Tag: Yanaguana Garden

Celebrate Fiesta Season: Magik Theatre Presents Two Bilingual Productions

Magik Theatre presents ¡Lotería: Game On! and Tomás and the Library Lady. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

(San Antonio, TX) – Spring is in the air in San Antonio and at Magik Theatre, where children and their families are invited to celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage with two bilingual productions for Spanish and English language learners and speakers of all levels. (Magik Theatre, 2025)

Magik’s mainstage play ¡Lotería: Game On! closes out the beloved children’s theatre’s milestone 30th season from May 3 to June 1, 2025. Additionally, Magik is pleased to present Tomás and the Library Lady as its Spring 2025 touring production for regional schools, community organizations, and special events. Both plays move seamlessly between English and Spanish dialogue and feature traditions or historic figures dear to San Antonio’s Hispanic community, wrapped in Magik’s signature creative fun.

Launching on the last weekend of Fiesta, ¡Lotería: Game On! is a great way to party down with little ones, complete with an opening night celebration on May 3 in Hemisfair Park. Performances later in the season have plenty of fun in store, too, with Magik’s backstage experience add-on, allowing guests a glimpse behind the curtain during a cast meet-and-greet and guided tour as they savor a post-show paleta.

Written by Mabelle Reynoso for audiences ages 6+, ¡Lotería: Game On! brings the competitive fun of the classic Mexican card game to the stage in a whimsical, immersive experience. Blending fantasy, humor, and cultural traditions, the bilingual story follows Mexican-American siblings Sam and Kris as they work together to rescue their father from the mysterious realm of Lotería. When they brush off their dad’s attempts to spend quality time together, Sam and Kris have no idea he’s about to disappear through a pillow-fort portal to magical Lotería land. During their quest to bring their dad home, the pair encounter characters based on familiar Lotería cards like La Rana, El Gallo and La Mano, and must cooperate and think fast to outwit Lotería’s rules.

The set design by Lucian Hernandez draws viewers into Lotería’s mystery, while Yesi Tafur’s costumes reflect the cards’ iconic visual language. Lucero Garcia and Maryann Valerio play Sam and Kris respectively, while Gabriel Itzcoatl Luera takes on the role of Dad. They deftly navigate a script that intentionally weaves together both Spanish and English.

JOIN MAGIK ON THE ROAD WITH Tomás and the Library Lady

Tomás and the Library Ladyisbased on the inspiring true story of Crystal City-native Tomás Rivera as written by author and poet Pat Mora and adapted for the stage by José Cruz González. The bilingual play focuses on the special friendship between Tomás, the son of migrant farm workers, and the kind librarian who helps him unlock a love of reading. Together, they discover the transformative power of books, which eventually propels Tomás into a groundbreaking career in higher education. The real-life Tomás became the first Mexican-American chancellor of a University of California campus, and many of his family members are still in the South Texas area. His daughter, Ileana Rivera Liberatore, even taught Magik’s managing director Mel Zarb-Cousin in high school.

It’s no surprise, then, that Tomás and the Library Lady is already popular around town: the San Antonio Public Library and the NCAA’s literacy initiative Read to the Final FourⓇ have both booked several performances of the play, which is available to visit campuses and community centers from April 7 through July 20th then again in the fall, September 8 through October 12th in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each production offers TEKS-based digital resource guides and an after-show Q&A session between audience and cast, with optional workshops led by Magik Theatre Teaching Artists. More information about Magik on the Road is available online.

Both productions’ creative, heartwarming approaches to our region’s unique culture make them ideal for celebrating the end of the semester, San Antonio’s most vibrant season, and the promise of summer fun. Help Magik send off its legendary 30th season in style!

“These joyful, high-energy shows celebrate the power of storytelling, the resilience of family, and the traditions that shape our lives. Each play reminds us that family is not just about where we come from, but the stories and traditions that keep us connected.”— Anthony Runfola, Magik Theatre Artistic Director

SPECIAL EVENTS  & ADD-ON EXPERIENCES

¡Lotería: Game On! Sneak Peek | Saturday, April 12, 10:30a.m.

Curious about the making of the play? Be the first to witness the behind-the-scenes magic of ¡Lotería: Game On! at the Sneak Peek where attendees can glimpse into the world of theatrical production and interact with Magik’s talented cast and crew during an intimate Q&A session. Light refreshments will be provided, making it the perfect morning outing for families, friends, and theater enthusiasts alike. The event is FREE and open to the public. Reservations can be made HERE.

