Tag: Majestic Theatre

Theater review: ‘An American in Paris’ at the Majestic Theatre

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‘An American in Paris’ plays at the Majestic Theatre until Sunday June 17. Photo: Broadway in San Antonio, used with permission.

North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio closes the season at the Majestic Theatre with the fabulously entertaining ‘An American in Paris.’ Last night was opening night of the stage adaptation of the beloved classic film of the same name that tells the story of an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each longing for a new beginning after World War II. It is now playing through Sunday June 17 and tickets start at $35. Next show times are 7:30p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. Sunday.

‘An American in Paris’ is set in 1945 Paris and begins as Adam Hochberg walks onto the stage, drinks a shot of liquor and sits at a lone piano onstage and tells the story of how his friend Jerry Mulligan came to Paris. In town after the liberation of France, US Army Lieutenant Jerry Mulligan sees a mysterious girl on the city streets (“Concerto in F”) and impulsively decides to stay to nurture his passion for painting. He meets Adam, a fellow veteran and pianist, at a café and they become friends. Henri Baurel, is the son of wealthy French industrialists and dreams of being an entertainer. The three of them bond over their shared interests and picture a brighter future (‘I Got Rhythm”) all the while falling for the same girl, Lise Dassin. In the end, Lise can only choose one, but Jerry, Adam and Henri agree that she changed their lives for the better. (“They Can’t Take That Away From Me”)

In true Hollywood musical style, ‘An American in Paris’ is a combination of dancing, romance, laughter and feel-good catchy songs. It features the music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin including songs like “I Got Rhythm,” “S Wonderful” and “The Man I Love” and orchestral music including “Concerto in F” and “An American In Paris.” McGee Maddox and Allison Walsh, as Jerry Mulligan and Allison Walsh, have the perfect chemistry to bring the story to life onstage and work well together with the rest of this talented cast. Show highlights include “I’ve Got Beginner’s Luck” when Jerry surprises Lise at work to convince her to meet with him, “Fidgety Feet” at one of the Baurel’s party and “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise” when Henri struts his stuff at a nightclub. Overall, this is a family-friendly production with gorgeous costumes, beautiful orchestral music and top-notch dancing, including ballet. Fans of the movie will appreciate this production, but it is not required viewing. It is a must-see nostalgic nod to classic musicals.

Theater review: ‘The Book of Mormon’ at the Majestic Theatre

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Audiences are loving ‘The Book of Mormon’ which runs through Sunday May 6 at the Majestic Theatre.  Photo: Broadway in San Antonio, used with permission.

The Tony Award winning ‘The Book of Mormon’ is back at the Majestic Theatre this week and there are still two chances of catching this production. This religious satire musical follows Mormon missionaries Elder Kevin Price and Elder Arnold Cunningham who are sent to Uganda for a two-year mission. It features book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez. Stone and Parker are the creators of South Park and Lopez is one of the composers of Avenue Q. Next show times are Sunday May 6 at 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. Please be aware that it contains explicit language and adult themes.

‘The Book of Mormon’ starts off as the future missionaries are finishing up their training, “Hello!” and are paired off with their partners. Elder Kevin Price’s dream missionary destination is Orlando, but he ends up paired off with Elder Arnold Cunningham “Two By Two,” who is an insecure compulsive liar and sent to Uganda. Upon their arrival the villagers share their experiences of living with famine, poverty and AIDS, “Hasa Diga Eebowai.” Price and Cunningham try to teach them about the Book of Mormon, but they have trouble connecting with the natives because they are more concerned with everyday life than they are about religion. Eventually they meet the other missionaries who are stationed there but have been unable to convert anyone to Mormonism. When Elder Price backs off, Elder Cunningham mans up and ends up converting the village using his own version of the book he has never actually read.

Wednesday’s performance was well received by the audience and most were pleasantly surprised by the “definitely different” show. The laughter began early with the first scene and was constant throughout this irreverent but hilarious production. Kevin Clay and Conner Peirson bring the roles of Elder Price and Elder Cunningham brilliantly to life, but Holmes stands out as the naïve but lovable Cunningham. The highlights of the show include “Man Up” when Cunningham decides to stop being a follower and “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream” when Price dreams he is in hell with Jeffrey Dahmer and Hitler, among others. Despite the adult content and language, ‘The Book of Mormon’ delivers a tale overflowing with good intentions and heart and appeals to audiences not afraid to step outside of their comfort zone and have a good laugh.

