Step behind the curtain of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with photographer Mick Rock. Photo: Barnes & Noble.
Celebrating 50 Years of The Rocky Horror Picture Show
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show. At first a box-office flop in 1975, it went on to gross nearly $225 million and earn the distinction of being the longest-running theatrical release in history, fueled by decades of raucous midnight screenings.
But Rocky Horror is more than a movie. It became a movement — a communal ritual of fishnets, call-backs, and liberation that continues to ripple through fashion, nightlife, and music culture. From Vivienne Westwood’s SEX boutique to RuPaul’s Drag Race, its unapologetic celebration of queerness and nonconformity endures. (Magnum PR, 2025)
Mick Rock’s Lost Archives
Legendary photographer Mick Rock (1948–2021), often called “the man who shot the seventies,” had exclusive access to the set during the film’s original production. This fall, his long-lost archives are being unveiled in a stunning new book:
Rocky Horror: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Cult Classic 📅 Release Date: September 30 📖 Available now for pre-order
This electrifying collection brings together rarely seen photographs and intimate behind-the-scenes moments, offering fans the ultimate visual time capsule of the film that redefined camp, glam, and queerness on screen. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)
Inside the Book
The book captures the raw magic of Rocky Horror through candid moments with Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Richard O’Brien, alongside intimate shots of the cast between takes. Every page immerses readers in the bold, bizarre, and beautiful world that transformed a low-budget musical into a global cultural phenomenon.
Highlights include:
A foreword by creator Richard O’Brien
Hundreds of rare photographs and contact sheets
Behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the original set
VIP interviews with cast, crew, and celebrity fans including Joan Jett, Billy Corgan, Courtney Love, Juliette Lewis, Jinkx Monsoon, Trixie Mattel, Peaches, Norman Reedus, Cassandra Peterson (Elvira), and many more
Exhibitions & Celebrations
To mark the release, special exhibitions in New York and Los Angeles will showcase rare prints and unseen contact sheets from Mick Rock’s archives. The Los Angeles event will coincide with Rock’s birthday, featuring appearances from collaborators and cultural icons who continue to carry Rocky’s torch.
A Visual Love Letter to Rocky Horror
Whether you’re a longtime devotee or just discovering the Time Warp, Mick Rock’s Rocky Horror is dripping with the glam, grit, and rebellious spirit that made the movie a revolution in platform heels.
✨ Don’t just shiver with antici—pation. Dive into this timeless tribute and celebrate a phenomenon that continues to resonate with audiences, generation after generation.
Mick Rock still taken from SHOT! The Psycho-Spiritual Mantra Of Rock, Directed by Barnaby Clay. Used with permission.
Photo: (c) Estate of Mick Rock 1974, 2025. Used with permission.
The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio presents The Little Mermaid, diving into the Majestic Theatre May 16 and 17. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Dive Into Magic: The Little Mermaid Comes to Life in San Antonio
The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio invites audiences to journey under the sea with a dazzling, reimagined production of The Little Mermaid. On May 16 and 17, nearly 200 of San Antonio’s most talented young performers will transform the historic Majestic Theatre into Ariel’s underwater kingdom. This 90-minute spectacle promises a visual and emotional feast, blending stunning sets, acrobatics, and professional-level talent to enchant audiences of all ages. (The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2025)
Inspired by the beloved Disney adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless tale, this dynamic production brings together the best of classical and contemporary performance. Whether you’re a fan of ballet, Broadway, or bold visual storytelling, The Little Mermaid is not to be missed.
CBSA continues its nationally recognized mission to offer young artists a professional stage experience. This production features choreography by a powerhouse team:
Jennifer Hart (Ballet Austin)
Isabella Grosso, known for her work in music videos
Nurlan Kinerbayev, a visiting master from Kazakhstan and principal artist at the Dance Center of San Antonio
Kinerbayev will perform during the Friday night and Saturday matinee shows, joined by Aliaksandra Krukava, an internationally acclaimed artist formerly with the Russian National Ballet. For the Saturday evening show, Sophia Leune, a rising star from NEISD’s School of the Arts, will grace the stage.
Immersive Theater Like You’ve Never Seen
Prepare to be swept away—literally! With high-tech digital effects, a real pool onstage, and aerial acrobats flying through ocean-inspired scenes, the production immerses guests “under the sea.” The audience is encouraged to sing along with live renditions of hit songs from the animated classic.
