Queen's Castle Production — Photo courtesy of Bryan Ortiz / Overtime Theater
The Overtime Theater may just be creating the freshest, hottest local theater in San Antonio! Always dedicated to featuring original works by local writers, they are equally committed to offering their audience bold and innovative live performances that you won’t see anywhere else in San Antonio or across the country. Overtime considers itself the “theater for the people,” and it must be working because they’ve won the San Antonio Current readers’ Favorite Theater Award four years in a row now.
Located downtown near the burgeoning Pearl Brewery community, the theater is easily accessible from most of the downtown hotels.
The Overtime has two upcoming productions this year that are not to be missed if you’re staying in town. Queen’s Castle, written by Scott McDowell, opens on August 8, 2014, and runs through September 27. Queen’s Castle is an inventive serial dramedy that unfolds over eight weeks and tells what happens when the Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz meets the Red Queen from Alice in Wonderland and agree to kill each other’s nemesis.
Overtime Theater in San Antonio — Photo courtesy of Bryan Ortiz / Overtime Theater
The Overtime Theater’s Communication Director Rob Barron likens the play to a fantastical take on Alfred Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train.
“Scott has incredible ideas of how these two stories should have evolved, and that’s what you’ll find out about in Queen’s Castle," says Barron. "This might be a bit of a spoiler, but you find out the Wicked Witch isn’t really green, for example.”
Then from October 17 to November 15, prepare for some thrills with The Beasts of Baverly Grove by Michael Burger. Just in time for Halloween, this clever play will take place on two different stages. In one theatre room will unfold the story of the monsters who live in the castle, while at the same time in The Overtime’s second theatre room, another play will tell the tale of the villagers who live outside the castle. The audiences then swap.
“The Beasts of Baverly Grove will have some great set design and construction because we got a grant for $5,000,” says Barron. “It’s the first play we’ve received a grant for. We’ve never had that much before.”
If you’re not fortunate enough to catch these fantastic performances, The Overtime Theater also puts on a crazy hilarious improv performance by The Denials comedy troupe every Friday and Saturday night at 10:30 p.m. It’s only five dollars if you see the main show and worth every pretty penny.
What started in the back of a funeral home in 2006 has since evolved into a beguiling hamlet of creativity where audiences can find some of the most experimental, adventurous, funny, gritty and unique live theater you’ll ever see!
Make sure to check out The Overtime Theater's website for other exciting offerings, such as their monthly cabaret!
