Cowboys, Romance, and Frontier Life: ‘Oklahoma!’ Takes the Stage at the Camille

‘Oklahoma!’ is now playing at the Camille Playhouse in Brownsville. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Now playing at the Camille Playhouse in Brownsville is “Oklahoma!” – a timeless American musical that combines a compelling story with vibrant music, offering a celebration of frontier life and the complexities of love and community. It features a score by Rodgers and Hammerstein, including unforgettable songs like “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'” and “People Will Say We’re in Love.” Set in the early 1900s, it follows the lives of two rival groups—farmers and cowboys—in the Oklahoma Territory, with romance blossoming between the spirited Laurey Williams and the charming Curly McLain.

From the brilliant minds of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, the Camille takes a trip to the turn of the 20th century with “Oklahoma!” With the rivalry between local farmers and cowboys, the setting of this show is full of conflict, but it’s also a love story of a farm girl and her choice between a cowboy and a farmhand. (Camille Playhouse, 2025)

Tickets are $25 for ages 3 and up and are available online or avoid the service charge and buy them at the box office. The lobby opens 30 minutes before the curtain and seating opens 30 minutes before curtain. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

Cast includes:

Brandon Binder – Curly
Leah Hollingshead – Laurey
Daniel Ramirez – Will Parker
Grecia Ortiz – Ado Annie Carnes
Valentina Capistran – Aunt Eller

Opening night on Friday was a wonderful start to the Camille’s presentation of this foot-stomping musical. The narrative strikes a balance between lighthearted moments and deeper themes and explores issues like jealousy, societal norms, and personal independence. The character-driven plot shines with its dynamic, well-developed roles, with excellent portrayals of Laurey by Leah Hollingshead and Curly by Brandon Binder. Their relationship stands at the forefront of the emotional core. A standout performance comes courtesy of Dean McElyea (Jud Fry) during the melancholy “Lonely Run” where Jud sings about his longing for a woman of his own and showcases the depth of the character. The lively choreography, paired with the energetic ensemble, brings the world of Oklahoma to life at the local level. Outstanding performances all around.

Despite some of its dated views on gender roles, “Oklahoma!” remains an important part of American musical theatre history. Its infectious energy, catchy tunes, and memorable characters continue to captivate audiences, making it a must-see for lovers of classic musicals. Do yourself a favor and stop by the Camille to experience this magical performance at its very best and discover the talent that Brownsville has to offer. Try and get the catchy “Oklahoma” tune out of your head. Congratulations to the cast and crew!

Now playing – February 1, 2, 7,8, and 9

Showtimes:

Friday 7p.m.
Saturday 2p.m. and 7p.m.
Sunday 2p.m.

Camille Playhouse

Theater review: ‘Come From Away’ at the Majestic Theatre

‘Come From Away’ opened to a full house at the Majestic Theatre last night as part of North Park Lexus Broadway in San Antonio. This Broadway musical tells the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Performance times are Wednesday February 26 through Sunday March 1, 2020 at 7:30p.m. through Thursday; 8p.m. on Friday; 2pm. and 8p.m., Saturday and 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. Tickets start at $45 and are available online or in person at the Majestic Theatre box office.

‘Come From Away’ takes place in the week following the September 11 attacks in the small town of Gander in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It begins on the morning of September 11, 2001 as the townspeople, including Claude the mayor (Kevin Carolan), Oz the police constable (Harter Clingman), Beulah the teacher (Julie Johnson), Bonnie the SPCA worker (Sharone Sayegh) and others describe life in their small town and how they learned about the terrorist attacks. “Welcome to the Rock” Because of the attacks, US airspace is closed and therefore, 38 international airplanes are diverted and land at the Gander airport. This immediately doubles the population of the small town and they find themselves ill-equipped to deal with the influx of stranded travelers. “38 Planes” Regardless, the town’s citizens immediately band together to house, feed, clothe and comfort the nearly 7,000 passengers and 19 animals in cargo. “Blankets and Bedding” At first the travelers are not permitted to leave the planes but eventually the citizens open up their homes without regard to their guests’ race, nationality or sexual orientation. By the time the passengers and crew prepare to leave, they bond with the citizens who showed them kindness in their time of need without asking for anything in return. They return voluntarily ten years later to celebrate the lifelong friendships and strong connections they formed.