Magik Story Time at Yanaguana Garden | Tuesday, April 29, 10a.m.

Magik Theatre joins Hemisfair’s weekly Story Time series with a reading of “Lotería” by Karla Arenas Velenti. Little ones can head to Yanaguana Garden on Tuesday, April 29 where Magikal friends bring everyone’s favorite Mexican card game to life from the page before it officially hits the stage.

Opening Night Party in the Park –  Saturday, May 3, 1:30p.m., show at 3p.m.

Attend a puro San Antonio pachanga to kick off ¡Lotería: Game On!. In partnership with Hemisfair, the Fiesta fun continues in Hemisfair Park with street fair snacks, jugos and a Hemisfair-inspired special edition Lotería game and coloring craft. DJ Mayhem will spin live Latin beats to motivate little movers in a boogie book battle dance off to see who has the right stuff to win a copy of “Lotería” by Karla Arenas Valenti. The pre-show party is free and open to the public.

Backstage Experience Add-On (Available after every performance excluding other special events)

Enhance your visit to Magik Theatre with our Backstage Experience for only $20 per person. This exclusive add-on includes an onstage meet and greet with the cast, where you can snap photos and share special moments with your favorite characters. Plus, enjoy a 15-minute guided tour of the set, props, and rehearsal space led by a Magik Theatre performer offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the magik of theatre. And, enjoy a tasty paleta as San Antonio gets back to its warm temps.

Please note: We are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchair needs for this experience. All patrons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Magik Theatre Birthday Parties (NOW available after main stage performances)

And now, families can make their little one’s special day truly magikal with a hassle-free Magik Theatre birthday party right after one of the main stage shows. Magik Theatre birthday party packages include complimentary child tickets, discounted additional tickets, a private party space, and festive decorations. Kids will enjoy a show themed craft, digital invitations, and a birthday backdrop with props. Plus, the birthday child gets an exclusive backstage experience and a Magik Theatre gift. Up to ten additional party guests can join the backstage experience for an additional charge. Best of all, Magik handles setup and cleanup so parents can focus on making memories.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES

Educator Appreciation Day – Saturday, May 10 at 2p.m. – Educators and school faculty are eligible for one free ticket to this performance with proof of I.D. Additional tickets are available to purchase for these performances at a discount of 20% off the regular ticket prices.

Sensory Friendly Performance – Saturday, May 17, at 10a.m. – Audience members on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities can take in a special performance of ¡Lotería: Game On! designed just for them. Kids and adults are free to be themselves in this relaxed, judgment-free theatre experience that is a perfect introduction to attending a performance.

ASL Interpreted Performance – Saturday, May 17, at 2p.m. – Patrons who communicate with ASL can attend this performance featuring Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary American Sign Language interpreter.

Pay What You Wish Performance – Sunday, May 18, at 3p.m. – As part of Magik Theatre’s mission to make theatre accessible to everyone, the organization holds one donation-based performance. Tickets are only available at the door on February 8.

Military and First Responders Appreciation Day – Saturday, May 31 at 2p.m. – Service members with a valid military ID can purchase discounted $18 tickets to this performance.

TICKET OPTIONS

Magik Theatre offers multiple ways for patrons to experience the best children’s theatre in San Antonio. Magik is a cherished arts institution that has been providing families with professional, accessible, literature-based theatre and education since 1994. Located in Hemisfair Park, families can catch the show, enjoy a day of play exploring Yanaguana Garden, grab a meal at one of the many restaurants on site and make Magikal memories. Flex Passes and single ticket sales are available now.

MAGIK THEATRE

A professional theatre for young audiences established in 1994, Magik Theatre’s mission is to create theatrical experiences that ignite imagination, spark curiosity, inspire empathy, and foster a lifetime love of learning in young people.

