(03/08/2016) - Jade Esteban Estrada, who just completed an Australian run of his solo musical comedy, 'ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World, Vol. 1' as part of the 2016 Fringe World Festival in Perth, has just joined Texas Light Opera (www.texaslightopera.org) as an artistic advisor. His first role in this new capacity is co-director with Vaughn Taylor of 'Make Me a Musical', which opens at Performing Arts San Antonio (PASA) on April first for a three week run.
(03/02/2016) - After its recent sold-out run at the Carver Community Center, Divas of Eastwood - 'a celebration of the Chitlin Circuit' - returns to the Carver on March 4th for three nights to offer up another selection of familiar songs by some of San Antonio's finest singers and performers, including Danielle King and Alisa Claridy.
(02/26/2016) - In the Trinity Theatre production of 'How I Learned to Drive', Dallas Akins and Sarah Tipton delivered strong performances in the lead roles of Uncle Peck and his niece 'Li'l Bit' in this everyday tale of incest and pedophilia in what I imagine to be somewhere in Appalachia.
(02/22/2016) - A strong cast and fine direction by Allan Ross served up an almost pitch perfect production of Anton Chekhov's first and most autobiographical play, The Seagull.
(02/12/2016) - Having a single actor playing seven different characters of varying ages and sexes, coupled with a story that jumps around on a constantly fluctuating narrative thread, and you could have a theatrical disaster on your hands.
(02/05/2016) - As ROCK OF AGES sets to open at the Woodlawn Theatre, don't miss this pic preview of the cast as they prepare to rock your socks off. ROCK OF AGES plays from February 6- March 6, 2016 at the Woodlawn Theatre in San Antonio. Go to woodlawntheatre.org for tickets.
(02/01/2016) - Darrin Newhardt is one of the busiest music directors in San Antonio. In recent months he has been the music director of ten shows, including the premier of the musical 'Oh Rats' for the Vexlar Theater. 'Ragtime' 'The Last 5 Years' for the Playhouse San Antonio, 'Young Frankenstein' 'Into The Woods' 'Mary Poppins' and 'West Side Story' for the Woodlawn Theater and many more shows while he lived in Los Angeles, California. On top of that he is the regular accompanist at Broadway Nights, a weekly cabaret at the Woodlawn Theatre every Saturday night, where the cream of San Antonio's singers exercise their vocal skills. He is also a vocal coach to many local performers and has been the music director at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church for the past 15 years.
(01/21/2016) - Having served the SA theatre community in a number of capacities - as an actor, singer, director, producer and a board member of local theatres - Lee Cusenbary is one of the most respected people in San Antonio theatrical circles. In this interview he discusses the year ahead.
(01/20/2016) - WILLIAM RAZAVI is the artistic director of the Overtime Theatre, the only theatre in San Antonio (and possibly in the whole of Texas) dedicated purely to original works, mostly by local writers. In this question-and-answer interview he discusses the future of the Overtime and its artistic direction.
(01/20/2016) -
Now in its sixth year, Performing Arts San Antonio (PASA) has established itself as one of most innovative musical theatres in the region. While the other musical theatres in the area tend to rely on tried and trusted Broadway standards, or on musical reviews as in the case of the Harlequin Theatre, PASA has been bringing musical shows to San Antonio that it would not otherwise see - including world premieres and shows new to Texas and San Antonio.
(01/19/2016) - Tonight (Tuesday the 19th) The Tobin Center in San Antonio will present a Broadway Revue 'Lila's Broadway Birthday Bash' , which will celebrate Mayor Emeritus Lila Cockrell's 94th Birthday. The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are available at the door at 6:30 pm and are $25 for mezzanine seating. Proceeds benefit The Bexar County Family Justice Center.
(01/18/2016) - One of the busiest people in San Antonio theatre right now is Nicole Erwin, who was recently appointed Executive Director of the Overtime Theatre. She is also executive director of Texas Light Opera, which is co-producing Make Me a Musical at Performing Arts San Antonio, and has launched her own production company, Aria Creative Productions, to produce independent play productions.
(09/03/2015) - A brand new production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC, directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O'Brien, hits the road for a national tour. This lavish new production launches this September at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, under the auspices of the Center Theatre Group, and will then tour North America for multiple seasons, playing multi-week and week-long engagements. BroadwayWorld brings you shots of the meet and greet below!
