Kathy Strain - Page 3

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA first opened in London's West End in 1986 and later on Broadway in 1988. It continues to be among the most popular shows visitors have to see when in New York and continues to hold the record for the longest running show in Broadway history. As the show tours around North America, audiences are blown away by the talents of this amazing cast. As THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA makes it way to San Antonio, Texas, BWW had a chance to catch up with Susan Moniz who recently joined the cast and plays Madame Giry.

SCHOOL OF ROCK had its first success as a movie starring Jack Black and everyone routed for the underdog, Dewey Finn, as he fumbled his way through life. Fast forward to 2015 and SCHOOL OF ROCK becomes a rock musical on Broadway with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater and a book by Julian Fellowes. It's still based on the life of underdog, Dewey Finn as he fumbles his way through life.

With all the responsibilities and demands of motherhood, it's no wonder mothers don't find themselves in a corner sobbing for the life she has while raising active children in a world full of challenges and mystery. Dena Blizzard knows it all to well herself as a mother of 3 rambunctious children, she finds the humor in motherhood as she encourages mothers everywhere to keep doing what they are doing, day after day.

SCHOOL OF ROCK has been getting positive reviews everywhere they perform. The story is fun, the music is entertaining and the actors blow your mind when you see them giving their all to the show. One actor, Mystic Inscho, plays the role of Zack as SCHOOL OF ROCK tours around North America. At the young age of 9, Inscho is already mastered the piano and guitar. As SCHOOL OF ROCK prepares to shred it up at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, Texas, BWW had a chance to learn more about the young man who plays Zack and what life on the road is like.

The music of Simon and Garfunkel has been enjoyed by many generations. Their music has become timeless. Continuing to pay tribute to the singing duo, THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY shares many songs as the audience is carried away to a different time and place when the stories the songs told became anthems to many. THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY will make its way to San Antonio, Texas on October 22, 2018. BWW had a chance to chat with Taylor Bloom who plays Paul Simon in this look back on the lives of singing superstars.

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG is certainly a play that seems intriguing just by the title. "The Murder at Havernesh Manor" is the title of the play within the play that can't seem to stay on script. It seems that everything and anything goes wrong. This sets in motion so many mishaps, the audiences can't stop laughing from start to finish. Ned Noyes has enjoyed being part of THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG from Broadway to the tour. BWW had a chance to chat with Ned as the show heads to Austin, Texas and the Bass Concert Hall.

With so many Beatles' tribute bands around, it's sometimes difficult to try to figure out which one is most authentic and who is sincere in their desire to keep the Beatles' music alive. One such band, THE FAB FOUR, has been traveling all over the world and proving time and time again, that the Beatles are a one-of-a-kind band and the amazing nod THE FAB FOUR is giving, is as alive as the Beatles' Music in the 21st Century. BWW had a chance to chat with one of the members of the touring group recently. Gavin Pring had a head start above many others who perform Beatles' music because, not only does Pring hail from Liverpool, England (the Beatles hometown), but his uncanny resemblance to George Harrison will have you wondering if it really is Harrison himself.

As WICKED continues to entertain audiences all over the world, it has proven that WICKED has true staying power. It's full of entertainment from start to finish and everywhere in between. WICKED is beloved and enjoyed by all ages and many who are happy to see it again and again. It will be in San Antonio, Texas at the Majestic Theatre from September 26 - October 14, 2018. BWW SA recently caught up with San Antonio native Andy Richardson who has recently joined the cast of WICKED and is very excited to make his debut on the stage of the Majestic Theatre; a theater he enjoyed as a child and a theater that helped spark his dream to perform someday.

MAMMA MIA has been entertaining audiences around the world since its debut in 1999. It has received award after award for all of its richness in the storyline, the various actors who have been a part of it, the costumers, the set designers, the lighting people, the directors, the producers and many others who have received accolades for the stunning productions that have popped up all over the world. But, San Antonio recently saw the opening night of this fantastic show at The Public Theater directed by Ken Urso who proved his directing abilities were unmatched. MAMMA MIA'S story is one that uses music to really tell the story and make it come to life. The show was conceived by Judy Craymer and the book was written by Catherine Johnson. With the music by the legendary band ABBA, the show is one that should not be missed. The Public Theater's production of MAMMA MIA is stunning and shows the professionalism of the cast and crew involved.