On September 11, 2001 the world stopped. On September 12, their stories moved us all. Out of all the stories that came out of that dreadful day, the story in ‘Come From Away’ is one of those that is rarely talked about but needs to be told. Complete strangers who did not hesitate to help simply because it was the right thing to do. For those who remember September 11, it may stir up painful memories but as a whole, the feel-good and comforting moments balance out the heartbreaking ones and there are also plenty of hilarious scenes. Animal lovers will be delighted to hear that the animals in cargo, who are often neglected in times of crisis, were also cared for by the local SPCA. The extremely talented cast play various roles and do so quite well with minimal costume changes. Show highlights include “Prayer” when people rely on their own different religious beliefs to comfort them and “Heave Away/Screech In” when, in an effort to distract them, the passengers are initiated as honorary Newfoundlanders at the local bar. One inspiring moment is the real story of trailblazing female pilot Beverley Bass, which drew the most applause. “Me and the Sky” With a book, music and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award nominees Irene Sankoff & David Hein, ‘Come From Away’ is directed by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley and runs an hour and a half long with no intermission. It is a definite must see for its inspiring message and successful attempts at reminding audiences that what unites us is truly more than what divides us.

Theater review: ‘The Music Man’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

musicmancast — Sami Serrano as Marian Paroo and Trey Hoadley as Harold Hill in ‘The Music Man,’ now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘The Music Man,’ a musical about con man Harold Hill who poses as a boys’ band organizer and leader and sells band instruments and uniforms to naïve Midwestern townsfolk, promising to train the members of the new band. This family friendly production opened on Friday January 31 with much acclaim and is running through Sunday February 23. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets prices range from $18 to $30 and are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. The non-profit partner during this production is YOSA (Youth Orchestras of San Antonio) so the theater is currently accepting musical instrument and office supply donations during the run.

‘The Music Man’ is set in the early summer of 1912 and begins aboard a train leaving Rock Island, Illinois. A group of traveling salesmen debate about how modern innovations are making their livelihood more difficult. “Rock Island” When the train gets to River City, Iowa, a passenger leaves with a suitcase labeled “Professor Harold Hill.” Once in town, Harold Hill (Trey Hoadley) sees his old friend and sidekick Marcellus Washburn (Michael Parisi) who is trying to lead a normal life. He tells Harold about a pool table that was just delivered to the local pool hall and to launch his scam, Harold tries to convince the town’s parents of the supposed trouble that a pool table could bring. “Ya Got Trouble” Harold meets Marian Paroo (Sami Serrano) and attempts to flirt with her but she continuously ignores him. Despite his complete lack of musical literacy, he convinces everyone that he is a brilliant bandleader. As Harold struggles to keep his scheme afloat, he finds himself increasingly attached to the townspeople, who have all experienced a positive change since Harold came to town. When the truth comes out, Harold is arrested but Marian, who has fallen for Harold, defends him because of the positive influence he has had on everyone.

The Tony Award winning ‘The Music Man’ has become a beloved classic and the Woodlawn Theatre does an excellent job of bringing it to the local stage. With book, music and lyrics by Meredith Wilson, it is based on a story by Wilson and Franklin Lacey. The cast is one of the biggest seen at the Woodlawn in some time but they all work well together so that the action onstage flows effortlessly. It is interesting to notice that Harold Hill’s dialogue is fast paced and sometimes it is difficult to follow; maybe this is a way of suggesting how salesmen are often thought of as “fast talkers.” Regardless, Trey Hoadley does an admirable job as the con man Harold Hill. Highlights include the catchy “Seventy-Six Trombones” by Harold and the Children of Rivery City and “Marian The Librarian” when Harold and Marian dance in the library with the town’s children – it includes some of the production’s most impressive choreography. The costumes are gorgeous, the story is entertaining and musical numbers include the classic romantic song “Till There Was You.” After a successful opening weekend, ‘The Music Man’ continues to entertain guests of all ages, especially fans of marching bands. It is a definite must-see musical for the entire family.

Theater review: ‘Spamilton’ at the Empire Theatre

Now playing at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre is ‘Spamilton: An American Parody.’ The tour launched in December 2018 and has been playing several multi-week engagements, hip-hopping around the country. Created by Gerard Alessandrini, the comic mastermind behind the long-running hit ‘Forbidden Broadway’ and performed by a versatile cast of seven, ‘Spamilton’ is a side-splitting new musical parody. It is playing through Sunday January 26 with upcoming performances: Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30p.m., Friday at 8p.m., Saturday at 2p.m. and 8p.m., and Sunday at 2p.m. and 7:30p.m. Tickets start at $69 and are available online, by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-982-2787, or by visiting the Majestic Box Office.

