Theater review: ‘All is Calm’ at The Playhouse

alliscalmpic — ‘All is Calm’ is now playing at The Playhouse San Antonio until Sunday December 24. Photo: The Playhouse San Antonio, used with permission.

In the middle of the holiday rush it is good to slow down and enjoy a night at the theater. Now playing until Sunday December 24 at The Playhouse San Antonio’s Russell Hill Rogers Theater is ‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914.’ George Green and Bill Gundry co-direct with musical direction by Nicholas Ponting. It stars Nick Szoeke, Nicholas Ponting, David Nanny, Aaron Ely, Robert Nauman, Eric Buchaus, Kevin Collins, Robby Vance, Kyle Krambeck, Brendan Brady, Travis Trevino and John Towry. This weekend there will be a special Holiday Double Feature on Friday and Saturday. ‘All is Calm’ will start at 7p.m. and will be followed by A Marcsmen Christmas at 8:30p.m. There is an additional cost for A Marcsmen Christmas, but they can both be purchased as a package. Other showtimes for ‘All is Calm’ are Sunday at 2p.m. and Friday December 22 and Saturday December 23 at 7:30p.m. and Sunday December 24 at 2p.m. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling the box office at (210) 733-7258.

‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’ is set in 1914, at the Western Front, where out of the violence comes a silence, then a song. The show features a talented cast of all-male singers and a mixture of songs, all sung acapella. These range from war tunes like “Keep the Home Fires Burning” to seasonal carols in several languages such as “O Tannenbaum” in German and “O Holy Night” in French. When a German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht” it brings about a night of camaraderie, music and peace. Approximately 90 minutes long with no intermission, it is composed of five parts, not including the Prologue and the Epilogue. In between the songs, both sides recount what happened that night and what daily life in the trenches was like. These narratives are taken from real letters from soldiers who were there.

The show itself is not that long but it is powerful and calming. Despite the dark overtones, it is a reminder of the kindness that resides in humanity regardless of race or creed. The staging and costumes are simple, but they set the mood perfectly. The voices are remarkable and the singers work together flawlessly to bring this remarkable true story to life. Highlights include the somber “I Want to Go Home” and “Stille Nacht.” It is told in the words and songs of the men who lived it. This acapella musical highlights the beauty and power of the human spirit during the darkest of days. Sure to be a conversation starter, it is a must see for the holiday season and appeals to all ages.

Theater review: ‘Constellations’ at The Cellar Theater

constellationspic — Kate Glasheen as Marianne and Jeff Jeffers as Roland in The Cellar Theater’s ‘Constellations.’ Photo: Daniel Baumer, used with permission.

Now playing at The Playhouse San Antonio’s The Cellar Theater is ‘Constellations’ by the British playwright Nick Payne. It is a one-hour two-hander play that explores love, friendship and the notion of free will and destiny against the backdrop of quantum physics. The story is a romantic journey that begins with a simple encounter between a man and a woman and becomes an exploration of parallel universes. Kate Glasheen stars as Marianne, a quantum physicist and Jeff Jeffers portrays Roland, a beekeeper. There are still several chances to catch this cerebral production on Sunday November 12 at 2p.m., Thursday November 16, Friday November 17 and Saturday November 18 at 7:30p.m. and Sunday November 19 at 2p.m. Friday’s performance is SOLD OUT. Tickets range from $20 to $35 and are available online and at the box office.

The central theme in ‘Constellations’ is the theory of parallel universes in which the current universe is not the only one, but that many universes exist parallel to each other. These distinct universes within the multiverse theory are called parallel universes. This might seem like a heavy subject to delve into in a stage production but since this is a one-hour show, the best way to explain the material is by exploring the relationship between the main characters. The story begins with Marianne and Roland meeting at a function where a pick-up line goes flat but after an audible signal, in another universe, there is a different outcome and they become an item. Throughout the performance, they portray the same couple with different scenarios: in one he is married, in the other he is not, in one they are engaged, in the other they are not, and so forth. Their relationship goes through so many different ups and downs and each scene change is signaled by the same audible sound effect.

