News Roundup, Jan. 19, 2023
The live theater scene is getting livelier. The latest addition is the San Antonio Broadway Theater founded by a San Antonian, Lauren Cosio Kotkowski, who has returned home after years in New York, determined to bring Broadway-level productions to her hometown. We’ll save the story of how and why she returned for another occasion, but it so happened that during a holiday break in San Antonio she met the love of her life who became her husband. The decision to stay was fairly easy.
As an Actors Equity Association member, she could not find work in San Antonio at the pay level that Equity actors get. And she felt that San Antonio needed a professional level “regional” theater. Her goal became to merge Broadway-quality performers with local talent to create Broadway-level musical productions. And that’s what she has been doing ever since. The San Antonio Broadway Theater is about to open its third musical production – RENT – this weekend at the Alvarez Theater, the smaller stage venue at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts.
The show is a rock opera that focuses on the lives and relationships of impoverished young artists in New York City, at the time of HIV/AIDS. Inspired by Puccini’s famed opera La Boheme, RENT is entirely the creation of one man, Jonathan Larson, who wrote the book, the music and the lyrics. In 1996, the show won a Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (Jan. 19-20 at 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 21 at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Jan. 22 at 2 p.m.; Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle; ticket start at $49; 210-223-8624, tickets@tobincenter.org)
The Public Theater of San Antonio is about to open the regional premiere of Nina Simone:Four Women, by Christina Ham. Director, Ann James is quoted as saying, Nina Simone: Four Women is not like any other play I have directed, and I am so excited to bring it to life in San Antonio. The blending of the characters’ lives and the background of social change will take the audience on a remarkable journey.”
The music is by Nina Simone. The cast includes Debra Alana as Simone, plus Danielle King, Stephanie D. Jones and Rebekah Williams. The show includes popular Civil Rights “anthems” such as Mississippi Goddam, Go limp, Young Gifted and Black, and others. The show blends the lines between artistry and activism. (Opens Friday, Jan. 20 and runs through Fe. 12; Public Theater of San Antonio, in San Pedro Springs Park; tickets $45, $30 military/student/Seniors, and $15 for kids under 12; by phone 210-733-7258 or online www.thepublicsa.org/currentseason; Patron Services manager, Ariel Rosen, can be reached at boxoffice@thepublicsa.org)
The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center also has a civil rights-themed play. On Dec. 9th, 1969, three Crystal City High School students led a historic walkout to protest discrimination against Hispanic students. The walkout attracted national attention. Written by Dallas-based Cara Mia Theater’s David Lozano and Raul Trevino, the play has been staged in Dallas multiple times , but this will be the first time that San Antonio audiences will get a chance to see it. (This is not a GCAC production) (Jan. 19, Student matinee at 10 a.m.; Jan. 20 Senior Citizen matinee at 10 a.m. and a second performance at 8 p.m.; Jan. 21 at 8 p.m., and Jan. 22 at 3 p.m. General admission tickets are $15, Students $10; ages 60 +. Free; GCAC Theater 1301 Guadalupe St., 78207; 210-271-3151, www.guadalupeculturalarts.org)
Speaking of GCAC, the Center also runs the longest-running Latino film festival in the U.S. in July. The call for entries is open until April 15, with 5/15 being the late deadline. It will be the 44th CineFestival San Antonio. To see details go to https://filmfreeway.com/44CineFestivalSanAntonio)
The Classic Theater of San Antonio is gearing up to open a new production of August Wilson’s Fences on Feb. 9, but first, they want to invite interested individuals to a virtual roundtable discussion to talk about the playwright and the play. (Free and open to all; www.ClassicTheatre.org or call 210-589-8450)
A new play by San Antonio playwright, Sheila Rinear has been produced by the Boerne Community Theater. Titled, So, When Are You Leaving, it’s “a poignant comedy” about family relations. (Shows through Feb. 5; $18-$24; 830-249-9166; www.boernetheatre.org)
The music scene is always lively. Camerata San Antonio starts the new year with an “All Shostakovich” concert that will be performed in three different venues, as is the organization’s custom. The program features the Famed Russian composer’s Viola Sonata, Op. 147; selections from 24 Preludes, arranged for cello and piano by Lera Auerbach, and the Piano Trio No.2 in E Minor Op.6. Players are Matthew Zerweck (violin), Emily Freudigman (viola); Ken Freudigman (cello) and pianist Viktor Valkov.
