Sacshows

B Street series

2010-08-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

B Street Theatre Kicks Off B-3 Series With

NEAT

CORRECTED PREVIEW AND OPENING SCHEDULE

SACRAMENTO, CALIF; (August 20, 2010) —

What: B Street Theatre presents Neat written by playwright/actress Charlayne Woodard.
Where: B Street Theatre B3 Series, 2711 B Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
Run Dates: September 5, 2010 through October 2, 2010.

Previews: Saturday September 4 at 4:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. Preview tickets $12
Opening: Sunday, September 5 at 1:00 p.m.

Tickets
Box Office: 916.443.5300 www.bstreettheatre.org

EDMT RECEIVES FORTY THREE ELLY NOMINATIONS

2010-08-18T17:13:00.000-07:00

EDMT RECEIVES FORTY THREE ELLY NOMINATIONS FOR 2009-10 SEASON

Shows considered include Les Miserables, Wizard of Oz, Holiday Reunion, Grease, CATS

El Dorado Hills, CA - With forty-three nominations, El Dorado Musical Theatre tops the list of 2010 Elly Award nominees announced Sunday, August 15, at the Arden Playhouse in Sacramento. The Ellys, which recognize outstanding achievement in community theater, are sponsored by Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance.
EDMT submitted five shows for judging from its 2009-2010 season with Wizard of Oz receiving 15 nominations, Les Miserables with 13, Cats receiving 8, Grease totaled 6, and the EDMT original production of Holiday Reunion received one nomination.
EDMT Founder Debbie Wilson personally received eight nominations, including four for direction, and four for choreography. When asked about the nominations Wilson remarked, “I’m honored that EDMT received so many nominations. It is a sign that we are consistently doing good work, and considered among the best at what we do in the region. It is very validating.”

Other members of the EDMT artistic and technical staff were recognized as well with three nominations for Musical Direction going to Jennifer Martin, three to Louis Hudson for Lighting Design, and two to Christine Martorana for Costume Design. Also receiving nominations for set design were Louis Hudson, Dennis Smith, Charles Davidson and Stephanie Hudson.

Nominations for leading actor or actress included Matt Provencal, Heather Clark, Katherine Sorgea, Savannah Argyle, Terry Hicks, Andrew Wilson, Brian Farmer, Stephen Sorgea, Krista Mackin, and Spencer Borup many of whom had multiple nominations.
Those receiving nominations for supporting actor or actress are Christopher Meissner, Jacob Goodyear, Lauryn Caruso, Jordan Sharp, Maddie Frey, Braiden Wells, Heather Clark, Andrew Wilson and Katherine Sorgea, again with several receiving multiple nominations.

EDMT Executive Producer Wade Sherman said, “Our performers and staff work extremely hard to give our audiences the best theater experience possible. We are happy to see that hard work has been recognized. We are looking forward to continuing the tradition of quality production values that have been established here as we prepare to enter our tenth season.”

The Ellys are named after Eleanor McClatchy, the late president of McClatchy Newspapers. McClatchy, who died in 1980, was a dedicated performing-arts patron who supported and encouraged theater in the region.

About El Dorado Musical Theatre: EDMT is an award winning regional theater company based in El Dorado Hills, California featuring performers aged 6-20. EDMT was founded in 2001. EDMT produces five major productions per year. The 2010-11 Season includes, “A Christmas Carol”, “Hairspray”, “Anything Goes”, “Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Jr.”, and “Curtains. Additionally, EDMT produces an annual training show for performers aged 5-9, no experience is required. This year’s training show is “The Frog Princess.” Most performances take place at the Jill Solberg Theater on the campus of Folsom High School. For more information visit www.edmt.info or call (916)941-SING.

Mauritius Cast Announced at Cap Stage

2010-08-12T18:26:00.000-07:00

Sacramento, CA - August 12, 2010 Capital Stage announces a first-rate cast for Mauritius (maw-rish-uhs), the first show of its 2010-11 "Season of Premieres." Capital Stage co-founder and artistic associate Jonathan Rhys Williams (Hunter Gatherers, American Buffalo) as Sterling, leads the stellar cast that includes B Street Theatre veterans Kurt Johnson (Dennis) and John Lamb (Phillip) along with Sacramento actress Kristine David (Jackie) and bay area actress, Lauren Bloom (Mary), Michael Stevenson (Erratica: An Academic Farce, Les Liaisons Dangereuses) will direct.

