Tag: The Classic Theatre of San Antonio

‘Bless Me, Ultima’ at The Classic Theatre

blessmeultima
‘Bless Me, Ultima’ opens at The Classic Theatre on Friday February 16. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

With their upcoming production of Rudolfo Anaya’s ‘Bless Me, Ultima,’ The Classic Theatre continues to celebrate the company’s 10th anniversary season. Rudolfo Anaya is an American author best known for his 1972 novel ‘Bless Me, Ultima’ and is considered one of the founders of contemporary Chicano literature. The novel is a coming of age story of Antonio Márez and his mentorship under his curandera and protector, Ultima. It opens on Friday February 16 and will run until Sunday March 11 with show dates Fridays and Saturdays at 8p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. Ticket prices are $32 for general admission, $28 for senior, military, educator or SATCO, and $17 for students and are available online.  On opening night, there will be a complimentary champagne reception. (The Classic Theatre, 2018)

‘Bless Me, Ultima’ is a drama set in the 1940s, centered on the social-psychological maturation of a Mexican-American, or Chicano, six-year-old Antonio Márez, living on the eastern plains of New Mexico. Ultima is a curandera, or folk healer, who helps Antonio contend with the battle between good and evil that rages in his village. The Classic Theatre pays homage to Chicano literature pioneer, playwright and 2016 National Medal of Arts recipient Rudolfo Anaya with a fully staged version of his iconic breakthrough 1972 novel. Directed by José Rubén De León, it features familiar faces at Classic, like Marisa Varela, Classic’s Second Series Production of ‘Burning Patience’ and ‘The House of Bernarda Alba,’ Bella Villarreal ‘The House on Mango Street’ and Amanda Ireta-Goode, Classic’s Second Series Production of ‘Burning Patience.’

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

Theater review: ‘The Santaland Diaries’ at the Classic Theatre

santalanddiariespic
This is the last weekend to catch John Stillwagon as Crumpet the Elf on ‘The Santaland Diaries’ at The Classic Theatre. Photo: The Classic Theatre, used with permission.

The holiday season is in full swing and with it comes the holiday cheer and the same Christmas shows as last year. Thankfully, for anyone looking for something different ‘The Santaland Diaries’ is now playing at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. This one-man show is based on NPR comic genius David Sedaris’ experiences working as an elf in Macy’s Santaland display during the holiday rush. 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. There is still one weekend left to enjoy this cult classic with shows on December 15, 16 and 17. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets may be purchased online or by phone at (210) 589-8450.

The show begins as Sedaris’ character ponders how he got to the point of considering applying for a job as a Macy’s elf. He comes into town looking to become an actor but now he is running out of money and is ‘$20 away from walking dogs’ so he applies for and is called in for an interview. What follows is nothing short of hysterical. He disappears offstage for a couple of minutes and comes back in full elf costume to share his shame and continue his story. His colorful descriptions of the selection process and eventual training give way to his impressions of everyone from co-workers to clueless tourists who do not speak the language but got railroaded into the Santa line. Some of the funnier moments include when he is so frustrated with the job that he muses that ‘Santa’ must be an anagram for ‘Satan’ and his portrayal of over controlling parents.

‘The Santaland Diaries’ is a must see comical and sometimes irreverent behind the scenes look at life at Santa’s village. John Stillwagon’s performance is lively and energetic and he manages to get the audience to sympathize with his plight. As a bonus, anyone familiar with One Life to Live will find his bit about the show especially funny. This show is not to be missed, especially  for anyone looking for an unconventional way to celebrate the holidays. On opening night, the audience consisted of adults of all ages, proving that it appeals to a wide audience, but it must be said that it contains adult language in case some find that questionable.

Disclaimer: Please note that ‘The Santaland Diaries’ is recommended for ages 14 and over as it contains mature content and language.

‘The Santaland Diaries’ at The Classic Theatre

 

santaland.jpg
‘The Santaland Diaries’ opens at The Classic Theatre on Friday December 8, 2017. Photo: The Classic Theatre, used with permission.

