American Mariachi will have a limited four weekend run at The Public Theater of San Antonio. Photo: The Public Theater of San Antonio
Opening this week at The Public Theater’s Russell Hill Rogers Theater is American Mariachi. American Mariachi is set in the 1970s, where Lucha spends her days caring for her ailing mother but longs to shake up her life. When a forgotten record sparks her mother’s memory, Lucha and her cousin strike upon a radical idea: to create an all-female mariachi band. Infused with live music played by a live mariachi band, this “big-hearted, musical tugs at the heartstrings” and reminds us how music and love can make just about anything possible. This play with music is filled with well-known mariachi classics and depicts beautiful portraits of Latina women that any San Antonian can relate to. Written by José Cruz González, this premiere production marks the first time a Latino writers’ work will be produced at the Russell Hill Rogers Theater in the organization’s 100 years. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2022)
American Mariachi opens on Friday September 9 and tickets are now on sale: Adults $45, Military/Senior/Student $30, and Youth $15. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. There will be an entire weekend (September 16 – 18) of Pay What You Will Nights when tickets are as low as $5 in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Directed by Claudia de Vasco, the cast includes Andrea Daniela, Giselle Galindo, Isabel de la Cerda, Abraham Zapata, Amy Mireles de la Rosa, Jai A. Gonzales Quintero, Bianka Nicole Torres, Crystal M. Bratton, and Jose de Hoyos.
“We are thrilled to come together with these extraordinary performing arts nonprofits to empower the arts in our community,” said Dr. Emily Sano, Co-Interim Director, Coates-Cowden-Brown Senior Advisor for Asian Art. “We have much to celebrate after this past year. We hope people will join us in supporting the arts in San Antonio.”
Throughout the evening, gala attendees can enjoy performances by participating organizations in the Tobin’s H-E-B Performance Hall, as well as a live auction, catered dinner, and a live performance by renowned 10-piece band, Professor D., at the conclusion of the evening in the Carlos Alvarez Theater overlooking the Will Naylor Smith River Walk Plaza. Tickets are on sale now including individual and VIP options, as well as sponsorship options. Purchase tiers are available below:
Individual Ticket – $300
Includes audience seating in the H-E-B Performance Hall for the arts showcase
Cocktails and a buffet in the Red and Charline McCombs Lobby
VIP Tickets for Two – $1,000
Includes cabaret seating, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails during the artists showcase
Cocktails, buffet, and a reserved cocktail table in the Red and Charline McCombs Lobby
Tiered Sponsorship Packages
Sponsorship levels are available ranging from $2,500 to $10,000
More information on each sponsorship tier is available online.
The “Celebration” gala is chaired by Kristin and Dick Tips. Funds raised during the gala will support the missions of the San Antonio Museum of Art, Ballet San Antonio, The Public Theater of San Antonio, San Antonio Chamber Choir and YOSA.
The San Antonio Museum of Art serves as a forum to explore and connect with art that spans the world’s geographies, artistic periods, genres, and cultures. Its collection contains nearly 30,000 works representing 5,000 years of history. Housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of San Antonio’s River Walk, the San Antonio Museum of Art is committed to promoting the rich cultural heritage and life of the city. The Museum hosts hundreds of events and public programs each year, including concerts, performances, tours, lectures, symposia, and interactive experiences. As an active civic leader, the Museum is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the city and the region, and to supporting its creative community.
The Public Theater of San Antonio’s 2021 – 2022 season announcement. Photo: The Public Theater of San Antonio
Live theater is back in San Antonio and The Public Theater of San Antonio recently announced their 2021 – 2022 season. Ticket information is available online. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2021)
tick, tick…BOOM! – September 10 to October 17 His girlfriend wants to get married and move out of the city, his best friend is making big bucks on Madison Avenue and, yet, Jon is still waiting on tables and trying to write the great American musical. Set in 1990, this compelling story of personal discovery is presented as a rock musical filled with instantly appealing melodies and a unique blend of musical theatre styles.
Plaid Tidings – November 19 to December 19 At first, Francis, Jinx, Smudge, and Sparky are not sure why they have returned to Earth for another posthumous performance, but a phone call from the heavenly Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they are needed to put a little harmony into a discordant world. Sprinkled among the Christmas offerings are audience favorites, like their riotous three-minute-and-eleven-second version of The Ed Sullivan Show – this time, featuring the Rockettes, the Chipmunks and The Vienna Boys Choir, as well as a Plaid Caribbean Christmas that puts the “Day-O” in Excelsis.
