2022-2023 Season, Public Theatre of San Antonio
The Public Theater of San Antonio, San Antonio’s only Actors Equity professional theater, announces its 2022–23 season, packed with music, family favorites, premieres, and, of course, Sondheim! The season is the inaugural season under the theater’s new leader, Claudia de Vasco, who took the job of Executive Artistic Director last fall. De Vasco is the theater’s first Latina Artistic Director in its over-100-year-history, and her season choices reflect a new era for the playhouse.
The Russell Hill Rogers Theater lineup includes the state premiere of American Mariachi; A Christmas Carol, The Musical; the regional premiere of Nina Simone: Four Women, The Pajama Game, Footloose, and Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along. This season, audiences will experience the return of programming in the Cellar Theater with the state premiere of A Beautiful Day in November on The Banks of The Greatest of the Great Lakes in the fall and the world premiere of Fabulous Monsters after the new year.
“This season came together after conversations with our creative community, listening to our patrons, strategizing with staff on how to connect with new audiences and stakeholders, and connecting with my own vision and passion as a theater-maker. I knew that this first season should reflect the transformation we are under-going by featuring shows that are shaking things up, or showing us new ideas and forms.”— Claudia de Vasco, Executive Artistic Director
After looking at the history of programming at the San Pedro Playhouse, the home of The Public Theater of San Antonio, it became clear to leadership at The Public Theater of San Antonio that in all its history no Latine playwright had been produced at the Russell Hill Rogers Theater by the producing theater company. American Mariachi will be the first, and the first play produced in this space that centers Mexican American heritage, which remains the majority represented in San Antonio today. The presence of plays like American Mariachi, Fabulous Monsters, and Nina Simone: Four Women on the Russell Hill Rogers Theater signal a new direction for the theater, which is precisely the throughline at the core of de Vasco’s choices. The season’s theme is taken from the lyrics of Merrily we Roll Along: “Worlds to Change, and Worlds to Win.”
“The exciting aspect about this season is that it reflects the intentional change we’re striving for while showing us that we can still find appreciation in our beloved classic stories without sacrificing the connections to be made in new ones.” — Claudia de Vasco, Executive Artistic Director.
Subscriptions are now available for the 2022–23 Season. — This includes subscriptions for both renewals and new subscribers. Patrons are encouraged to buy season subscriptions or NEW flex passes to secure seats and with a savings of 35% off compared to full-priced single tickets. For patrons who don’t wish to choose their show nights far in advance, flex passes offer the same discount with more flexible use.
35% Savings will be available until June 14, 2022, at that point savings will drop to 25% off for season subscriptionsand flex passes.. Single tickets go on sale August 1. This includes tickets for Cellar Theater shows: A Beautiful Day in November on The Banks of The Greatest of the Great Lakes and Fabulous Monsters.
THE PUBLIC THEATER OF SAN ANTONIO’S 2022–23 SEASON
American Mariachi
September 9 – October 2, 2022, Russell Hill Rogers Theater
Directed by Claudia de Vasco
by José Cruz González
It’s the 1970s, and Lucha spends her days caring for her ailing mother but longs to shake up her life. When a forgotten record sparks her mother’s memory, Lucha and her cousin strike upon a radical idea: to create an all-female mariachi band. Infused with live music played by a live mariachi band, this “big-hearted, musical tug at the heartstrings” reminds us how music and love can make just about anything possible.
“Dynamic music heals the soul, gives women a voice in cultural tapestry of American Mariachi”
— Chicago Suntimes
A Beautiful Day in November on the Greatest of the Great Lakes
October 14 – November 6, 2022, Cellar Theater
Directed by Allison Price
by Kate Benson
“For those of you just tuning in, Thanksgiving is already in progress here at Wembly kitchen. The stands are nice and full, it’s quite a crowd that’s gathered. They’re in for a real treat.” And so, in this lively take on how family is played, over time and memory, and through generations… a pair of sports announcers calls a holiday dinner.
“A quirky comedy that cleverly transforms an extended family’s Thanksgiving dinner into a fiercely fought competitive sport.”
— The New York Times
A Christmas Carol ,The Musical
November 25 – December 18, 2022, Russell Hill Rogers Theater
Directed by Tim Hedgepeth
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Book by Lynn Ahrens and Mike Ockrent
Based on the story by Charles Dickens
A prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others, is forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts arrive on Christmas Eve to lead him through his Past, Present and Future. A community favorite from seasons past.
