Few shows can evoke an audience’s sense of romanticism, nostalgia, and musical revelry the way SIMPLEMENTE LARA does. This critically acclaimed performance, featuring actor-musician José Rubén De León, pays tribute to the life and songs of Agustín Lara, Mexico’s most celebrated composer of the 1930s and 40s. SIMPLEMENTE LARA moves beyond the realm of a simple musical revue by skillfully interweaving stories of Lara’s intriguing life.

November 13, 2022 at 3:00 PM
at Thiry Auditorium
411 SW 24th St., San Antonio, TX 78207
$10.00 General Admission – cash or check at the door
For more information: 210.219.4639

“José Rubén De León – with careful research, passionate performances and charming stage presence – has become our ambassador of music and lyric poetry from Spain and Mexico.”

~ Robert Bonazzi, Special to the Express-News

A Celebration of the life and songs of Nat King Cole

NEW RESCHEDULED DATE

Unforgettable is the latest collaboration by vocalist/writer/director José Rubén De León, pianist Dr. Aaron Ellington Prado and George Prado. Unforgettable promises to be a worthy follow-up to their successful shows Simplemente Lara, El Corazón del Bolero and Nosotros, a tribute to the music of Los Panchos.

The new show weaves together two dozen songs associated with Nat King Cole, including “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” “Mona Lisa,” “Nature Boy,” “Too Young,” “The Christmas Song” and the title tune. There will be a small nod to the Mexican composer Agustín Lara with the inclusion of the Mexican composer’s “Solamente Una Vez,” which Cole recorded late in his career as part of a shift in focus toward his international audience. He made the move because rock ‘n’ roll had begun to dominate popular music.

The narrative that ties the songs throughout the musical production will skillfully paint a portrait of what life was like for an African American entertainer in the ’30s, ’40s, ’50s and ’60s.  Early on Cole was forced to wear makeup that made his flesh appear lighter, lest nightclub audiences be offended by his dark skin. Later on, when he was routinely selling millions of albums each year and purchased a new home in an affluent neighborhood, he faced vocal protests, including cross burnings and the poisoning of the family dog.

$25.00 Reserved seating
Carver Box Office: 210.207.2234

“José Rubén De León – with careful research, passionate performances and charming stage presence – has become our ambassador of music and lyric poetry from Spain and Mexico.”

~ Robert Bonazzi, Special to the Express-News