Tag: Woodlawn Theatre

Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

beautyandbeast
Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ opens this Friday July 5 at the Woodlawn Theatre. 

Good news for anyone who cannot get enough of Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ This Friday July 5 is opening night of the local production of the beloved tale at the Woodlawn Theatre. This family friendly production will run through Sunday July 28. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Ticket prices range from $18 to $30 and are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. This classic story revolves around Belle, a young woman in a small town and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2019)

Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is a musical based on the 1991 movie of the same name with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. It is the story of a prince who is transformed into a hideous beast as punishment for his cruel ways and the young woman he keeps captive in his castle. When an old beggar woman comes to the prince’s castle asking for refuge from the cold he cruelly turns her away. The woman then changes into a beautiful enchantress, turns the prince into a beast and his servants into household items. She gives him a rose in an hourglass and tells him that the only way to break the spell is to learn to love another and earn her love before the last petal falls. Years later, Belle, a young beautiful woman from a small town, wanders into the woods looking for her lost father. She finds him imprisoned in a castle’s dungeon and strikes a deal with Beast that allows him to go free but she must remain behind. Soon they become friends and eventually break the spell when they fall in love and Beast is returned to his human form. Musical performances include audience favorites ‘Be Our Guest’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast.’

Cast includes Reagan Wilson as Belle and Chris Fuglestad as Beast, Cary Farrow IV as Gaston and Michael Parisi as Le Fou.  Christopher Rodriguez is Director/Choreographer, Josh Pepper Music Director and Kristin McGregor Assistant Director/Choreographer.

Throughout the run of Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ the Woodlawn Theatre will be collecting donations to benefit SA Reads. Founded in 2010, SA Reads is a project of Literacy San Antonio, Inc. whose mission is to successfully teach children to read by training and inspiring teachers.

Special promotional dates:
Saturday July 6 Student Night: $10 Child/Student tickets with code STUDENT
Friday July 19 Pride Night: 25% off all tickets with code PRIDE
Friday July 26 ASL Night: 25% off all tickets with code ASL

Woodlawn Theatre
1920 Fredericksburg Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 267-8388

Theater review: ‘In The Heights’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

intheheightscast
‘In The Heights’ is now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre. From left to right: Jillian Sainz as Nina Rosario, Miguel Ochoa as Usnavi De La Vega, Lisa Decker as Vanessa and Venny Mortimer as Benny. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission. 

Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘In The Heights,’ a musical that takes place over the course of three days in the largely Hispanic-American neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York City. It opened on Friday April 12 and runs until Sunday May 5, 2019. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. The upcoming ASL Night will be on Sunday May 5 with 25% off all tickets with code ASL. Tickets are available online or by calling the Box Office at 210-267-8388. Prices are $30 for adults, $24 for Senior/Military/First Responders and $18 for Children/Students.

‘In The Heights’ is set in Washington Heights and begins as the sun rises on the hottest day of the summer and Usnavi De La Vega (Miguel Ochoa), the owner of a small bodega, introduces the audience to the corner’s diverse residents. This includes Abuela Claudia, (Ana Hernandez) the local matriarch who helped raise most of them and Kevin (Michael J. Gonzalez) and Camila Rosario, (Victoria Nieves) who run the cab company “In The Heights.” Nina (Jillian Sainz), the Rosario’s daughter, is back from her first year at Stanford feeling defeated since she dropped out due to financial hardships. She is considered the “one who made it” and because she feels the weight of the neighborhood on her shoulders, she fears telling her parents the truth “Breathe.” When they eventually find out, they argue and Kevin feels inadequate at not being able to provide for his family “Inutil (Useless).” Everyone’s luck begins to turn when Usnavi’s bodega sells a winning lottery ticket and Abuela Claudia is the lucky winner. She passes away but not before distributing her winnings to help the neighborhood even with the changes it is experiencing. The Rosarios decide to sell the family business to help Nina with her college expenses and Nina finds love with Benny (Venny Mortimer). In the end, Usnavi is planning his future with Vanessa (Lisa Decker), his longtime crush, and accepts his role in the neighborhood and the bodega as his true home. “Finale”