(06/16/2015) - Thanks to their fantastic performing arts skills and Las Casas Foundation, two aspiring teen performers will start their summers in the spotlight on a Broadway stage! Through the 2015 Las Casas Performing Arts Scholarship Competition, 'The Joci Awards', talented teens Travis Anderson and Sabrina Uriegas are off to New York City to participate in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (NHSMTA), June 24 through June 30.
(04/27/2015) - San Antonio has a variety of performing arts opportunities including shows at The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Announcements were made concerning the new season today as Lionel Richie and many wonderful shows were announced.
(08/22/2014) - Straight from New York is bringing Adam Pascal to a city near you for a Master's Class this fall. As of now, master's classes are booked in Charlotte, NC (Sept. 16 - 17), Oklahoma City, OK (Sept. 18-19) and Austin, TX (Sept. 20). Straight from New York provides educational opportunities for performing arts students to work with top Broadway artists in cities around the country. www.straightfromnewyork.com
Adam Pascal is an actor, singer, and musician known for his portrayal of Roger Davis in the original cast of Jonathan Larson's musical RENT as well as the movie version. He is also known for originating the role of Radames in the Elton John/Tim Rice Aida. He was also in the revival of Cabaret as well as Huey Calhoun in the Broadway Company of Memphis.
When you work with students, what is your approach to teaching?
A: I approach students from an existential place. I don't have any formal training. My training is practical from all my experience. I listen to what students are doing and offer them practical instructions on how to make it better. Tyce Green, the artistic director of Straight from New York, brings the technical experience. Together it is a great combination.
Where did you go to school? What did you study?
Where I grew up, everyone went to college. In my family, you just did it. I attended the University of South Florida for my freshman year. I then transferred to the NY Institute of Technology and got a degree in communications. I didn't necessarily want to go into that field but I knew I needed a degree.
What is your favorite role you've played?
Emcee in Cabaret
Have you ever done any classical Musical Theatre roles and are there any roles in classical Musical Theatre you'd like to tackle?
I would love to play roles from classical musical theatre but have not had the opportunity. I find many of the roles to be outside the box what people are used to seeing me play. These roles are out of my comfort zone but I look forward to the challenge. I think I'd like to play the role of Curly in Oklahoma!
How did you feel taking over the role in Memphis and how was it taking over from the man who originated the role (Chad Kimball)
They always allowed me to play the character and develop him on my own. I was never asked to play it like anyone else. They wanted me to bring my own personality to the role.
What is your favorite musical you've never done?
Les Miserables, Hedwig and the Angry Itch, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Sunday in the Park with George, Sweeny Todd
For the young performer who wants to pursue musical theatre as a career, what advice would you give them?
1. There is no other reason to do musical theatre other than the love of it. Don't do this to be a star! Pursue this because you love it.
2. Have something else in your life that brings you happiness. The majority of this business is not getting the job. If you are only happy getting the role, then you will live perpetually unhappy.
As a teacher, it's frustrating to hear kids say, 'my life is RENT.' As well all know there could not be anything further from the truth. When you teach your seminars, how do you convey there is more to Musical Theatre than RENT and Les Miserables?
I tell kids to have a career in theatre, you have to be as versatile as you can be. If you sell yourself as only one thing, you will be handicapped in this business. To have a long career you need to be able to sing and do anything. It goes for people who are classically trained as well. You must know all aspects of this business and learn to do as many as you can.
What is the focus of your seminars?
We focus on the audition process. We want our students to learn to be comfortable performing under pressure in any situation. There is no other situation with as much pressure as an audition. We focus on technique, relaxation methods, choices in an audition, what to wear, and what to expect in any audition situation. We are extremely honest with addressing the pros and cons of choices made by students who attend our seminar. We try to bring each student as much practical information as we can.
Why should someone take your seminar?
Only take this seminar if you interested in learning honest information on the world of performing. This seminar will be full of information and advice you can't get anywhere else.
To sign up for Adam Pascal's master class in your city, visit: www.straightfromnewyork.com
(08/07/2014) - The Who's Tommy opened at The Playhouse - San Antonio last weekend, and BroadwayWorld is pleased to share these stellar photos from the rocking production. Tommy is an electrifying 1960s rock opera, told through the legendary music of The Who. It chronicles one child's 'Amazing Journey' from boy to man and misfortune to fame.
