News Roundup, July 13, 2023
Let’s start with the new kid-on-the-block, Teatro Audaz. It’s not brand new but still largely unknown among theatergoers. Its mission is to “explore the varied experiences and cultures of Latinx people through producing and showcasing the creative talents of our artists.”
The company is currently presenting an original play by Hilary Bettis, titled The Ghosts of Lote Bravo. Readers may remember the news stories from a few years ago about young girls disappearing in Cuidad Juarez with many turning up dead. Juanda Cantu’s daughter, Raquel, is one of them. In the course of the play, the mother has visions that help her discover who her daughter was and what her dreams and hopes were. The press release describes “The Ghosts of Lote Bravo” as “a play about great hope in the midst of relentless violence, poverty and grief.” The play is directed by Charles Falcon. (July 13-23, Friday-Saturday at 7 :30 p.m.; Sunday at 2:30; The Cellar Theater at the San Pedro Playhouse; 800 W. Ashby, 78212; $25-$35; for more go to https://www.teatroaudaz.com/events)
Another two new plays will be opening at the always-active Overtime Theater: “The Wise Women,” by Nelson Clark, and “Thea’s Window to the World” by Margie Semilof. Directed by Jana Drew, “The Wise Women”looks at three generations of women who have struggled through careers in the arts field. (July 14 – Aug. 5; Fridays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. with one Sunday matinee on July 30 at 3 p.m.; $18, Pay-What-You-Will night on Thursday, July 27 at 8 p.m.) “Thea’s Window…” is a one-act play, directed by Jessica Roberts. While being stuck at home while recovering from an accident, Thea gets to know her neighbor after an unconventional meeting. (July 21 -Aug. 12; Friday-Saturday ay 7 p.m., with one Sunday matinee on July 30 at 2 p.m.; Overtime Theater, 5409 Bandera Rd., Suite 205 (close to the intersection of Bandera and 410) www.theovertimetheater.org
The Classic Theater of San Antonio is bringing the TONY-winning play “Peter and the Starcatcher” to San Antonio audiences as a free thespian summer treat. Written by Rick Ellis and based on the young-adult adventure novels by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, the show will take audiences on a whimsical journey with Peter and his companions in this captivating prequel to “Peter Pan.” The play is directed by Allison, with costumes designed by Tonu-Award nominee for “Hair” (2009 revival), Michael McDonald.
(July 29 – Aug. 6; Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.; Radius Center, 106 Auditorium Circle, 2nd floor, 78205. You can reserve seats at www.ciovationtix.com or www.ClassicTheatre.org)
The theater company that’s best known for musicals, The Wonder Theater, has just opened a new production of “Grease” that promises “a rockin’ good time.” Directed by artistic director Chris Rodriguez, with choreography by Alanzo Corona and music direction by Jane Haas, the show is set in 1959 in a high school, where the too-cool-for-school boys are stealing hubcaps and acting tough while the gum-snapping, smoking girls are looking hot. The show is an homage to the idealism of the 1950s and a satire of high schoolers’ desire to be provocative and rebellious. Lots of good songs from that time. (through July 30, Friday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m.; Woodlawn Theater, 1920 Fredericksburg Rd., 78201; https://ctxlivetheatre.com/productions/20230707-grease-by-wonder-theatre-formerly-woodlaw/)
The good news for classical music lovers is that the Cactus Pear Music Festival continues this weekend. Two programs – “Break the Mold” and “In Old Bottles” will be performed, featuring a terrific group of musicians that includes festival founder violinist Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio and violinist Ellen de Pasquale; violist Kaya Bryla; cellists Tony Ross and Beth Rapier, and artistic director and fantastic pianist Jeffrey Sykes. The San Antonio premiere of a new work – “And the Summer was Over” by American composer John Wineglass, will be part of the “In Old Bottles” program. (All concerts take place at Trinity Baptist Church, July 14 at 7 p.m. and July 15 also at 7 p.m.; 319 E. Mulberry Ave., 78212; tickets can be purchased at the door, or in advance at https://www.cpmf.us)
Eighteen-year-old pianist Ellen Forman, who performed at Carnegie Hall and had performances broadcast on NPR will present a recital on Saturday. She is also the winner of the Texas State International Piano Festival Concerto Competition. (July 15 at 2 p.m.; Irma & Emilio Nicholas Media Center, inside Texas Public Radio premises, 321 W. Commerce, 78205; free; free validated parking.)
And here’s something you shouldn’t miss: Noche Azul: Tangos at the Esperanza Center. “Azul” in the title is a wonderful solo singer, Azul Barrientos, who sings Mexican and Latin American songs. For the occasion, she’ll take the audience through the history of tango with assistance from musicians Aaron and George Prado and Dan Carillo. (July 15 at 8 p.m., and July 16 at 3 p.m., Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, 922 San Pedro, 78212; Doors open 30 minutes before the show; $7 at the door or call 210-228-0201; www.esperanza.org)
Sounds of Summer Concert: The Peterson Brothers will take place in Bulverde at the Mammen Family Public Library, outdoors. All ages welcome; it helps to bring folding chairs or blankets. (7 – 8:30 p.m. July 14; the library is located at 131 Bulverde Crossing, 78163; 830-438-4864; https://mfplibrary.org/)
We all know that tribute bands are all the rage, so here comes yet another: Dean Z who is billed as “The Ultimate Elvis.” (July 15 at 7 p.m.; Charline McCombs Empire Theater, 226 N. St. Mary’s St.; tickets are $45 to $85; via Ticketmaster.)
