Tag: Woodlawn Theatre

‘Hello Dolly!’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

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‘Hello Dolly!’ opens at the Woodlawn Theatre on Friday August 24. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

Coming up at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘Hello Dolly!’ the blockbuster Broadway hit that is filled with humor, romance, high-energy dancing and some of the greatest songs in musical theatre history. The romantic and comic exploits of Dolly Gallagher-Levi, turn of the century matchmaker and “woman who arranges things” are certain to thrill and entertain audiences. This show opens this Friday August 24 and will until through Sunday September 16 with show times every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are on sale online or by calling the box office. Prices are $18 for students and children, $24 for seniors, military and first responders and $30 for adults. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2018)

‘Hello Dolly!’ is based on Thornton Wilder’s 1938 farce The Merchant of Yonkers and follows the story of Dolly Gallagher-Levi, a strong-willed matchmaker, who travels to Yonkers, New York to find a match for the miserly ‘well-known unmarried half-a-millionaire’ Horace Vandergelder. In doing so, she persuades his niece, his niece’s intended and Horace’s two clerks to travel to New York City. It stars Anna Gangai as Dolly Levi, Tim Hedgepeth as Horace Vandergelder and Brian Hodges as Cornelius Hackl. Christopher Rodriguez is the director and choreographer and Josh Pepper is the musical director.

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

Theater review: ‘Anything Goes’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

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Carla Sankey and Matthew Lieber star in ‘Anything Goes’ now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre through May 13. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre is the musical comedy ‘Anything Goes’ about Billy Crocker, a stowaway aboard an ocean liner bound for London from New York. He is in love with heiress Hope Harcourt and with the help of his friends, he plots to win her over before she marries Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. The show runs through May 13 with show times every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. ‘Anything Goes’ features songs and lyrics by Cole Porter, is directed by Christopher Rodriguez and stars Carla Sankey as lead Reno Sweeney. Tickets prices range from $18 to $30 and are available online, or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388.

‘Anything Goes’ is set in 1934 aboard the ocean liner SS American and begins as Reno, a nightclub singer and an old friend of Billy Crocker’s, expresses her love for him in “I Get a Kick Out of You.” Billy, a young Wall Street broker goes to the dock to say farewell to his boss Elisha J Whitney who is on his way to London on business. When the sailors and guests board the ship, “Bon Voyage,” Billy sees Hope, a beautiful girl he met beforehand, and upon hearing that she will be on that same ship, he stows away hoping to win her heart. During “Easy to Love,” he declares his love for Hope who agrees with him but turns him away. Eventually, Billy wins her over and Reno and Lord Evelyn, Hope’s fiancée, end up together.

The combination of silly antics, comedy and first rate singing and dancing makes ‘Anything Goes’ a joy to experience. Carla Sankey is excellent as Reno Sweeney and Isidro Medina is a scene stealer as the haughty British Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, who desperately tries to fit in by unsuccessfully picking up American idioms. Show highlights include “I Get a Kick Out of You” when Reno makes her entrance and “It’s De-Lovely” when Billy and Hope share a beautiful and elegant dance number worthy of any classic Hollywood musical. It is refreshing to see such a classic production at the local level. Overall, this family friendly musical is charming and funny with spectacular musical numbers and it is a must see.

‘Anything Goes’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

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Carla Sankey and Matthew Lieber in the Woodlawn Theatre’s performance of ‘Anything Goes.’ Photo:  Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

The next production at the Woodlawn Theatre is the musical comedy ‘Anything Goes.’ This show opens on Friday April 13 and runs through May 13 with show times every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m.  On Saturday April 21 there will be a special matinee show at 2p.m. with no evening show that day. It is presented by arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc., 560 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10022. ‘Anything Goes’ features songs and lyrics by Cole Porter, is directed by Christopher Rodriguez and stars Carla Sankey as lead Reno Sweeney. Sankey is also director of choreography for the production. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2018)

Tickets are on sale online, or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. Prices are $18 for students and children, $24 for seniors, military and first responders and $30 for adults. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. Free parking is available and located behind Vogue College of Cosmetology on W Lynwood Ave. This area is specifically designated for patrons and is patrolled by a uniformed security guard during the run of each show.