The diversity of the Hispanic community and the challenges that unites them takes center stage in this entertaining musical. Despite life’s challenges, they pull together, fueled by humor and music, and prove that family is more than genetics. The talented cast works well together but Miguel Ochoa shines as Usnavi and Michael J. Gonzalez’ portrayal of Kevin’s complex character shows off his talent. Show highlights include “Breathe” as Nina laments disappointing her family and friends who wanted her to succeed, “Carnaval del Barrio (Neighborhood Carnival)” when the neighborhood celebrates after they learn who won the lottery and “Alabanza (Praise)” after Abuela Claudia passes away and they all set up a memorial outside her home. The latter number definitely pulls on the heart strings. With Fiesta season in full swing, this is the perfect time to catch the musical that celebrates Hispanic culture and music. Some of the dialogue and singing is in Spanish but the universal themes of family, loyalty and love transcends the language barriers and makes “In The Heights” a must-see production.

‘In The Heights’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

intheheightscast
‘In The Heights’ opens Friday April 12 at the Woodlawn Theatre. From left to right: Jillian Sainz as Nina Rosario, Miguel Ochoa as Usnavi De La Vega, Lisa Decker as Vanessa and Venny Mortimer as Benny. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

Coming up this week at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘In The Heights.’ It opens on Friday April 12 and runs until Sunday May 5, 2019. ‘In The Heights’ is a musical with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and book by Quiara Alegria Hudes and takes place over the course of three days in the largely Hispanic-American neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York City. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. There will be a special Thursday show on April 18 at 7p.m. and an Easter show on Sunday April 21 at 7p.m.  Tickets are available online or by calling the Box Office at 210-267-8388. Prices are $30 for adults, $24 for Senior/Military/First Responders and $18 for Children/Student. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2019)

‘In The Heights’ tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It is a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind. This musical is the winner of the 2008 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations.

Cast includes: Usnavi De La Vega – Miguel Ochoa, Nina Rosario – Jillian Sainz, Kevin Rosario – Michael J Gonzalez, Camila Rosario – Victoria Nieves, Benny – Venny Mortimer, Vanessa – Lisa Decker, Sonny – Michael Parisi, Abuela Claudia – Ana Hernandez, Daniela – Melissa Gonzalez, Carla – Amy Mireles, Piragua Guy – Rene Sandoval, Graffiti Pete – Chibbi Orduna. The Director is Tim Hedgepeth, Choreographer Carla Sankey and Musical Director Andrew Hendley.

Promotional Nights:
Student Night: Saturday April 13- $10 /Child/Student tickets with code STUDENT
Pride Night: Friday April 19 – 25% off all tickets with code PRIDE
ASL Night Sunday May 5 – 25% off all tickets with code ASL

Woodlawn Theatre
1920 Fredericksburg Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 267-8388

Theater review: ‘Oklahoma!’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

oklahoma
Chris Fuglestad as Curly and Amanda Golden as Laurey in ‘Oklahoma!’ now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission. 

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

‘Oklahoma!’ opens this Friday at the Woodlawn Theatre

oklahoma
Chris Fuglestad as Curly and Amanda Golden as Laurey in ‘Oklahoma!’ opening this Friday February 22 at the Woodlawn Theatre. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission. 

Coming up at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘Oklahoma!’ which opens on Friday February 22 and runs until Sunday March 17, 2019. ‘Oklahoma!’ is the first collaboration of famed partners Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II and is considered influential in setting the American musical theatre standard. 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. Prices are $30 for adults, $24 for Senior/Military/First Responders and $18 for Children/Student. Groups of or more receive a 20% discount. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2019)

In ‘Oklahoma!’ fetching farm girl Laurey Williams finds herself being courted by two rival suitors, the confident cowboy Curly McLain and the unstable farmhand Jud Fry. As the territory around them transforms, the fiery love triangle comes to a head. The story takes place in 1906 Western Indian Territory with a spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys providing a backdrop to the romantic adventure of Curly and Laurey. As the roads to love and statehood converge, the two are poised to spend their new life together in a brand-new state.

Cast includes Amanda Golden as Laurey, Chris Fuglestad as Curly, Brian Hodges as Jud and Jimmi Nielson-Reid as Ado Annie. In keeping with the original musical, there is a fifteen-minute dream ballet sequence as part of the love triangle storyline. For this sequence, Woodlawn Theatre has partnered with Alamo Arts Ballet Theatre to feature special guest artists Jeremy Rhom and Emily Rhom as Dream Curly and Dream Laurey, respectively. Jeremy Rhom appears courtesy of Ballet San Antonio.

