Theater review: ‘Matilda The Musical’ at The Public Theater

Weekends were made for family fun and there are still plenty of chances to catch Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda The Musical’ in the Russell Hill Rogers Auditorium at The Public Theater of San Antonio. It opened July 12 to much acclaim and runs through Sunday August 11. ‘Matilda The Musical’ is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online and at the box office by calling (210) 733-7258.

‘Matilda The Musical’ begins with a large group of spoiled children at a birthday party singing “Miracle” and delighted about how special they are, as their parents shower them with praise and attention. At the same time, a clueless and nine-months pregnant Mrs. Wormwood (Briane Green) is at the hospital and even though she insists she must travel to Paris for a dancing competition, she gives birth to a baby girl. Mr. Wormwood (Robby Vance) is disappointed that it is a girl and that is how Matilda’s (Taylor Paige Henderson) mistreatment at the hands of her family begins. Five years later, an unhappy Matilda lives with her family and to cope with the constant verbal abuse, she gets even by playing pranks on them.“Naughty” Her situation does not change once she goes to school due to the cruel and child-hating headmistress Miss Trunchbull (Shane Glenn Vickers) but she finds an ally in her teacher Miss Honey (Madison Genovese). At first it seems like Matilda will never have her happy ending but when her family has to leave town, Mr. Wormwood agrees to let her stay with Miss Honey and finally acknowledges her as a girl.

This version of the story of Matilda is darker than what most people, who are fans of the movie, are used to. The cast of children do an admirable job alongside the adults and Taylor Paige Henderson, as Matilda, is especially talented in the role. Note: Audrey Anne Davis plays Matilda on alternating days. An honorable mention goes to Shane Glenn Vickers for his portrayal of the heartless and mean Miss Trunchbull. Show highlights are when the company performs “When I Grow Up” as the children ponder about their adult lives and “Revolting Children” as the defiant children swear to continue to fight for their rights. One of the funniest musical numbers is “Loud” when Miss Honey visits the Wormwoods to get them to put Matilda in an advanced class and Mrs. Wormwood and Rudolpho (Luis Garcia Jr.) insist on rehearsing their dance number instead. Overall, ‘Matilda The Musical’ is the charming story of an underestimated little girl who uses her imagination and sharp mind to take a stand and change her own destiny. It appeals to audiences of all ages and is filled with humor, laughter and heart. A definite must-see production for the entire family.

‘Matilda The Musical’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio

Opening at The Public Theater of San Antonio this week is the local production of Roald Dahl’s ‘Matilda The Musical.’ It runs from Friday July 12 through Sunday August 11 in the Russell Hill Rogers Auditorium. ‘Matilda The Musical’ is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Tickets are available online and at the box office by calling (210) 733-7258. Prices are $40 for adults, $35 for military members with ID and seniors age 60 and older and $25 for students with ID. Group rates are available for groups of ten or more. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2019)

‘Matilda The Musical’ is a musical based on the novel of the same name by best-selling author Roald Dahl. It is the story a Matilda, a precocious five-year-old girl with the gift of telekinesis who loves reading, overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school and helps her teacher reclaim her life. She dreams of a better life and with her astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers, Matilda becomes the school’s saving grace. Winner of four Tony Awards, it is directed by Ken Urso with a book by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin. Cast includes Taylor Henderson and Audrey Davis as Matilda, Shane Glenn Vickers as Agatha Trunchbull, Robby Vance as Mr. Wormwood, Briane Green as Mrs. Wormwood and Madison Genovese as Ms. Honey.

The Public Theater of San Antonio
800 W. Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

The Public Theater 2019-2020 season

publictheatreseason1920 — The Public Theater of San Antonio’s 2019-2020 season includes such hits as ‘Into the Woods’ and ‘Elf The Musical,’ Photo: Public Theater of San Antonio, used with permission.

The Public Theater of San Antonio recently announced their upcoming 2019-2020 season, including the Russell Hill Rogers Theater and Cellar Theater. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2019)

The Russell Hill Rogers Theater
September 13 through October 13 – ‘Mary Poppins’
A musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film. Based on one of the most popular Disney movie of all time, this is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, and breathtaking dance numbers. With a little bit of magic, Mary and Bert remind all of us that anything can happen if you let it.

November 22 through December 22 – ‘Elf The Musical’
Buddy embarks on a journey to discover his true identity and is determined to win over his new family. This modern-day holiday classic reminds us that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

January 31 through February 23 – ‘A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder’
A distant heir to a family fortune, Monty sets out to speed up the line of succession by using a great deal of charm and a dash of murder while falling in love. Non-stop laughs will see the doomed heirs meet their end in the most creative and side-splitting ways. Based on the novel ‘Israel Rank’ by Roy Horniman.