Sometimes emotional, at other times funny, the audience is privy to all these different universes. At times it is hard to keep up with the shifting action, but the central idea is to explain the theory that each decision creates another universe. Both actors do an exemplary job in handling the changing emotions and personalities in each scene as well as the challenging dialogue. The set design is simple but conveys the space theme adequately. It is not necessary to be an expert in physics to appreciate the heavy-handedness of the production and it is therefore a must-see because it is sure to create a dialogue on the possibilities of what at first seems to be just an ordinary life.

The Playhouse San Antonio
The Cellar Theater
800 W Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

Theater review: ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’

hunchbackpic17 — ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ is now playing at the Playhouse San Antonio. Photo: Daniel D Baumer, used with permission.

After a successful opening weekend, the Texas premiere of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ continues at the Playhouse San Antonio in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater. Based on the book of the same name by Victor Hugo, it has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Peter Parnell and tells the story of Quasimodo, the misshapen but gentle-souled bell ringer of Notre Dame. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. and it runs until Sunday October 15. Ticket prices range from $15 to $35 and are available online.

The somber mood is set from the beginning as the choir and the congregation march into the dimly lit church. Quasimodo is content with his life in the tower since Frollo has convinced him he will be an outcast because of his looks if goes outside. Yet he dreams of venturing out and when curiosity gets the best of him he goes exploring, ‘Out There.’ While taking in the sights at the local festival, ‘Rhythm of the Tambourine’ he meets and befriends a young gypsy dancer named Esmeralda who teaches him the true meaning of friendship and acceptance. The cast includes Bob Galindo as the mean-spirited Claude Frollo, Nick Szoeke as the loveable Quasimodo, Travis Trevino as Jehan, Frollo’s brother and Alyssa Lopez as the gypsy Esmeralda.

There is so much more to this version of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ than the happy-go-lucky Disney version most people have come to know. Despite lighter numbers like ‘Rhythm of the Tambourine’ when the audience is introduced to Esmeralda and the rest of the gypsies, and sporadic comic relief, the themes and subject matter are serious. Bob Galindo is excellent as Frollo, especially during ‘Hellfire’ when he begs to be delivered from damnation. Nick Szoeke expertly brings the role of Quasimodo to life onstage. Some of the highlights of the show include when Esmeralda and Quasimodo are admiring the view from the top of the tower, ‘Top of the World’ and when Quasimodo pours molten lead onto the streets. The cast and crew have done an admirable job in bringing this incredible production to San Antonio audiences. From the incredible voices and acting to the sets and costumes, this professional grade production is not to be missed

‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ at The Playhouse San Antonio

The Playhouse San Antonio kicks off the new season this week with the Texas premiere of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame.’ It opens on Friday September 15 and will run through Sunday October 15 in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater. Based on the 1831 novel of the same name by Victor Hugo, it has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by Peter Parnell and tells the story of Quasimodo, the misshapen but gentle-souled bell ringer of Notre Dame. It is directed by George Green with Darrin Newhardt as music director and Courtnie Mercer as choreographer. The cast includes Bob Galindo as Claude Frollo, Nick Szoeke as Quasimodo, Travis Trevino as Jehan and Alyssa Lopez as Esmeralda. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Ticket prices range from $15 to $35 and are available online. (The Playhouse San Antonio, 2017)

‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ is set in Paris, France in the Late Middle Ages during the reign of Louis XI. An elderly gypsy beggar narrates the story of Quasimodo which begins with two orphan brothers named Claude and Jehan. They are taken in by the Notre Dame cathedral and Claude eventually becomes the Archdeacon. He takes in Jehan’s deformed child and names him Quasimodo. Twenty years later, Quasimodo becomes a kind, but isolated young man who dreams of life outside the tower. His only companions are a trio of living gargoyles named Charles, Antoine and Lori. When he decides to venture out for a day, he meets a young gypsy dancer named Esmeralda who teaches him about true friendship and acceptance.