35MM: A Musical Exhibition – January 14 to February 20 A picture is worth 1,000 words — what about a song? Can a picture inspire a song or fifteen? In 35mm, each photo creates a unique song, moments frozen in time; a glimmer of a life unfolding, a glimpse of something happening. A stunning new multimedia musical which explores a groundbreaking new concept in musical theatre. This intricately woven collection of stories told through song re-imagines what the modern American musical can be.
She Loves Me – March 25 to May 1 Set in a 1930s European perfumery, we meet shop clerks, Amalia and Georg, who, more often than not, do not see eye to eye. After both respond to a “lonely hearts advertisement” in the newspaper, they now live for the love letters that they exchange, but the identity of their admirers remains unknown. Join Amalia and Georg to discover the identity of their true loves… and of all the twists and turns along the way.
A Bronx Tale The Musical – May 20 to June 26 Based on the critically acclaimed play that inspired the now classic film, this streetwise musical will take you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s—where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. Featuring a book by Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri, music by Oscar, Grammy, and Tony Award winner Alan Menken, and lyrics by Grammy Award winner and Oscar and Tony Award nominee Glenn Slater, A Bronx Tale is a story about respect, loyalty, love, and above all else: family.
Once On This Island – July 15 to August 21 Ti Moune, a peasant girl, rescues a wealthy boy from the other side of the island, Daniel, with whom she falls in love. Unbeknownst to Ti Moune, the pompous gods who preside over the island make a bet with one another over which is stronger, love or death, the stakes being Ti Moune’s life. When she pursues Daniel, who has returned to his people, Ti Moune is shunned because of her lowly status. Her determination and capacity to love, though, is not enough to win Daniel’s heart, and Ti Moune pays the ultimate price; but the gods turn Ti Moune into a tree that grows so strong and so tall, it breaks the wall that separates the societies and ultimately unites them.
‘Golda’s Balcony’ opens Thursday and will consist of all streamed online performances. Artwork by Jeremy Whittington
The Public Theater of San Antonio’s next production is ‘Golda’s Balcony.” It opens Thursday April 8 and will run until Sunday April 18, 2021. This production will be streamed online only. Get your live stream link now for Golda’s Balcony and experience this beautiful story based on the life of Golda Meir. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2021)
‘Golda’s Balcony’ by William Gibson is a dramatic look at idealism, power, and the strength it takes to shape the destiny of a nation. This tight-knit story of war and peace opens in 1973, on the eve of the Yom Kippur War, and uses flashbacks as Golda tells the story of her life: her journey from her birthplace in Russia to her life in the United States.
*The presentation may contain themes and content not suitable for all audiences.
Performance times will be Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online. Golda Meir – Diane Kondrat*, Director – Susan Hardie, Stage Manager – Sondra Gervasi* *Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
‘Thurgood’ is back for encore performances for Black History Month. Photo: The Public Theater of San Antonio, used with permission.
The hit production of Thurgood is back for four special encore performances this month. Celebrate Black History month with this historical production. If you missed Thurgood the first time or want to see it again, join The Public Theater of San Antonio for this online performance. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2021)
To purchase your streaming link to see the encore performances of Thurgood, click on one of the links below. The encore performances are $10.00.
Thurgood by George Stevens, Jr. is a story rich in history, humanity, and humor and depicts the life of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court justice and his role in the historic decision on the Brown v. Board of Education case. He was an influential leader of the civil rights movement and his legacy lives on in the pursuit of racial justice. **This performance may contain themes and content not suitable for all audiences.**
The virtual production of ‘Thurgood’ runs until next weekend. Photo: The Public Theater of San Antonio, used with permission.
Thursday was opening night of ‘Thurgood’ by George Stevens, Jr. at The Public Theater of San Antonio but this production is virtual only. It will run until Sunday January 24, 2021 with performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online. Thurgood Marshall was an American lawyer and civil rights activist who served as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from October 1967 until October 1991. He was the Court’s first African American justice but before that, he successfully argued several cases before the Supreme Court, including Brown v. Board of Education. ‘Thurgood’ depicts the life of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court justice and his role in the historic decision on the Brown v. Board of Education case. This is a story rich in history, humanity, and humor.
