex-member of the Imperial Court named Vlad (Edward Staudenmayer), upon hearing of the rumor that Anastasia may have survived the attack on her family, contrive to groom a naïve girl to become Anastasia to con money out of the Dowager Empress “A Rumor in St. Petersburg.” They find that girl in Anya (Lila Coogan), a street sweeper with no memory of her past but who bears a striking resemblance to Anastasia. After giving her history, dining and dancing lessons “Learn to Do it,” they take a train to Paris, France where all three have plans of their own. Eventually, Anya and her grandmother, the Dowager Empress, are reunited after her real identity is confirmed.
Based on the 1997 movie, ‘Anastasia’ adapts the legend of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia who some believe could have escaped the execution of her family. Lila Coogan and Edward Staudenmayer have excellent chemistry and bring this heartfelt tale to life onstage.The costumes are gorgeous, especially those of the royal family. Show highlights include “Once Upon a December” when Anya dreams about her family when her memory starts coming back, “Still” when Gleb, the Russian soldier, receives orders to go after Anastasia and kill her, but is conflicted because he has developed feelings for her and “The Countess and the Common Man” when Vlad and Lily reunite – a hilarious physical comedy routine. Overall, the humor, heart and spectacular costumes, singing and dancing, makes ‘Anastasia’ a must-watch production. It should be noted, though, that the train scene in Act I when Anya, Dmitry and Vlad flee to Paris, has a rotating train set that might trigger motion sickness in some audience members.
‘Jersey Boys’ returned to the Majestic Theatre this week for a limited run. Photo: Joan Marcus, used with permission.
The immensely popular jukebox musical ‘Jersey Boys’ returned this week to the Majestic Theatre for a limited run for three performances only on Friday February 1 and Saturday February 2. ‘Jersey Boys’ is the story of Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy De Vito and Nick Massi, known collectively as The Four Seasons. It is the true story of a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks who became one of the biggest American pop music groups of all time. Presented in a documentary-style format, it dramatizes the formation, success and eventual break-up of The Four Seasons.
‘Jersey Boys’ is structured as four “seasons,” each narrated by a different member of the band who gives his own perspective on its history and music. The story begins with “Ces Soirées-La,” a French rendition of “Oh, What a Night” after which Tommy DeVito, played by Corey Greenan, introduces himself and begins to narrate the story of the band’s beginnings with his brother Nick DeVito and friend Nick Massi and eventually Frankie Valli. Throughout the show, each band member takes turns narrating, (Bob Gaudio during Summer, Nick Massi during Fall and Frankie during Winter). This is an excellent way of bringing the audience into the story and making it more personal. While Act One is the story of the band’s inception, Act Two is a highlight reel of their best hits. In the Finale, Bob Crewe describes The Four Seasons’ 1990 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which reunited the original members onstage for the last time “Rag Doll.” Each of them address the audience separately to explain what being in the band meant to him and what he did afterwards.
After a successful opening night Friday, ‘Jersey Boys’ is still going strong, playing to an older crowd who no doubt remembers Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons during the highpoint of their careers. Regardless, the audience included guests of all ages who enjoy the music and keep coming back each time the show is in town. Highlights include their first hit “Sherry” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “My Eyes Adored You” which Frankie Valli (Jonny Wexler), sings to his wife. Judging by the audience’s reaction during “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” this was the audience favorite performance of the night. Overall, the setting, costumes and singing are first rate but there is adult language and themes so it might not appeal to everyone but for die-hard fans, it is an unforgettable night of nostalgia and music.
‘Waitress’ is playing at the Majestic Theatre through Sunday January 13. Photo: Broadway in San Antonio, used with permission.
Tuesday was opening night of ‘Waitress,’ now playing at the Majestic Theatre until Sunday January 13 with showtimes at 7:30p.m. through Thursday; 8p.m. Friday; 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $40 and are available through Ticketmaster online, by calling 800-982-2787 or by visiting the Majestic box office. With music by six-time Grammy Nominee Sara Bareilles and inspired by Adrienne Shelley’s beloved movie, ‘Waitress’ is an uplifting musical celebrating friendship, motherhood and the magic of a well-made pie. Recommended age is 13 and older as it deals with mature subjects.
