Tag: The Classic Theatre of San Antonio

Theater review: ‘The Trip to Bountiful’ at The Classic Theatre

bountiful
‘The Trip to Bountiful’ plays at The Classic Theatre until Sunday March 10. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission. 

After a successful sold-out opening weekend, ‘The Trip to Bountiful’ continues this week at The Classic Theatre. This Horton Foote play tells the story of Carrie Watts, an elderly woman who longs to escape a cramped Houston apartment and return to her beloved hometown of Bountiful, Texas one last time before she dies. It runs until Sunday March 10 with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are available online or at the box office by calling (210) 589-8450. The show is two hours long with no intermission.

‘The Trip to Bountiful’ is set in 1940s Texas, where Carrie Watts (Magda Porter), an elderly woman, lives with her son, Ludie (Steven Starr) and his wife Jessie Mae (Alison Bridget Chambers), in a Houston apartment. The story begins on a moonlit night in their apartment where while Jessie Mae sleeps, Mrs. Watts comforts Ludie, who is also unable to sleep, and they share a long-ago family memory. She has a history of running off and trying to get to Bountiful so now she is constantly watched by Jessie Mae, whose interests are beauty shops and movie magazines. Mrs. Watts hides her pension check from Jessie Mae and the next morning she leaves with her bags after Ludie and Jessie Mae leave the apartment. She manages to catch a bus to the closest town near Bountiful, since there is no stop there anymore because the town is abandoned. There she meets Thelma (Emily Huber), a young lady who is on her way to her parents until her husband returns from the military. Thelma helps her find her way to Bountiful but Ludie and Jessie Mae track her down. Content that she got to see her hometown one more time, Mrs. Watts makes her peace with Ludie and Jessie Mae and they return to Houston.

Nostalgia is what drives some people to long for a return to simpler times, usually a childhood home or hometown, but time does not stand still for anyone. Carrie Watts yearned to return to Bountiful but once she got there, its residents had moved on and the town had ceased to exist. Yet the memories and emotions the trip stirred in her were enough to temporarily soothe her troubles. Magda Porter does an excellent job of bringing Carrie to life and brings the audience along with her to experience her rollercoaster of emotions. The highlight is the emotional scene when she breaks down at the bus station at the thought of not making it to Bountiful after all she went through. This talented cast works well together, especially during the set changes, and give brilliant performances all around. Nostalgia, the human condition and relatable characters make ‘The Trip to Bountiful’ a must-see timeless classic.

‘The Trip to Bountiful’ at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio

bountiful
‘The Trip to Bountiful’ opens at The Classic Theatre’ on Friday February 15. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission. 

Coming up this month at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is ‘The Trip to Bountiful,’ written by Texas playwright Horton Foote and directed by John O’Neill. This American drama opens on Friday February 15 and will run through Sunday March 10. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are $33 for general admission, $29 for senior, military, educator or SATCO and $18 for students.  They are available online or at the box office by calling (210) 589-8450. Proper ID is required. On opening night, there will be a complimentary champagne reception after the show. (The Classic Theatre, 2019)

‘The Trip to Bountiful’ tells the story of Carrie Watts, an elderly woman who longs to escape a cramped Houston apartment and return to her beloved hometown of Bountiful, Texas one last time before she dies. But when dreams do not match up with reality, what does Carrie have to fall back on? Cast includes Alison Bridget Chambers, Joe De Mott, Jana Drew, Emily Huber, Chris Miller, Russell Oldmixon, Magda Porter, Steven Starr, Chad Thompson and Hunter Wulff.

Special Student Performances – Thursday February 28 at 7p.m.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450

Theater review: ‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley’ at The Classic Theatre

missbennet
Alyx Gonzales as Mary and Hunter Wulff as Arthur in ‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley’ now playing at The Classic Theatre.’ Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission. 

Originally set to end its run this weekend, The Classic Theatre’s ‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley’ has been extended through December 30 due to popular demand. The San Antonio premiere of this charming sequel to Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is on the fast track to becoming the newest holiday tradition. This weekend’s show times are completely sold out and next weekend’s performances are on Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m.