‘Spamilton: An American Parody’ is a musical parody of the Broadway show ‘Hamilton.’ It also parodies several other musicals including ‘Chicago,’ ‘The King and I,’ ‘The Book of Mormon’ and ‘Sweeney Todd’ and personalities like Barbara Streisand, Bernadette Peters, Carol Channing and Liza Minelli. Cast includes Jared Alexander, Marissa Hecker, Brandon Kinley, T.J. Newton, Datus Puryear and Matthew Hougland (Musical Director as well as King George III.) It begins as “Barack and Michelle Obama” are getting ready for bed and they set up their copy of the ‘Hamilton’ Broadway Cast Album to play before they fall asleep. From there the story develops into a fictionalized account about ‘Hamilton’ and how Lin-Manuel Miranda’s dream came true. Woven in between are mashups of musicals and parodies of the real songs. Highlights include “Straight is Back” by King George III and “The Film When It Happens.”

At only an hour and 15 minutes, ‘Spamilton’ is packed with everything that made ‘Hamilton’ a Broadway hit: similar cast costumes and songs that sound similar but hilariously re-written to fit the scene. Is it necessary to have seen the original to enjoy ‘Spamilton?’ No, but it helps, as does having a knowledge of the different musicals in general because there are so many Easter Eggs it is hard to pick up on all of them. Everyone does a fabulous performance but Marissa Hecker’s impersonations are spot on, especially her Barbara Streisand and Liza Minelli. ‘Spamilton’ is a non-stop singing and dancing spectacular and the laughs come early on and stick around for the entire show. There is no intermission and the smaller venue at the Empire Theatre gives it a more intimate feel. It is a definite must-see.

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.

Theater review: Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

beautyandbeastset — Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is playing at the Woodlawn Theatre through Sunday July 28. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre is Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ the musical based on the award-winning animated movie that revolves around Belle, a young woman in a small town and the Beast, who is actually a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. This family friendly production opened on Friday July 5 with much acclaim and will run through Sunday July 28. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets prices range from $18 to $30 and are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388.

After the Overture, Disney’s ’Beauty and the Beast’ begins on a cold winter’s night. An old beggar woman (Madeline Gutierrez) comes to a young spoiled prince’s castle and offers him a single rose in return for shelter but the prince (Chris Fuglestad) turns her away because of her appearance. The old woman warns him not to be fooled by appearances because true beauty lies within but the prince rejects her again. She then transforms into a beautiful enchantress and turns him into a hideous Beast and all his servants into various household objects. She gives him a rose and tells him that the only way to break the spell is to find someone to love and someone to return that love by the time the last petal falls. “Prologue”

Years later, a beautiful young girl named Belle (Reagan Wilson) comes into town one morning on her way to the local bookseller and expresses her wish to live in a world like the ones she reads in her books. “Belle” Her eccentric father Maurice (James Frazier) is an inventor and gets lost in the woods on the way to an invention fair and wanders into the Beast’s castle. He is thrown into the dungeon for trespassing and when Belle comes looking for him and finds him imprisoned, she strikes a deal with the Beast. She agrees to stay behind as long as her father is freed. At first Belle and the Beast clash, but eventually they become friends and end up falling for each other. Just before the last petal falls, Belle admits she loves him and her declaration breaks the spell and the Beast is transformed into a human again. “Transformation”

Friday night’s performance was to a nearly full house and it did not disappoint. Even though the show is based on an animated movie, it has something for everyone, from romance to comedy. During “Belle,” the first musical number, Gaston (Cary Farrow IV) becomes an audience favorite, bringing to mind the lovable cartoon character Johnny Bravo. Other beloved characters include Lumiere (Nick DeGraw) and Cogsworth (Brian Zavala). Standout performances include “Be Our Guest” by Lumiere, Mrs. Potts and the ensemble, which ends in a confetti explosion, and “Human Again” by Lumiere and the ensemble when they desperately wish to be human again. Belle’s “A Change in Me” is sweet and heartwarming and the Beast’s “If I Can’t Love Her” is one of the show’s most poignant moments. Just watching the Beast and Belle dance during “Beauty and the Beast” was a treat in and of itself. Overall, Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is an unforgettable show that the whole family can enjoy. The story, characters, gorgeous costumes and amazing singing and dancing makes this a show not to be missed. An outstanding job by the talented cast and crew.

