Arts Alive San Antonio

Grand displays of Christmas lights are always popular at this time of the year but the Lights Alive! Drive-thru Light Show upgrades the entire concept by producing a spectacle of dancing lights like you have probably not seen before. Produced by Living Light Shows, this spectacle consists of a mile-drive through a holiday landscape animated by computer-generated light designs synchronized to a customized soundtrack. The display is controlled by 78 computers on the premises. Created by software engineer, Matthew Johnson, who first experimented by creating similar displays for his house, the show will run from Friday, Nov. 20, through Jan. 3, 2021 at the National Shooting Complex grounds, 5931 Roft Rd, 78253, near the intersection of 1604 and Culebra Rd. Tickets are $30 per family in advance; $35 at the door; https://seelightsalive.com. (To read more about it, see feature story from 11/17/20 on this site.)

Another unusual show, though of a different kind, is Snow White at the Magik Theatre. Yes, we are talking about the familiar fairytale but this is a reinterpreted version of it that speaks to contemporary audiences. It’s still a kid show, but adults may find it amusing as well. And the adults may have to explain a few developments to their little ones since the whole story is presented by only two actors who play all the characters. The funny musical play – “full of hilarious hijinks” – premiered last year in Minneapolis to glowing reviews. Performances will be live inside the Magik Theatre, with strict safety protocols enforced. (To read more, see feature story from 11/18/20 on his site) Nov. 21 – Dec. 24, tickets are $20, with discounts for children, seniors, military and educators; www.magiktheatre.org or call 210-227-2751.

Artpace has just opened a new exhibit featuring the work of the Fall 2020 International Artists in Residence: Letitia Huckaby (Fort Worth, TX), Elana Mann (Los Angeles), and Alisa Yang (an artist who divides her time between New York, Los Angeles and Helsinki, Finland). Curated by Lauren Cross Ph.D., the art responds to the uncertainty we all find ourselves in due to the pandemic and the socio-political issues that have been part of the national dialogue for most of 2020.

 Probably the most unusual work was created by Mann who made musical and sound instruments, including a six-person, large horn displayed in the middle of her space. Unfortunately, it’s not a good idea to have six people play it together at this time of COVOD-19, but the idea is original and wonderful, and the horn actually works. She surrounded the 10-foot long “folk instrument” with a series of “rattles” bearing  words and symbols, such as “Truth,” “Help”, “Change.” It would be most interesting to eventually hear that six-person horn make its mighty call. (More about the show in a future story) Artpace, 445 N. Main Avenue, 78205; 210-212-4900, info@artpace.org. The exhibit opening was virtual but you can visit Artpace in person by advance reservation.

And we have heard from the musicians of the San Antonio Symphony, which has been silent for months. In their newsletter, the musicians announced that they were preparing for their return to the stage in February of next year. Programming is being adjusted to allow for safe social distancing on stage with pieces that can be performed by a reduced orchestra. They are staying in musical shape, they said, “so that the San Antonio Symphony you hear in February will be the artistic equal of the SAS you remember from previous season.” Welcome back, SAS!

To hear some festive music this weekend, you may want to attend the free Thanksgiving Concert performed by the mighty County Line Community Band, Saturday at 3 p.m. at the St. Hedwig city park. Social distancing rules will be followed. The concert will be broadcast on short-wave FM radio and attendees can listen in their cars while watching the band perform. Musical selections will include “Amazing Grace,” “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” and a special tribute for veterans.

Speaking of music, we want to remind you of Rocky Mountain High, a tribute to John Denver performed by Rick Schuler who looks and sounds like Denver. Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Tobin Center. (See last week’s NEWS ROUNDUP) This will be followed on Sunday by We the Kingdom, a multigenerational family of musicians. Tickets for both concerts are available by calling the Tobin box office at 210-223-8624 or go to tickets@tobincenter.org

While live theater is practically non-existent these days, your favorite Broadway musicals will be brought to life on the silver screen in a movie theater near you, thanks to Fathom Events.  If you read our recent story on movie theaters, you already know that they are pretty safe, cleaner than ever and more comfortable, with plenty of space between parties of viewers. Starting Saturday, the offerings will include 42^nd Street – the Musical, filmed at London’s Theater Royal; Annie, Kinky Boots – The Musical, Fiddler on the Roof, and others. To view the full schedule visit www.fathomevents.com/events. To see what’s playing in San Antonio, click on the musical you want to see and enter your zip code.

After being dark and relatively silent for months, The Carver Community Cultural Center is reviving its programs and activities. Right now, it’s trying to raise much needed funds by hosting an online auction, Hearts for the Arts, Dec 1-11. Items, which include many artworks, will be available for preview starting Monday, Nov.23, You’ll be able to see them at https://bidpal.net/thecarverauction.  Live bidding begins Dec. 1.

The big skating spectacle, Disney on Ice Presents: Dream Big, is coming to the Alamodome Nov. 20-22 for seven shows. All your favorite Disney characters will be there, skating like pros. Tickets at www.ticketmaster.com. Seating will be in pods, with appropriate separation between parties.

And now, take a look at this video! That’s the light show Matthew Johnson created for his house back in 2015. Pretty impressive! Then go see his mile-long show that we told you about at the top of this News Roundup. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90oZ52M4IC0