The three venues are: Jan. 20 at 4 p.m.; First Presbyterian Church, 800 Jefferson St., Kerrville; Jan. 21 at 3 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, 11093 Bandera Rd., San Antonio; and Jan. 22 at 3 p.m. at the University of the Incarnate Word Concert Hall, 4301 Broadway, San Antonio. (tickets are $20 and can be reserved at www.cameratasa.org or by calling 210-492-9519)
The Youth Orchestras of San Antonio, known as YOSA, will present its first concert of the year, Electricity, conducted by its music director Troy Peters. On the program: Dvorak’s spirited Eighth Symphony, inspired by Czech folk music; dance music by American-Mexican composer, Jose Elizondo, and Puerto Rican composer, Roberto Sierra’s concerto, based on short stories by legendary Argentine author Jorge Luis Borges. Electric violinist, Tracy Silverman, will be the guest artist. (Jan. 22at 7 p.m.; Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle; tickets $18; tickets@tobincenter.org or call210-223-8624)
Fans of the legendary Aretha Franklin will probably flock to the Majestic Theater to experience R.E.S.P.E.C.T. a tribute to Franklin, a one-night opportunity. All the songs you remember and love will be performed, including Natural Woman, Chain of Fools, Respect and others (Jan. 21 at 8 p.m.; Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston; tickets start at $35; 210-226-3333, www.majesticenpire.com)
Pink Martini is almost as famous as Aretha Franklin. The small orchestra of about a dozen musicians sing in 25 languages and perform a multilingual repertoire in Europe, North America and other continents. In 2014, the ensemble was inducted both into the Hollywood Hall of Fame and the Oregon Music Hall of Fame. (Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m., Tobin Center; tickets start at $36.50; tickets@tobincenter.org or by phone 210-223-8624)
Robert Leroy Hodge is a multidisciplinary artist who participated in Artpace’s Artist-in-Residence program in 2017.Between the Devil and the Deep is his musical journey based on the crossroads mythology of legendary blues musicians Robert Johnson. An event at Artpace will serve as “pre-release” of Hodge’s album. During the event Hodge will address the guests and his signed albums will be available for sale. (Jan. 19 at 6 p.m.; Artpace, 445 N. Main Ave., 78204; 210-212-4900, https://artpace.org/)
Remember the Kerrville Renaissance Festival? Well, it’s going to be bigger this year, stretching over three weekends. Gates open for the first fest weekend Jan. 21-22 at River Star Arts and Events Park, on the grounds of the Hill Country Youth Event Center at 3785 TX-27 in Kerrville. The fair will offer eight stages for dancers, musicians, magicians, jugglers and contests. In addition, 30 shops with a range of merchandise will be on the premises. And, of course, a Food Court. Guests are encouraged to dress in medieval style. (Adults $16.95, kids 5-12 $9.95; ages 4 and younger, free; Info, directions, tickets and daily schedules can be found online, www.KerrvilleRenFest.com or by calling 214-632-5766)
And there’s more from the Hill Country! The acclaimed, hands-on science museum, The Science Mill, is bringing in 35 tons of real snow for a day of “cool” science activities, including the snowball slingshot, ice chimes, mini sled races, snow sculptures and more. The Science Mill is a non-profit museum that offers innovative STEM programs and interactive exhibits for children. (Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 101 South Lady Bird Lane in Johnson City; www.sciencemill.org)
Back in SA, you can discover another fun event, the annual Asian New Year Festival, celebrating the Year of the Rabbit. It’s probably a unique opportunity to see dances from Korea, Polynesia, India, China and other places from the Far East. Martial Arts Demonstration are also included. (Sat. Jan.21 at 12- noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 22, 12-noon to 6 p.m.; Rolling Oaks Mall, free with free parking; Asian food vendors will be around as well.)
No major art exhibits have been yet announced by the museums, but things are happening all over town. The Briscoe Western Art Museum is presenting Get Wild with Your Family: Free Wild West Wildlife Festival, which will celebrate the flora and fauna that define the West and inspire Western art. Activities will highlight the wildlife that calls the West home, with a focus on Texas habitats and creatures great and small. Art, storytelling and activities to inspire you to explore nature around you. (Jan. 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the Briscoe, 210- W. Market St.; 210-299-4499, www.briscoemuseum.org)
For a very different experience, check out the cozy Gallery Prudencia and its new show: Photography, Paper, Wood, which features four artists working in these media. They are Sara McKethan (photographer), Len Roberts (wood), Marcia Roberts (paper) and Mike Roberts (photography) (Opens Jan. 21 with an artist reception from 2 to 4 p.m.; closes Feb. 18th; Art Galley Prudencia, 2518 N. Main Ave., 210-422-8681; www.prudenciagallery.com)
Essence and Style is the new exhibit at Bihl Haus Arts that focuses on the Afro-Centric Woman. In his paintings, artist Wardell Picquet uses gold reflective paint to amplify the strength and power of African-American women. Twenty-four artworks are in the show. (The exhibition opens with a reception Jan. 21, 5-7 p.m.; Bihl Haus Arts, 2803 Fredericksburg Rd.; www.BihlHausArts.org)
Margo Sawyer: The Presence and Absence of Color is an impressive exhibit installed at the Trinity University’s Neidorff Art Gallery. Large sculptural works, etched mirrors reflective orbs and other objects serve the artist’s idea of exploring the relationship between space, light, pattern and form. (Open through Feb. 11.; gallery hours 1-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. One Trinity Place, 78212; for more info contact neidorffgallery@trinity.edu)
URBAN-15 has issued a call for entries for the 2023 Mega Corazon “Precious Words” Prize for Performance Poetry. Application deadline is Feb. 10; send video to events@urban15.org. For more info call 210-736-1500 or email cisneros@dcci.com)