‘Anything Goes’ is based on the book by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse, later revised by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The setting is 1934 aboard the ocean liner SS American. Along for the ride are headstrong temptress Reno Sweeney and her pal Billy Crocker. The two team up when Billy, a known playboy, falls for heiress Hope Harcourt, only to find she’s engaged. Reno and Billy concoct a wild plan to break up Hope and fiancé Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Hilarity ensues and musical dance numbers abound as the ship makes it way from New York to London. With musical direction by Jane Haas, ‘Anything Goes’ features a renowned score from legendary Cole Porter, including “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “It’s De-Lovely,” “Blow, Gabriel, Blow” and the musical’s main title “Anything Goes.”

During the production’s run, Woodlawn Theatre will be accepting donations to benefit The Guadalupe Dance Company. In addition, the Theatre will showcase works by local artist Sarah Brooke Lyons as part of their mission to highlight and support visual arts in the San Antonio community.

Special performances: 
Pride Night – April 20th
College Night – May 4th
Educational Night – May 11th
ASL (American Sign Language) Night – May 12th

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

‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

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‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ opens at the Woodlawn Theatre on Friday November 24, 2017.

Up next at the Woodlawn Theatre is the local production of ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.’ It is based on the 1968 movie produced by Alfred R Broccoli and opens on Friday November 24 and runs until Saturday December 24, 2017. Music and lyrics are by Richard and Robert Sherman with a book by Jeremy Sams. Tickets are on sale online, or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. Prices are $18 for students and children, $24 for seniors and military and $29 for adults. There is a $3 service fee for tickets. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m.

‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ is the story of an inventor who sets about restoring an old race car from a scrap heap with the help of his children. They soon discover the car has magical properties including the ability to float and fly. Trouble occurs when the evil Baron Bomburst desires the magic car for himself. The family joins forces with Truly Scrumptious and batty Grandpa Potts to outwit the dastardly Baron and Baroness and their villainous henchman, the Child Catcher.

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

Theater review: ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

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‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre until Sunday November 5, 2017.  Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

October is Halloween month and nothing says horror and creepiness like ‘Little Shop of Horrors.’ Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre until Sunday November 5, is the horror comedy rock musical about an unlucky florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human flesh and blood. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets range from $18 to $29 and are available online. This production is recommended for audiences 13 and over and parental supervision is advised due to mature language.

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is a musical about Seymour Krelborn who stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” – after his coworker crush. Seymour is a poor young orphan living in skid row who was taken in by Mr. Mushnik, a flower shop owner. He works for him now at the shop along with Audrey, a pretty young blonde and as the story begins, they both lament their stations in life, “Skid Row (Downtown).” Every day, Seymour cares for the mysterious new plant, “Grow for Me,” that looks like a large Venus flytrap and turns out to be a foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore. It promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Seymour if he keeps on feeding it blood. After he witnesses Audrey’s boyfriend Orin being abusive to her, he longs to protect her and plots to kill him. Eventually he discovers Audrey II’s out of this world origins and intent towards global domination but not before he loses everyone he cares about.

Far from a typical musical happy ending, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is a wickedly fun time. Brian Hodges shines in the role of the shy and unlucky Seymour and is paired well with Paige Berry as Audrey. Despite not being a lead character, Orin the sadistic dentist, leaves audiences conflicted because they love to hate him. Chris Berry’s hilarious portrayal of Orin during “Now (It’s Just the Gas)” had the audience in stitches but is a perfect example of why this production is not for the very young. Show highlights include when Orin makes his entrance “Dentist!,” “Grow for Me” when Seymour discovers what makes Audrey flourish and “Suddenly, Seymour” when Seymour and Audrey finally get together, even if it does not last. Overall, it is a dark and tragically funny production filled with humor, drama and heart and is a must see for the Halloween season.

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

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‘Little Shop of Horrors’ opens at the Woodlawn Theatre on Friday October 13, 2017.  Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

The next production at the Woodlawn Theatre is the horror comedy rock musical ‘Little Shop of Horrors.’ It opens on Friday October 13 and runs until Sunday November 5 with show times every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tim Hedgepeth is the guest Director, Lizel Sandoval is the Choreographer, Andrew Hendley is the Music Director and Rose Kennedy is the Costume Designer. This production is recommended for audiences 13 and over and parental supervision is advised due to mature language.