The Classic Theatre’s Second Series opens ‘The Santaland Diaries’ next week. 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. In this cult classic he talks about some of his odd experiences 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. It opens on Friday December 8 with subsequent show dates on December 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2017)

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 8. 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

‘A Doll’s House’ at The Classic Theatre

adollshouse17
‘A Doll’s House’ opens at The Classic Theatre on Friday November 3. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio continues their 10th season with ‘A Doll’s House’ by Henrik Ibsen. It opens on Friday November 3 and runs until Sunday November 26, 2017. Directed by Kelly Roush, it stars Kacey Roye, Nick Lawson, Christina Casella, Zach Lewis and John Boyd.  Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are $32 for general admission and $28 for senior, military, educator and SATCO and $17 for student. They are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450. There will be a complimentary champagne reception on opening night. After the 3p.m. show on Sunday November 19, there will be a Community Talk Back conversation event on the issue of gender roles in modern society. This talk back is free and open to the public. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2017)

‘A Doll’s House’ is a three-act play written in 1879 and is noted for the way it deals with the fate of a married woman and reflects the lack of opportunities Norwegian women had for self-fulfillment in a male-dominated world. It is a “modern tragedy” that changed theatre forever. The message that a marriage was not sacrosanct, that a man’s authority in his home should not go unchallenged and that the prime duty of anyone was to find out who he or she really is and to become that person, shocked audiences and still resonates with them today. The controversy it caused went beyond the theatre to the world newspapers and society. The Classic Theatre’s production is set in 1950s America and has a Mad Men flair.

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

Theater review: ‘You Can’t Take It With You’ at The Classic Theatre

youcanttakeitcast
‘You Can’t Take It With You’ is now playing at The Classic Theatre. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

Now playing at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is the comedic play ‘You Can’t Take It With You’ by George S Kaufman and Moss Hart. It is directed by Mark Stringham and stars Andy Thornton, Catherine Babbitt, Jim Mammarella, Christi Eanes, Byrd Bonner, Allan S. Ross, Randee Lutterloh and Megan VanDyke. This is the final weekend to catch this hilarious production as it runs until Sunday October 1 with show times on Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are $32 for general admission and $28 for senior, military, educator and SATCO and $17 for student. They are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450.

‘You Can’t Take It With You’ is set in New York City in the large house of the Sycamore family and the story unfolds in three acts. The family consists of the patriarch, Grandpa Vanderhof, an eccentric old man who keeps snakes as pets and has never paid his income tax. His daughter Penny spends most of her day writing a series of unfinished plays. She is married to Paul who makes fireworks in the basement with the help of Mr. De Pinna, a delivery man who showed up one day and never left. Essie is one of Penny and Paul’s daughter. She is a candy maker who has always dreamed of being a ballerina and spends most of her days pirouetting and pliéing around the house. Her husband Ed is an amateur printer and plays the xylophone. Alice is the other daughter and the only ‘normal’ member of the family. She loves her family but is sometimes embarrassed by their eccentricities.

Alice comes home from work one day and announces that she is dating Tony, a young man she met at work. She plans to invite them over for dinner and the family promises to be in their best behavior. This would not be the crazy play it is if things went as expected and it does not. The madness includes a tax collector, a Russian ballet instructor, a Russian grand duchess and an accident with the beforementioned fireworks. Rheba, the housekeeper and her boyfriend Donald try to keep things from getting out of control but get caught in the middle.

Some of the best plays have universal themes that become timeless and resonate with any audience. Such is the case with ‘You Can’t Take It With You.’ No matter how hard the Sycamores try to act ‘normal,’ Tony’s wealthy and uppity parents meet them with resistance. The cast is big but they all work together to make the action flow seamlessly and there is always someone coming or going. Because the venue is small and intimate, some of the scenes can be overwhelming when there is too much going on onstage. Andrew Thornton is perfect as Paul Sycamore and John O’Neill’s portrayal of Mr. De Pinna is spot on. Overall, it is a must see show filled with humor and a few life lessons mixed in.