This is not just a ballet—it’s a multi-genre extravaganza blending dance, music, and acrobatics to entertain the whole family.
A Perfect Family Outing
Looking for a belated Mother’s Day celebration or a special treat for a graduating theatre-lover? An afternoon or evening at The Little Mermaid is a magical way to make memories.
Before the show, visit the pre-show market in the Majestic Theatre’s lobby. Arrive early for:
Mermaid-themed merchandise
Face painting
Photo ops with the cast
Fans are encouraged to come in costume—mermaid tails, princess gowns, and sea-worthy outfits welcome!
A Show with a Mission
More than just a performance, The Little Mermaid supports the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio’s broader mission to make the arts accessible. Thanks to CBSA and the affiliated Dance Center of San Antonio:
Nearly 2,500 dancers have received life-changing training and opportunities
More than 35,000 Title I schoolchildren have attended performances
Over 2,000 underserved youth have been reached through outreach
$100,000+ in scholarships have supported students with financial or special needs
When you buy a ticket, you’re supporting the next generation of artists.
Showtimes & Location
📍 The Majestic Theatre 224 E. Houston Street San Antonio, TX 78205
🗓️ Showtimes:
Friday, May 16 at 7p.m.
Saturday, May 17 at 2p.m. & 7p.m. Pre-show market and photo opportunities begin one hour before curtain.
About the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio
The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is an award-winning, nonprofit organization offering young dancers a professional platform to shine. Through auditions and invitations, performers receive elite training and the chance to appear in full-scale productions that rival those of adult companies.
CBSA is also home to the Dance Center of San Antonio, which provides top-tier training to performers of all ages and abilities, embracing the motto: “The arts are for everyone.”
Whether you’re reliving a favorite fairy tale or witnessing it for the first time, The Little Mermaid is a magical experience you won’t forget. Dive in—the ocean awaits.
The Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon North American Tour will make a stop at the Majestic Theatre on March 18, 2025. Photo: Bond Theatrical, used with permission.
Following its sensational month-long engagement in London, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live, the world-wide smash hit 2.5D musical sensation based on the wildly popular manga (comic book), will launch a North American tour this March with technical rehearsals and previews held in Pittsburgh, PA and an official opening on March 15 in Austin, TX and in partnership with SXSW (South by SouthWest). The tour includes a stop in San Antonio at the Majestic Theatre on March 18, 2025. (ATG Entertainment, 2025)
With book, lyrics and direction by Kaori Miura (Musical: The Prince of Tennis, Tokyo Revengers The Musical), choreography by Satomi Toma, and music by Go Sakabe and KYOHEI, the visually stunning show follows the stories of Usagi Tsukino, a teenage girl who transforms into the heroic Sailor Moon. Together, with her fellow Sailor Guardians, she battles many dark forces to protect the Earth from evil.
With a mix of action, heartfelt moments, and iconic music, this production sees the manga characters brought to life on stage, in an epic story-telling live show experience guaranteed to wow audiences night after night, creating an unforgettable experience for fans and newcomers alike. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live will be performed in Japanese with English subtitles.
“At its very basic, ‘Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon’is about 5 girlfriends banding together to fight for what they believe in… that’s timely,” said writer and director Kaori Miura. “Sailor Moon and her fellow guardians are equipped with powers that help them defeat evil and the characters are imbued with the self-determination to have agency and make their own confident decisions. In short, they are the ultimate example of ‘girl power.’”
The show’s North American engagement of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live, is strictly limited, with previous engagements in New York City and Washington, D.C. selling out in record time. Ticket prices range from $45-$179 (will vary from city to city) including a VIP package designed to create enchanting fan experiences. For the San Antonio show, tickets are available online through the Majestic Theatre.
One of the most popular Mangas of all time, “Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon”is a global cultural phenomenon. Created by Naoko Takeuchi, Sailor Moon began as a manga in 1991 in Japan in a girls’ comic magazine published by Kodansha and has since sold over 46 million copies world-wide and has been translated into over 17 languages. It has been adapted as an anime and a live-action tv series which has aired in over 40 countries.
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live premiered at the AiiA 2.5 Theater Tokyo in August 2018. Following its European premiere in Paris in November 2018, the show had its US premiere in Washington D.C. and New York in March 2019 which sold out within minutes, drawing audiences from over 40 states. It has since played a hugely successful run in Taiwan.