Merry Christmas from Mr. and Mrs. Darcy of Pemberley Estate. ‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley’ is set in England in 1815 where the popular ‘Pride and Prejudice’ characters return in a holiday setting. The story takes place in a large drawing room with a new German-inspired decoration called a Christmas tree and an attached library. This time, the bookish, often neglected middle sister Mary Bennet is the center of the story. Mary is an avid reader and accomplished musician and opens the play by asking through a letter whether one can live a large life in the mind while remaining alone. She comes off as humorless and preachy whose unfortunate destiny is as a spinster. That is, until fate steps in and she meets her intellectual equal in the shy, bookworm Arthur de Bourgh, who turns up unexpectantly at the estate a few days before Christmas. He has inherited the family estate following Lady Catherine’s recent death and is facing an uncertain future. Mary now has her own romantic entanglement and must learn to be the heroine of her own story if she wishes to have someone with whom to share her life.

Mary is the stereotypical middle child, the neglected sibling who in ‘Pride and Prejudice’ receives no more than a few mentions. This time around, she is the star of ‘Miss Bennet’ and the unlikely heroine in a geek’s love story. It has the same social rituals that Jane Austen fans know and love as well as the pomposity of social classes and the humor that crosses all barriers. While those familiar with the novels and the characters’ backstory will no doubt enjoy this classic, new-comers will have no problem getting into the plot. The Bingleys and Darcys already have their happily ever after and this is Mary’s time to shine. Since the social interactions between the genders and society’s expectations are timeless and relevant in any time period,  the time period is mostly irrelevant. Alyx Gonzales perfectly conveys Mary’s frustrations and is brilliantly paired with Hunter Wulff who brings the nerdy and socially awkward Arthur to life. Wonderful performances all around. The period costumes are gorgeous and the holiday setting gives ‘Miss Bennet’ a warm, inviting feel and that makes this a must-see show to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

‘The Santaland Diaries’ returns to The Classic Theatre

santaland19
John Stillwagon returns as Crumpet the Elf in ‘The Santaland Diaries’ at The Classic Theatre. Photo: Laura Tannenbaum, used with permission. 

The hilarious holiday favorite ‘The Santaland Diaries’ returns to The Classic Theatre of San Antonio this week when it opens on Friday December 7. This one-man show is based on the true chronicles of NPR comic genius David Sedaris’ experience as Crumpet the Elf in Macy’s Santaland display. This cult classic riffs on a few of his odd encounters with his fellow man during the height of the holiday crunch. John Stillwagon returns as Sedaris’ not so merry alter ego Crumpet the Elf with Bart Roush directing. The show is written by David Sedaris and adapted by Joe Mantello. ‘The Santaland Diaries’ runs through Sunday December 16 with show dates on December 7, 8, 9 and 14, 15 and 16. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 11p.m. and Sunday at 7p.m. (The Classic Theatre, 2018)

Tickets are $25 for general admission and may be purchased online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450. Group rates are available. There will be a complimentary eggnog reception on opening night Friday December 7. Please note that ‘The Santaland Diaries’ is recommended for ages 14 and over as it contains mature content and language and the secret of Santa is exposed.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450

‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley’ at The Classic Theatre

missbennet
Alyx Gonzales and Hunter Wulff in ‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley’ at The Classic Theatre. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission. 

Just in time for the holiday season, the next production at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, ‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley,’ opens on Friday November 30. This San Antonio premiere is based on the characters from Jane Austen’s beloved novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and is written by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon and directed by Kelly Roush. It runs from Friday November 30 through Sunday December 23. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are available online and at the box office and are $33 for general admission, $29 for senior, military, educator or SATCO and $18 for student.  ID is required. On opening night, there will be a complimentary champagne reception after the show. (The Classic Theatre, 2018)

‘Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley’ takes place two years after the conclusion of Jane Austen’s beloved novel ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ where the bookish, oft-neglected middle sister, Mary Bennet becomes the center of this holiday story. When the shy, bookworm Arthur de Bourgh turns up unexpectedly at the family celebration, Mary must learn to be the heroine of her own story in order to receive the romance she longs for.

Special Student Performances – Thursday December 6 at 7p.m.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450

Theater review: ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at The Classic Theatre

midsummersnightdream
John Stillwagon and Carolyn Dellinger in The Classic Theatre’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission. 

