Arts Alive San Antonio

Let’s start with theater.
At the San Pedro Playhouse, you can see the new version of “Hairspray,” the vibrant and energetic musical set in the 1960s, that follows Tracy Turnblad, a plucky teenager with big dreams and even bigger hair. Despite her plus-sized figure, she wins a spot on a popular local TV program, becoming an overnight sensation. The musical deals with themes of acceptance, diversity and social justice, wrapped in catchy tunes. (San Pedro Playhouse, 800 W Ashby Pl, San Antonio, 78212; 210-733-7258; https://www.sanpedroplayhouse.org)

The Jump-Start Performance Co.’s upcoming production is FRONTERA SPOOKYS:
“Lechusa Gritos” by Marisela Barrera and “Haunted Heart” by Frederick Himes, with live music by La Chichada and Joe Reyes. “Haunted Heart” transports the audience to Agua Fria in the Northern Mexican desert. There, under the cover of night, a family mausoleum is disturbed. The malefactor removes the head of a corpse and hangs it around his neck before vanishing into the desert. Himes supports the tale with unique visual and sound elements. “Lechusa Gritos” beckons the legendary owl-woman to swoop down screeching into the current political chaos (July 19 and 20 at 8 p.m.; Jump Start Theater, 710 Fredericksburg Rd. 78201; pay what you can from zero to $20; for more info call 210-227-JUMP or go to www.jump-start.org)

The Magik Theatre stages the popular story “Dragons Love Tacos.” There will be smoke, chaos and maybe a flying taco or two! (July 19 to Aug.2. There are several special performances; To see all options go to www.magiktheatre.org)

At the Boerne Community Theater catch “The Mountain King” by Lemuel Mitchell. Set in the badlands of the Dakota Territory in 1876, this is the story of Joshua, a naïve young greenhorn from back east, and Kady, his drunken and debaucherous trail guide. The tale follows this odd couple, alone on a long trail through the wilderness, as they travel to rendezvous with Buck Brewster, the greatest of the mountain men, the living myth – the Mountain King.
(check dates and times at http://www.boerenetheatre.org)

“Ron White’s Guadalupe Love Fund” Comedy Benefit Shows. Comedian Ron White announced two special benefit performances to raise money for the recovery efforts in flood-ravaged Central Texas. Both shows will donate 100% of ticket sales to the Kerr County Relief Fund and other nonprofits working on the ground. (The San Antonio event will take place Aug. 8 at the Majestic Theater; tickets on sale July 15^th)

HadesTown/Teen Edition: Presented by the Majestic Empire Foundation & San Antonio Broadway Theatre, featuring live music by the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio (YOSA); July 19
at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.; July 20 at 1 p.m.; tickets $20.74 –$57.34 www.majesticempire.com/events/hadestown-teen-edition/empiretheater

The Cactus Pear Music Festival is still going strong, showcasing chamber music In San Antonio and Blanco. Check last week’s News Roundup and the festival’s website: https://www.cpmf.us/

 A joyfull celebration of music will be presented by the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio, featuring singers from across the community, sharing their voices in a vibrant concert for   families, friends and the public. (July 18 at 6 p.m. at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church, 825 E. Basse Road, 78209; to reach the organization call 210-826-3447; free admission.

The Clark Sisters promise a “soul-stirring evening” with Grammy-winning gospel icons, experience powerful harmonies and famous hits in a night of worship, celebration and legacy.
(July 20 at 7 p.m.; ; Tobin Center; tickets from $43.50)

Balcones Heights Jazz Festival. Jazz guitarist, Steve Oliver, is the headliner and saxophonist, Jeff Kashiwa will open; 7:30 p.m. July 18; at the Wonderland of the Americas amphitheater; free; for more info contact www.bhtx.gov.

San Antonio doesn’t have many professional dance companies but we have a few in addition to Ballet San Antonio, One of those is entreFlamenco led by Antonio Granjero and Estefania Ramirez. They return to San Antonio to offer their annual international workshop at EI Flamenco Cabaret!! Local flamenco dancers are invited to participate and improve their skills.
The workshop is already active through July 19 (To contact the Granjeros call 505-209-1302 or go to  https://www.entreflamenco.com)

The soft-rock band America will perform at the Majestic Theater, 7 p.m., July 19; 224 E. Houston St., Tickets are $73 – $235.75 at www.majesticempire.com

The Guadalupe Dance Company auditions are scheduled for July 26. They are looking for dancers ages 18 + for its upcoming production of “Nuestras Voices” – Stories of Resilience, scheduled for September 20. If interested, send a 2-3 minute video link of your performance to
Jeannette Chavez by July 26, 2025. Folkorico and Flamenco are the preferred styles. Send to jeannette@GuadalupeCulturalArts.

The Bihl Haus Arts will pay homage to the beloved artist and instructor, Elizabeth Rodriguez, during “A Retrospective of an Artist,” opening July 26; 6-9 p.m.; Bihl Haus Art Gallery, 2803 Fredericksburg Rd.

 The San Antonio Museum of Art wants to support the community by offering free admission through the end of August to residents of the counties affected by recent floods. Nice!

The 19^th Josiah Media Festival is calling for entries; May 1 to August 1, 2025; for info go to
http://urban15.org
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