The Playhouse San Antonio
Russell Hill Rogers Theater
800 W Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

Theater review: ‘Hairspray’ at The Playhouse San Antonio

hairspraypic17 — Kass Ortiz as Tracy Turnblad in The Playhouse San Antonio’s production of ‘Hairspray.’ Photo: Daniel D Baumer, used with permission.

One of Broadway’s most popular musicals, ‘Hairspray,’ opened at The Playhouse San Antonio last weekend. This musical is based on the 1988 John Waters film of the same name and tells the story of Tracy Turnblad whose innocent desire to dance on a television show ends up shaking up her hometown of Baltimore. It runs until Sunday August 6 with show times on Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are available online and prices range from $12 for children to $42 for general adult admission.

‘Hairspray’ begins with “Good Morning Baltimore” where the audience is introduced to the perky Tracy Turnblad whose world revolves around watching The Corny Collins show. While watching the show one afternoon she finds out that there will be auditions to replace one of the ‘council members’ who is taking a leave of absence due to a pregnancy. She eagerly goes to audition only to be rudely turned away, “Miss Baltimore Crabs.” While there she bumps into teenage heartthrob Link Larkin and that leads to a romantic dream sequence, “I Can Hear the Bells.” She ends up gaining a spot on the show and with the help of friends and family manages to get The Corny Collins Show fully integrated.

The stage version of ‘Hairspray’ is slightly different than the movie, which most people are familiar with, but it is still a joy to experience. With its infectious songs, energetic dancing and vital social commentaries it is easy to see why it so popular with theater audiences as evident by a sold out opening weekend. Show highlights include “Big Blonde and Beautiful,” a song about being proud of how you look despite what people think and “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” when Tracy emerges from the back of the theatre to crash the competition at the end. Danielle King, who plays Motormouth Maybelle, gives a poignant rendition of “I Know Where I’ve Been” that reminds audiences of the serious side of the show. Amid singing and dancing, ‘Hairspray’ tackles such topics as racism, segregation and finding love despite weight and color differences. The colorful staging and vibrant costumes bring this show to life. Top-notch choreography and a talented cast who work well together makes this a must-see show.

‘Hairspray’ at The Playhouse San Antonio

Opening at The Playhouse San Antonio this week is the local production of the Tony Award-winning musical ‘Hairspray.’ This wildly popular musical opens on Friday July 7 and will run until Sunday August 6 in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater. It is the story of Tracy Turnblad, whose innocent desire to dance on a television show ends up shaking up her hometown of Baltimore. The book was written by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, music is by Mark Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Mark Shaiman. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are available online and are $42 for general adult, $23 for military with valid ID, $23 for seniors aged 60 and up, $15 for students with valid ID and $12 for children aged 12 and under. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more. (The Playhouse San Antonio, 2017)

‘Hairspray’ is set in 1962 where Tracy Turnblad, a plus size teenager with a passion for singing and dancing, dreams of her chance to dance on the local dance television show. When she finally wins a spot on The Corny Collins Show, she becomes an overnight celebrity and meets a wide variety of characters. They band together to challenge the status quo which leads to social change when they campaign for the show’s integration. Amid singing and dancing, ‘Hairspray’ tackles such topics as racism, segregation and finding love despite weight and color differences. Omar Leos is the director and it stars Kass Ortiz as Tracy Turnblad, David Nanny as Edna Turnblad, Brendan Brady as Corny Collins, Emily Cleveland as Penny Pingleton and Cade Thomas as Link Larkin.

The Playhouse San Antonio
Russell Hill Rogers Theater
800 W Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-725

Broadway Sings The Playhouse at the Empire Theater

playhousebroadway17 — Broadway Sings The Playhouse at the Empire Theater on Saturday August 26, 2017. Photo design: Jeremy Whittington, used with permission.