During this production, the Woodlawn Theatre will be accepting gift cards from Home Depot, Lowes, Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics and gas station gift cards to be donated to the Alamo Arts Ballet Theatre. Established in 2006, the nonprofit organization is made up of student dancers, ages 13 and up and adults, chosen by audition. The company performs at least one major production annually, plus many community service performances, lecture demonstrations and career days in public schools, focusing on Title 1 schools. In their effort to bring ballet to underserved children, they have free student performances of their major productions.

Promotional Nights:
Student Night – Friday February 23, $10 Student/Child tickets with code: STUDENT
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

Woodlawn Theatre
1920 Fredericksburg Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 267-8388

Theater review: ‘Annie’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

annie18
Maya Abelow, Roy Bumgarner and Alex Phillips in the Woodlawn Theatre’s production of ‘Annie.’ Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission. 

After a successful run at the Woodlawn Theatre, this is the final weekend to catch ‘Annie,’ the family friendly musical about the spunky little orphan Annie who must endure life at an orphanage headed by the despicable Miss Hannigan. The final three performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday are sold out; however, there will be Balcony seats available for Saturday and Sunday shows only and guests may purchase those tickets in person, first come, first served, one hour prior to showtime at the box office.

After the Overture, ‘Annie’ begins at the Municipal Girls Orphanage in 1933 where eleven-year-old Annie calms the youngest girl Molly after she awakens from a nightmare “Maybe.” Annie makes an unsuccessful escape attempt to try and find her parents and after being caught by Miss Hannigan, the girls are forced to clean up before their day of sweatshop duties begins “Hard Knock Life.” Later in the day, as Miss Hannigan flirts with Mr. Bundles the laundry man, Annie climbs into the laundry basket and escapes the orphanage. Now out on the streets, she runs into a friendly stray dog and comforts him by telling him of better days to come “Tomorrow.” She is eventually caught and sent back to the orphanage where Grace Farrel, assistant to the billionaire Oliver Warbucks, picks her to spend the Christmas holiday at this mansion. After she wins the hearts of everyone at the mansion, she finds a new home alongside the loveable mutt Sandy once it is revealed that her parents died when she was a baby “A New Deal for Christmas.”

Last Saturday’s performance played to an eager and packed house as fans of all ages came to see the musical about a spunky and optimistic orphan Annie whose life changes in ways she never dreamed possible. During this run, Maya Abelow and Alex Phillips took turns playing the title role and this time it was Alex Phillips’ turn at the spotlight and she did not disappoint. From the first notes of “Maybe” the orphans take center stage and all eyes are on them as they perform the audience favorite “Hard Knock Life.” Alex is a darling as Annie and her rendition of “Tomorrow” brought thunderous applause from the audience. Show highlights include “Little Girls” by Miss Hannigan and “Easy Street” by Miss Hannigan, Rooster and Lily. Melissa Gonzalez’ comical portrayal of Miss Hannigan is spot on and Jake the dog steals the scenes as Sandy. Alex Phillips and Roy Bumgarner as Oliver Warbucks have excellent on-screen chemistry and bring the story of Annie brilliantly to life. ‘Annie’ is a timeless story filled with humor, heart and catchy tunes that will resonate in the hearts and minds of audience members long after the show is over. It is a must-see holiday tradition the entire family can enjoy.

‘Annie’ now at the Woodlawn Theatre

annie18
‘Annie’ plays at the Woodlawn Theatre through Sunday December 23. Courtesy photo, used with permission. 

After a successful opening weekend, the Tony-Award winning musical ‘Annie’ continues at the Woodlawn Theatre. This family friendly musical centers around little orphan Annie, a spunky orphan who must endure life at an orphanage headed by the despicable Miss Hannigan. It runs until Sunday December 23 with showtimes every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets prices are $30 for adults, $24 for senior/military/first responders, $18 for children/students and groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. They are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2018)

‘Annie’ is based on the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin and book by Thomas Meehan. It is set in New York City’s depression era of the 1930s. After enduring a life of misery at the orphanage, her luck begins to change when she is chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas at the home of wealthy businessman Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family. After winning the hearts of the household staff, Mr. Warbucks and Grace Farrell, his personal secretary, she finds a new home complete with the loveable mutt Sandy. Among the most popular musical numbers are ‘Tomorrow,’ ‘It’s the Hard Knock Life’ and ‘You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.’