‘Thurgood’ is one-man show with Marc Pouhé portraying the title role of the civil rights activist and Supreme Court justice. Strictly a biographical account of the life of Thurgood Marshall, it starts off with a slide show of the civil rights era after which Pouhé’s Marshall casually walks onto the set. He is excited to share his life story with the audience and begins with this childhood and how he was named after his grandfather but ended up shortening his name. His early life is not the focus even though he tells entertaining stories of growing up. He quickly shifts to his experiences in law-school after sharing how his mother had to pawn her wedding and engagement rings to pay the tuition. Most of the time is spent on the circumstances surrounding the Brown v. Board of Education case and how he used the equal protection of the law clause of the fourteen amendment to argue the case, or as he calls it, “Jim Crow deluxe,” using the separate but equal logic to demand truly equal schools for blacks. The 1954 decision concluded that separate but equal has no place because facilities are by nature unequal.
Ahead of Black History Month, ‘Thurgood’ is an excellent production to familiarize audiences with the highlights of Thurgood Marshall’s legislative career. It runs for an hour and a half with no intermission and may contain themes and content not suitable for all audiences, including various uses of the ‘n word.’ The simple set consists of a desk and chair with a pitcher of water, a glass, and sheets of paper besides it. There were a couple of glitches on the sound at the beginning but everything smoothed out a few minutes later. One of the highlights is when he makes his point on how segregation has detrimental effects on black children and uses the white vs brown doll test as as example; when questioned, most black children chose the white doll when asked which one looked nicer. His conclusion: “children learning together side by side is the best hope for this country.” Marc Pouhé’s portrayal of Thurgood Marshall grabs the audience’s attention with his commanding yet calming tone. ‘Thurgood’ is a well-balanced retelling of his personal life and legislative career, his humorous side evident when he declares “I expect to die at the age of 110 – shot by a jealous husband.” It is definite must-see.
Thurgood by George Stevens, Jr. opens at The Public Theater of San Antonio on Thursday, January 14, 2021. Photo: The Public Theater of San Antonio, used with permission.
Coming up at The Public Theater of San Antonio is Thurgood, which opens this Thursday, January 14 and runs until Sunday January 22. Performances will be virtual live stream only and ticket information is available online. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2021)
Thurgood by George Stevens, Jr. is a story rich in history, humanity, and humor and depicts the life of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court justice and his role in the historic decision on the Brown v. Board of Education case. He was an influential leader of the civil rights movement and his legacy lives on in the pursuit of racial justice. This performance may contain themes and content not suitable for all audiences.
Coming up at Teatro Audaz is Curanderas & Chocolate: Cuentos of a Latina Life by Patricia Zamora. Directed by Teatro Audaz Artistic Director Laura T. Garza, it will be staged at The Public Theater of San Antonio. This one-woman show is written and performed by San Antonio, Texas Playwright and Actress Patricia Zamora, featuring stories of love, loss and hardship. Funny, poignant and sometimes heartbreaking, this autobiographical show highlighting faith healers and religious candles will resonate with all audiences. The play features seven colorful characters who explore the concept of faith and healing. All performances are in English and will be livestreamed for guests to be able to enjoy a live theater performance from the comfort of home, or any other location. Once live audiences are allowed back in the theater, livestreamed performances dates will be available as well. (Teatro Audaz, 2020)
Curanderas & Chocolate opens on Wednesday, September 30 at 7:30p.m. with subsequent performances on Friday October 2 at 7:30p.m., Saturday October 3 at 2p.m., Wednesday October 7 at 7:30p.m., Friday October 9 at 7:30p.m. and Saturday October 10 at 2p.m. Ticket prices start at $20 for military, student, senior and children and $25 for general admission and are available online. Wednesday nights are Hispanic Heritage nights – special discount prices on Wednesdays: $10, $15.
Teatro Audaz is dedicated to exploring the varied experiences and cultures of Latinx people through producing and showcasing the creative talents of Latinx artists. Their passion is to present monolingual and bilingual theater to San Antonio.
James R.Welch as Buddy the Elf in The Public Theater’s production of ‘Elf The Musical.’ Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.