March 27 through April 19 – ‘Bright Star’
A refreshingly hopeful tale of love and redemption set against the backdrop of the 1920s and 1940s American South. Alice meets a young soldier that awakens her longing for the child she once lost. An uplifting journey holds you tight in its grasp with deep emotion and beautiful melodies. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.

May 15 through June 7 – ‘Amelie’
An extraordinary young woman lives quietly in the world but loudly in her mind. We learn that to find happiness we have to risk everything and say what is in our hearts. Amelie, the imaginative dreamer, finds her voice, discovers the power of connection and sees possibility around every corner.

July 10 through August 9 – ‘Into the Woods’
Everyone’s favorite storybook characters are intertwined for a timeless story played out in a magical world. The enchanting and touching collection of fables are set to one of the most dynamic scores ever written. The result is an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make.

Cellar Theater
October 18 through November 17 – ‘First Date’
A casual drink at a restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner. Delightful and unexpected twists, supportive best friends, manipulative exes and protective parents, sing and dance Aaron and Casey through ice-breakers, appetizers and a potential dating disaster. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.

December 27 through January 19 – ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’
Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog. Under suspicion, he is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington. This profoundly moving play about adolescence, fractured families, mathematics, colors and lights takes us on a thrilling journey that upturns his world. Based on the novel by Mark Haddon.

February 28 through March 22 – ‘Admissions’
The head of an admissions department and the Headmaster at a prep school are fighting to diversify the student body. Personal ambition collides with progressive values when their son sets his sights on an Ivy League university. This controversial drama explodes the ideals and contradictions of liberal white America. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.

April 24 through May 10 – ‘Lonely Planet’
Jody stays in his map store all the time. Carl has been bringing chairs into Jody’s store and leaving them there. Through their interaction, the two realize how grateful they are to have such a strong lasting friendship. This compassionate play reveals friendship and fear in the age of AIDS. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.

June 12 through June 28 – ‘More Better Beautiful’
Alice Pring wakes with no recollection of the prior night and finds a stranger, that has an identical twin, asleep in her living room. Elements of noir and romance show the secrets we keep, the lies we tell and the people who accept us in spite of our mistakes. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.

August 14 through August 30 – ‘Fade’
Lucia, a young writer, quickly becomes friends with a studio janitor named Abel. As they share stories, similar plots begin to find their way into the TV script. Fade is a play about class, race, and how status does not change who you are at your core. *May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.

Theater review: ‘Rent’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio

rent19 — ‘Rent’ is now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio until Sunday February 17. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

Now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio is the pop culture phenomenon that is ‘Rent.’ This original rock musical by Jonathan Larson runs until Sunday February 17 in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater with showtimes on Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets start at $25 and are available online and at the box office by calling (210) 733- 7258. ‘Rent’ is the story about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, it is a re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème and follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven struggling young artists in Lower Manhattan’s East Village living under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Disclaimer: may contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.

‘Rent’ is set in the East Village of New York City and begins on Christmas Eve as two roommates, Mark (Gavin Rohrer), a filmmaker and Roger (Robby French), a rock musician, are trying to produce a video “Tune Up A.” Their friend Tom Collins (Isidro Medina III), a gay anarchist professor at New York University, is on his way to surprise them at their apartment when he is mugged. Angel (Louie Canales) a cross-dressing street drummer presently out of drag finds and tends to him “You Okay Honey?” and they are instantly attracted to each other and find out that they are both HIV positive. The story continues throughout the year as the friends observe holidays including Valentine’s Day and Halloween. Their personal struggles and losses come full circle on Christmas the next year as the remaining friends gather in a final moment and resolve to enjoy whatever time they have left with each other because there is “no day but today” “Finale B.”

One of the reasons ‘Rent’ remains popular is because the characters are so relatable and the universal themes of love and hardships hit close to home and appeal to people of all ages. The message of joy and hope in the face of fear reminds people to measure their lives with love, which is the only thing that matters. Show highlights include “Light My Candle” when Mimi and Roger meet, “Today 4 U” when Angel first comes out in drag, “La Vie Bohème” at the café as the group celebrates their bohemian lifestyle and of course, “Seasons of Love” sung by the entire cast at the beginning of Act II. The urban themed set, the talented cast and ensemble and Courtnie Mercer’s choreography all work brilliantly together to bring this tragically beautiful story to life onstage. Overall, ‘Rent’-heads as well as newcomers will be sure to enjoy this must-see production. It is a timeless classic but the disclaimer above should be taken into consideration.

