Fire Up the Family with Dragons Love Tacos!
Magik Theatre stages the wildly popular story for a special summertime run
“Let’s just say there will be smoke, chaos, and maybe a flying taco or two—but no actual fire.”
— Anthony Runfola, Magik Theatre Artistic Director
(San Antonio, TX) June 12, 2025 – Hey, San Antonio! Did you know that dragons love tacos? And kids love the bestselling children’s book Dragons Love Tacos? It’s true (at least the last part)! And Magik Theatre’s adaptation of the book is the secret salsa to keep boredom at bay with a special summer production, tasty taco parties and even the chance to get up close and personal with some real reptiles. Made possible by the Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts and produced in special arrangement with Plays for Young Audiences, Dragons Loves Tacos opens on June 21 and runs through August 3.
‘But wait!’ Those familiar with the tale might think. ‘That book is only a few pages long. How can it entertain an audience for a whole hour?’ Don’t worry. The folks at Magik have been cooking up some spicy surprises to beef up Adam Rubin’s text (adapted for the stage by Ernie Nolan) and make Daniel Salmieri’s illustrations fly off the page. Director Anthony Runfola and the cast have infused Dragons Love Tacos with slapstick comedy inspired by silent film, commedia dell'arte and classic clowning. Epic dragon costumes by Sarah Steele help bring the mythical fire-breathers to life. This story of a young boy and his dog throwing a taco party for spice-avoidant dragons, and dealing with the fiery aftermath, is appropriate for ages 3 and up and full of fast-paced fun, music and humor to keep families enthralled until the very last bite.
TACO PARTIES AREN’T JUST FOR DRAGONS
Why not dinner and a show? You can do just that with Magik’s select Taco Tuesday dates featuring tacos and other Tex-Mex fare for purchase before or after the show. And patrons won’t want to miss opening night's Party in the Park, where guests can make like a dragon and descend on Hemisfair for free mini-tacos (reserved for opening night ticket holders), a salsa bar, and aguas frescas to cool down, plus disco tunes by DJ Mayhem, a make your own taco craft, and a dragontastic photo-op. Additionally, at both the Party in the Park and the Pay What You Wish performance on July 26, Once in a Wild Petting Zoo will be onsite with their reptiles, including bearded dragons, to let curious kids get a closer look at the real world animals that inspire their magical counterparts. Families with special needs are welcome to the Dragons Love Tacos party with dedicated ASL-interpreted and sensory-friendly performances. Visit Magik Theatre’s website for tickets and more information.
SPECIAL EVENTS & ADD-ON EXPERIENCES
Preview Performance - Saturday, June 21, 2:00 p.m.
Attend a special preview performance of Dragons Love Tacos on Saturday, June 21 at 2 p.m. and receive a free children’s book of your choice. Every child in attendance will receive a complimentary book, courtesy of H-E-B’s Read 3 literacy initiative — while supplies last!
Opening Night Party in the Park - Saturday, June 21, 5 p.m., show at 6:30 p.m.
What better way to kick off Dragons Love Tacos than with a taco party? (Tummy troubles and salsa explosions not included.) Head to Hemisfair early to get two free mini-tacos (for opening night ticket holders) courtesy of Estela’s Concessions while supplies last and wash them down with Paleteria’s aguas frescas. DJ Mayhem will spin disco tunes and dance beats, and crafty kids can fashion their own fire-breathing dragon before snapping pics with fun themed props to bring a little added dragon magic home. The pre-show party is free and open to the public.
Taco Tuesdays - June 24, July 8 and July 22, 5 - 7 p.m.
Join us outside Magik Theatre for tasty eats available for purchase from Estela’s Concessions featuring mini street tacos, flautas and more. Come early or hang out after the show to grab a bite, explore Hemisfair’s parks, and enjoy some spicy summer fun!
Backstage Experience Add-On (Available after every performance excluding other special events)
Enhance your visit to Magik Theatre with our Backstage Experience for only $20 per person! This exclusive add-on includes an onstage meet and greet with the cast, where you can snap photos and share special moments with your favorite characters. Plus, enjoy a 15-minute guided tour of the set, props, and rehearsal space led by a Magik Theatre performer offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the magik of theatre. And, enjoy a scoop of ice cream as San Antonio’s warm weather returns!
Please note: We are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchair needs for this experience. All patrons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Magik Theatre Birthday Parties (NOW available after main stage performances)
And now, families can make their little one’s special day truly magikal with a hassle-free Magik Theatre birthday party right after one of the main stage shows. Magik Theatre birthday party packages include complimentary child tickets, discounted additional tickets, a private party space, and festive decorations. Kids will enjoy a show themed craft, digital invitations, and a birthday backdrop with props. Plus, the birthday child gets an exclusive backstage experience and a Magik Theatre gift! Up to ten additional party guests can join the backstage experience for an additional charge. Best of all, Magik handles setup and cleanup so parents can focus on making memories. Birthday parties can be booked here.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES
Sensory Friendly Performance - Saturday, July 19, at 10 a.m.
Audience members on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities can take in a special performance of Dragons Love Tacos designed just for them. Kids and adults are free to be themselves in this relaxed, judgment-free theatre experience that is a perfect introduction to attending a performance.
Pay What You Wish Performance - Saturday, July 26, at 2 p.m.
As part of Magik Theatre’s mission to make theatre accessible to everyone, the organization holds one donation-based performance; the Dragons Love Tacos donation-based performance is sponsored by H-E-B and features a reptile experience by Once in a Wild Petting Zoo before or after the show. Pay What You Wish tickets are only available at the door on the day of the performance.
ASL Interpreted Performance - Saturday, Aug. 2, at 2 p.m.
Patrons who communicate with ASL can attend this performance featuring Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary American Sign Language interpreter.
TICKET OPTIONS
Magik Theatre offers multiple ways for patrons to experience the best children’s theatre in San Antonio. Magik is a cherished arts institution that has been providing families with professional, accessible, literature-based theatre and education since 1994. Located in Hemisfair Park, families can catch the show, enjoy a day of play exploring Yanaguana Garden, grab a meal at one of the many restaurants on site and make Magikal memories. Flex Passes and single ticket sales are available now.
FAMILY FOUR PACK
Family Four Pack $80
Share the experience and enjoy the savings = more money for tacos!
SINGLE TICKETS
$30 for adults
$25 for children (ages 2-17), Military, Seniors, Educators & Students
Children under 2 years old are free.
Purchase family four packs and single tickets online, via phone (210) 227-2751, and in person at Magik Theatre's Box Office (420 S Alamo, 78205). Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 10 am – 3 pm.
If a child under 2 uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general admission ticket. Group rates are available for parties of ten or more people. For questions and further inquiries, contact tickets@magiktheatre.org.
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