‘You Can’t Take It With You’ at The Classic Theatre

youcanttakeit
‘You Can’t Take It With You’ opens at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio on Friday September 8, 2017.  Photo: The Classic Theatre, used with permission.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is starting off their 10th season with the comedic play ‘You Can’t Take It With You’ by George S Kaufman and Moss Hart. It is directed by Mark Stringham and stars Andy Thornton, Catherine Babbitt, Jim Mammarella, Christi Eanes, Byrd Bonner, Allan S. Ross, Randee Lutterloh and Megan VanDyke. Opening night is Friday September 8 and it will run until Sunday October 1, 2017. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are $32 for general admission, $28 for seniors, military, educators and SATCO and $17 for students. They are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450. On opening night, there will be a complimentary champagne reception and after the show on Sunday September 24 attendees can participate in Community Talk Back. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2017)

‘You Can’t Take It With You’ is set in New York City in the large house of an eccentric family and the story unfolds in three acts. It won the 1937 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was adapted into a feature film which won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director. It is a madcap, idealistic comedy that reinforces the idea that people can only live life to the fullest by doing whatever makes them truly happy. Grandpa Vanderhof and his wacky family, the Sycamores, have been happily living their zany lives in his house for many years. When practical young Alice Sycamore becomes engaged to her company’s Vice President Tony Kirby, the clan must straighten up to meet the new in-laws. Despite the best laid plans, disaster follows.

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

‘Lorca’ at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio

lorca
Jose Ruben De Leon in ‘Lorca’ opening at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio on Friday August 18, 2017. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

Coming up at the The Classic Theatre of San Antonio as part of the Classic Presents series, José Rubén De León will be starring in the San Antonio premiere of his one man show ‘Lorca.’ Playwright-actor-vocalist José Rubén De León covers major aspects of the life and work of Spain’s best-known poet and one of the most significant writers of the twentieth century, Federico García Lorca. The Spanish Civil War serves as a political background for ‘Lorca,’ a performance which introduces audiences to García Lorca’s prose, poetry, theatre and songs, as well as to the people who played significant roles at different stages in his life. It is directed by José Rubén De León and opens on Friday August 18 and will run until Sunday August 27, 2017. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. and 8p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission and are available online. There will be no late seating at any performance. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2017)

Federico García Lorca was a Spanish poet, playwright, theater director and a member of Generation of ’27, a group of poets who introduced symbolism, futurism, and surrealism into Spanish literature. He was executed by Nationalists forces at the beginning of the Spanish Civil War at the age of 38 and his body was never found. Motives for his assassination range from personal and non-political to political, since he known for his outspoken socialist views.

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

Theater review: ‘Clear to Partly Crazy’ at The Classic Theatre

jastonwilliams
Jaston Williams returns to The Classic Theatre of San Antonio with ‘Clear to Partly Crazy’ until Sunday July 30, 2017.  Photo: Kirk Tuck, used with permission.

‘Clear to Partly Crazy’ opened at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio last night as Jaston Williams brings his one-man show to San Antonio audiences. Picking up where he left off after ‘A Wolverine Walks Into a Bar,’ he muses on subjects from cheerleaders to tornadoes and certifiably insane blood relatives. It is written and performed by Jaston Williams and no late seating is allowed at any performance. Next show times are Friday at 8p.m. Saturday at 3p.m. and 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission and are available online and at the box office.

Before the show, he takes the time to welcome everyone and say how happy he is to be back in San Antonio despite the hot weather. The stories contained in this show are: An Empty Space, The Whistle and A Window Seat to Never, Neverland. Dressed casually in a robe, pajamas and slippers he begins with a rant about how silly television is nowadays with reality shows and other nonsensical forms of ‘entertainment’ including televised cheerleading competitions. Being from West Texas, he can relate to football culture and the one thing that comes with it: cheerleaders. This is the topic of An Empty Space where he recalls how important they were to high school society. Tornadoes and storm shelters take center stage on The Whistle while a family member’s unfortunate bout with mental illness and institutions make it into A Window Seat to Never, Neverland.