September may be coming to an end, but there are still three more chances to catch one of William Shakespeare’s most famous comedy ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. It consists of four interconnecting love stories, connected by a celebration of the wedding of Duke Theseus of Athens and the Amazon queen Hippolyta, which is set simultaneously in the woodland and in the realm of Fairyland, under the light of the moon. Sometimes while dreaming and desiring, a little magic is all it takes to set the course of love, comedy and reality in motion. Upcoming showtimes Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450.

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ opens with four characters who are wrapped up in a love quarrel: Hermia who is in love with Lysander but whose father has promised her to Demetrius and Helena, Hermia’s best friend who secretly pines for Demetrius who broke up with her to be with Hermia. There is also Peter Quince, who along with his friends Nick Bottom, Francis Flute, Robin Starveling, Tom Snout and Snug are preparing to put on a play for the wedding of the Duke Theseus of Athens and the Amazon queen Hippolyta, which is titled “Pyramus and Thisbe.” In the parallel realm of Fairyland, Oberon, king of the fairies and Titania, his queen are estranged because of her refusal to give him her changeling. He plans to shame her into changing her mind and instructs his faithful servant Puck to help him. With the help of a magical flower, Puck wreaks havoc in the forest by causing everyone to fall for the wrong person. Eventually everything returns to normal and the actors perform the play for Theseus, Hippolyta and the lovers but the actor’s performances are so bad that the guests laugh as if it were a comedy. When everyone goes to bed, Oberon, Titania, Puck and the other fairies bless the house and its occupants with good fortune.

The story and the subplots can get confusing but the cast does a splendid job of moving the action along under the expert direction of Joe Goscinski. The poetic dialogue flows effortlessly throughout the production and the lighting and staging create a magical environment. Compared to Shakespeare’s other works, this is a light-hearted comedy and had the audience laughing all night. Jordon Acker, Kacey Roye, Tyler Smith and Hunter Wulff are excellent as the quartet of lovers but Maggie Tonra steals the show as the fiendish Puck. For anyone who has ever wanted to see a Shakespearean play but found the material intimidating, The Classic Theatre’s performance of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is the perfect way to dive right in. The combination of magic, action, love and humor along with the high-grade caliber performances from the entire cast makes this a show not to be missed. This is classic Shakespeare at its best.

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at The Classic Theatre

midsummersnightdream
John Stillwagon and Carolyn Delinger in William Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ now playing at The Classic Theatre.  Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio opened their 11th season on Friday with Shakespeare’s comedy ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ This classic production will run until Sunday September 30 with show dates on Fridays and Saturdays at 8p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. Tickets are available online and are $33 for general admission, $29 for senior, military, educator or SATCO, and $18 for students. Valid ID required. Season Passes are now available. (The Classic Theatre, 2018)

In ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ magic, action, love and humor are the ingredients for this unforgettable spell. Shakespeare’s most famous comedy features four interconnecting love stories, connected by a wedding celebration, which is set simultaneously in the woodland and in the realm of Fairyland, under the light of the moon. But sometimes while dreaming and desiring, a little magic is all it takes to set the course of love, comedy and reality in motion.

Student Performances nights are on September 20 and September 27, 2018 at 7p.m. and include a talk back with the cast and crew after the show.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450

‘The Cherry Orchard’ opens Friday at The Classic Theatre

cherryorchard
Sam Mandelbaum as Trofimov and Gloria Sanchez as Pishchik in ‘The Cherry Orchard.’  Photo:  Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

Opening this weekend at The Classic Theatre is the play ‘The Cherry Orchard’ by Anton Chekhov. Chekhov was a Russian playwright and short-story writer and is considered one of history’s greatest writers of short fiction. ‘The Cherry Orchard’ centers around an aristocratic Russian landowner who returns to her family estate, which includes a large and well-known cherry tree, just before it is auctioned off to pay off debts. It opens on Friday May 4 and will run until Sunday May 27 with show dates Fridays and Saturdays at 8p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. Tickets are available online with prices at $32 for general admission, $28 for senior, military, educator or SATCO, and $17 for students. On opening night, there will be a complimentary champagne reception. (The Classic Theatre, 2018)