Many people may have heard of the famous movie, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, from 1951. It starred Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron. The music was written by the famous brothers, George and Ira Gershwin. Fast forward to 2014 when it was reimagined (book by Craig Lucas), including additional songs and removal of other songs, and opened in Paris. In 2015, it opened on Broadway. As it saw great success in both Paris and Broadway, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS took to the road and is currently touring around North America with its most recent stop in San Antonio, Texas. Seeing the show was both captivating and entrancing as the cast pulled off a flawless performance from start to finish.

Many may have heard of the movie AN AMERICAN IN PARIS that starred Gene Kelly and featured such songs as "I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise," "S Wonderful," and "I Got Rhythm." Well, the recent Broadway hit of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS took some of the story, some of the songs, and added to it. What was created was a story that pays tribute to great shows of days gone by as well as adding new parts to make an extraordinary musical. As AN AMERICAN IN PARIS tours around North America, it is preparing to make a stop in Austin, Texas at the Bass Concert Hall from May 29-June 3, 2018. BWW caught up with actress Teri Hansen who plays Madame Baurel. She shared with BWW just what it was that brought her to be part of the amazing tour of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS.

Every year, Quiet Valley Ranch just outside the small town of Kerrville, Texas is transformed into a musical wonderland as the Kerrville Folk Festival is presented for 18 days. It showcases singer/songwriters who show passion and joy for the art of folk music. People come from all over the world to camp at the ranch and enjoy entertainment day and night. It is a family friendly event that includes everyone. BWW San Antonio recently caught up with Dalis Allen, the producer of the Kerrville Folk Festival. She shared her passion and joy for being a part of the festival since its first year.

As The Public Theater of San Antonio opened its latest play, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, audiences knew it was going to be a hit. The anticipation was great as many knew that J. Scott Lapp would direct this wonderful show based on the novel by Robert James Waller with the book by Marsha Norman and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown.

For 25 finalists from 11 area high schools, $105,000 in scholarship funding was at stake at the 10th Annual Joci Awards, Las Casas Foundation's annual scholarship competition, May 20 at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre. Students sang, danced and acted before an audience of more than 500 and a panel of celebrity judges. Judges were Justin Blancard, Kirsti Carnahan, Caitlyn Caughell, Ryan Driscoll, and Christopher Windom. Each judge has quite an impressive resume of performances and directing opportunities. This made them well qualified to judge the students who were nominated. 

With the school year wrapping up around San Antonio and surrounding areas, many students are looking forward to lazy days by the pool, sleeping late and just being free from the busy school year. However, there are a group of 25 students who have been working tirelessly to succeed and be the best they can as they prepare to participate in the Joci Awards Scholarship Competition on May 20, 2018 at the Empire Theatre in San Antonio. Final rehearsals take place on Saturday and Sunday for the amazingly talented student finalists from Donna, Seguin and San Antonio High Schools.

There have recently been some exciting changes taking place at The Public Theater of San Antonio (formerly known as The Playhouse). The changes are proving to be exciting for audiences in the area. The latest show at The Public Theater of San Antonio is THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY. Opening night was May 11, 2018.

My first time attending THE BOOK OF MORMON was in 2013 right after seeing my oldest son off on a full-time Mormon mission to Sierra Leone, West Africa. Going into the theater, I wondered if the controversy surrounding the play would make me worry more about my son. Would it challenge my own belief system? Would it test ideals I held sacred? Turns out, none of that was true. Upon viewing THE BOOK OF MORMON play as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS).

As THE BOOK OF MORMON tours around North America, it has sold-out in city after city. Locals enjoy the opportunity to laugh and have a fun evening watching THE BOOK OF MORMON while they forget their outside worries. Currently on tour with the company is Andy Jones who is playing the role of Elder McKinley. BWW recently caught up with him as the tour prepared to come to Austin, Texas.

On Tuesday evening, there was a private event sponsored by a long-time attendee couple. This event wasn't as ordinary as one would think it might be. This event was, in fact, an opportunity to showcase great talent at SXSW and give them more exposure. But, along with that comes the fact that included in the lineup were Grammy Award winners and nominees, CEO's and more.

Before the cast of THIS IS US even entered the large ballroom at the Austin Convention Center, the place was buzzing. The audience was full of true Pearson Family Fans who felt that they had become a part of this family. The show takes a look at the Pearson Family and all the joyous and tragic moments that may be close to the audience members' own moments.