UTSA Lyric Theatre’s ‘A Little Night Music’ premieres at historic venue on March 30

UTSA students practice their roles for "A Little Night Music."

MARCH 28, 2023 — The UTSA Lyric Theatre will perform the late Stephen Sondheim’s renowned Broadway musical “A Little Night Music” at the Wonder Theatre—formerly the Woodlawn Theater—from March 30 through April 2.

The musical is the latest production under the UTSA School of Music, which was established last September as a renewal of UTSA’s commitment to ensuring students are ready to stake their claim in the music industry. A Little Night Music reflects the opportunities the Lyric Theatre provides students to hone their skills as stage performers for a career or advanced studies through mainstage performances, touring productions, and classroom experiences.

Based on the book by Hugh Wheeler, A Little Night Music made its Broadway debut as a romantic comedy in 1973. It swept the 27th Tony Awards ceremony the same year–winning the award for Best Musical, among others. It also received a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album.

“Sondheim's A Little Night Music is full of wonderful music, and our students are excited to present this classic musical to San Antonio audiences.”

“Sondheim's A Little Night Music is full of wonderful music, and our students are excited to present this classic musical to San Antonio audiences. We are so grateful to have the support of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts, our School of Music and the Opera Guild of San Antonio,” said William “Bill” McCrary, the UTSA Lyric Theatre’s director for the Spring 2023 semester.

Adding to the excitement surrounding the upcoming production is the opportunity to perform in one of San Antonio’s most historic local live performance theatres. Designed by John Eberson, the Woodlawn Theatre opened in 1946 as an elegant venue for Hollywood films. In 1960, American legend John Wayne hosted the world premiere of his film The Alamo there.

After more than seven decades at 1920 Fredericksburg Rd., in the heart of the Deco District, the theater—now known as the Wonder Theatre—will relocate to the Wonderland of the Americas mall this June.

“I am excited that we are collaborating with the . Their artistic director, Chris Rodriguez, has graciously offered their theater for our production, and it will be great for our students to have the opportunity to perform in a theatrical space,” McCrary stated.

Student actress Kat Norman will play the role of actress Desirée Armfeldt.

“Desirée is such an incredible character. I'm already dreading leaving her and this show behind once it's over...I'm absolutely in love with her. I'm really excited for people to see her journey in this show,” said Norman, a graduate voice student. Norman has been involved in past operas with the Lyric Theatre—most recently playing the eponymous lead role in Jules Massenet’s Cinderella in November 2022.

She added, “The music in this show is simply sublime. Sondheim is an incredible composer, and the music and motifs he created for these characters are just gorgeous and lush.”

The production will also feature a complete pit orchestra. Troy Peters, who is now in his fourth season as the UTSA Orchestra’s conductor, says that Sondheim’s score truly captures the beautiful moods and tones of the play.

“A Little Night Music is one of my favorite Stephen Sondheim musicals because it beautifully captures a wealth of different perspectives about romantic love… The music is full of waltzes, a deliberate choice by the composer that gives the story an intoxicating lilt and elegance,” Peters said. 

This is what it’s called now, correct? The name will change after the move to Wonderland, correct?

That is correct for the temporary location at Woodlawn, they’ve asked that we refer to it this way.

Everyone involved with the highly anticipated performances is ecstatic to share A Little Night Music with UTSA and the San Antonio community.

The musical will show at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, through Saturday, April 1, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 2. Tickets can be purchased online through the UTSA School of Music’s Box Office. Discounts are available for students, seniors aged 55 and up, and military personnel.

Additionally, the Opera Guild of San Antonio has graciously agreed to sponsor 300 vouchers for free student admission throughout the show’s duration. Current students of all ages may claim their voucher at the theatre with a valid school ID.

— Suzanna Bridges and Rolando Ramon