Theater review: ‘Cabaret’ at The Sheldon Vexler Theatre

cabaretbill This is the last weekend to enjoy the local production of ‘Cabaret’ at The Sheldon Vexler Theatre with the final showtimes at 8p.m. on Saturday and 2:30p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $23 for general admission, $20 for seniors/military and $19 for JCC (Barshop Jewish Community Center) and even though they are sold out, there is an in-person wait list before every performance one hour before showtime. This unforgettable musical focuses on the nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub, and revolves around American writer Cliff Bradshaw and his relationship with English cabaret performer Sally Bowles.

‘Cabaret’ is set in Berlin in 1930 at the infamous Kit Kat Klub as the Nazis are rising to power. Act One begins with “Willkommen” by the cabaret girls and waiters as the flamboyant and audience favorite Emcee (Rick Sanchez) welcomes the audience to the Kit Kat Klub and invites them to leave their troubles behind and enjoy themselves. He introduces Sally (Amanda Golden), who performs a racy and flirtatious number “Don’t Tell Mama.” At the train station, Cliff Bradshaw (Brian Hodges) is coming to Berlin to work on his novel and while there meets Ernst Ludwig (Kevin Cox), a German officer. He offers Cliff work and recommends a boarding house where Fräulein Schneider (Kimberly Stephenson) makes him a deal to rent him a room “So What?” Soon after the mood starts to change as the rising political turmoil is foreshadowed by Cliff’s reading of ‘Mein Kampf’ and the revelation at Fräulein Schneider and Herr Schultz’ (Philip Marzec) engagement party that Cliff’s friend Ernst is a member of the Nazi party. On top of it all, Fräulein Kost (Chelsea Steele) and company reprise “Tomorrow Belongs to Me,” with more overtly Nazi overtones, as Cliff, Sally, Fräulein Schneider, Herr Schultz and the Emcee look on. Cliff and Sally’s relationship ends, Fräulein Schneider and Herr Schultz break up due to him being Jewish and the cabaret performers, including the Emcee, become victims to the Nazi atrocities “Willkommen.” It all comes to the shocking conclusion as the Emcee takes off his overcoat to reveal a concentration camp prisoner’s uniform marked with a yellow Star of David and a pink triangle.

The story is a social commentary of the times and eerily relevant to the current political situation. ‘Cabaret’ starts off with decadent celebrations and slowly descends into political upheaval. It follows the blooming relationship between Sally and Cliff but the secondary relationship between landlady Fräulein Schneider and Herr Schultz, the elderly Jewish fruit shop owner, is also important because it depicts the rise of Nazism and its effect on daily life and relationships. Show highlights include the cabaret girls’ “Kick Line” and “If You Could See Her” by Emcee and the Gorilla, that ends with the Emcee’s shocking line “if you could see her through my eyes…she wouldn’t look Jewish at all.” The German officers, in full Nazi uniforms, marching across the stage after “Kick Line” was especially unnerving. All the performances are solid with top nods going to Rick Sanchez for his portrayal of the Emcee. Some of the dancing sequences are risqué and due to the adult themes and language, it is recommended for mature audiences. Overall, the dark subject matter may make it uncomfortable to watch but it is a must see.

Theater review: ‘The Little Foxes’ at The Classic Theatre

After a sold-out opening weekend, ‘The Little Foxes’ continues this weekend at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio and will run through Sunday May 26. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are $33 for general admission, $29 for senior, military, educator or SATCO, and $18 for student and are available online or at the box office by calling (210) 589-8450. This classic drama is written by Lillian Hellman and directed by Melissa Utley and focuses on one family’s struggle for control of a family business.

‘The Little Foxes’ is a 1939 play set in a small Alabama town in 1900 and centers around Southerner Regina Hubbard Gidden (Kelly Hilliard), who, because fathers only consider sons when it comes to heirs, struggles for wealth and freedom. Her two brothers Ben (Byrd Bonner) and Oscar (Anthony Ciaravino) have taken advantage of the system and are considerably wealthy while she has had to rely on her husband Horace (John O’Neill). The brothers want to join forces to build a cotton mill but are short $75,000 and want Regina to invest in their project. When Horace refuses to give Regina the money, they pressure Leo (Hunter Wulff), who works as a bank teller, to steal Horace’s railroad bonds from the bank’s safe deposit box. When Horace finds out, he argues with Regina and threatens to change his will to favor their daughter Alexandra (Alyx Irene Gonzales) but he has a heart attack and dies without amending his will. Regina blackmails her brothers into giving her a majority ownership in the cotton mill but ends up losing her daughter’s respect. In the end, she has the wealth she dreams of but ends up completely alone.

