Tag: The Classic Theatre of San Antonio

‘Burning Patience’ at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio

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Hector Machado as Pablo Neruda in ‘Burning Patience’ opening Thursday at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio.  Photo by Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

Opening this week at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is ‘Burning Patience.’ Teatro Farolito is bringing the premiere of this love story to San Antonio audiences as part of the Classic Presents series. It opens on Thursday July 6 and runs until Sunday July 16, 2017. This stage adaptation of the 1985 novel by Antonio Skármeta tells the story of Mario Jiménez, a fictional postman in revolution-era Chile who befriends the real-life poet Pablo Neruda. It was adapted to the screen in the 1994 film Il Postino: The Postman. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2017)

In ‘Burning Patience,’ Mario is the postman of Isla Negra, a small Chilean fishing village where almost everyone is illiterate except for Latin America’s greatest poet Pablo Neruda. Neruda not only lived through World War II, but he also lost his friend and fellow poet, Federico García Lorca, during the Spanish Civil War. In Chile, there is a dance in which wives, daughters and mothers of thousands of “missing” dance with photographs of loved ones pinned to their clothing. Skármeta’s ‘Burning Patience’ is such a dance. In the absence of marked graves, art is the closest thing to a memorial that the missing in Chile may ever have.

There will be only eight performances with show times on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. General admission tickets are $20 and are available online. There will be no late seating at any performance. It is directed by José Rubén De León and stars Hector Machado, Marisa Varela, Amanda Ireta-Goode and Juan Calderon.

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

‘9 Circles’ at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio

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‘9 Circles’ by Bill Cain opens on Thursday June 15 at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. Photo:  The Surround Project, used with permission.

The Surround Project is a new San Antonio theater company created by theater artists Eva Laporte and Zach Lewis and it focuses on producing contemporary work new to the city. Their work will be innovative in the sense that they plan to “surround” a play with a context for themes and issues within a story. Producer Eva Laporte has worked with community agencies and individuals to give theater guests a rich and dynamic experience. In partnership with The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, The Surround Project will produce its first play, ‘9 Circles,’ from June 15 through June 25 as part of their Classic Presents Series. (The Surround Project, 2017)

‘9 Circles’ is a play by Bill Cain and is a fictional story based on the real military career and subsequent civilian trial of Steven Dale Green. The title is a reference to Dante Alighieri’s ‘Inferno’ in which Dante descends into the “nine circles of hell.” Green is charged with unspeakable crimes and like Dante, passes through a surreal labyrinth ranging from his discharge from the Army to various judicial and administrative procedures. The play is structured so that other cast members can return to play multiple characters, each at a different circle. It is directed by Eva Laporte and stars Zach Lewis, Makenzie Jene, Torence B White and Andrew Thornton.

There will be only eight performances of ‘9 Circles’ with show times Thursday through Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. General admission tickets are $20 and are available online or at the box office by calling (210) 589-8450. Guests will check in and will receive a seating arrangement the day of the performance. Seating begins 45 minutes before curtain time and no late seating or re-entry will be allowed. This play is for adults aged 17 and older and contains nudity, explicit language and descriptions of war and sexual violence.  There will be pre-show information and resources about military trauma and PTSD and in partnership with community agencies, The Surround Project will bring panels, forums, exhibits and resources to the theater.

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

Theater review: ‘Bus Stop’ at The Classic Theatre

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The cast of ‘Bus Stop’ now playing at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is wrapping up the current season with a glimpse at small town America with their delightful production of William Inge’s ‘Bus Stop.’ It is a combination of drama and comedy set in a rural Kansas diner about 25 miles West of Kansas City, Missouri in early March 1955. The story takes place in the middle of a snowstorm as a bus heading West pulls up at a roadside diner. Front and center are the lives of the passengers forced to wait out the storm together.