Upcoming special dates:
Education Nights -Thursday February 7
ASL Night (interpreters present) – Saturday February 9

‘Rent’ opens this Friday at The Public Theater

Opening at The Public Theater of San Antonio this week is the local production of ‘Rent.’ This original rock musical by Jonathan Larson opens on Friday January 25 and will run until Sunday February 17 in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater. It is a story about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online and at the box office by calling (210) 733- 7258. Prices are $40 for general adult, $35 for military with valid ID, $35 for seniors aged 60 and up and $25 for students with valid ID. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more. There will be a post-show reception on opening night. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2019)

‘Rent’ is set in the East Village of New York City and is an inspiring musical about friends and artists struggling with addiction, poverty and most of all love. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, it is a re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème and follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven struggling artists in New York’s Lower East Side. With its universal themes of love and hardships it has become a pop culture phenomenon that appeals to people of all ages. Its message of joy and hope in the face of fear reminds people to measure their lives with love, which is the only thing that matters.

Cast includes Robby French as Roger, Gavin Rohrer as Mark, Taylor Chilton as Maureen, Alexandria Henderson as Joann, Damon McToy as Benny, Isidro Medina as Collins, Louie Canales as Angel and Athena Boneta as Mimi. The Director is David Nanny, Choreographer is Courtnie Mercer and Music Director is Zachariah Baker.

*May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.

Special dates:
Education Nights -Thursday January 31 and Thursday February 7
ASL Night (interpreters present) – Saturday February 9

The Public Theater of San Antonio
800 W. Ashby Pl.
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

The Public Theater and the San Antonio Area Foundation announce scholarship opportunities

publictheaterscholarship — Registration is now open for the Joe Salek Scholarship for the Theater Arts Trust. Photo: The Public Theater, used with permission.

Scholarship opportunity announcement courtesy of the San Antonio Area Foundation:

The Public Theater of San Antonio in partnership with the San Antonio Area Foundation are pleased to announce Scholarship Opportunities for the 2019-2020 academic year through the Joe Salek Scholarship for the Theater Arts Trust. (San Antonio Area Foundation, 2019)

The Trust was created in honor of Joe Salek, whose years as Executive Director of the San Antonio Little Theater from 1949-1976 demonstrated his dedicated leadership and artistic inspiration and enriched the lives of all San Antonians.

Scholarships are available to students graduating from, or who have already graduated from, any public or private high school in Bexar County. Prospective student applicants must major or concentrate in one or more of the following subjects related to the theater arts: Acting/Performance, Playwriting, Directing, Scenery and Costume Design and Theater Management. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on academic achievement, experience, community involvement and career goals. A minimum 3.0 GPA, sample theater work attachments and a letter of recommendation are required. Scholarship application is now open and will close March 23, 2019.

For application questions or technical assistance, please email Bernice Uresti or call (210) 225-2243. Anyone interested in making a charitable contribution to the Joe Salek Scholarship for the Theater Arts Trust, please visit The Public Theater online.

‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio

alliscalmpic — ‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’ will be playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio from November 23 through December 23. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

A new holiday tradition returns to The Public Theater of San Antonio with opening night of ‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’ on Friday November 23. It will play in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater until Sunday December 23 and has George Green as Director, Zachariah Baker as Music Director and Courtnie Mercer as Choreographer. It stars Zachariah Baker, Chaz Ingraham, David Nanny, Robby Vance, Travis Trevino, Robert Nauman, Gavin Rohrer, Aaron Ely, Eric Dean Buchaus, John Towry, Miguel Ochoa and Trey Hoadley. Show times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sundays at 2p.m. Tickets are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 733-7258. Prices are $30 for Adults, $25 for Military members with ID, $25 for Seniors age 60 and older and $25 for Students with ID. Group rates are available for ten or more guests. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2018)

‘All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914’ by Peter Rothstein has musical arrangements by Erick Lichte and Timothy C Takach. It is set in 1914, at the Western Front, where out of the violence comes a silence, then a song. When a German soldier steps into No Man’s Land singing “Stille Nacht” it brings about a night of camaraderie, music and peace. A remarkable true experience, 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.