Magik Theatre begins new season by celebrating big dreams

Based on the best-selling book ‘Carmela Full of Wishes,’ the acclaimed production celebrates family, dreamers, and the unexpected ‘magik’ of hope. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

Magik Theatre starts its new season by celebrating imagination and big dreams with a production sure to thrill anyone who has ever sent wishes into the wind by blowing on a dandelion. Based on the celebrated book of the same title by Newbery Medal and Caldecott Honor-winning author Matt de la Peña and illustrator Christian Robinson, Carmela Full of Wishes runs from October 14-22. In the spirit of wishing and dreaming big this season, Magik announces a delightful new collaboration with Hemisfair to include a new series of exciting events and special performances designed to charm young audiences at every turn. Ticket information is available online. (Magik Theatre, 2023)

THE MAGIK OF WISHES
On her seventh birthday, Carmela wakes up thrilled to finally be old enough to join her big brother on their family errands. As they visit the local lavanderia, bodega, and various neighbors, Carmela stumbles upon a lone dandelion growing in the pavement. Before she can blow away its white fluff, her brother reminds her to make a wish. Full of hopes and dreams, Carmela wishes for a candy machine and a fancy bed for Mamí like the ones at the hotel where she works. But her dandelion is crushed before she can make her biggest wish, for Papí to come back home soon. Can her brother help her to believe in her dreams once again?

“Matt de la Peña’s book tells a beautiful story of a girl who discovers the magic and wonder of her wishes in the real world: in her community, in nature, and in her family. Our production keeps the heart of this story alive while also reflecting the culture of the South Texas community in a show that is sure to entertain and inspire.” – Director Claudia de Vasco.

BEHIND THE MAGIK
Adapted by Alvaro Saar Rios and directed by Claudia de Vasco, the cast includes several debut performances to include Clarissa Ramos in the title role, with Ernesto Dominguez playing Carmela’s brother and Alberto Ramirez Jr. as Papí, Senor Lopez, and Flower Boy. Crystal M. Bratton returns as Carmela’s mother. Lucian Hernandez and Stormie Brennan bring Christian Robinson’s iconic illustrations to life via set design and costumes. Back by popular demand, aspiring actors and family fans can attend a post-performance meet and greet after every show.

Magik Theatre offers amazing resources for educators via field trips to the full live performance as well as educator workshops. This season, “Magik on the Road” will bring Carmela Full of Wishes directly to schools and other interested groups. Each production is accompanied by a TEKS-based interactive classroom resource guide filled with enjoyable, accessible activities related to the performance, creating an unforgettable learning experience without ever having to leave the school.

Magik Story Time at Hemisfair | Tuesday, October 10, 10a.m.
Magik Theatre and Hemisfair announce a new installation of Hemisfair’s weekly Story Time with special guests from Magik Theatre reading from each production’s themed book. The series takes place in Yanaguana Garden each Tuesday before the theatre’s opening weekends with Magik’s Education Manager, Lissette Belmontes kicking off the series as she reads from “Carmela Full of Wishes” on Tuesday, October 10. To make little wishes come true, Hemisfair will gift 20 free copies of the book to its first 20 Story Time guests.

Magik Theatre Opening Day Party in the Park | Saturday, October 14, 12:30p.m., show at 2p.m.
Ideally situated in San Antonio’s iconic Hemisfair, this season Magik Theatre celebrates each opening performance with free themed art activities, festive food and drinks, and complimentary live music just outside the theatre to create the perfect family outing. Patrons will not want to miss this special event series, kicking off with Carmela Full of Wishes when Hemisfair and Magik host artist Aminah Dece will provide an interactive dandelion craft, tunes by DJ Mayhem, Panderia Jimenez’s SA-famous conchas and hojarascas, and aguas frescas courtesy of Paleteria San Antonio.

Muertos Fest Free Performance of Carmela Full of Wishes | Saturday, October 28, 10a.m.
During the 11th annual Día de los Muertos Fest at Hemisfair, festival attendees will have the opportunity to attend a free performance of Carmela Full of Wishes at Magik Theatre on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservation is required. Muertos Fest tip: Fest attendees are also welcome to visit the theatre’s fully stocked concession stand to purchase affordable refreshments, no admission ticket required. While there, guests can visit Magik’s ofrenda celebrating the deceased loved ones of the Magik Theatre staff.

Sensory-Friendly Performance | Saturday, October 21, 10a.m.
Designed with both children and adults on the autism spectrum, and those with sensory sensitivities in mind. Our goal is a relaxed and judgment-free theatre experience where audiences can sing, laugh, and dance.

American Sign Language Interpreted Performance | Saturday, October 21, 2p.m.
Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary sign language interpreter, will be available during this performance for patrons that require ASL as their primary form of communication.

A professional theatre for young audiences established in 1994, Magik Theatre’s mission is to use the power of theatre to create Magikal storytelling for children that Activates imagination, Grows young minds, and Inspires creativity and a love of learning that is the Key to a more literate future for our community.