On Saturday August 26, The Playhouse San Antonio is hosting an evening of music at the Empire Theater as part of ‘Broadway Sings The Playhouse.’ Some of Broadway’s biggest stars will be singing from The Playhouse’s upcoming season as part of the New Gala and Founders Awards/Preview Show. The night will consist of dinner, drinks, Broadway songs and a special After-Glow Party at Hotel Valencia for guests who attend the dinner. Tickets for the dinner and awards ceremony and the season showcase afterwards are available online. (The Playhouse San Antonio, 2017)

Dinner will be from 6p.m. to 7:30p.m. courtesy of Absolutely Delicious Catering & Events. The Playhouse’s Annual Founder’s Awards will include artists singing selections from their favorite Broadway credits. At 8p.m. guests will be able to hear Broadway guests sing songs from the upcoming season including The Hunchback of Notre Dame, All Is Calm, Assassins, If/Then, The Bridges of Madison County and Mamma Mia! The lineup includes: Tommaso Antico (Jersey Boys, Hairspray, Altar Boyz, Cabaret), Sarah Uriarte Berry (Drama Desk Nominee- The Light In the Piazza, Beauty and the Beast, Next to Normal, Les Miserables ), Charl Brown (2013 Tony Nominee-Motown, Jersey Boys, Sister Act, Hair), Crystal Kellogg (Finding Neverland, School of Rock, Kinky Boots, Pajama Game), Carrie St. Louis (Wicked, Rock of Ages, Something Good), Kate Rockwell (Bring it On- The Musical, Legally Blonde, Rock of Ages, Hair) and Christeena Riggs (Les Miserables, Wicked, Cinderella, Jane Erye).

Empire Theater
226 N St Mary’s St
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 226-5700

The Playhouse San Antonio’s 2017- 2018 season

playhouseseason17 — The Playhouse San Antonio’s 2017 – 2018 season. Photo: The Playhouse San Antonio, used with permission.

The Playhouse San Antonio recently announced their 2017 – 2018 Season Cast List. These are the shows playing next season at the Russell Hill Rogers Theater. (The Playhouse San Antonio, 2017)

The Hunchback of Notre Dame – September 15 through October 15
Director: George Green, Choreographer: Courtnie Mercer, Quasimodo: Nick Szoeke, Esmeralda: Alyssa Lopez, Dom Claude Frollo: Bob Galindo

All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 – November 24 through December 24
Directors: George Green and Bill Gundry, Music director: Nicolas Ponting, Choreographer: Courtnie Mercer

Little Women – January 26 through February 18
Director: Andy Meyers, Choreographer: Briane Green, Jo March: Chloe Voreis, Meg March: Katherine Leidlein, Beth March: Campbell Wilford, Amy March: Rosa Gardner

If/Then – March 16 through April 8
Director: Molly Cox, Choreographer: Courtnie Mercer, Elizabeth: Stephanie Genito, Lucas: Nicolas Ponting, Josh: Grant Bryant

The Bridges of Madison County – May 11 through June 3
Director: J Scott Lapp, Choreographer: Courtnie Mercer, Francesca Johnson: Mary Morrow, Richard “Bud” Johnson: David Blazer, Robert Kincaid: Roy Bumgarner

Mamma Mia! – July 6 through August 5
Director: Ken Urso, Choreographer: Briane Green, Donna Sheridan: Megan DeYoung, Sophie Sheridan: Jessie Little

The Playhouse San Antonio
800 W Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-725

‘Crimes of the Heart’ at The Playhouse San Antonio’s Cellar Theater

crimesoftheheartpic — Beth Henley’s ‘Crimes of the Heart’ opens this weekend at The Playhouse San Antonio’s Cellar Theater. Photo: Daniel D Baumer, used with permission.

