News Roundup, Dec. 8, 2022
‘Tis the season for “The Nutcracker,” so you have plenty of choices. Last week we told you about Ballet San Antonio’s production, which continues this weekend. Now under the artistic direction of the former internationally acclaimed ballerina, Sofiane Sylve, BSA is the only professional ballet company in San Antonio. This version of the iconic ballet was commissioned by the company and choreographer by the team of Easton and Haley Smith. There will be four more performances this weekend. (Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 10 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.; Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle; tickets start at $36; tickets@tobincenter.org or by calling the box office 210-223-8624)
There are at least two other productions of the beloved Christmas ballet. “The Children’s Nutcracker 2022” is presented by the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 10 at 2 & 7 p.m. at the Lila Cockrell Theatre; 210-462-7660; www.childrensballetofsanantonio.org)
And the version presented by Alamo City Arts which will be accompanied by the Alamo City Symphony Viva (Dec. 9 – 18th. Fort Sam Theater, 2472 Stanley Rd. on the base; open to military and civilians. (tickets $10-$22; box office 210-222-9694; For Alamo City Arts call 210-369-8311, www.alamocityarts.org)
And there’s no shortage of festive and inspirational music.
The San Antonio Choral Society’s chamber choir, Sonoro, will present Advent Vespers Sunday at St. John’s Lutheran Church (Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.; 502 E. Nueva St. 78205; free admission, a reception will follow in the courtyard; www.sachoralsociety.org)
More beautiful music: “Christmas with the Monte Vista Springs” will feature the afore-mentioned string quartet, founded in 2003 by violinist Andrew Small and three colleagues. No more info was given. (Dec. 15 at 12, noon.; First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio, 404 N. Alamo St., 78205; 210-271-2730, www.fbcsanantonio.org)
Another downtown church, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, is known for its music programs. Music from St. Mark’s will offer its wonderful annual Christmas Pops on Sunday, featuring a brass and percussion ensemble conducted by Brett Richardson, and featuring organist Jon Johnson. “A Visit from St. Nicholas” will be the centerpiece of the afternoon, with a special appearance by the church’s pastor, the Rev. Beth Knowlton as narrator. The concert will also include popular Ukrainian folk songs, Carol of the Bells, a congregation sing-along and “Jingle Bells Swing-a-Ling-Ding, made popular by former Tonight Show Band leader Doc Severinson. (Dec. 11 at 4 p.m. St Mark’s Episcopal Church, 315 E. Pecan St., free parking; 210-226-2426, https://stmarks-sa-org)
Another promising concert on Sunday is “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” starring mezzo-soprano Caroline Melcher, soprano Gail Wettstein, tenor John Hyland, bass David Uminski and pianist Bob Shoaf. It’s a benefit event for the VA Fisher House and the Center for American Military Music Opportunities. Concertgoers will be asked to donate what they can. CAMMO is a music therapy organization serving veterans and active service members. (Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.; Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 6914 Wurzbach Rd., 78240, 210-614-3742, www.shepherdlutheran.com
And more! The Agarita Chamber Ensemble is collaborating with poet Naomi Shihab Nye and clarinetist Stas Chernyshev to present a special program of music and poetry Saturday. It’s bound to be interesting and unique. (Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m.; Radius Center, 106 Auditorium Circle; free admission but you need to make reservations at www.agarita.org/shows)
The Coates Chapel, on the grounds of the former Southwest School of Art, will host the ensemble Viatorum on Monday, Dec. 12. The world music group brings new, original music and a traditional Mediterranean-influenced sound to our city. The quintet includes UTSA faculty musicians who play flute, guitar, percussion and cello, plus the oud, which is a Turkish/Arabic lute. Sounds intriguing! (Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m.; 300 Augusta St., 78205; to learn more about Viatorum, visit www.viatorum.com; fore more about the UTSA music school events, go to www.swschool.org/about/events-spaces)
And here’s a concert that many look forward to: the super festive Holiday Saxophones, featuring George Prado and the Regency Band. Jazz, R&B, and popular standards are part of the mix. (Dec. 11 at 7 p.m., Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 1301 Guadalupe St., 78207; 210-271-7211, www.guadalupeculturalarts.org)
Let’s look at what’s going on in theater.
For guaranteed laughs see the Company Theater in “Merry Christmas, George Bailey!,” an old-time radio-show adaptation of “It’s A Wonderful Life.” This is a one-night only performance in a new venue, The Rose Bush, where you can dine before the show. The Company Theater, founded by Damien Gillen and two pals, became known for its highly hilarious adaptations, including “The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged!),” that they delivered at break-neck speed. These are “family-friendly” productions. (Dec. 10 at 6:30- 9 p.m.; The Rose Bush, 2301 San Pedro; tickets $15 if dining at the venue. (Dinner is separate); to contact the Company Theater call 210-646-4284; www.thecompanytheatre.org; The Rose Bush- https://www.facebook.com/TheRoseBushSA/
Still running are both “White Christmas” at the Woodlawn and “A Christmas Carol, the Musical” at the Public. Also continuing its run is the version presented by the Classic Theater of San Antonio, an outdoor “Christmas Carol’ adapted by Greg Bodine and performed as a one-man show. (Consult last week’s NEWS ROUNDUP.)
