Kathy Strain - Page 2

Many people in attendance at the performance of MISS SAIGON at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio have vivid memories of the Vietnam War. Many may have actually fought over there, many protested in the United States in antiwar demonstrations, while others may have been living in the fighting zones as innocent villagers. No matter where your physical body was at the time, all can agree that the Vietnam War was a time of turmoil, fear, and uncertainty. No one understood the war but yet, the war dragged on. Although most U.S. Troops were pulled out of Vietnam in 1973, a small number remained until 1975 when President Ford ordered the helicopter evacuations of 7000 Americans and South Vietnamese from Saigon. This is the time just before the evacuations where MISS SAIGON takes place. No matter what your feelings about the Vietnam War, MISS SAIGON is a wonderful interpretation of the many real people who all just wanted to survive and find joy again in their lives.

In today's world there are so many stories of trial and triumph, sacrifice and success, loss and love. MISS SAIGON is such a story that shows all of this and keeps everyone engaged and emotional. BWW caught up with Jackie Nguyen recently for a chance to find out how MISS SAIGON is her very own mother's story as well.

DEAR EVAN HANSEN continues to sell-out shows all over North America as it makes its ways from city to city. It's been a show that brings on conversations with families, friends, and acquaintances as to how to connect to each other and be honest with each other. BWW recently caught up with Jessica Sherman who plays the part of Evan's mother, Heidi. She shared insights into the depth and breadth of the characters that has sparked its own little revelation of learning to connect to loved ones.

The Majestic Theatre in San Antonio Texas is buzzing as the last of the theatergoers find their seats. There are screens all around the stage that scroll social media comments. It's obvious that the audience is squinting to see if the words are a hint into what DEAR EVAN HANSEN is all about.

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER is a Christmas tradition for many around the world. The stop motion animated TV special first aired in 1964. It was a Rankin/Bass Production that had children looking forward to it every year. The show was a reminder to all that no matter who you are, no matter what your differences may seem to be on the outside, we are all the same on the inside. Now, the same story is being brought to life on stage and in theaters all around the country during this Christmas season. As it makes a stop in San Antonio, Texas and the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, BroadwayWorld caught up with Bella Hicks who plays the part of Rudolph in this amazing production.

BLUE MAN GROUP has been performing all over the world for more than 25 years. Cities like New York, Las Vegas, and Berlin have permanent residencies of the hysterical, light-hearted, multifaceted group. There is also a tour of BLUE MAN GROUP that love to entertain audiences all over North America. They will make a stop in San Antonio, Texas November 22-24, 2019 with limited shows at the Majestic Theatre. BWW had a chance to chat with long-time member of BLUE MAN GROUP, Steven Wendt who shared with us some secrets to their side-splitting, hilarious high jinx as well as some of his own beginnings and how he became part of BLUE MAN GROUP.

Children and parents have loved Nick, Jr. and the programming available to entertain and educate. The shows are always upbeat and happy as characters teach children many things. As NICK,JR.LIVE tours around North America, children can experience what it's like to see some of their favorite characters from the TV perform for them on the stage. Characters of Nick, Jr. include The Bubble Guppies, Shimmer and Shine, Blue's Clues and You, Paw Patrol and more. Children will be thrilled and excited to sing and dance along with their favorite characters. BWW caught up with a very important friend to the characters, Courtney Martin. She was happy to share with us how she loves being a friend to the Nick, Jr. cast. NICK, JR.LIVE comes to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday and Sunday only.

