San Antonio is packed with things to do this weekend, and here are three you should really consider. First off tonight The ClassicTheatre's Santaland Diaries.
"It's based off of David Sedaris's experiences, moving to New York and being an Elf at Macy's Santaland," says Bart Roush, who directs the delightfully twisted take on Christmas. "Yes, it definitely has moments in the play of both snarkiness and sweetness."
"So this isn't the heartwarming Elf movie?" I ask.
"It is not. It is definitely for mature Elves only. It is an adult themed show," Roush says with a knowing smile.
He says in the course of the production, Sedaris pulls off both jaded and sentimental.
"He does a wonderful job of weaving both his cynicism of the season, but there's also a very nice sweetness, at times, that surprises, I think, even him. He can't help but catch the Christmas spirit," Roush says.
Santaland plays this weekend and next weekend, Fridays through Sunday.
Then tomorrow morning at the Guadalupe--La Gran Tamalada! What's that about? Belinda Menchaca explains it.
"It is a way to learn not just how to make the tamales, but also a little bit of the tradition of making tamales. And everybody will go home with a recipe, we will also be giving out hot chocolate and cookies," she says.
You'll also get a taste of the tamales you helped make. Mi Tierra Restaurant donates the fixin's, and you put 'em together.
"I recommend that you bring your apron. It is a wonderful, family-friendly community event," Menchaca says.
Then on Sunday afternoon, if you haven't found your holiday spirit, find it at the Tobin Center.
"Kids from all over San Antonio coming together to share their joy of singing and celebrate the season," says The Children's Chorus of San Antonio's Anne Schelling.
"We will have about 160 singers onstage this weekend. All coming together to celebrate the season."
Young people from 5 to 22 will be singing their hearts out.
"Good tunes like Let it Snow and Cool Santa and Sleigh Ride and Feliz Navidad so we encourage our audience to bring their singing voice and join along for just a great afternoon of holiday spirit."
Playing with the Children's Chorus: The Olmos Ensemble. That's Sunday at 3p.m. at the Tobin Center.
Find more on TheSantaland Diaries here.
Find more on La Gran Tamalada here.
Find more on the Children's Chorus of San Antonio here.