“An enchanting embodiment of the spirit of the holidays. ”
— Broadway World
Nina Simone: Four Women
January 20 – February 12, 2023, Russell Hill Rogers Theater
by Christina Ham
featuring the music of Nina Simone
Directed by Ann James, internationally acclaimed director and director of Intimacy Coordinators of Color
It’s September 16, 1963. The day after the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. This play with music uses the framework of one of the Civil Rights Era’s leading songstresses' most blistering songs to give voice to a group of women suffering self-hatred due to the different hues of their skin. A journey that leads these four women through healing and transformation.
“An eye opening, powerful, stirring, and unique theatrical experience.”
— Broadway World
Fabulous Monsters
Feb 24 - Mar 19, 2023, Cellar Theater
by Diana Burbano
Original Music by San Antonio punk band “Fea”
Directed by Jerry Ruiz
When punk rock exploded in L.A., Sally and Lou were there: feminists, Latinas, queens of noise. One went pop, one stayed punk, but sparks from their tumultuous friendship remain. Decades later, they must try to overcome old wounds, forgive each other, and rock as hard as they ever did.
“A visceral exploration of the overlooked legacies of Latinas in punk rock…”
— The Workshop Theater
The Pajama Game
Mar 31 – Apr 23, 2023, Russell Hill Rogers Theater
Music by Jerry Ross and Richard Adler
Book by Richard Pike Bissell and George Abbott
Directed by Diana Wyenn
When a handsome new Superintendent falls hard for a feisty Union rep, it seems she’s falling right back, despite her dismissal of all things love-related. That is, until employees are refused a seven-and-a-half cent raise, and the pair find themselves on either side of the union protest that results.
“Splashy musical that seduces with 1950s style!”
— Washington Post
Footloose
Jun 9 – Jul 2, 2023, Russell Hill Rogers Theater
Adapted for the stage by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie
Music by Tom Snow
Lyrics by Dean Pitchford
Directed by Ken Urso
When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him.
“Filled with 80’s music hits and dancing — this show zings!”
— Chicago Critic
Merrily We Roll Along
Aug 4 – Aug 27, 2023, Russell Hill Rogers Theater
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by George Furth
Directed by Broadway’s Alexandra Silber
This musical begins in the present and moves backwards, tracing the lives of wealthy, jaded composer, Franklin Shepard, and his two estranged friends through each milestone of their personal and professional lives (good and bad). The show ends with a touch of rueful irony, as the three best friends now at the start of their careers face a bright future: young, talented and enthusiastic about the worlds waiting to be conquered.
“The Sondheim musical with the wisdom on how life pushes us forward…”
— Chicago Tribune
Subscription Information
The 2022–23 Season starts with a saving of 35% off standard ticket prices with a 6 SHOW SUBSCRIPTION to the full season of productions in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater OR a new FLEX PASS that lets the patron choose which shows and when to see them. Flex passes are available in 3, 4, or 5 show passes and save 25% off standard ticket pricing.
Visit www.thepublicsa.org/tickets/subscriptions/ to buy a 6 Show Subscription or 5, 4, or 3 Show Flex Pass, below. The Box Office is open by phone from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday at (210) 733-7258 or you can email us at boxoffice@thepublicsa.org for assistance. The 35% OFF savings for 6 Show Subscriptions ends on Monday, June 12 at 11:59 p.m. Subscriptions can still be purchased and with a 25% off from June 13 to October 2.
Single Ticket Information
Tickets for shows are $47 (Standard), $32 (Military/Student/Senior*), and $17 (Child Under 12) are available online at www.thepublicsa.org/2021-2022-season, by phone at (210) 733-7258. The Public Theater of San Antonio is wheelchair accessible. For additional information about group sales, contact Patron Services Manager, Ariel Rosen
at ariel.rosen@thepublicsa.org.
About The Public Theater of San Antonio
The Public Theater of San Antonio is a non-profit organization producing live professional theater that inspires, educates, and connects communities. As San Antonio’s regional professional theater, many volunteers and service contractors contribute to the organization’s success. Annually, an average of two hundred professionally paid performers and technicians participate in productions. Nearly 90% of the performers and creative team members are from the local region under the leadership of Executive Artistic Director, Claudia de Vasco. Established in 1912 as the San Antonio Dramatic Club and incorporated on April 6, 1927 as the San Antonio Little Theatre, it is the longest running theater in South Texas. The company has had other brands such as The San Pedro Playhouse (1997), and The Playhouse San Antonio (2012). Its most recent brand, The Public Theater of San Antonio, was unveiled on January 7th, 2018 in an effort to align the organization’s new professional vision to the needs of the region. For over a century, The Public Theater has evolved to serve its community as a 501c3 non-profit organization. Visit www.thepublicsa.org for more information.
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