At any given day, in any given town, in any given house, in any given room, cats are beloved pets of millions of people all over the world. As such, stories can be told about how this cat or that cat stood out from the rest of the cat population to the cat owner who adores their fun furballs. But, has it ever really been understood what really goes on in a cat's mind? Do we really understand cats? Is it ever possible? T.S. Eliot adored cats and because of that, wrote Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. This was the inspiration behind Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS. This acclaimed and beloved musical is currently playing in San Antonio, Texas at the Majestic Theatre and opening night proved to the audience that the story of CATS continues to entertain and enthrall theater goers.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS has won many awards over the years including seven Tony Awards. CATS has been rediscovered by audiences everywhere and will be coming to San Antonio, Texas and the Majestic Theatre from October 29-November 3, 2019. BWW caught up with Timothy Gulan who plays the part of Bustopher Jones among other cats. He shared with us some fun backstage secrets including make-up and costume preparations.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR has been one of the most beloved shows since it was first written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. With the release of the American album in 1970, it has become known as the a?oeBrown Albuma?? based on the original cover. It became an instant hit in households all over the United States. As the cast prepares for opening night in Austin at the Bass Concert Hall, BWW caught up with Jenna Rubaii who plays Mary.

It was 1985 when LES MISERABLES debuted with English lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer as Cameron Mackintosh produced the English version at the West End that ran from October 1985 until July 2019. It was an instant hit and has since had runs on Broadway as well as many other countries. Today, LES MISERABLES is selling-out to crowds all over North America and makes a stop in San Antonio, Texas and the famous Majestic Theatre.

As LES MISERABLES continues to tour in North America, audiences continue to enjoy this timeless musical. The musical adaptation of Victor Hugo's novel, is one show that no one should miss. As the show continues its journey, BWW caught up with Jimmy Smagula who plays the comedic relief, Thenardier.

“Do you hear the people sing? Singing the song of angry men? It is the music of the people who will not be slaves  again.” Familiar lyrics to the familiar show LES MISERABLES. The story tells of redemption and unity. It also shares the hope of so many wishing for a better world to live in. LES MISERABLES continues to entertain audiences around the world and is currently touring North America with a stellar cast. Jillian Butler plays the role of young Cosette trying to find her own way in a world full of turmoil.

Upon entering the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, it was evident that there was a lot of excitement and anticipation for THE LIGHTNING THIEF THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL. It was also evident that the majority of attendees were young middle school aged girls who had apparently read all the books and couldn't wait to see what the musical had in store.

To say that Hootie and the Blowfish still have it, is an understatement. There is no indication of this multi-talented group to slow down or step away. The concert was entertaining from start to finish.

HAMILTON has won many awards including Tony Awards, Drama Desk, and Grammys. It has been one of the most successful shows currently on Broadway. And recently, HAMILTON took to the road and opened up this one-of-a-kind musical to audiences in San Antonio, Texas.

There have been many great Broadway shows that have graced the stage of Bass Concert Hall that have entertained. However, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is one that will be talked about for a long time. With all of the amazing songs like “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Tradition,” “Matchmaker,” and “Sunrise Sunset,” one won't be able to walk away without a song on their lips and a cherished memory to share. With all of the travelling the actors do with the show, BWW was able to catch up with one of the talented actors on the road. Maite Uzal plays the part of Golde, Tevye's wife. She was born and raised in Spain, but is happy to be in the United States touring with FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.

When the first production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF opened on Broadway, many wondered how it would do post war and what people would think of the strong history of the Jewish people of Russia. It didn't take long to find out that the show was a hit amongst many theater goers and has made history itself as the history of the story takes us back to when things were very different. BWW was able to chat recently with Carol Beaugard who plays Yente the matchmaker as FIDDLER ON THE ROOF prepared to make a stop in San Antonio, Texas at the famous Majestic Theatre.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC is among one of the world's greatest musicals ever. The musical score by Rogers and Hammerstein is amazing and has proven to be one of the greatest musicals. Most would picture Julie Andrews as Maria and Christopher Plummer as Captain Georg von Trapp. But, as the show opened up at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, many will agree that the current tour of THE SOUND OF MUSIC is on the same caliber as the original movie. The talent on the stage was nothing less than breath-taking including every member in the ensemble. The talent was non-stop as the show moved seamlessly between scenes.

Entering the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, you can almost physically feel the excitement and touch it as families including kids, parents, grandparents and even aunts and uncles are seen ready to attend a show created just for children