‘Bus Stop’ opened last Friday and starts off with Grace and Elma, the waitresses, working at the diner during a typical night. Carl the bus driver comes in an announces that the weather has taken a turn for the worse and they need to wait it out for the night. Him and Grace ‘discreetly’ go their separate ways but it is obvious that they have planned a rendez-vous. The bus passengers start drifting in as the audience is introduced to each one and their stories. One of those passengers is Cherie, a nightclub singer, who is being pursued by a Bo, the young cowboy on the bus. Along for the ride are Professor Lyman who has a drinking problem and a hankering for young girls and Virgil Blessing, the older cowboy and father figure to Bo, who was orphaned at a young age. Will Masters is the local sheriff and the voice of reason.

William Inge’s works usually revolve around small town life and this one is no exception. The intimate setting at The Classic Theatre is perfect because it makes the audience feel like they are in the diner witnessing the interaction between the characters. Bo Decker’s role is challenging and Hunter Wulff does an excellent job. John O’Neill is a welcome sight on the local stage and his performances area always on target. The relatable characters make the story timeless decades after it was first performed and the character development keeps it interesting. Small details like the snow on the coats and hats and the fact that they are eating and drinking real food and drinks gives it a touch of authenticity. ‘Bus Stop’ is a classic and a must see for fans of character and dialogue driven performances.

‘Bus Stop’ is playing at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio through Sunday May 28, 2017. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. Tickets are available online or by calling (210) 589-8450.

‘Bus Stop’ at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio

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The cast of ‘Bus Stop,’ opening at The Classic Theatre on Friday May 5, 2017. Photo by Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is getting ready for the fourth and final production of their 9th season. ‘Bus Stop’ is set to open on Friday May 5 and will run through Sunday May 28, 2017. It is a drama with romantic and comedic elements and is set in a diner in rural Kansas in early March 1955. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. Tickets are available online and are $25 for general admission, $20 for senior, military, educator or SATCO and $10 for students. On opening night, there will be a complimentary champagne reception and after the Saturday May 20 performance there will be a Community Talk Back. (The Classic Theatre, 2017)

‘Bus Stop’ is a 1955 play by William Inge, an American playwright and novelist, whose works rooted in the American heartland earned him the title of “Playwright of the Midwest.” The story unfolds in the middle of a howling snowstorm as a bus out of Kansas City, Missouri pulls up at a roadside diner about 25 miles west of Kansas City. The weather-enforced layover forces the passengers to hole up in the diner until morning. One of those passengers, Cherie, a nightclub singer, is being pursued by a cowboy on the bus. Romantic relationships form within the group as they wait for sunrise. Virgil is the older, wiser cowboy and Will is the local sheriff and both are the authority figures in the group.

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

‘The House on Mango Street’ at The Classic Theatre

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Sandra Cisneros’ ‘The House on Mango Street’ is back for a limited run at The Classic Theatre. Photo courtesy of The Classic Theatre, used with permission.

Back by popular demand this April is ‘The House on Mango Street’ at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio. This return engagement is for a limited run and will consist of only seven shows from Thursday April 6 through Saturday April 15. ‘The House on Mango Street’ was adapted from Sandra Cisneros’ book by Amy Ludwig. It is the story of Esperanza Cordero whose neighborhood is one of harsh realities and harsh beauties. She is determined to “say goodbye” to her impoverished neighborhood by turning to a life on the streets. Major themes include her quest for a better life and the promise she makes to come back for those she left behind. Esperanza is a young Latina coming into her power and finding out what she will become. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. There will be no show on Easter Sunday April 16. Ticket prices are $25 for general admission, $20 for senior, military, educator or SATCO and $10 for students. They are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450 (The Classic Theatre, 2017)

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

Theater review: ‘The Tempest’ at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio

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Allan Ross as Prospero, Grace Lamberson as Miranda and Hunter Wulff as Ferdinand in ‘The Tempest.’ Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Last Friday William Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ opened successfully at The Classic Theatre to a sold out audience with a library-themed set and newly renovated seating. With the weekend here, there’s three more chances to see quality classic theater in San Antonio. Thought to be one of Shakespeare’s last and greatest work it is part fairy tale and part romance with a touch of magic.