Dog Man: The Musical 2023 Off-Broadway Cast. L-R: L.R. Davidson, Crystal Sha’nae, Brian Owen, DeShawn Bowens, Jamie LaVerdiere, Dan Rosales. Photo: Jeremy Daniel, used with permission.
The Majestic Theatre will present TheaterWorksUSA’s NY Times Critic’s Pick, Dog Man: The Musical based on the popular book series by Dav Pilkey. Dog Man: The Musical will be presented on January 25 and 26, 2025 at The Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, TX. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online (Majestic Theatre, 2024)
Based on the worldwide bestselling Dog Man book series by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming production following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of beloved characters from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants. Recommended for ages 5+.
“Dog Man: The Musical surpasses my highest expectations. It is the ‘Perfect Mash-up’ of memorable music, humor, and love.” – Dog Man creator Dav Pilkey
Dog Man: The Musical has a book and lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila, and music by Brad Alexander, with original direction and choreography by Jen Wineman, scenic design by Timothy R. Mackabee, costume design by Heidi Leigh Hanson, lighting design by David Lander, and sound design by Emma Wilk.
TheaterWorksUSA has led the Theater for Young and Family Audiences movement in New York City and across North America for over half a century. At TWUSA, we believe that access to art—and theater, in particular—is vital for our youth. Since 1967, the 501(c)3 not-for-profit has captured the imaginations of 100 million new and veteran theatergoers with an award-winning repertoire of over 140 original plays and musicals.
The Historic Majestic Theatre is located at 224 E. Houston Street in the heart of downtown San Antonio, Texas. Built in 1929 by John Eberson for Interstate Theaters, the Majestic was intended to be the most modern building in South Texas and was the first in the state to be totally air-conditioned.
The Majestic remains one of the finest examples of atmospheric theaters ever built, receiving National Historic Landmark status in 1993. The Majestic Theatre is home to the Broadway in San Antonio series, along with a variety of live entertainment experiences. For more information visit the Majestic Theatre.
The special version of the beloved film and Broadway show will debut in San Antonio for the first time. Photo: Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.
Go back to school with the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio and their first-ever musical production, the smart and ferociously funny Mean Girls JR. Premiering Friday, April 5 at the Dance Center of San Antonio’s brand-new Black Box Theatre, the production adapts Tina Fey’s iconic movie and subsequent Broadway smash hit for audiences of all ages, presented by a cast of the region’s finest young performers. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2024)
Mean Girls JR. tells the story of student Cady Heron who must learn to navigate the treacherous social hierarchy of high school when her family moves to suburban Illinois from Kenya. Cady may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her new school. How will this naive newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on “The Plastics,” a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a queen bee without getting stung.
Showtimes: Friday, April 5 at 7:30p.m., Saturday, April 6 at 7:30p.m., Sunday, April 7 at 2p.m. and 6p.m. Tickets: $20, available for purchase online
Mean Girls JR. is a version of the hit musical Mean Girls that has been adapted for performance by students. The musical, featuring a book by Tina Fey (30 Rock), lyrics by Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde), and music by composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), was adapted from Fey’s 2004 film. Mean Girls opened on Broadway in 2018 and was nominated for 12 Tony Awards.
The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio and its sponsor school, the Dance Center of San Antonio, are the leading providers of youth dance instruction and performance opportunities in the region. In less than 10 years, CBSA performers and Dance Center students have won numerous international awards and world-renowned scholarships, and founder Vanessa Bessler is a nine-time consecutive winner of Youth America Grand Prix’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year. The Dance Center was recently recognized as among the top 2.5 percent of dance institutions in the nation. Local audiences delight in CBSA’s biannual professional-grade performances held in San Antonio’s top theatres. Now CBSA is pleased to bring another performing arts opportunity to San Antonio with this Broadway-style musical, the first show to be held in the Dance Center of San Antonio’s new venue, the Black Box Theatre.
Among the stunningly talented CBSA cast are Valeria Velasco as Regina and Madison Aikens as Cady, both committed students of the Dance Center of San Antonio’s Musical Theater day program. Aikens recently won Best Performer in a Musical at the 2023 Broadway World Austin awards. Velasco, is a member of the Texas Cultural Trust’s Young Masters Program, a prestigious scholarship program recognizing excellence in the performing arts. These stars and their CBSA cast members are supported by an experienced production team including specialists in vocal performance, choreography, and theater direction.