The Classic Theatre is known for putting on thought-provoking productions and this one is no exception. This morality play deals with the themes of racism, classism and greed gone amuck, problems that modern society has yet to conquer. The pursuit of the American Dream has different meanings to everyone and this family in their own unique way is determined to do what it takes to get rich. Stuck in the middle are Cal and Addie, the African American staff who disbelievingly watch the family unravel. The standout scene is when Horace has a heart attack and Regina refuses to help him; it is uncomfortable and difficult to watch but it is raw and real. The entire cast is excellent but Kelly Hilliard’s portrayal of the cold and calculating Regina is tops. As is Byrd Bonner as the racist and money-grubbing Ben. Overall, the story is timeless and keeps up with the times. The setting is reminiscent of an old Southern home and the costumes are gorgeous. ‘The Little Foxes’ is a must-see family drama that proves the more things change, the more they stay the same.

This Sunday, May 19, there will be a Classic Community Conversation after the show. The conversation is free and open to the public. Those with tickets to the May 19 matinee are welcome to stay after the show. No ticket? No problem. Come in after the show at 5:40p.m. for the 20-30-minute talk-back with the cast and creative team.

Theater review: ‘Oklahoma!’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘Oklahoma!’ the story of Laurey Williams, a farm girl who is courted by two rival suitors, the confident cowboy Curly McLain and the unstable farmhand Jud Fry, all while Oklahoma is on its way to becoming a state. It opened on February 22 with much acclaim and runs until Sunday March 17. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. There will be a special Saturday matinee show on March 9 at 2p.m., with no evening show that day. Tickets are available online or by calling the Box Office at 210-267-8388.

‘Oklahoma!’ is set in 1906 Western Indian Territory and begins when cowboy Curly McLain (Chris Fuglestad) is looking forward to a brand-new day, “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,” as he wanders into Laurey Williams’ (Amanda Golden) yard. The two tease each other back and forth while Laurey’s Aunt Eller (Rebecca Trinidad) watches their playful banter. Meanwhile, cowboy Will Parker (Kevin Cox) has returned from a visit to the modern Kansas City, “Kansas City,” bedazzled and filled with souvenirs and tells everyone about his experiences. Laurie is torn between Curly and Jud Fry (Brian Hodges) and has accepted an invitation from Jud to a social just to spite Curly. She purchases “smelling salts” from Ali Hakim (Ivan Ortega), a Persian peddler, in the hopes that it will help her sort out her feelings and while under its spell,“Dream Ballet,” she realizes that Curly is the man for her. At the social, the rivalry between the local farmers and the cowboys boils over, “The Farmer and the Cowman,” until Aunt Eller breaks it up by firing a gun. After the drama at the lunch box auction designed to raise money for the school house, Curly and Laurey finally end up together. They get married and everyone rejoices in celebration of the territory’s impending statehood, “Oklahoma!”

This being Rodgers and Hammerstein’s first musical, it has withstood the test of time and has become a classic for good reason. It has humor, heart and romance as well as dark and shocking moments when Jud confronts Laurie about her feelings for him. The dance numbers are so infectious and toe-tapping fabulous that guests will be sure to be singing “Oklahoma” well past the end of the show. Amanda Golden and Chris Fuglestad have the necessary onstage chemistry to portray Laurey and Curly while the set and costumes transport the audience to the early age of cowboys and square dances. The dream ballet sequence is gorgeous , kudos to Jeremy Rhom and Emily Rhom for a job well done. Show highlights include “Kansas City,” “Lonely Room” when Jud’s dark side is explored and “The Farmer and the Cowman” during the town social. Sometimes the dialogue is hard to understand due the accents but that is just part of its charm. Overall, “Oklahoma” is a fun musical with plenty of singing and dancing that will appeal to all ages. But please, try not to boo Brian Hodges during his curtain call, he is just an actor playing a part.

Upcoming promotional performances:
Pride Night – Friday March 8, 25% off tickets with code: PRIDE
ASL (American Sign Language) Night – Saturday March 16, 25% off tickets with code: ASL

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

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