“Las Nuevas Tamaleras” is back featuring three Hispanic women who need help making the traditional tamales. And that help arrives from the sprits of some departed ancestors. Hilarious and very popular! (Dec.8-Dec.11; tickets are $23-$26, via Ticketmaster; go to www.thecarver.org for times, which vary from day to day.)
The Jump-Start Performance Co. is soliciting submissions for the 2nd Annual “Screaming into the Void” Theater Festival. The theme is “Facing the Storm.” They are looking for short pieces with 1-5 characters. As for format, the submissions can be plays, manifestoes, dance or poetry. Deadline Dec. 15. If you have questions, call 210-310-5918 or email holdmyhandasiscreamintothevoid@gmail.com
The Majestic Theater will be host to one of the most popular musicals of recent times, “On Your Feet- The Story of Emilio and Gloria Esteban.” It’s a dynamic, rich show that features all the iconic songs such as “Rhythm is Going to Get You,” “Conga,” “Get on Your Feet,” and “Coming Out of the Dark.” (Dec. 9 at 8 p.m.; Dec. 10 at 2 & 8 p.m.; and Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.; Majestic Theater, 224 E. Houston; tickets start at $45, through www.ticketmaster.com)
“The Velveteen Rabbit” continues its run at the Magik Theater through Dec. 24. If you have young visitors for the holidays, this will be a good place to take them. Recommended for ages 5 and above. (Magik Theater, 420 S. Alamo, 78205; 210-227-2751, www.magiktheare.org)
There’s always plenty of activity on the visual arts front though no museum plans to open a new exhibit this month. But there are new shows. Centro Cultural Aztlan is opening its 27th annual “Celebration a la Virgen de Guadalupe” exhibit that reflects the significance of the Latin-American cultural icon. The show features original art in a range of media, from watercolors to sculptures. More than 30 artists are participating, including Andy Villareal, Richard Arredondo, Alicia Zavala Galvan, Xavier Garza, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Victor Tello, Yolanda Priego, and many others. This is one of our favorite Christmas-time exhibits. In addition, an art market, featuring local vendors, will be open Dec. 12 from 6-9 p.m. Items for sales draw inspiration from the Virgen de Guadalupe. (Opening reception Monday, Dec. 12, 6-9 p.m.; the exhibition is free and open to the public; on view Dec.12-15, and Jan. 3-20, 2023, Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Centro Cultural Aztlan, 1800 Fredericksburg Rd., suite 103; 210-432-1896, https://centroaztlan.org)
Not far from Aztlan, you will find Bihl Haus Arts, which is currently showing the work of artist and military veteran Patrick Putze. A gallery talk is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.; free & open to the public. (2803 Fredericksburg Rd.; 210-383-9723; www.bihlhausarts.org)
But there’s more news from Bihl Haus. Its founder and long- time director, Kellen McIntyre, who announced her departure last spring, will finally be able to actually depart. It took her and the board a long time to find someone to replace her. So, the announcement that arrived a few days ago took us almost by surprise. Her replacement is Mycah Lee Arellano, who was most recently director of public education for Comfort House Services in Austin, where he handled communications, community engagement, grant writing and HIV/AIDS educational programs.
Luminaria 2022 happened a couple of weeks ago but some of the art will continue to be available for viewing thanks to the cooperation of the Mexican Cultural Institute and UNAM. Both institutions are located in the Hemisfair area downtown. “No Frontiers Art,” an exhibit of digital art, will open Dec. 8 at the Institute, featuring 40 works that are not only visual but include an auditory component as well. (through January 2023; 643 E. Nueva, 78205). The second show, Luminaria Featured Artist Exhibit, will beat UNAM, and will be open until Dec. 15. This exhibit was shown in the Radius Center during Luminaria 2022 (UNAM, 600 Hemisfair Plaza Way; free and open to the public.)
If you are interested in trying your hand at collecting contemporary art, there’s no better place to visit than the Contemporary at Blue Star, and its current Red Dot Show. To help you become a collector, the organization is presenting a discussion, Collecting Contemporary Art, with folks who know a lot about new art. They include: Elyse Gonzales, director of Ruby City; Debra Guerrero, Senior VP of Strategic Partnerships & Government Relations at the NRP Group; Patty Ortiz, artist and chair of the Contemporary at Blue Star, and China Whitby, Art Administration Assistant at the institution. The panel discussion will be moderated by Jacqueline McGilvray, the exhibition manager at the Contemporary. (Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m.; 116 Blue Star, 78204)
The City of San Antonio needs a Public Art Project Manager. Deadline for applying is Dec. 16; contact the Human Resources Career Center: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sanantoniotx/jobs