‘The Book of Mormon’ announces lottery ticket policy

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‘The Book of Mormon’ opens at the Majestic Theatre on Tuesday May 1. Photo: Julieta Cervantes, used with permission.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for something to do this weekend? Now playing at the Majestic Theatre is the national tour of the hit musical ‘On Your Feet’ and there are still four chances to catch this show stopping production. Upcoming show times are 2p.m. and 8p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available at the box office and through Ticketmaster and prices start at $35. ‘On Your Feet’ is based on the life story of seven-time Grammy winning international superstar Gloria Estefan and her husband, 19 Grammy winning producer-musician-entrepreneur Emilio Estefan. It stars Christie Prades as Gloria and Mauricio Martínez as Emilio.

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

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

Announcing the 2018 -2019 Broadway in San Antonio season

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‘Hamilton’ is coming to the Majestic Theatre in May 2019.  Photo: Gayle McCracken, used with permission.

This week the Majestic Theatre announced its line-up of shows for the 2018-2019 North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio Season. ‘Hamilton’ anchors the season with a three-week run in May 2019. The season will include eight productions with a mixture of blockbuster Tony Award® winners, five market premieres and returning audience favorites. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2018)

‘Wicked’ – September 26 – October 14, 2018 (Season Option)
The season opens with the return of the remarkable odyssey of how two unexpected friends change each other’s lives for good. Declared “The Best Musical of the Decade” by Entertainment Weekly and “A Cultural Phenomenon” by Variety, ‘Wicked’ is the recipient of over 100 international awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards.

‘School of Rock’ – November 6-11, 2018
Making its market premiere, ‘School of Rock’ is based on the hit film. This hilarious new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. 

‘The Phantom of the Opera’ – December 6-16, 2018 (Seven Show Package Option)
December will see the return to San Antonio of Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production. Overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh, it boasts many exciting special effects including the show’s legendary chandelier. The beloved story and thrilling score, with songs like “Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You” and “Masquerade,” will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this one of the largest productions now on tour.

‘Waitress’ – January 8-13, 2019
Making its San Antonio debut in January 2019, ‘Waitress’ is inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film and tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker. Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start. While her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness, Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.

‘Anastasia’– February 5-10, 2019
This romantic and adventure-filled new musical also opens in February and will transport audiences from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s as a brave young woman sets out on a journey to discover the mystery of her past.

‘Fiddler on the Roof’ – March 26-31, 2019
This new production returns to the Majestic Theatre in March.  It features the Broadway classics “Tradition,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “To Life.”

‘Hamilton’ – May 7-26, 2019
‘Hamilton’ will make its San Antonio debut with a three-week run. It 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.

‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ – June 18-23, 2019
This award-winning smash comedy closes out the season in June.  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 half a million around the world.

‘Jersey Boys,’ the Tony Award®-winning true-life musical phenomenon about Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, will return as a season option. Details will be announced soon.

Season tickets are on sale now. North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio season packages are now available. Subscribers can choose a six-show package starting at $270 or seven-show package including ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ starting at $315. For more information, patrons can visit Broadway In San Antonio or call Broadway in San Antonio at 800-215-SHOW (7469), from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. On sale dates for individual shows will be announced in the coming months. Group minimums start as low as 10 for select shows and can reserve seats now by calling (210) 226-5967.

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

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

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‘The Color Purple’ is now playing at the Majestic Theatre until Sunday February 11, 2018.

‘The Color Purple’ is the 2016 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical Revival and it is now playing at the Majestic Theatre through Sunday February 11. There are still a few chances to catch it this weekend with show times at 8 p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available at the box office and through Ticketmaster with prices starting at $35. It is based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker and follows the life story of Celie, an African-American Southern woman, from the early to mid-20th century.

 

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

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

Theater review: ‘Cinderella’ at the Majestic Theatre

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Rodgers + Hammerstein’s ‘Cinderella’ plays one more show at the Majestic Theatre tonight.

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s ‘Cinderella’ is now playing at the Majestic Theatre and even though there were numerous little girls in their best Cinderella outfit present on opening night, this contemporary take on the classic story appeals to all ages. Since it contains elements of the original French fairy tale the prince gets a back story and Cinderella’s step sisters become more than just the sidekicks to the evil stepmother. That deeper character development makes for a more balanced story telling in which all the characters get to tell their side of the story.