Fans of Jaston Williams and his brand of comedy are in for a treat with ‘Clear to Partly Crazy.’ He always manages to find the humor in even the bleakest of situations. His animated storytelling pulls the audience in as they hang on to his every word. After the laughter dies down every story has its serious side; an especially poignant moment is his quiet ode to his cousin as he ended A Window Seat to Never, Neverland. Some of the references may be aged but that should not be a deterrent. Laughter and humor, after all, are ageless. It is a must see show that explores the themes of politics, television, natural disasters and family but most of all, it is a reminder not to take life so seriously.

‘Clear to Partly Crazy’ at The Classic Theatre

jastonwilliams
Jaston Williams returns to The Classic Theatre with ‘Clear to Partly Cloudy’ from Thursday July 27 to Sunday July 30, 2017.  Photo: Kirk Tuck, used with permission.

Jaston Williams returns to The Classic Theatre for the San Antonio premiere of his one man show ‘Clear to Partly Crazy’ from Thursday July 27 to Sunday July 30, 2017. Previously seen on ‘A Wolverine Walks Into a Bar,’ he muses on subjects all Texans understand; from cheerleaders to tornadoes and certifiably insane blood relatives. Travel with him from grandstands to storm cellars to the occasional mental institution, laughing all the way. Written and performed by Jaston Williams. No late seating will be allowed at any performance. Show times are Thursday and Friday at 8p.m. Saturday at 3p.m. and 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission and are available online. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2017)

Jaston Williams is best known as one of the trio of writers of the Greater Tuna series. Along with Joe Sears and Ed Howard, they wrote ‘Greater Tuna,’ ‘A Tuna Christmas’ and ‘Red, White and Tuna.’ The shows are comedic plays each set in the fictional town of Tuna, Texas and are an affectionate view and satire of small-town, Southern life and attitudes. Williams and Sears play the entire cast of over twenty characters of both genders and various ages.

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

Theater review: ‘Burning Patience’ at The Classic Theatre

burningpatiencepic
Hector Machado as Pablo Neruda in The Classic Theatre’s production of ‘Burning Patience’ playing until Sunday.  Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

Now playing at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is ‘Burning Patience’ by Antonio Skármeta. Translated by Tim Klinger and directed by José Rubén De León, it stars Hector Machado as Pablo Neruda, Marisa Varela as Rosa González, Juan Carlos Calderon as Mario Jiménez and Amanda Ireta-Goode as Beatriz González. It tells the story of Mario Jiménez, a fictional postman in revolution-era Chile who befriends the real-life poet Pablo Neruda. There are still three chances to catch this delightful and poetic production at 8p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 3p.m. on Sunday. General admission tickets are $20 and are available online or by phone at (210) 589-8450. There is no late seating at any performance.

‘Burning Patience’ is set in 1969 in Isla Negra, Chile where Mario Jiménez, the local postman frequently visits poet Pablo Neruda to bring him his correspondence. He is a big fan of Neruda and since he also wishes to be a poet his visits usually center around poetry. Until one day when Mario brings exciting news that he has met Beatriz, the woman of his dreams and wants Neruda’s help in winning her heart—with poetry, of course. Beatriz’ mother Rosa disapproves and wants to send her away to separate them and goes so far as to write Neruda to ask him to intervene. Love wins in the end and the two end up married but their happiness is disrupted when Neruda falls ill and dies when the country’s political instability touches home.

Productions at The Classic Theatre are quality classic works and ‘Burning Patience’ is no exception. Audience members at last Friday’s performance were there because they were either familiar with Pablo Neruda or the movie adaptation but this was the exception and not the rule. Familiarity with the subject matter is not necessary to enjoy this excellent piece of theater, only a love and appreciation of poetry. The cast works perfectly together but Calderon’s portrayal of the love-struck Mario with the heart of a poet is the shinning beacon of the story. Neruda’s personal life is also examined including his political views and his 1971 Nobel Prize in Literature. Overall, it is a must see, well-balanced story of love, friendship, politics and poetry and will appeal to fans of classic literature.