Cast includes Maya Abelow and Alex Phillips as Annie, Roy Bumgarner as Warbucks, Nora Martinez as Grace Farrell, Melissa Gonzalez as Miss Hannigan and Jake as Sandy. Christopher Rodriguez serves as Director, Carla Sankey as Choreographer and Jane Haas as Music Director.

Promotional Nights:
Family Pride Night – Saturday December 1
ASL Night – Friday December 7
Student Night – Friday December 14
Education Night (sold out) – Friday December 21

Woodlawn Theatre
1920 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 267-8388

Theater review: ‘Avenue Q’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

woodlawnaveq
There are two more chances to catch the hilarious ‘Avenue Q’ at the Woodlawn Theatre this weekend. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

This is the last weekend to catch the funniest show produced so far at the Woodlawn Theatre stage. ‘Avenue Q’ is the Tony-Award winning musical that features dysfunctional twenty-something puppets coping with personal insecurities and identities while living on Avenue Q. There are two show times left: Saturday at 7:30p.m. for ASL Night and Sunday at 3p.m for the final matinee. Tickets prices are $30 for adults, $24 for senior/military/first responders, $18 for children/students and groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount.

*’Avenue Q’ contains adult language, and explicit content and situations. Parental discretion is advised.

‘Avenue Q’ is set on a fictional street in an “outer-outer borough” of New York City and begins as Princeton, who is a puppet and a recent college graduate, is feeling anxious about where his life is going. He wants to find his purpose in life, but first he must find somewhere to live and a job but he has no job experience and an English degree “What Do You Do with a B.A. in English?” He starts looking for an apartment on Avenue A with no luck until he gets to Avenue Q. His new neighbors include puppets like Kate Monster, a kindergarten assistant teacher, roommates Rod and Nicky and humans like Brian, an aspiring comedian and his Japanese fiancée Christmas Eve. Upon getting to know each other, they argue about whose life sucks most “It Sucks to Be Me” and the winner turns out to be Gary Coleman, the building superintendent. Kate and Princeton make a love connection and have a one-night stand after being egged on to drink by the Bad Idea Bears, two adorable but cunning troublemakers. Most of the neighbors have their own dramas but help each other when times get tough. In the end, the cycle begins again after a new college graduate comes around looking for an apartment to rent “What Do You Do with a B.A. in English? (Reprise)” and the cast reminds Princeton that in the real world, some people never find their purpose, but life goes on and everything, good and bad, is temporary “For Now.”

Based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, this coming-of-age story is performed by puppets and is animated by visible puppeteers in full view of the audience and alongside human actors. It is both nostalgic, because it uses Sesame Street like scenery, puppets and props like dancing letters and modern, because the themes of unemployment, homelessness and racism make it relatable and a show for the times. Show highlights include “It Sucks to Be Me” when the neighbors share how much their lives suck and “The Internet is for Porn” when Trekkie Monster and the neighbors explain to Kate the reality of the Internet. Some of the songs may be uncomfortable to hear, “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist” and “Schadenfreude,” but they address subjects that should be discussed. There are plenty of ‘did they just say that’ moments along with ‘should I be laughing at this’ guilty pleasures, but it is definitely worth catching this production. The cast handles the puppets and the off-color humor with class and the quality of the singing is top notch as usual. ‘Avenue Q’ combines heart with tough, mature subjects in an entertaining way to make this a must-see musical. Of course, it is for adults only, so please leave the little ones home.

‘Avenue Q’ opens this Friday at the Woodlawn Theatre

woodlawnaveq
The cast of ‘Avenue Q,’ opening this Friday at the Woodlawn Theatre. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission. 

Opening this Friday at the Woodlawn Theatre and just in time for the Halloween season, is the riotous ‘Avenue Q.’ The Tony-Award winning musical features dysfunctional twenty-something puppets coping with personal insecurities and identities while living on Avenue Q. This heartwarming and timely production runs from Friday October 12 through Sunday November 4. Show times are every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets prices are $30 for adults, $24 for senior/military/first responders, $18 for children/students and groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. Tickets are on sale online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2018)

*’Avenue Q’ contains adult language, and explicit content and situations. Parental discretion is advised.