After Sara Bareilles’ version of the ‘please turn off your cellphones’ message plays overhead, ‘Waitress’ begins with Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker at Joe’s Diner whose method of dealing with difficult situations is turning them into pie ingredients for her famous pies “What’s Inside.” Her fantasy scene is interrupted by her boss Cal and so begins another work day with co-workers Becky, a sassy and tough waitress and Dawn, an overly anxious yet loveable waitress. On this particular day, Jenna is distracted by a possible pregnancy and after taking a home pregnancy test in the restroom, she is dismayed when it comes out positive “The Negative.” Due to her abusive marriage to Earl, she decides not to tell him about the baby and when she goes to her OB/GYN, she meets and is instantly smitten by the young and handsome new doctor, Dr. Pommater. When Jenna finds out about a local pie contest, she decides to enter and use the winning prize money to start a new life on her own. Her plans are disrupted when Earl finds the money she has been hiding to use for the pie contest and she is dismayed by her new reality “She Used to Be Mine.” Not content with being “happy enough,” she ends her on again/off again affair with Dr. Pommater when she has the baby. She ends up inheriting the diner from Joe, the old man she befriended and becomes the owner and head chef of “Lulu’s Pies,” named after her daughter.
Pies, the ingredients used to make them, and baking, play a central role in ‘Waitress’ since they are used as coping mechanisms and substitutes for lost loves and emotions. It is refreshing to see the live band onstage, rather than underground, like in most musicals, so the musicians are seen as part of the cast, rather than totally forgotten, albeit important, members of the production. Christine Dwyer does a splendid job of portraying the lonely and downcast Jenna but Jeremy Morse steals the show as Ogie, Dawn’s love interest. His scenes, especially on “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me,” provide the necessary comic relief from some of the more serious scenes. Show highlights include “When He Sees Me” when Dawn is excited about a potential love match and “Take It From an Old Man” when Jenna bonds with Joe, the owner of the diner. Despite being based on a movie, it is not required viewing beforehand since the characters are all relatable and deal with issues almost everyone can relate to, even if at the end Jenna does not “get the guy.” Overall, the setting, costumes and singing are impressive but there is some colorful language and mature subject matter, so ‘Waitress’ is more in league for a girls night out.
‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ will be playing at the Majestic Theatre in June and tickets are now on sale.
‘The Play That Goes Wrong,’ the hilarious Tony Award-winning hit Broadway comedy, will make its San Antonio debut as part of the North Park Lexus 2018-2019 Broadway in San Antonio season at the Majestic Theatre, Tuesday June 18 through Sunday June 23, 2019. Tickets are now on sale starting at $30 and are available through Ticketmaster online, by calling (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 10 or more may be placed by calling (210) 226-5967. Performance 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. on Sunday. (Broadway in San Antonio, 2018)
‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ is co-written by Mischief Theatre company members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields. The play is a riotous comedy about the theatre and introduces The ‘Cornley University Drama Society’ who are attempting to put on a 1920s murder mystery but, as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong does, as the accident-prone thespians battle on against all odds to get to their final curtain call. It is a remarkable rags-to-riches story for a play which started its life at a London fringe venue with only four paying members of the public at the first performance and has gone on to play to an audience of over 2 million people around the world. ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ is directed by Mark Bell, featuring set design by Nigel Hook, lighting design by Ric Mountjoy, sound design by Andy Johnson and costume design by Roberto Surace. Entertainment Weekly calls The Play That Goes Wrong “Hilarious! Non-stop pandemonium.” The Huffington Post calls it “The funniest play Broadway has ever seen!” And the New York Post says it’s “Broadway’s funniest and longest-running play! Nothing is as fall down funny. GO.”
Majestic Theatre
224 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700
‘Kinky Boots’ will be playing at the Majestic Theatre in June and tickets go on sale Friday December 21. Photo: Gayle McCracken, used with permission.