Up next at The Playhouse San Antonio is Beth Henley’s ‘Crimes of the Heart.’ It opens this weekend in the Cellar Theater and runs until Sunday June 25, 2017. Beth Henley is an award-winning American playwright, screen writer and actress and this play won the 1981 Pulitzer Prize for Drama while the screenplay was nominated for an Oscar as Best Adapted Screenplay. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sundays at 3p.m. and tickets are available online or at the box office at (210) 733-7258. Prices are $42 for general adult, $23 for military with valid ID, $23 for seniors aged 60 and up, $15 for students with valid ID and $12 for children aged 12 and under. Additional ticket service fees may apply. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more. (The Playhouse San Antonio, 2017)

‘Crimes of the Heart’ is a tragicomedy set in Hazlehurst, Mississippi in 1978 and tells the story of the three Magrath sisters: Meg, Beth and Lenny who reunite at Old Granddaddy’s home after Babe shoots her abusive husband. The sisters, who were raised in a dysfunctional family and have endured their share of hardships, a sassy cousin and a fresh-faced lawyer dig up more than just clues to the case as the bonds of sisterhood and family are put to the test. The past resurfaces as the sisters are forced to deal with relatives and past relationships while dealing with Babe’s latest incident. Themes include complex family dynamics, sibling rivalry and loss. Directed by Bill Gundry, it stars Erin Polewski as Lenny Magrath, Emily Cleveland as Meg Magrath, Kimberlyn Kacie as Babe Botrelle, Rosa Gardner as Chick Boyle, Tyler Askins as Doc Porter and Brendan Brady as Barnette Lloyd.

The Playhouse San Antonio
Cellar Theater
800 W Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

Theater review: ‘Urinetown – the Musical’

urinetowncast — The cast of ‘Urinetown – the Musical,’ now playing at The Playhouse San Antonio through May 28. Photo: Daniel D Baumer, used with permission.

Now playing at The Playhouse San Antonio is the local production of ‘Urinetown – the Musical,’ the Tony Award winning satirical comedy musical about a dystopian future where a drought has caused a water shortage that has led to a government enforced ban on private toilets. It satirizes the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement and municipal politics. Starring Brendan Brady as Bobby Strong and Emily Cleveland as Hope Caldwell, it has music by Mark Hollmann, lyrics by Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis and the book by Greg Kotis.

Despite the dubious title, it opened to an almost full house on Friday as the audience was treated to a night of laughter and homage to musical theater. The show opens as the citizens are in line to use the public toilet, in this case Public Amenity #9, that is run by Penelope Pennywise. While Penelope is by the book-strict, her assistant Bobby Strong is not and desperately wants to do the right thing. After his father, Old Man Strong, defiantly relieves himself on the street rather than pay for the ‘privilege’ of using the facility and is taken away by the authorities, he gets the desire to fight for what is right. When he meets Hope Caldwell, the naïve but well-meaning daughter of Caldwell B Cladwell, the CEO of the megacorporation that owns the public toilets, he is inspired to start a rebellion where everyone can “pee for free.”

The cast is big but they work well together under the direction of Tim Hedgepeth. Brendan Brady’s performance as Bobby Strong is solid and together with Emily Cleveland as Hope Caldwell and the rest of the talented cast, they make ‘Urinetown’ an enjoyable experience. Show highlights include the disturbing yet funny “Don’t Be the Bunny” by Cladwell, McQueen and Fipp and the inspiring “Run, Freedom, Run” by Bobby and the ensemble. Toilet humor aside, fans of musical theater will appreciate the references to shows like ‘Les Misérables,” “West Side Story,” “Cabaret” and many more. Officer Lockstock and other characters periodically break the fourth wall to talk about the show and explain what is going on. Overall, ‘Urinetown – the Musical’ is a hilarious story of greed, corruption, love and revolution and what happens when heroes arise out of desperate times. Even though it is not the typical ‘feel good’ show it is worth seeing more than once to catch all the musical references and hidden jokes.

‘Urinetown – the Musical’ plays at The Playhouse San Antonio through Sunday May 28 with show times on Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are available online or at the box office at (210) 733-7258.

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Tag: The Playhouse San Antonio