Tickets are on sale online, or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. Prices are $18 for students and children, $24 for seniors and military and $29 for adults. There is a $3 service fee for tickets. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. Free parking is available and located behind Vogue College of Cosmetology on W Lynwood Ave. This area is specifically designated for patrons and is patrolled by a uniformed security guard during the run of each show.  (Woodlawn Theatre, 2017)

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is based on the low budget 1960 black comedy of the same name about an unlucky florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human flesh and blood. Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” – after his coworker crush. The foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Seymour if he keeps on feeding it blood. Eventually he discovers Audrey II’s out of this world origins and intent towards global domination. This deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical features a lovesick hero, a bloodthirsty plant and a 1960s pop/rock score by creative geniuses Howard Ashman and Alan Menken.

Special dates:

Friday, October 27 – Little Shop of Horrors Costume Contest, dress as your favorite character.
Saturday, October 28 – Halloween Costume Contest, dress as you please.
Sunday, October 29 – Kids Costume Contest, kids dress up.
Saturday, November 5 – American Sign Language Night, interpreted services by Robert Cardoza.

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

Theater review: ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

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‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ is now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre through Sunday September 17.  Photo by Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

The Woodlawn Theatre’s ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ had a challenging opening weekend due to Hurricane Harvey but those who braved the elements were rewarded with a hilarious workplace themed production. The Frank Loesser musical is a satire of big business and office politics and is based on Shepherd Mead’s 1952 book of the same name. There are still three chances to catch the show on Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. This being the final weekend, guests can take advantage of special pricing on tickets. By using the promo code WICKET, they can receive $10 off all ticket types as follows: Adult – $19, Senior/Military – $14, Child/Student – $8. This does not include service fees. Tickets are available online.

It begins with a young window washer, J Pierrepont Finch, who is reading the book “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” as he is working. After the Book Voice tells him that the only way to get ahead is to follow the book’s advice, he enters the World Wide Wicket Company looking for a job and he is hired to work in the mailroom. There he meets an ambitious young secretary named Rosemary who is instantly smitten by him, “Happy To Keep His Dinner Warm.” He also has to work alongside the boss’ lazy and arrogant nephew who constantly reminds the other employees of his status in the company. With the book’s guidance, he works his way up to Chairman of the Board, he gets the girl and the staff becomes like family.

The Woodlawn Theatre scores another hit with ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.’ The retro look is straight out of Mad Men but the workplace shenanigans are timeless. Anyone who has ever worked in an office can relate to the office gossiping and backstabbing, the overly ambitious co-workers and the office parties. The unifying force is coffee as the fatigued office staff rushes to get their fix during “Coffee Break.” With social commentaries such as office politics and sexual harassment, “A Secretary Is Not A Toy” it remains as relevant as ever. Brian Hodges is outstanding as the ambitious Finch and Mark McCarver’s portrayal of the seedy and creepy Bud is right on target. With the right combination of humor and romance, there is something for everyone and is a must-see show.

‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

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‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ opens at the Woodlawn Theatre on Friday August 25, 2017. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

The new season at the Woodlawn Theatre begins this week with the local production of ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.’ The Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway classic opens on Friday August 25 and runs until Sunday September 17, 2017. This musical by Frank Loesser is a satire of big business and office politics and is based on Shepherd Mead’s 1952 book of the same name. It is directed and choreographed by Woodlawn Theatre’s Executive and Artistic Director Christopher Rodriguez and stars Crystal Vera as Hedy, Mark McCarver as Bud, Brian Hodges as Finch and Kate Ragan as Rosemary. Show times are 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. Prices are $18 for students and children, $24 for seniors and military and $29 for adults. There is a $3 service fee for tickets. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. Free parking is available and located behind Vogue College of Cosmetology on W Lynwood Ave. This area is specifically designated for patrons and is patrolled by a uniformed security guard during the run of each show. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2017)

‘How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying’ tells the story of young, ambitious J. Pierrepont Finch who, with the help of the book “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” rises from window washer to chairman of the board of the World Wide Wicket Company. A satire of big business in the 1960s, it tackles the familiar but potent dangers such as the aggressively compliant “company man,” the office party, backstabbing co-workers, caffeine addiction and true love. Musical numbers include ‘How to Succeed,’ ‘Coffee Break’ and ‘Been a Long Day.’