The interactive, multimedia production is the perfect show to debut in the new Black Box Theatre at the Dance Center of San Antonio, an intimate performance venue in North Central San Antonio. “The close proximity of the audience allows for intimate and interactive shows,” says Bessler. “Because the black box theatre allows for multiple configurations and settings, it gives young performers the opportunity to play with and explore the space to make creative artistic choices.”
Mean Girls JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International, one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 70,000 professional, community and school theatres.
Mean Girls JR. is yet another example of the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio’s ambitious vision for youth performing arts. Don’t miss your chance to see San Antonio’s young stars in action as they dance and sing their hearts out in the city’s coziest new theatre.
The Black Box Theatre at Dance Center of San Antonio 126 West Rector Drive, Suite 120 San Antonio, Texas 78216
Get on board ‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus!,’ a rollicking musical based on Mo Willems’ contemporary classic. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.
Coming up at the Magik Theatre, hop on an unforgettable ride in ‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!,’ a hilarious play based on the beloved book by Mo Willems. When the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers late, a determined Pigeon sees his chance to take the wheel. It’s up to the audience to convince him that even though it’s not the best idea, there is something he can do. With catchy songs, colorful characters, and a heartwarming message about responsibility, this production promises to be a joyous experience for young audiences and adults alike. Even VIA, San Antonio’s transit authority, is joining in the fun with a bus-themed opening night party at Hemisfair Park to get the show rolling. (Magik Theatre, 2024)
Featuring a hilarious script co-written by Willems and Tom Warburton, catchy songs by Deborah Wicks La Puma, and an innovative mix of actors and puppets, ‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!’ plays off Willems’ madcap rhythm and playful vibe.
“In order to give the musical a dramatic arc, Willems has explored WHY the Pigeon cannot drive the bus. He also creates conflict around the Pigeon finding his ‘thing.’ Everyone seems to have one except for the Pigeon. Can the bus driver help the Pigeon figure it out?” – Anthony Runfola, Magik Theatre Artistic Director
Local musical theatre veteran Heather Hooten and Charlie Smith play the wily Pigeon and put-upon Bus Driver, respectively. Costume designer Marshall Chase and accomplished set and lighting designer Katherine Stepanek recreate Willems’ signature visual style for the stage. The result is a gleeful, engaging performance sure to delight fans of musical theater and Mo Willems alike. As always, local students are well taken care of, with matinee performances and a digital resource guide customized for educators. Suitable for children ages 4 and up, ‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical!’ is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), who also supplies all authorized performance materials.
Special Events and Performances Opening Night Party in the Park | Saturday, February 10, 4:30p.m., show at 6p.m. Get your little ones in their finest duds and frocks to join the flock (and Pigeon himself) as Magik rolls out the red carpet for this big shot event. Guests will enjoy live music by Billy Ray Shepherd, interactive crafts, live pigeons, raffle prizes, and a special treat courtesy of party partner Hemisfair. Thanks to show sponsor VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority, pint-sized bus enthusiasts can explore VIA’s fully restored, vintage 1966 GMC Dreamliner bus parked outside the theatre, meet the organization’s mascot Primo, and grab a snack from VIA’s bus shaped Grillig food truck.
In celebration of Black History Month, Magik goers can take in VIA’s temporary exhibit highlighting the role of transit in the Civil Rights Movement and the many African American trailblazers whose contributions made a long-lasting impact on the industry. At 5:30p.m., special guest Jeffrey C. Arndt, VIA President and CEO will start the journey with a special story time reading of Willem’s cherished tale, ‘Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!’
Educator Appreciation Performance | Sunday, February 11, 3p.m. Educators and school faculty are eligible for one free ticket to this performance with proof of I.D. Additional tickets are available to purchase for these performances at a discount of 50% off the regular ticket prices with promo code THANKYOU50.
Sensory-FriendlyPerformance | Saturday, February 24, 10a.m. Audience members on the autism spectrum and those with sensory issues can take in a special performance designed just for them. Kids and adults are free to be themselves in this relaxed, judgment-free theatre experience.
Pay What You Wish Performance | Sunday, February 25, 3p.m. As part of Magik Theatre’s mission to make theatre accessible to everyone, the organization holds one donation-based performance. Tickets are only available at the door on February 25.
American Sign LanguageInterpreted Performance | Saturday, March 9, 2p.m. Patrons who communicate with ASL can attend this performance featuring Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary American Sign Language interpreter.
