The Public Theater of San Antonio Announces 2020-21 Season
On Friday, Jan. 24, the Public Theater of San Antonio unveiled its 2020-21 schedule with a gala VIP party and a new season announcement, held at the theater.
The evening’s special guest, Mayor Ron Nirenberg, opened the program with statistics about the importance of the arts in San Antonio’s continued growth. “The performing arts generate an economic impact of $924 million dollars for our city,” he said.
“San Antonio has been on the forefront of understanding the impact that live theater has on the culture and economy of this city, and the Public Theater is a perfect example of an innovator in the arts,” he added.
The Public’s CEO and Artistic Director, George Green, also had some positive things to say about the theatrical arts. Addressing the audience, he said, “Thank you for being a part of what we do.”
He continued: “We can talk all night about our numbers, our growth, and our artists, and how important the playwright is, and all the elements of theater. But in true sincerity, without an audience, none of it matters. So thank you for believing in that.”
As usual, the Public is presenting big Broadway musicals in the Russell Hill Rogers Theater and edgier, more adult productions downstairs in the intimate Cellar Theater.
Here are the Public’s shows for the 2020-21 season:
RUSSELL HILL ROGERS THEATER
September 11-October 11, 2020
Something Rotten!
Co-Produced with Ballet San Antonio
This musical comedy centers on the exploits of theatrical brothers Nick and Nigel, who struggle to compete with the overwhelming popularity of their contemporary, William Shakespeare.
November 20-December 20, 2020
Annie
The Public’s 2020 holiday offering is the popular family musical about the orphan girl whose unwavering enthusiasm changes the lives of everyone she meets.
January 29 -February 21, 2021
Kinky Boots
With a book by Harvey Fierstein and a score by Cyndi Lauper, this Tony Award-winner is the story of a down-on-his luck heir of a failing shoe factory who rescues his business with the help of Lola, an exuberant drag performer.
March 26 – April 18, 2021
La Casa Azul
This new musical is inspired by the life of legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Passion and pain are transformed into creativity and beauty as this story speaks to us about the strength, fragility and the power of the human spirit.
May 14-June 6,2021
A Bronx Tale The Musical
Based on Chazz Palminteri’s semi-autobiographical play, the story gets the doo-wop treatment in a musical version set in 1960s-era New York.
July 9-August 8, 2021
Rock of Ages
This musical parody, set on the famed Sunset Strip, features music from Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake and more as it tells the story of aspiring musicians trying to make it big in Hollywood.
CELLAR THEATER
October 15-November 16, 2020
Boeing Boeing
Based on a French farce by Marc Camoletti, Boeing Boeing is a madcap comedy of mistaken identities, tinged with ’60s nostalgia.
January 1-24, 2021
Last of the Boys
This is a fierce — and at times funny — drama about a couple of Vietnam war veterans who continue to be haunted by their past.
February 26-March 21, 2021
Orphans
Lyle Kessler’s darkly humorous Orphans tells the story of brothers Phillip and Treat who kidnap a gangster for ransom, only to find him turning the tables on them in a strangely hilarious and moving way.
April 23-May 9, 2021
The Ladies Foursome
During a round of golf, four women discuss life, love, men, sex and careers in this outrageous comedy by Canadian playwright Norm Foster.
June 17-27, 2021
Fresh Ink New Works Fest
This June, the Cellar Theater presents two weeks of different local, regional, and national debuts.
August 13-29, 2021
References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot
A comedy-drama about marriage, sexuality and war, this play focuses on Gabriela, the wife of a career soldier who dives into a surreal fantasy world during her husband’s prolonged absences.
BONHAM EXCHANGE
October 23-24, 2021
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Continuing the tradition it began last Halloween, the Public brings its live cast to the Bonham Exchange for an audience participation staging of the venerable cult classic.
Additional information, including ticket prices and packages, can be found on the Public Theater’s website.