Guest Post written today by my date last night and what a night it was………
As I have written on this blog before, my favorite coffee shop is Brown Coffee in the Deco District, and fortunately it is on my way work, which often takes me down Fredericksburg Rd. and past the Woodlawn Theater. Much of my research is focused on the role of the arts in the development of regional economies. I am fortunate in that I can marry two topics that fascinate me – economics and the arts – in my professional life. So, as I have often driven by the Woodlawn Theatre, I wonder what is happening with and in the theatre. To be honest, it did not look like much was happening for quite some time. It is in the Deco District, an area that has experienced a bit of a revitalization over the past five to ten years. I also serve as director of the St. Mary’s University Revitalization Project, so I am also keenly interested in watching how this area has redeveloped and the role the theatre might play, no pun intended. It might go without saying, then, that I was very excited when my wife took me to see The Producers at the Woodlawn Theatre last night. I was most excited because I got to go out with my lovely wife, sans the kids, to have a new arts experience in San Antonio, but it also appealed to my curious, nerdy side, as I was finally going to get to see what is happening in that theatre I have been driving by all these years.
All I can say is, “WOW! What a great night!!” Any time spent with my wife is always special, but it was made even more special by being able to watch an amazing play in a spectacular venue. While this was my first time in this theatre, I am most certain it will not be my last. It is a beautiful setting to go see a play. And even more importantly, the performances were outstanding. While I am no expert in the theatre, I thought the acting was astounding and the singing and orchestration was superb. I can’t imagine there are any better productions than the Woodlawn Theatre’s The Producers, especially this far away from Broadway.
Oh, and by the way, it is a lot cheaper to see a play here than it is on Broadway. What a great value and entertainment and all the while supporting the local arts community.
I was obviously wrong; there is a lot happening in this theatre! If it has the success it deserves, it will also be a big catalyst to the continued redevelopment of this fascinating area of our city. And what a jewel for San Antonio!
This Mel Brooks musical that won 12 Tony Awards will only be performed from April 5th until May 5th, In order to reserve your tickets that vary in price from $15 to 23 dollars, please visit WOODLAWN. It is located in the Deco District at 1920 Fredericksburg Rd. and their phone number is 210-267-8388.
And as my wife likes to say, “Stay Sassy Y’all” but with a real thick East Texas accent!
Courtesy Photo
What a great review, Steve! I can’t remember the last play that Scott and I saw together. But, you’ve inspired me to pick up some tickets and take my man out for an “arts-filled” evening. What fun!
It was so wonderful! We might even go see it again. Enjoy!
If you have a chance, stop by on a Saturday night for The Broadway Nights cabaret…an informal get up and sing around the piano night after the show. So much fun! It was so fun to meet you. Totally showing this post to my husband … Maybe he’ll be inspired to guest post, too!!
That does sound so fun but I can’t sing so I will lip sync. I have done two guests posts so far, coffee and the pastries at Bakery Lorraine, two things that I am very passionate about! And it great meeting you too.