‘First Date’ opens at the Cellar Theater this Friday October 18. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.
Coming up at The Public Theaterâs Cellar Theater is âFirst Date,â 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 âFirst Date,â 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
Wesley Deitrick as Sigmund Freud and John Sillwaggon as C.S. Lewis in the Cellar Theater’s ‘Freud’s Last Session.’ Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.Â
Now playing at The Public Theaterâs Cellar Theater is âFreudâs Last Sessionâ by Mark St. Germain as suggested by Dr. Armand M. Nicholi Jr. This thought-provoking play centers around Dr. Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis as they debate about Godâs existence, life, love and other subjects. It plays until Sunday May 12, and after a highly successful run, the last four performances are already sold out. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Contact the box office at (210) 733-7258 for more information about possible waiting lists.
âFreudâs Last Sessionâ is set in Freudâs office on September 3, 1939 as war with Germany seems all but certain. Freud, (Wesley Deitrick) the 83-year-old Jewish refugee from Vienna, invites Lewis (John Stillwaggon), the 40-year-old World War I veteran visiting from Oxford, to his office. He wants to meet Lewis to find out why such an obviously smart man would embrace religion. Lewis is late because the trains are being commandeered to help evacuate Londonâs schools, hospital and jails in anticipation of bombing raids. During their visit, the air raid sirens go off, triggering one of Lewisâ PTSD episodes. They discuss God, humor, Jesusâ teachings, sex, monogamy, Hitler, homosexuality and music, among other ideas. They examine each of their childhoods and how it shaped the men they became. The controversial topic of suicide comes up because Freud has oral cancer and has considered it many times because he is in constant pain (he passes away weeks later from medically assisted suicide). Everything is going smoothly until after a heated discussion, Freud is undone by the immense pain from his sickness. The only other interruptions are the radio news bulletins from the BBC. It ends on an ironic note, as King George VI addresses the British people, telling them that âwith Godâs helpâ they would prevail over Germany.
Even though Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis probably never met in real life, St. Germain makes effective use of their writings and those of Dr. Armand M. Nicholi Jr.âs âThe Question of Godâ for this excellent meeting of the minds. It is not an attempt at conversion either way, just a civilized discussion of differing ideologies. Such discussions are often heated, but Freud and Lewis part as friends, not allowing their differences to go beyond points of view. Highlights include when Lewis tells Freud that history is filled with monsters, yet humanity survives and Freud counters by stating that humanity cannot survive without villains; and when Lewis gets defensive when Freud grills him about his book “The Pilgrimâs Regressâ to which Freud responds âwhen you put your opinions to the public, expect the public to react.â Under the direction of David Rinear, it is relevant to todayâs volatile society because it makes the point that it is possible to have differences of opinions without resorting to name calling and vicious vitriol. With strong performances by Deitrick and Stillwaggon, âFreudâs Last Sessionâ is recommended for audiences who appreciate smart debates and it is sure spark discussions about the topics mentioned. Definitely a must-see.
The Public Theater of San Antonio’s 2019-2020 season includes such hits as ‘Into the Woods’ and ‘Elf The Musical,’ Photo: Public Theater of San Antonio, used with permission.Â
The Public Theater of San Antonio recently announced their upcoming 2019-2020 season, including the Russell Hill Rogers Theater and Cellar Theater. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2019)
The Russell Hill Rogers Theater September 13 through October 13 – ‘Mary Poppins’
A musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film. Based on one of the most popular Disney movie of all time, this is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, and breathtaking dance numbers. With a little bit of magic, Mary and Bert remind all of us that anything can happen if you let it.
November 22 through December 22 – ‘Elf The Musical’
Buddy embarks on a journey to discover his true identity and is determined to win over his new family. This modern-day holiday classic reminds us that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
January 31 through February 23 – ‘A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder’
A distant heir to a family fortune, Monty sets out to speed up the line of succession by using a great deal of charm and a dash of murder while falling in love. Non-stop laughs will see the doomed heirs meet their end in the most creative and side-splitting ways. Based on the novel âIsrael Rankâ by Roy Horniman.
March 27 through April 19 – ‘Bright Star’
A refreshingly hopeful tale of love and redemption set against the backdrop of the 1920s and 1940s American South. Alice meets a young soldier that awakens her longing for the child she once lost. An uplifting journey holds you tight in its grasp with deep emotion and beautiful melodies. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
May 15 through June 7 – ‘Amelie’
An extraordinary young woman lives quietly in the world but loudly in her mind. We learn that to find happiness we have to risk everything and say what is in our hearts. Amelie, the imaginative dreamer, finds her voice, discovers the power of connection and sees possibility around every corner.