The audience is introduced to Prince Topher during “Me, Who Am I” and Cinderella, whose real name is Ella during “In My Own Little Corner.” The Prince’s parents died and left him in the care of a villainous minister who is using him to prey on the poor. Jean-Michel is a rebel who desperately wants things to change. He and Cinderella’s stepsister Gabrielle fall in love and plan to reach the Prince and make him see the error of his ways. The more popular story line of the evil stepmother and Cinderella meeting the Prince at the ball are still at the center of this popular fairy tale.

‘Cinderella’ is an entertaining musical that combines humor, dazzling costumes and top notch singing and dancing. Highlights include the transformation of Cinderella’s humble clothes into gorgeous ball gowns, the horse and carriage that serve as transportation to the ball and the amazing ball room dancing. Joanna Johnson delivers a stand out performance as stepsister Charlotte, especially during “Stepsister’s Lament.” There is one more chance to watch the show tonight, Sunday, January 14, at 7:30p.m. Tickets start at $35 and are available online and at the Majestic Theatre box office.

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

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

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

‘An American in Paris’ is the most awarded new musical of 2015 and it is coming to the Majestic Theatre in June. A part of the 2017 – 2018 North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio season, it will play eight performances from Tuesday June 12 through Sunday June 17, 2018. Tickets start at $35 and available online, at the box office, through Ticketmaster online or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Box office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday hours vary. Orders for groups of ten or more may be place by phone at (210) 226-5967. Show times are 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. Sunday. (North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

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

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

Theater review: ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ at the Majestic Theatre

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‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ is now playing at the Majestic Theatre until Sunday.

Last night was opening night of ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ at the Majestic Theatre. The stage adaptation of the beloved classic film tells the story of two show business buddies who start out putting on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn and end up finding their perfect mates. Music and lyrics are by Irving Berlin with a book by David Ives and Paul Blake and it runs until Sunday December 17. Show times are 7:30p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. Sunday.

 

‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ follows Bob Wallace and Phil Davis from the Western Front of World War II to a Vermont inn where they put on a successful Christmas show and fall in love. With the first scene set in 1944 during a Christmas Eve performance put on by Bob and Phil, the audience is introduced to these lovable characters who were meant to be in the spotlight, “Happy Holidays/White Christmas.” The story fast forwards to 1954 where they perform on the Ed Sullivan Show and meet Betty and Judy Haynes, a sister act, “Sisters.” Their next stop was supposed to be sunny Florida but without telling Bob, Phil changes those plans to follow the sisters to Vermont. Upon their arrival, they are disappointed to find no snow but are determined to put on a Christmas show. The show goes on despite minor setbacks and they are rewarded with a “White Christmas.”

Perfect for a family holiday outing, ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ is full of dancing, romance, laughter and favorite familiar songs including “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” “Happy Holiday,” “Sisters” and “Blue Skies.” The talented cast brings this classic story to life with Sean Montgomery and Jeremy Benton brilliantly chosen for the roles of Bob Wallace and Phil Davis. Show highlights include “Sisters” by Betty and Judy and “Blue Skies” by Bob and the Chorus while “I Love a Piano” features a fabulous tap dancing number and was the audience favorite. It all wraps up with “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” and a pleasant surprise for the audience. This family-friendly holiday show is not to be missed.

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

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Tickets to ‘The Book of Mormon’ go on sale this Friday December 8, 2017. Photo: Broadway in San Antonio, used with permission.

The Tony Award winning musical ‘The Book of Mormon’ is back by popular demand after successful runs in 2013 and 2015. It returns to the Majestic Theatre for a limited engagement from Tuesday May 1 to Sunday May 6 as part of the 2017-2018 North Park Lexus Broadway In San Antonio season. Tickets go on sale this Friday December 8 at 10a.m. and prices start at $39.  They are available through Ticketmaster online, by calling phone at 1-800-982-2787 or by visiting the Majestic Box Office.  The Majestic Box Office does not accept single ticket orders over the phone; all ticket sales must be made in person. Majestic Box Office hours are 10a.m. to 5p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday hours vary weekly. Orders for groups of ten or more may be placed by calling (210) 226-5967. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8p.m. on Friday, 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday.  (Broadway in San Antonio, 2017)

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

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