Troika Entertainment is thrilled to present ‘Kinky Boots,’ Broadway’s huge-hearted, high-heeled hit about the friendships we discover and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind. It is making a return engagement in San Antonio for four performances at the Majestic Theatre, Friday June 7 through Sunday June 9. Tickets go on sale Friday December 21 at 10a.m. Tickets start at $40 and are available in person at the Majestic Theatre Box Office, online or by calling (800) 745-3000 to charge by phone. The Majestic Box Office does not accept single ticket orders over the phone; all ticket sales must be made in person. Orders for groups of ten or more may be placed by calling (210) 226-5967. Performance times are 8p.m. on Friday; 2p.m. and 8p.m., Saturday and at 2p.m. Sunday. (Troika Entertainment, 2018)
‘Kinky Boots’ is based on the 2005 movie of the same name by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth. The film was inspired by true events and tells the story of Charlie Price who inherits a gentleman’s shoe factory from his father. It takes place in Northampton where Charlie is struggling with the family business of Price & Son. To save the business he pairs up with a cabaret performer named Lola who needs a pair of sturdy new stilettos. Together they develop a plan to produce a line of high-heeled boots and end up discovering that they are more alike than they thought.
The winner of six 2013 Tony® Awards, including Best Musical, ‘Kinky Boots’ features a Tony® Award-winning score by Cyndi Lauper, a book by Tony® Award-winner Harvey Fierstein and direction and choreography by Tony® Award winner Jerry Mitchell. The National Tour is produced by Troika Entertainment and includes the creative team of Tony® Award winner David Rockwell (Scenic Design), Tony® Award-winner Gregg Barnes (Costume Design), Tony Award-winner Kenneth Posner (Lighting Design), Tony® Award-winner John Shivers (Sound Design), Josh Marquette (Hair Design), Brian Strumwasser (Make-up Design), Joy Dewing Casting and Wojcik|Seay Casting (Casting), DB Bonds (Associate Director) and Rusty Mowery (Associate Choreographer).
Majestic Theatre
224 E Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700
‘The Phantom of the Opera’ plays at the Majestic Theatre until Sunday December 16. Photo: Broadway in San Antonio, used with permission.
Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ opened at the Majestic Theatre last week and audiences are loving it. ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is the story of a Phantom, a disfigured composer who haunts the Paris Opera House. It plays until Sunday December 16 with show times at 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 tickets start at $45. This new version is performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this one of the largest productions on tour in New America.
‘The Phantom of the Opera’ begins with a Prologue set in Paris in 1911 at an auction where the Paris Opéra is auctioning off old theatrical props, one of which is lot 666, a chandelier in pieces. Act I is set in Paris in 1881 where the cast of a new production, Hannibal, are rehearsing onstage when they learn that the opera house has new owners. After being nearly killed by a falling backdrop, the soprano prima donna angrily walks off because nothing is being done to prevent such incidents. Christina Daaé, one of the chorus girls, is chosen to replace her. (“Think of Me”) The Phantom appears to her in her mirror and she, thinking him to be the Angel of Music, follows him to the cellar of the opera house. They board a small boat and cross a lake leading to his secret lair (“The Phantom of the Opera”) where he explains that he has chosen her to sing his music and he serenades her. (“The Music of the Night”) He becomes obsessed with her but makes it known to all that as long as his demands are met, he will stay out of sight but when the new owners do not take his threats seriously, he makes good on his threats.
Friday’s performance was to a nearly full house and the excitement in the air was palpable. As soon as the lights dimmed and the orchestra played the first few notes, the audience was captivated; especially when the chandelier was first revealed at the auction. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Charles Hart, ‘Phantom of the Opera’ boasts bigger and better scenery, the most impressive being the Labyrinth Underground and The Phantom’s Lair. Show highlights include “The Phantom of the Opera” by the Phantom and Christine and “The Music of the Night” by the Phantom; not to mention the chandelier crash scene. Quentin Oliver Lee and Eva Tavares work well together as the Phantom and Christine and the costumes and scenery are stunning. Long time fans are in for a treat and first timers will be charmed by this enchanting story and first-rate performances all around. Overall, audiences will be thrilled by the majesty and intrigue that is ‘The Phantom of the Opera.’
SA Examiner 