‘The Cherry Orchard’ is translated by Richard Nelson, Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky and directed by Andy Thornton. The Cherry Orchard takes place in 1904 Russia and 2018 USA, at the same time. It is Anton Chekhov’s masterpiece about a family on the edge of ruin and a country on the brink of revolution. Early one May morning, after a five-year absence, the widow Madame Ranevsky returns home to her family estate to find that it has been heavily mortgaged to pay for her extravagances and that it is to be auctioned off. Madame Ranyevskaya and her brother find themselves scrambling to retain a vision of gentility amidst a climate of huge social and economic transition. Chekhov described the play as a comedy with some elements of farce.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 468-3900

Theater review: ‘Bless Me, Ultima’ at The Classic Theatre

blessmeultima
‘Bless Me, Ultima’ is now playing at The Classic Theatre until March 11.  Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

Now playing at The Classic Theatre is Rudolfo Anaya’s ‘Bless Me, Última’ and there are still a few chances to catch this iconic production. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. and it runs until Sunday March 11, 2018. Tickets range from $17 to $32 and are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450. Rudolfo Anaya is an American author who is considered one of the founders of contemporary Chicano literature. His novel ‘Bless Me, Última.’ is the coming of age story of Antonio Márez y Luna and his mentorship under his curandera and protector, Última. It is directed by José Rubén De León and stars Carlos Alvarado as the Narrator, Andrew Treviño as Tony and Marisa Varela as Última.

‘Bless Me, Última’ is set in post-World War II New Mexico in the small town of Guadalupe. It starts off as the narrator, a grown Tony, recounts a childhood memory surrounding Narciso, the town drunk. Narciso is a war veteran and word around town is that he suffers from PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. As a child, he witnesses as Tenorio, the local bar owner, and his friends, chase Narciso and eventually corner him by the river and kill him in cold blood. This experience not only scars him but sets off a series of events that will lead him to question everything he thought he knew about family, religion and the world around him.

When the family welcomes Última, a folk healer, into their home, she and Tony develop a friendship. She sees something in Tony that compels her to share her trade with him as she guides him through the tough times when he is torn between family loyalty and following his heart. Even though the family loves and respects her, some of the townsfolk demonize her and call her a witch. When the owl that protects her is shot and killed, Última dies, but not before a heart-broken Tony asks for her blessing.

Like the novel, the play is in English and Spanish and contains a few Spanish curse words. Because of De León’s superb directing, Spanish fluency is not necessary to enjoy a play whose universal themes of family, faith, mysticism, mortality and nature transcends language. It is refreshing to see an all Latin cast and crew bring ‘Bless Me, Última’ to the San Antonio stage where its diverse audience can appreciate its multiculturalism and indigenous traditions. Andrew Treviño and Marisa Varela work well together as Tony and Última and Carlos Alvarado delivers authenticity and vulnerability as narrator/present day Tony. The intimate setting of The Classic Theatre gives audiences a front-row seat to Tony’s journey and makes this a must-see show.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450

The Classic Theatre announces new Artistic Director

kellyroush
Kelly Hilliard Roush was recently named Artistic Director of The Classic Theatre. Photo: The Classic Theatre, used with permission.

As The Classic Theatre of San Antonio celebrates its 10th season, they are delighted to name Kelly Hilliard Roush as Executive and Artistic Director, a new role for the company. Roush has been the Executive Director since June of 2015 and now she steps into the role of Artistic Director as well, following co-founders/co-Artistic Directors Diane Malone and Allan S. Ross. Malone and Ross, along with co-founders Terri Pena Ross and Rick Malone, will continue to provide board and staff support through the newly formed Classic Advisory Board. (The Classic Theatre, 2018)

Kelly Roush has worked regionally as a professional artist, educator and administrator for over twenty-five years. She has worked in both corporate and non-profit management, as well as acting with numerous theatres regionally. In addition to performing and directing, she has worked as a producer, writer, collaborator and educator. Roush is an Equity actress who earned her M.F.A. in Professional Actor Training from Louisiana State University.

“As we start this new chapter for our organization, we are focused on broadening the base of artists, designers, and technicians we work with, as well as increasing our audience members, patron base, and community partners” – Kelly Hilliard Roush

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio
1924 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 589-8450