Now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio’s Russell Hill Rogers auditorium is ‘Elf The Musical.’ Time is running out to catch this modern day holiday classic before it ends on Sunday December 22. ‘Elf The Musical’ is the story of Buddy the Elf who embarks on a journey to discover his true identity and is determined to win over his new family. Tickets are available online and 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 students with ID and $20 for children aged 12 and under. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Education Night for Thursday December 19 is sold out.
‘Elf The Musical’ begins as Santa (Robert M. Moritz) sits down to watch TV after delivering presents only to discover that the football game he wanted to watch was recorded over. So instead, he decides to tell the audience the story of Buddy, the Elf. The story moves to the North Pole, where Buddy (James R. Welch), an oversized elf, is excited about another day working in Santa’s workshop. “Happy All the Time” At work, the shop manager (Kennith Andrew Patterson) informs the Elves that they must work harder this year because more and more humans do not believe in Santa and that Christmas spirit is what makes Santa’s sleigh fly. While on a break, Buddy finds out he is actually a human and, with Santa’s approval, goes to New York City in search of his father, Walter Hobbs (Brandon R. Mace).
Buddy locates Walter but finds a less than enthusiastic father who is forced to take Buddy with him to work. Now wearing a business suit, Buddy’s curiosity and playfulness are a distraction and when he mistakenly shreds an important manuscript, Walter tells Buddy to get out of his life. He ends up at a Chinese restaurant with several other “Santas” and “Elves” on Christmas Eve who complain about Christmas and children. “Nobody Cares About Santa.” During this time, Buddy forgets that he should be out on a date with Jovie, a co-worker (Mariel Ardila) who is upset and waiting in front of the restaurant where they were supposed to meet. “Never Fall in Love.” Eventually, Buddy is accepted by his father, finds love with Jovie and decides not to return to the North Pole with Santa.
Elf is one of the most beloved Christmas movies and ‘Elf The Musical’ is a wonderful adaptation of the hit New Line Cinema film by David Berenbaum. With a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin it brings the story of Buddy the Elf, who was raised among the elves in the North Pole, to life. The comedy and charming story translate well on stage and James R. Welch is the perfect choice to portray the loveable and innocent Buddy. Show highlights include “Happy All the Time” at the North Pole where the elves are happily working building toys and “Nobody Cares About Santa” when the different “Santas” complain about the state of Christmas. The bright and cheerful staging and costumes leaves little doubt that this is a Christmas musical and it is hard not to smile through the entire production. ‘Elf The Musical’ is a fun family friendly production and a must-see to celebrate the holiday season.
James R. Welch as Buddy the Elf in The Public Theater’s production of ‘Elf The Musical.’ It opens this Friday November 22. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.
Opening at The Public Theater of San Antonio this week just in time for the holiday season is ‘Elf The Musical.’ It opens on Friday November 22 and will run through Sunday December 22 in the Russell Hill Rogers Auditorium. Buddy the Elf embarks on a journey to discover his true identity and is determined to win over his new family. ‘Elf The Musical’ is the modern day holiday classic that reminds us that the best way to spread Christmas Cheer is by singing loud for all to hear. Tickets are available online and 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 students with ID and $20 for children aged 12 and under. Group rates are available for groups of ten or more. Additional ticket services fees may apply. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. On opening night, there will be a special reception following the performance. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2019)
‘Elf The Musical’ is based on the New Line Cinema film by David Berenbaum with a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin. It is the story of William “Buddy” Hobbs, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa Claus’ bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. After discovering the baby, Santa and his elves decide to raise the child as an elf. Years later, Buddy finds out that he is actually human and, with Santa’s approval, goes to New York City in search of his father, Walter Hobbs. Faced with the harsh reality that Walter is on the naughty list and that his son Michael does not even believe in Santa, Buddy is determined to win over his birth family and help New York City remember the true meaning of Christmas. Cast includes James R. Welch as Buddy, Brandon R. Mace as Walter Hobbs, Pamela Sharkey as Emily Hobbs, Mariel Ardila as Jovie, Chip Wood as Mr. Greenway, John Paul Tucker as Michael Hobbs and Robert Moritz as Santa Claus.
The Public Theater of San Antonio
800 W. Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258
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