Idina Menzel rose to prominence in 1996 when she originated the role of Maureen in Jonathan Larson’s Tony- and Pulitzer-winning Broadway musical RENT. She cemented her status as one of today’s preeminent Broadway actresses with further roles in Wicked (2003) and If/Then (2014). In 2013, Menzel hit the stratosphere voicing the role of Elsa the…
‘Mamma Mia’ Farewell Tour at Tobin Center
In the 1970’s, the Swedish pop/dance group ABBA were riding high on the international pop charts. In 1999, British playwright Kathrine Johnson, along with former members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus transformed the group’s songs into one of the most successful Broadway musicals of all time. Based on songs like Dancing Queen, and taking its…
The Playhouse Opens Season with Beauty and the Beast
The Playhouse San Antonio opens its 2016 – 2017 season on September 30 with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Russell Hill Rogers Theatre. The production is directed by David Nanny and stars Carlye Gossen as Belle and Jeff Jeffers as the Beast. With music and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, the…
‘Straight Outta Oz’ Coming to Tobin Center
As scores of forgotten reality show cast-offs have proven, it takes a lot more than actual talent to make it in the world of entertainment. After making his Broadway debut in The Color Purple, Season nine American Idol finalist Todrick Hall has reinvented himself on more than one occasion emerging both as popular YouTube personality and…
‘Motown the Musical’ Set to Dazzle at the Majestic
Motown the Musical tells the story of Berry Gordy and the founding of Motown Records, his wildly successful independent record label that forever changed the landscape of popular music. The year is 1983 and Gordy is reflecting on a career of highs and lows while contemplating whether to attend the 25th anniversary celebration of Motown Records. Flashback three decades earlier and a young…
‘Memphis’ in Full Swing at the Woodlawn
Set amid racial tension in 1950s-era Tennessee, Memphis follows the story of Huey Calhoun, a white high-school-dropout-turned-radio-DJ (played here by Brian Hodges) who falls in love with Felicia Farrell, a black R&B singer (played by Marie Warren Bunch). After seeing Felicia perform at Delray’s, an underground nightclub, Huey’s determined to make Felicia a star by spinning her record on…
It’s Showtime! for the Live Oak Singers
Live Oak Singers present It’s Showtime! Songs from Stage and Screen Madison Square Presbyterian Church, 319 Camden Street 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 3 p.m. Sunday, May 17 $20 General admission, $15 Students, military & seniors Children 10 and under are free Last summer, I attended the Pride concert rehearsal of the then newly formed Live Oak Singers, San Antonio’s only…
The Lion Sings Tonight for AIDS research and support
The Lion Sings Tonight December 15th, Doors: 7 pm, Show: 8pm Cameo Theatre 1123 East Commerce Street $20-$65 Tickets here It’s time to get your hakuna matatas out to the Cameo Theatre for The Lion Sings Tonight: Holiday Edition in support of the San Antonio AIDS Foundation. The family-friendly event brings together 25 professional singers, dancers, and musicians…