(03/25/2014) - While Wicked spends several weeks in each city, cast members love to take the opportunity to speak to theater and choir classes about their experiences of being in the show and how they got interested in the business in the first place.
(10/24/2013) - Las Casas Foundation in San Antonio, Texas has a new educational program 'Behind the Scenes' and it is lifting the curtain on Broadway shows and more to spark a love of theater in a group of San Antonio teens and thanks to a special workshop.
(10/19/2013) - The Playhouse in San Antonio recently kicked off its 2013-2014 season with Les Miserables, now playing thru November 3rd. BroadwayWorld - San Antonio is excited to share some photos from this spectacular production!
(10/08/2013) - Get out your squirt guns and playing cards as The Rocky Horror Show gets a RuPaul's Drag Race facelift at San Antonio's historic Woodlawn Theatre, 1920 Fredericksburg Road in the Deco District. The iconic rock musical, which opens October 10, stars Michelle Visage as Magenta, William as Riff Raff and Alaska as Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Check out a first look below!
(07/19/2013) - David Auburn's award-winning play PROOF follows Catherine, a young woman who turned the focus of her life to caring for her brilliant, but mentally deteriorating, father until his death. PROOF will run August 9 - 25, 2013, at the Classic Theatre in San Antonio.
(05/21/2013) - The Playhouse - San Antonio recently opened their production of SPRING AWAKENING, and BroadwayWorld is pleased to share some images from this fantastic production.
(02/25/2013) - The Department of Theatre at Collin College will present CABARET starting Thursday, February 28, at the John Anthony Theatre. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you a sneak peek at a promo shot!
(02/07/2013) - Travis High School's production of XANADU is now in performances. Check out the promo photos below! The show runs thru February 9 and stars Courtney Crews, Brandon Wills, Taylor Winks, Tiffany Abreu, Josh Sabillion, Duane Garcia-Facey, Andrea Rodriguez,Kyrah Schoenberger, Devlin Wenzel and many more.
(01/07/2013) - Performances for the upcoming national tour of FLASHDANCE - THE MUSICAL, the stage adaptation of the 1983 hit film that defined a generation, begin January 1st and run through January 6 at Pittsburgh's Heinz Hall. At a recent press event, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl officially announced January 1st as FLASHDANCE day. Following the Pittsburgh engagement, FLASHDANCE will embark on a national tour to more than 25 cities in the next seven months with additional bookings to be announced soon. Check out a first look at the cast in action below!
(11/13/2012) - Audiences will be captivated at what happens on stage when the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre presents 'The Madwoman of Chaillot' tonight through Nov. 17, in W.M. Turner Auditorium. But equally fascinating and impressive is what goes on behind the scenes of this SFA production of the play written by French dramatist Jean Giraudoux and adapted by Maurice Valency. Read on to get a glimpse into the backstage work!
(10/14/2012) - Troika Entertainment, LLC kicked off the CATCH ME IF YOU CAN national tour at the Providence Performing Arts Center in Providence, RI October 7, and BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production photos below.
(07/23/2012) - Jason Forbach has always had music in his heart. As a child, he enjoyed listening to music with his headphones and singing along. As he grew, he knew that music was the passion he wanted to pursue.
(08/29/2011) - On Saturday August 27, 2011, BroadwayWorld.com's CEO/Editor-in-Chief Robert Diamond, in the midst of Hurricane Irene married actress Jennifer Hallie Rosen after a 17 month engagement. The two were introduced by a friend of Rosen's, who wasn't able to make the wedding, as a result of the weather and warnings throughout all the boroughs. The BroadwayWorld.com News Desk stayed feverish all weekend while the couple said 'I Do', as news was coming fast about theatre cancellations, schedule changes and travel advisories in addition to all things that were happening in other parts of the country and the world, not affected by the Northeast's local weather.
(05/11/2011) - In May-June 2011, the Overtime Theater presents the world premiere of The Decorator, a new, original comedy written by Texas playwright Jeffrey Strausser and directed by Matthew Byron Cassi.
(02/15/2011) - In February-March 2011, the Overtime Theater will stage its first, full-fledged sketch comedy show: The Overtime Comedy Hour, written and performed by The Denials improv comedy troupe.