‘Avenue Q is based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx. This coming-of-age story is performed by puppets, animated by visible puppeteers in full view of the audience and alongside human actors. “What happens when you’ve been told throughout your entire childhood that you’re special, only to find out that, as an adult, maybe you’re not?” Recent college graduate Princeton is learning that very difficult lesson upon his arrival in New York City. Lacking in finances, Princeton is forced to get a place in a tiny apartment on Avenue Q where he meets Kate Monster, Rod, Trekkie, Christmas Eve, Lucy, Brian and more quirky characters who are each trying to find their own way in love, career and life. They discover to their surprise and dismay, that in the real world their options are limited and that they are no more “special” than anyone else. With musical numbers like “It Sucks to be Me,” Everyone’s a Little Racist” and “Schandenfreude,” it does not shy away from tackling tough, mature subjects in an entertaining way.

During this production’s run, Woodlawn Theatre will be accepting personal hygiene donations to benefit Martinez Street Women’s Center, a non-profit organization that provides critical services to girls, women, and families in San Antonio.

Promotional Nights:
Pride Night – Saturday October 27
College Night – Friday November 2
ASL (American Sign Language) Night – Saturday November 3

Woodlawn Theatre
1920 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 267-8388

Theater review: ‘Hello, Dolly!’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

hellodolly.jpg
Anna Gangai as Dolly Levi and Tim Hedgepeth as Horace Vandergelder in ‘Hello, Dolly!’ now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission. 

After a successful opening weekend, ‘Hello Dolly!’ continues at the Woodlawn Theatre for the long Labor Day weekend. It runs until Sunday September 16 with showtimes every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are on sale online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. ‘Hello Dolly!’ is the blockbuster Broadway hit about Dolly Gallagher-Levi, a turn of the century matchmaker and “woman who arranges things.” As a service to the community, during this performance’s run, the Woodlawn Theatre will be accepting new hoodie donations for local teens on behalf of San Antonio Threads. There is a donation box in the lobby where guests can drop off new hoodies, sizes small  through extra-large for teen boys and girls during normal box office hours Tuesday through Friday from 2p.m. to 5.pm. and Saturdays from 11a.m. to 2p.m. or before any ‘Hello, Dolly!’ performance.

‘Hello, Dolly!’ is set in New York City at the turn of the last century and begins as the city is excited with Dolly’s visit to their fine city “Call On Dolly.” Dolly is a self-professed ‘meddler’ which includes matchmaking and other side jobs such as dance instruction and mandolin lessons. Currently, she is in the process of finding a wife for Horace Vandergelder, a grumpy but well-known half-a-millionaire but her intentions are to marry him herself. While in town, she meets Ambrose Kemper, a young artist who wants to marry Horace’s niece Ermengarde and enlists Dolly’s help to persuade Horace to give them his blessing. Together they travel to Yonkers, New York where Horace owns Vandergelder’s Hay and Feed. Horace has other intentions and he confesses to his two employees Cornelius and Barnaby that he is going to get married, “It Takes A Woman,” and plans to travel to New York City to march in the Fourteenth Street Association Parade and propose to the widow Irene Molloy, who owns a hat shop there. After an eventful trip that includes marching at the parade, dinner at a fancy restaurant and a polka competition, everyone finds a mate and Horace finally admits he needs Dolly in his life.

This musical is a Broadway classic and for good reason. It is filled with humor, romance, high-energy dancing and some of the greatest songs in musical theatre history. The costumes are gorgeous and reminiscent of the era and truthfully some of the best seen at the Woodlawn Theatre so far, especially the women’s hats. Show highlights include the hilarious shenanigans during “The Waiters’ Gallop” by Rudolph and the Waiters and of course the title song “Hello, Dolly!” by Dolly, Rudolph and Waiters which exudes elegance, style and old Hollywood-style dancing. The poignant moment comes during “It Only Takes a Moment” when Cornelius, Barnaby and Ambrose profess their love to their partners and Dolly convinces the judge that their only crime was being in love. The top-quality singing and dancing by the entire cast makes ‘Hello, Dolly!’ a must-see for the entire family and another winning classic performance at the Woodlawn Theatre.