Special Event Nights:
Opening Night with post show reception to follow – Friday November 23
Education Night – Thursday December 6
Food Truck Friday – Friday December 7
Special Marcsmen performance following show – Friday and Saturday December 14 and 15

The Public Theater of San Antonio
800 West Ashby Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

‘Fun Home’ opens Friday at the Cellar Theater

This Friday the new season kicks off at The Public Theatre of San Antonio’s Cellar Theater with ‘Fun Home.’ This heartwarming story is the winner of 5 Tony Awards and will run from Friday October 19 through Sunday November 18 with showtimes Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online or at the box office at (210) 733-7258 and are $40 for adults, $35 for seniors age 60 and older and military members with ID, $25 for students with ID and $20 for children under 12. Group rates are available for groups of ten or more. (Cellar Theater, 2018)

‘Fun Home’ has music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by Lisa Kron. Director is Molly Cox, Choreographer Courtnie Mercer and Music Director Josh Pepper. When her father dies unexpectedly, Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood, her growing understanding of her own sexuality and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires.

*May contain themes and content not suitable for all audience members.

Cast includes:

Bruce: Daniel McKeever*
Alison: Shani Hadjian*
Small Alison: Taylor Henderson
Medium Alison: Olivia Barron
Joan : Alyssa Lopez
John: Briggs Blume
Christian: Elliott Kehoe
Male Ensemble: Brian Hodges
Helen: Megan Hicks DeYoung*

* Member of Actor’s Equity Association

The Public Theatre of San Antonio
800 W Ashby Pl
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 733-7258

Theater review: ‘Disney’s Newsies’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio

newsies2 — ‘Disney’s Newsies’ now playing at The Public Theater of San Antonio.

After a successful opening weekend, ‘Disney’s Newsies’ continues at The Public Theater of San Antonio’s Russell Hill Rogers Theater and runs through Sunday October 14. It was adapted from the 1992 Disney film Newsies which in turn was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. A co-presentation with Ballet San Antonio, this musical tells the story of the New York City newsboys who seize the day when they strike against unfair working conditions put in place by the publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. Tickets are available online and at the box office but they are going fast. It has music by Alan Merken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein.

‘Disney’s Newsies’ is set in New York City in 1899 and begins as newspaper delivery boys Jack Kelly and his disabled friend Crutchie wake up early in the morning and Jack tells him of his dream to one day leave New York to live in Santa Fe. “Santa Fe (Prologue).” All the newsies then report to work “Carrying the Banner” where Jack meets Davey and his little brother Les, who unlike the others, have a home and family but must now get jobs to help the family after their father lost his job. There, they find out that the publisher of the New York World, Joseph Pulitzer, has increased the cost of the newspapers to the delivery boys so in retaliation, Jack organizes the city’s newsies to fight back by organizing a strike. When Jack meets a young female reporter named Katherine Plummer, she joins their cause because she sees it as an opportunity to be noticed as a serious reporter “Watch What Happens” but ends up falling for Jack.

To pull off a demanding show like ‘Disney’s Newsies,’ The Public Theater collaborated with Ballet San Antonio and the hard work has paid off. Under the direction of George Green with choreography by Courtnie Mercer, this immensely talented cast shines throughout the show, especially during the group dance numbers; those alone are worth the price of admission. Chaz Ingraham as Jack and Chelsea Levalley as Katherine have the excellent onstage chemistry needed to bring this inspiring and poignant story to life. Throughout the performance, real newspaper accounts of the strike are projected onto the background, including the group picture of the real newsies. Show highlights include “Carrying the Banner,” when the newsies make their stage debut and “Seize the Day” when they decide they have had enough and make the strike official. These high-energy dance numbers are amazing and understandably receive much love from the audience. ‘Disney’s Newsies’ is both educational and entertaining and makes for a must-see show the entire family can enjoy together.

‘Disney’s Newsies’ at The Public Theater of San Antonio

‘Disney’s Newsies’ is the next big musical playing in the Russell Hill Rogers Theatre at The Public Theater of San Antonio. It opens on Friday September 14 and will run through Sunday October 14. A co-presentation with Ballet San Antonio, this musical tells the story of the New York City newsboys who seize the day when they strike against unfair working conditions put in place by the publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer.

Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. On opening night Friday September 14, there will be a reception following the performance. Tickets are available online or at the box office at (210) 733-7258 and are $35 for adults, $25 for military members with ID, $25 for seniors age 60 and older and $20 for students with ID. Groups of ten or more receive a special rate. Tickets are going fast. (The Public Theater of San Antonio, 2018)

‘Disney’s Newsies’ is adapted from the 1992 Disney film Newsies which in turn was inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. It has music by Alan Merken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein. Jack Kelly is a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city but when newspaper prices rise at the expense of the newsboys, Kelly and his fellow newsies fight back.

Special performances:
Thursday September 27 – Education Night
Friday September 28 – Food Truck Friday
Saturday September 29 – ASL Night – Interpreters present