Transit Driver Appreciation Discounts | Sunday, March 17, 3p.m. (Closing Day) and Beyond Magik celebrates San Antonio’s hard-working transit drivers with special discounts on its closing day performance, Sunday, March 17. With proof of I.D., all transit drivers (including taxi, trolley, bus and rideshare drivers as well as pilots) are eligible for a 15% discount off the regular ticket price by using promo code TDAD15. It’s Magik’s way of kicking off Transit Appreciation Day, celebrated every March 18, to thank and appreciate transit drivers around the nation.
As a special thank you to the show sponsor, VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority, all VIA employees are eligible for 20% off the regular ticket price through the run of the show by using discount code VIA20 with proof of I.D.
Purchase bundles, flex passes, and single tickets online, via phone (210) 227-2751, and in person at Magik Theatre’s Box Office (420 S Alamo, 78205). Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9a.m. – 5p.m. If a child under 2 uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general admission ticket. Group rates are available for parties of ten or more people. For further inquiries, contact Magik Theatre.
‘First Date’ opens at the Cellar Theater this Friday October 18. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.
Coming up at The Public Theater’s Cellar Theater is ‘First Date,’ a musical based around the concept of a blind date. It opens this Friday October 18 and will run until Sunday November 17. The opening night performance is sold out already but tickets for the rest of the run are still available online or 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 $25 for students with ID. Group rates are available for groups of ten or more. Additional ticket service fees may apply. There will be a post-show reception on opening night. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Additional fees may apply. (Cellar Theater, 2019)
In ‘First Date,’ a casual drink at a restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner. Delightful and unexpected twists, supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents sing and dance Aaron and Casey through ice-breakers, appetizers and a potential dating disaster. The adaptation is written by Austin Winsberg with music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner. Cast includes Riley Wesson as Aaron and Reagan Wilson as Casey. Amanda Barber Pyle is the Director, Billie Whittaker the Music Director and Courtnie Mercer the Choreographer.
Cellar Theater
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258
The North American tour company of ‘Cats.’ Photo: Matthew Murphy, used with permission.
‘Cats,’ one of the biggest hits in theatrical history, is coming to the Majestic Theatre for eight performances from Tuesday October 29 through Sunday November 3, as part of the North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio 2019-2020 season. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10a.m., Friday, August 30. Prices start at $45 and are available through Ticketmaster online, by 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. Showtimes 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. (North Park Lexus Broadway, 2019)
‘Cats’ is a sung-through musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on the 1939 poetry book “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T. S. Eliot. It is the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles and the night they make the “Jellicle choice,” deciding which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life . The musical includes the popular song “Memory” as sung by Grizabella and over the years, it has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages. Now on tour across North America, it features new sound design, direction and choreography for a new generation.
The creative team for the new production of ‘Cats’ includes John Napier (Scenic & Costume Design), Natasha Katz (Lighting Design), Mick Potter (Sound Design), choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne, and direction by Trevor Nunn. The musical debuted on Broadway in 1982 where it won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Both the original London and Broadway cast recordings won Grammy Awards for Best Cast Album. The hit song “Memory” has been recorded by over 150 artists from Barbra Streisand and Johnny Mathis to Liberace and Barry Manilow. The Tony Award-winning Best Musical held the title of longest-running musical in Broadway history until it was surpassed in 2006 by Lloyd Webber’s ‘The Phantom of the Opera.’ This marks the first tour of the first-ever Broadway revival of the iconic musical. The first live-action film adaptation of ‘Cats’, produced by Universal Pictures and Working Title, will open on December 20, 2019.
Majestic Theatre
224 E. Houston St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700
‘Disney’s Newsies’ now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio.
After a successful opening weekend, ‘Disney’s Newsies’ continues at The Public Theater of San Antonio’s Russell Hill Rogers Theater and runs through Sunday October 14. It was adapted from the 1992 Disney film Newsies which in turn was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. A co-presentation with Ballet San Antonio, this musical tells the story of the New York City newsboys who seize the day when they strike against unfair working conditions put in place by the publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online and at the box office but they are going fast. It has music by Alan Merken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein.