July 10 through August 9 – ‘Into the Woods’
Everyone’s favorite storybook characters are intertwined for a timeless story played out in a magical world. The enchanting and touching collection of fables are set to one of the most dynamic scores ever written. The result is an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make.
Cellar Theater October 18 through November 17 – ‘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. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
December 27 through January 19 – ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’
Christopher stands beside his neighborâs dead dog. Under suspicion, he is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington. This profoundly moving play about adolescence, fractured families, mathematics, colors and lights takes us on a thrilling journey that upturns his world. Based on the novel by Mark Haddon.
February 28 through March 22 â ‘Admissions’
The head of an admissions department and the Headmaster at a prep school are fighting to diversify the student body. Personal ambition collides with progressive values when their son sets his sights on an Ivy League university. This controversial drama explodes the ideals and contradictions of liberal white America. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
April 24 through May 10 – ‘Lonely Planet’
Jody stays in his map store all the time. Carl has been bringing chairs into Jody’s store and leaving them there. Through their interaction, the two realize how grateful they are to have such a strong lasting friendship. This compassionate play reveals friendship and fear in the age of AIDS. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
June 12 through June 28 – ‘More Better Beautiful’
Alice Pring wakes with no recollection of the prior night and finds a stranger, that has an identical twin, asleep in her living room. Elements of noir and romance show the secrets we keep, the lies we tell and the people who accept us in spite of our mistakes. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
August 14 through August 30 – ‘Fade’
Lucia, a young writer, quickly becomes friends with a studio janitor named Abel. As they share stories, similar plots begin to find their way into the TV script. Fade is a play about class, race, and how status does not change who you are at your core. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
‘An Infinite Ache’ opens at the Cellar Theater on Friday December 28. Photo: Nick Barron, used with permission.Â
Opening this Friday December 28 at The Public Theaterâs Cellar Theater is âAn Infinite Acheâ by David Schulner. This fresh and heartfelt play about love, time and the infinite directions in which two lives can travel plays until Sunday January 20. Tickets are available online or at the box office by calling (210) 733-7258. Prices are $30 for adults, $25 for military members with ID and seniors age 60 and older, $20 for students with ID and $15 for children under 12. 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. Thursday December 27 is Pay What You Can Preview Night. (Cellar Theater, 2018)
In âAn Infinite Ache,â Hope and Charles are a pair of lonely twenty-somethings about to end a supremely uninteresting first date. But just as they say good night, the myriad possibilities of their futures and a life shared together come rushing to meet them. From their first kiss to their first child, from a horrible tragedy to a second chance, each moment moves with breathtaking sincerity that will have audiences clinging to every word. It stars Stephanie Lim and Nich Witham and is directed by Jim Mammarella.
Cellar Theater
800 W. Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258
‘Fun Home’ will run from Friday October 19 through Sunday November 18 at the Cellar Theater. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.Â
This Friday the new season kicks off at The Public Theatre of San Antonioâs Cellar Theater with âFun Home.â This heartwarming story is the winner of 5 Tony Awards and will run from Friday October 19 through Sunday November 18 with showtimes Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online or at the box office at (210) 733-7258 and are $40 for adults, $35 for seniors age 60 and older and military members with ID, $25 for students with ID and $20 for children under 12. Group rates are available for groups of ten or more. (Cellar Theater, 2018)
âFun Homeâ has music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by Lisa Kron. Director is Molly Cox, Choreographer Courtnie Mercer and Music Director Josh Pepper. When her father dies unexpectedly, Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood, her growing understanding of her own sexuality and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires.
*May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
Cast includes:
Bruce: Daniel McKeever*
Alison: Shani Hadjian*
Small Alison: Taylor Henderson
Medium Alison: Olivia Barron
Joan : Alyssa Lopez
John: Briggs Blume
Christian: Elliott Kehoe
Male Ensemble: Brian Hodges
Helen: Megan Hicks DeYoung*
* Member of Actor’s Equity Association
The Public Theatre of San Antonio
800 W Ashby Pl
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258
‘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.Â
Word around town has it that Teatro Audaz’ âAye, No!â is a hilarious and poignant production. It sold out during its run at The Public Theaterâs 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!â takes place in a small town, where young Alicia comes home from college with a âfriendâ 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 fiancĂŠe. Alicia, wanting her familyâs acceptance and fearing ancient Mexican magic, turns to her three fairy-drag-queen friends for guidance.
‘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 Antonioâs Cellar Theatre is âAssassinsâ 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 âAssassinsâ 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 âCâmere and shoot a President.â Once they are all gathered, âHail to the Chiefâ signals Abraham Lincolnâs 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 Boothâs story. Eventually, each assassinâs 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. (âSomething Just Brokeâ) It ends as the assassins gather once more at the shooting range and after they load their guns, they open fire on the audience. (âFinale: Everybodyâs Got the Rightâ)
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 âSqueakyâ Fromme, Corina Zars as Sara Jane Moore and Erin Urick as Emma Goldman.