On Saturday September 9, the Woodlawn Theatre will host an ASL Night (American Sign Language) with Robert Cardoza providing the deaf community with full communication access to the show.

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

Theater review: ‘Shrek, The Musical’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

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Morgan Clyde as Fiona, Alejandro Pesina as Donkey and Joshua Goldberg as Shrek in the Woodlawn Theatre’s production of ‘Shrek, The Musical.’ Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

The hot summer months are here and those looking for an indoor activity to enjoy with the family might want to consider a night at the theater. Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘Shrek, The Musical,’ the family friendly tale of the loveable green ogre based on the hit DreamWorks animated movie. It runs until Sunday July 30 with show times on Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets range from $18 to $29 and are available online. This highly entertaining show brings the beloved characters from the movie to life onstage for a musical about an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess.

The story begins with Shrek’s parents throwing him out on his seventh birthday to fend for himself, “Big Bright Beautiful World,” while warning him that his life will not be easy because of his looks. Years later, Shrek is living in a swamp, alone and bitter but content with his solitary life. That is, until the quiet is interrupted by a group of fairy tale characters, including Pinocchio, The Three Bears, Peter Pan, the Ugly Duckling and many more. They have been thrown out of the Kingdom of Duloc by the evil Lord Farquaad just for being different. Shrek agrees to travel to see Lord Farquaad to convince him to let them come back so he can have his swamp back. Along the way he rescues a talkative donkey from some of Farquaad’s guards and in return for his kindness, he offers Shrek his friendship, “Don’t Let Me Go” and ends up tagging along for the rest of the journey. Once there, he is given the task of rescuing Princess Fiona who is trapped in a castle. In return, Lord Farquuad promises to give Shrek the deed to the swamp.

While the cast of ‘Shrek, The Musical’ is bigger than in most shows, they all work in synch to make this an enjoyable show. Joshua Goldberg, as Shrek, has good chemistry with Morgan Clyde who plays Fiona and they complement each other on stage. Alejandro Pesina’s spot on comedic timing makes him the perfect choice for playing the funny and sometimes irreverent Donkey. Joshua Buce’s hilarious portrayal of Lord Farquaad makes this production a must-see. Show highlights include Shrek and Donkey’s “Travel Song” when their friendship evolves and “Freak Song” when the ensemble accepts who they are and agree to fight together against their tormentors. Some of the humor is off-color but it still appeals to audiences of all ages with its themes of friendship and acceptance.

‘Shrek, The Musical’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

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‘Shrek, The Musical’ opens on Friday June 30 at the Woodlawn Theatre. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

The next production at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘Shrek, The Musical.’ It opens on Friday June 30 and runs until Sunday July 30, 2017. This family friendly musical is based on the Oscar® winning DreamWorks Animation film and contains music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. It stars Morgan Clyde as Princess Fiona, Alejandro Pesina as Donkey and Joshua Goldberg as Shrek and has Mark McCarver as director, Alonzo Corona as choreographer and Darrin Newhardt as musical director. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets are now on sale online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. Prices are $18 for students and children, $24 for seniors and military and $29 for adults. There is a $3 service fee for tickets. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2017)

‘Shrek, The Musical’ brings the beloved characters from the movie to life onstage for a musical about an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess. Other characters include a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale characters who were exiled from the Kingdom of Duloc by the evil Lord Farquaad for being different. Shrek decides to travel to see Farquaad and try to regain his swamp after he was chased out of his parent’s house to live on his own.

On July 8, the cast of Shrek, The Musical will perform musical favorites from 9a.m to 11a.m. at Whole Foods Market located at The Vineyards at 18403 Blanco Rd. During the July 22 performance, the Woodlawn Theatre will host an ASL (American Sign Language) night.

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