‘Disney’s Newsies’ is set in New York City in 1899 and begins as newspaper delivery boys Jack Kelly and his disabled friend Crutchie wake up early in the morning and Jack tells him of his dream to one day leave New York to live in Santa Fe. “Santa Fe (Prologue).” All the newsies then report to work “Carrying the Banner” where Jack meets Davey and his little brother Les, who unlike the others, have a home and family but must now get jobs to help the family after their father lost his job. There, they find out that the publisher of the New York World, Joseph Pulitzer, has increased the cost of the newspapers to the delivery boys so in retaliation, Jack organizes the city’s newsies to fight back by organizing a strike. When Jack meets a young female reporter named Katherine Plummer, she joins their cause because she sees it as an opportunity to be noticed as a serious reporter “Watch What Happens” but ends up falling for Jack.
To pull off a demanding show like ‘Disney’s Newsies,’ The Public Theater collaborated with Ballet San Antonio and the hard work has paid off. Under the direction of George Green with choreography by Courtnie Mercer, this immensely talented cast shines throughout the show, especially during the group dance numbers; those alone are worth the price of admission. Chaz Ingraham as Jack and Chelsea Levalley as Katherine have the excellent onstage chemistry needed to bring this inspiring and poignant story to life. Throughout the performance, real newspaper accounts of the strike are projected onto the background, including the group picture of the real newsies. Show highlights include “Carrying the Banner,” when the newsies make their stage debut and “Seize the Day” when they decide they have had enough and make the strike official. These high-energy dance numbers are amazing and understandably receive much love from the audience. ‘Disney’s Newsies’ is both educational and entertaining and makes for a must-see show the entire family can enjoy together.
‘Assassins’ is now playing at the Cellar Theater through Sunday July 1. Photo courtesy of The Public Theater of San Antonio, used with permission.
Now playing through Sunday July 1 at The Public Theater of San Antonio’s Cellar Theatre is ‘Assassins’ and there are only four more chances to catch this intense and thought-provoking production. Upcoming showtimes are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. but all performances are sold out. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by John Weidman, it is based on an idea by Charles Gilbert, Jr. Directed by George Green, this controversial musical boldly transcends time as the assassins justify their actions with wit, humor and a sense of understanding.
The setting in ‘Assassins’ is an abandoned amusement park/carnival complete with shooting gallery signs and stuffed animals. A murderous carnival shooting gallery takes center stage and appropriately features men and women who have, successfully or not, attempted to assassinate Presidents of the United States. As they are introduced, the proprietor, as a solutions to their problems, entices them to “C’mere and shoot a President.” Once they are all gathered, “Hail to the Chief” signals Abraham Lincoln’s appearance offstage and John Wilkes Booth disappears and a shot rings out. The Balladeer, a personification of the American Dream, appears and begins to tell Booth’s story. Eventually, each assassin’s story, and the reasoning behind their intentions, is revealed. While the focus is on the individuals, there is a much deeper message and the bigger question remains about what draws a person to violence. (“Something Just Broke”) It ends as the assassins gather once more at the shooting range and after they load their guns, they open fire on the audience. (“Finale: Everybody’s Got the Right”)
Cast includes Chris Berry as John Wilkes Booth, Brendan Brady as Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald, Tyles Askins as The Proprietor, Brian Hodges as Charles Guiteau, Robby Vance as Leon Czolgosz, Jacob Crisp as Guiseppe Zangara, James R Welch as John Hinckley, Jeremy Whittington as Sam Byck, Rosa Gardner as Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, Corina Zars as Sara Jane Moore and Erin Urick as Emma Goldman.
With few exceptions, like “Sweeney Todd,” musicals do not usually deal with murder and violence, but there is more to ‘Assassins’ than just gun violence. It is a disturbing look at how far some people are willing to go to achieve their own version of happiness, be it wealth, infamy or love. Chris Berry does an outstanding job bringing John Wilkes Booth to life and his presence onstage is commanding. Likewise, Rosa Gardner is excellent as Squeaky Fromme but Jeremy Whittington’s deranged portrayal of hijacker and attempted assassin Sam Byck, Santa Clause suit and all, brings the chilling factor up a notch. The lighting brilliantly changes to red when the scenes turn violent. The Cellar Theater is a small and intimate space and sometimes the action and volume can get overwhelming. Overall, ‘Assassins’ is a dark, often comedic look at crime, violence and conspiracies in America and is sure to open up a dialogue about the subject. Since it contains real people and real crimes, it is a must-see and appeals to fans of true crime stories. Due to adult themes and language, it is not suitable for all audience members
SA Examiner 