Deborah Martin, The San Antonio Express-News Journalist Profile

Articles

Historic Texas theater hosting 'Annie' sing-along with Aileen Quinn,

1 week ago | expressnews.com | Deborah Martin

As a child actress and the star of the 1982 movie "Annie," Aileen Quinn traveled to film premieres all over the globe. "I usually hate watching myself," Quinn, who was 9 when she was cast, said in a telephone interview. "I covered my eyes and giggled a lot - I'm a giggler. So it was really hard for me back then."Happily, it's much easier for Qinn these days, since she occasionally is invited to take part in screenings of the musical.
S.A. Philharmonic's home needs accessibility upgrades

2 weeks ago | expressnews.com | Deborah Martin

The Scottish Rite Cathedral downtown opened in 1925, 65 years before the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, and it shows. There are so many stairs and no way to get around climbing them. That matters because the Scottish Rite is the new home of the San Antonio Philharmonic. The future of the Philharmonic is now tied to the fate of its home, whose owners weren't sure it would survive without the orchestra's help.
14 things to do this weekend in San Antonio

2 weeks ago | expressnews.com | Jim Kiest |Deborah Martin

Here's a look at this weekend's arts and entertainment highlights. Memorial Day Weekend celebration: San Antonio's go-to spot for holiday celebrations will be bustling again this weekend with live music, food and arts vendors and games. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Monday, Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St. Free, marketsquaresa.com. Paseo del Westside: The Esperanza Peace & Justice Center's annual celebration includes workshops, live music, games and vendors.
'Pee-wee's Big Adventure' returns to summer movie series

2 weeks ago | expressnews.com | Deborah Martin

The key to recreating the iconic "Tequila" dance scene in "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" is picking the right shoes. "Don't try to do it in Vans or a sandal," said Nathan Cone, movie buff and vice president of programming at Texas Public Radio. "You should ideally have shoes with strong toes on them."Cone, who oversees TPR's annual Cinema Tuesdays summer film series, did the dance himself during an appearance on "Great Day SA" a few years ago to promote a screening of "Big Adventure" during the series.
Krier Center teens build confidence, creativity in theater program

2 weeks ago | expressnews.com | Deborah Martin

After performing in "The Door," a play she helped write and in which she played a sentient gummy bear, a teen actress smiled broadly and waved to family members cheering for her in the audience at Magik Theatre. She had never done a play before, much less written one, and said afterwards that she had been nervous about all of it. But she really liked being onstage and she'd like to do it again some day.
14 things to do this weekend in San Antonio

3 weeks ago | expressnews.com | Jim Kiest |Deborah Martin

The Tejano Conjunto Festival runs Friday through Sunday at Rosedale Park. Read more about that long-running celebration of a unique American music here. Here's a look at the rest of the weekend's arts and entertainment highlights:Meditation: Monthly outdoor meditation sessions resume on the Ruby City campus under the direction of Pamela Martinez. Those who go should dress comfortably and bring a mat or cushion they can sit on. 9 a.m. Sunday, Chris Park, 111 Camp St. Free.
Former NESA student lands lead role in a big new musical

3 weeks ago | expressnews.com | Deborah Martin

San Antonio actor Nicholas Barrón didn't have a lot of time to prep for his audition for the world premiere of "A Wrinkle in Time."The MacArthur High School graduate was visiting Berlin when word of the opportunity to try out for the new musical reached him. He loved the classic YA novel it's based on as a kid and was excited about the possibility of being in the show. But he wasn't able to dig into the work until he was on the flight back to the United States.
New San Antonio coffee shop empowers workers with special needs

1 month ago | expressnews.com | Deborah Martin

The Mermaid Café has everything you expect from a coffee shop: Plenty of caffeine, cases filled with gluten-free goodies, a full line of branded merch and lots of small tables the perfect size for laptops. What sets the new spot apart is who's behind the counter. The café, which opened Monday, is staffed almost entirely by people with special needs. "We're different," said Leah Meyer, 24, the café's founder, inspiration and part of the staff.
Check out the gowns of the Fiesta's Order of the Alamo Coronation 2025

1 month ago | expressnews.com | Deborah Martin

To prepare for her work as Mistress of the Robes for the Order of the Alamo's 2025 coronation, Lisa Hanson has spent much of the past four years immersed in the stories of fierce women leaders and warriors. Hanson poured what she learned into her designs for the Court of Royal Regents.
San Antonio singer competes on first night of 'Voice' playoffs

1 month ago | expressnews.com | Deborah Martin

All San Antonian Britton Moore wanted from his playoffs round on "The Voice" was the opportunity to sing at least one more time on the show, but that was not to be. The Reagan High School graduate was knocked out of competition on the first night of playoffs. During the two-hour show, coaches Kelsea Ballerini and Adam Levine were tasked with winnowing their teams from five to two.