With few exceptions, like âSweeney Todd,â musicals do not usually deal with murder and violence, but there is more to âAssassinsâ 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 Whittingtonâs 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, âAssassinsâ 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
Chris Berry as John Wilkes Booth in ‘Assassins’ playing at The Cellar Theater. It opens on Friday June 8, 2018. Photo: Carrie Daniels, used with permission.
Opening this weekend at The Public Theater of San Antonioâ Cellar Theater is âAssassinsâ and will play from Friday June 8 through Sunday July 1. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. This musical has music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by John Weidman, based on an idea by Charles Gilbert, Jr. It is directed by George Green. Tickets are 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. Group Rates 10 or more are available. Additional ticket service fees may apply. Tickets are selling fast. (The Cellar Theater, 2018)
* Contains themes and content not suitable for all audience members
âAssassinsâ uses the premise of a murderous carnival game to produce a revue-style portrayal of men and women who have, successfully or not, attempted to assassinate Presidents of the United States. The musical numbers vary depending on the eras being depicted. While this production focuses on the individuals, there is a much deeper message. The topic is one that has existed for decades and has now come to the forefront of everyday debate. While gun control seems to be to leading point of the discussion, the bigger question remains: what draws a person to violence? History shows that this is not a new problem. It is simply a growing one. 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 and James R Welch as John Hinckley.
The Public Theater of San Antonio
The Cellar Theater
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258
‘Hand to God’ opens at the Cellar Theater this Friday April 13. Photo: Jeremy Whittington, used with permission.
Opening this weekend in The Public Theater of San Antonioâs Cellar Theatre is âHand to God.â It will play from Friday April 13 through Sunday May 6 with show times on Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Written by Robert Askins, this ridiculously raunchy, irreverent, and funny show is bound to leave audiences sore from laughing. When Jasonâs puppet takes on a shocking personality all its own, they begin to contemplate the startlingly fragile nature of faith, morality and the ties that bind everyone. This production is directed by David Rinear and stars Nicholas Ponting as Jason/Tyrone, Kimberlyn Kacie as Jessica, Doug Dawson as Pastor Greg, Renee Garvens as Margery and Michael Roberts as Timothy. (Cellar Theater, 2018)
Tickets are 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. Group Rates 10 or more are available.
* Contains themes and content not suitable for all audience members.
âHand to Godâ is set in the devoutly religious, relatively quiet small town of Cypress, Texas. Margery is recently widowed, so to keep her occupied, her minister, Pastor Greg, has asked her to run the puppet club. Fundamentalist Christian congregations often use puppets to teach children how to follow the Bible and avoid Satan. The teenage members of the club are her son Jason; Jessica, the girl next door that Jason has a crush on; and Timmy, the neighborhood troublemaker whose mother is attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings at the church. Pastor Greg wants the puppet club to put on a performance at the church next Sunday, but the characters have a plan of their own. They become sexually attracted to each other and Jason’s hand puppet, Tyrone, takes on a life of his own, announces that he is Satan, leads them into sin and expresses secrets that the characters would rather have left unacknowledged.
The Public Theater of San Antonio
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258
‘Wit’ opens Friday February 23 at The Public Theater of San Antonio’s Cellar Theater. Photo: Jeremy Whittington, used with permission.
Up next at The Public Theater of San Antonio is âWit,â a one-act play by American playwright Margaret Edson. The winner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, it opens this Friday February 23 at the Cellar Theater and runs until Sunday March 11, 2018. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sundays at 2p.m. Prices are $35 for general adult, $25 for military with valid ID, $25 for seniors aged 60 and older and $20 for students with valid ID. Additional ticket service fees may apply and discounts are available for groups of ten or more. Tickets are available online and at the box office at (210) 733-7258. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2018)
âWitâ tells the story of Vivian Bearing, a renowned English professor, who is diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. The action takes place during her final hours as she recalls the initial diagnosis and looks back on her life through the intricacies of the English language, especially with wit and using the metaphysical poetry of John Donne. She reassesses her life and her work with a profundity and humor that are transformative both for her and the audience. The cast includes Diana Trotter as Vivienne Bearing, PH. D, Shane Vickers as Harvey Kelekian, M.D., Brendan Brady as Jason Posner, M.D., Erin Polewski as Susie Monahan, R.N., B.S.N, Linda Ford as E.M. Ashford and Sam Mandelbaum, Michael Zaiontz and Kimberlyn Kacie as Ensemble cast members.
Disclaimer: this show contains adult themes and content.
The Public Theater of San Antonio
Cellar Theater
800 W Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258
SA Examiner 