The story takes place on a remote island where Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, plots to restore his daughter Miranda to her rightful place as princess of Milan. Years later he develops magical powers and taking advantage that Antonio and his men are in a ship nearby he summons a storm that maroons them on the island. He is aided by Ariel, a spirit, and the slave Caliban, played by John Stillwaggon, last seen at The Classic Theatre in ‘Santaland Diaries.’

Allan S Ross stars as the mature and intelligent Prospero and seems right at home doing Shakespeare. Grace Lamberson is equally impressive as the young Miranda. This time around the male roles are cast as females and the ladies rock the roles. The highlight of the show are the funny scenes, especially those with Linda Ford as Trinculo and Rick Clyde as Stephano. Their drunken shenanigans had the audience roaring with laughter. The most memorable quote from the show is “Hell is empty and all the devils are here.” Overall the cast and crew have done an excellent job in bring ‘The Tempest’ to the stage. It is a must see for classic theater fans and it does not disappoint.

‘The Tempest’ is now playing at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio through March 12, 2017. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. and tickets are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450

Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest’ at The Classic Theatre

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Allan Ross as Prospero, Grace Lamberson as Miranda and Hunter Wulff as Ferninand in The Classic Theatre of San Antonio’s production of ‘The Tempest.’ Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

The mission of The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is to produce classic plays with contemporary connections and this continues with their next production. William Shakespeare’s comedy ‘The Tempest’ opens at The Classic Theatre stage on Friday February 17 and will run until Sunday March 12, 2017. This is considered one of Shakespeare’s last and greatest work and is part fairy tale and part romance with a touch of magic. The story is set on a remote island where Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, plots to restore his daughter Miranda to her rightful place as princess of Milan using illusion and skillful manipulation. It features begrudged creatures and drunken clowns, charmed royals and magical spirits who all struggle between the temptation for revenge and the grace of forgiveness and humility. Mark McCarver is the director and co-founder Allan S Ross stars as Prospero and Grace Lamberson as Miranda. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2017)

Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Ticket prices are $25 for general admission, $20 for senior, military, educator or SATCO and $10 for students and are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450. There will be a complimentary champagne reception on opening night Friday February 17, 2017. Following the Sunday March 5 show at 3p.m. there will be a ‘Community Talk Back’ discussion about the play.

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 of San Antonio

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John Stillwagon as Crumpet the Elf in ‘The Santaland Diaries.’  Photo courtesy of The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, used with permission.

The holiday season is in full swing and with it comes the holiday cheer and the usual Christmas shows. 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. Crumpet the Elf, his alter ego, is expertly brought to life onstage by John Stillwagon and the show is directed by Kelly and Bart Rousch.

It all 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 and what follows is nothing short of hysterical. He disappears offstage for a couple of minutes and comes back in full elf costume and continues 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. As an added bonus, those who stick around after the show can take a selfie with Crumpet.

‘The Santaland Diaries’ is a must see comical and sometimes irreverent behind the scenes look at life at Santa’s village during the holiday rush. John Stillwagon’s performance is lively and energetic and manages to get the audience to sympathize with his plight. Hopefully there will be more unconventional shows like these in the future. It is on a limited run and final performances are at 8p.m. this Friday and Saturday and 3p.m. and 7p.m. on Sunday. Tickets may be purchased online or by phone at (210) 589-8450. Disclaimer: for adults only. It contains adult language and material.

‘The Santaland Diaries’ at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio

 

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John Stillwagon in ‘The Santaland Diaries’ opening this week at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio.  Photo by Kaitin Muse, used with permission.

Opening at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio this week is ‘The Santaland Diaries.’ 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 stars as Sedaris’ not so merry alter ego Crumpet the Elf with Kelly and Bart Roush directing. It opens on Friday December 9 with subsequent shows on December 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. and 7p.m. (The Classic Theatre of San Antonio, 2016)

Tickets are $20 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 9. 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