The popular country music Josh Abbott Band will play the Whitewater Amphitheater this Saturday, with Mike Ryan and Keller Fox also performing. They are currently touring with their Country Nights Tour. (July 15 at 7:30 p.m.; Whitewater Amphitheater, 11860 FM 306, New Braunfels, 78132; $30-$55, all ages. Tickets at www.ticketweb.com.)
Another multi-star concert will be taking place at the Freeman Coliseum, showcasing Evelyn “Champagne” King, Midnight Star and Mary Jane Girls. (July 15 at 7 p.m.; Freeman Coliseum, 3201 East Houston; tickets $40 to $155; www.freemancoliseum.com)
Musical Bridges Around the World, the music presenter that brings musicians from around world to play in San Antonio, will make the past live concerts available on video. Take advantage of this free opportunity. On July 16, you can see The Big B’s with the Janoska Ensemble. (To watch go towww.mbaw.org/watch)
And remember Summer Night City, downtown! Next Thursday, July 20, the featured musicians will be Conwaythewhale and Young Costello. (Starts at 7:30 p.m. at Legacy Park. Food is available for purchase.)
Dance shows are few in the summer but we accidentally discovered one: “Midsummer Night’s Dream” produced by Solas Dance Theater, a pre-professional dance company we were not familiar with. It was created by choreographer and artistic director Julie Matthews. (July 15 at 3 and 5 p.m., and July 16 at 7:30 p.m.; The Saturday show is at Deco Ballroom & Event Center, 1906 Fredericksburg Rd.; the July 16 event is at the Arneson River Theater; tickets are $20; to find out how to get them email to jjmatthews2@att.com
Moving to visual arts:
Artpace has just opened the exhibit featuring the work of its latest group of Artists in Residence. The artists are Xin Liu, Michi Meko and Ryan Takaba. We’ll tell you more about all three exhibits after actually seeing them. (Artpace, 445 N. Main, 78205, 210-212-4900, www.artpace.org, free admission)
The Contemporary at Blue Star is offering an interesting workshop called Wander and Wonder Workshop. The project was inspired by Stadtwald artist Adam Schreiber, whose work captures places and collections by highlighting isolated objects from those contexts. The event planned at the Blue Star Complex will be a conceptual scavenger hunt. Participants will use their cell phone cameras to take images based on prompts, giving meaning to objects and experiencing the complex with a new curiosity. At the end they’ll share their images and experiences. (July 15 at 1 p.m. Contemporary at Blue Star, 116 Blue Star, 78204; 210-227-6960; https://contemporarysa.org; You probably need to register in advance.)
And there’s something else that sounds interesting. Asaiah Puente, who is the education manager at the Contemporary and a Ph.D. candidate in the Baylor University education department’s Learning and Organizational Change program, will conduct a study focusing on engaging visitors in interactive group discussions of contemporary artwork. You can register to participate in the study by contacting Puente. (July 17 at 2 p.m.; The phone number over there is 210-227-6960; the email given is hello@contemporarysa.org)
The San Antonio Museum of Art will celebrate its historical roots as the Lone Star Brewery with an evening of festivities, featuring live music, bar games, beer-themed gallery tours, art activities and a live performance by the Beethoven Mannerchor, plus vendors. (July 14 at 6 p.m.; free with museum admission; for more info contact 210-978-8100 or email info@samuseum.org)
News in Brief
Community Paint Day at Centro de Artes. You can join artist Sandra Gonzales, who will be painting a mural for the San Antonio Airport’s Terminal A baggage claim area, in partnership with the Aviation Department. The theme is “Hidden Treasures only Found in San Antonio.” Paint days are open to all.
(July 18 at 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.; Centro de Artes, 101 S. Santa Rosa, 78207. To check on possible changes, contact the city’s Arts and Culture Department)
Bihl Haus Arts is inviting artists to submit designs for a new logo that would integrate all aspects of the center’s activities: gallery exhibits, education programs and community artist events. Deadline to submit is July 21 at 5 p.m.; https://forms.gle/xYdv3BCNKdan734r8.
The San Antonio Philharmonic Orchestra has just received a $100,000 gift from the Symphony League, an organization that was founded in 1950 to support the symphonic orchestra of that time. The League’s president, Joan Whiteley, reiterated that the League’s mission is “to support, preserve and advance, and cultivate classical music by supporting and promoting performances, providing financial assistance and service, and supporting educational programs of non-profit classical music organizations in Bexar County.” The League donated the same amount in 2022.
Say Si has extended its student recruitment period for both middle school and high school students. The application period now ends on July 19. Say Si a serious arts education program, offering visual art instruction, theater, media arts and more. If you have questions about recruitment email programs@saysi.org)