Breaking Character: Founded in 1912, San Antonio’s historic San Pedro Playhouse continues to thrive as The Playhouse San Antonio, whose latest production, The Secret Garden, opened February 10. It’s an appropriate piece to stage here, as The Playhouse is an impressive edifice nestled in the midst of a beautiful urban garden — San Pedro Springs Park.
Despite the verdant setting, the creative team behind this production is presenting the Tony Award-winning musical with a decidedly modern twist. Rather than the expected staging — lots of foliage and massive Edwardian sets — their approach is daringly minimalist.
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It was very interesting to see this San Antonio theatre featured because San Antonio is not considered a very theatre heavy theatre in Texas (Houston, Austin and Dallas being the traditional hubs). What I really enjoyed about the article was the artistic director's discussion of how they select plays. He says" I read a play...then create something in response." I think that is an excellent way of working. There is opportunity for exploration in creation and I think creating something new illuminates the core ideals of the production just read. In addition, I liked the comments in reference to the "boldness" of their set for secret garden. Although I do believe it is old of design choice, one can also argue that it was probably out of budgetary restriction as well. What interests me is that Theatre Under The Stars in Houston will be opening their next season with the same show. I wonder how they will execute the scenic elements and whether budgetary audience and location will play a role in a differentiation of design.
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