The edge-of-your-seat, gripping dark comedy is written by Theresa Rebeck, and focuses on two estranged half-sisters who inherit a book of extremely rare stamps. And like the infamous Maltese Falcon, the Mauritius stamp becomes the fraught object of desire for an assortment of shady characters with different and mysterious backgrounds and motives.

Mauritius is the third Sacramento premiere of a Theresa Rebeck production produced by Capital Stage. Previous Rebeck plays at Capital Stage include The Scene and Bad Dates. Ms. Rebeck also writes for TV, film and has published the book, "Free Fire Zone."

The creative team will include Stephen Charles Jones (scenic design), Nancy Pipkin (costume design) and Ron Madonia (lighting design).

Mauritius, the first production of Capital Stage's sixth season, will begin previews at the Delta King Theatre on October 8, 2010 and will open on Friday, October 15 at 8pm.
Capital Stage's 2010-11 Season of Premieres

Mauritius by Theresa Rebeck A Sacramento Premiere
October 8 - November 7, 2010 (Opening Night: October 15)

"...a corkscrew-twist drama of suspense that crackles..."-NY Times

reasons to be pretty by Neil LaBute A Sacramento Premiere
January 21- February 20, 2011 (Opening Night: March 18)

"...the freshest and most illuminating American dialogue to be heard anywhere..." -NY Times

Master Class by Terrence McNally A Sacramento Premiere
March 11 - April 10, 2011 (Opening Night: March 18)
"Get a ticket: MASTER CLASS is mesmerizing theater." -Star-Ledge

TBA A Sacramento Premiere
April 29 - May 22, 2011 (Opening Night: May 6)

Capital Stage is currently in negotiations for an exciting regional premiere which will be announced in June 2010.

Or, by Liz Duffy Adams A Sacramento Premiere
June 17 - July 17, 2011 (Opening Night: June 24)
"Rollickin' bodice-ripping farce...suitably smart and sexy." -New York Post

Plus: Two Holiday Offerings:

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!)
by Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald, & John K. Alvarez
November 26 - December 30, 2010 (Opening Night: November 27)

It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play adapted by Joe Landry
December 19-26, 2010 (Opening Night: December 19)
Capital Stage Company's Mission

Capital Stage Company's mission is to be a dynamic leader in the evolution of the contemporary live theatre landscape in the Capital region and to passionately engage audiences in the art of live storytelling with bold, innovative plays performed by professional artists, in an intimate, up close setting. With a strong commitment to expanding the base of working artists in the greater Sacramento region, we shall develop a company of actors, directors, writers, designers, and technical staff who are dedicated to bringing bold, lively productions of contemporary and classic plays to our community.

While part of the mission of any theater company is to entertain its audience, we at Capital Stage feel strongly that the productions we mount address issues that are vital to understanding the society we live in and ourselves as human beings in that society. We address themes of power and manipulation in relationships between men and women, children and parents, and organizations and individuals. We invite audiences to question the ethics and meaning of art, the definitions of sanity and intelligence, and the line between exploitation and legitimate relationship. We believe that in a large and growing urban environment, where individuals and groups are constantly bombarded with information and demands for decisions, the need for thoughtful examination of our interactions in society has never been greater.

Capital Stage is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization

# # #

2010-08-10T19:37:00.000-07:00

Join us for a screening of the film Charlie's Closet.

One Day Only!

Please join us for a special private screening of this feature length film.

Saturday August 21 at 1:00 PM

Jill Solberg Performing Arts Theater (at Folsom High School)

1655 Iron Point Road, Folsom

(entrance off Prairie City Road)

Charlie's Closet is written and directed by El Dorado Hills Native Spencer Reed, and starring El Dorado Musical Theatre alums Spencer Borup as Charles Cordell, and Matthew Provencal as Tort. The film also features EDMT alums Amy Foulk, Terry Hicks, Devin Holliman, Chris Meissner, and Mariah Muehler with a guest appearance from Phillip Borup.

The film follows the story of a young adolescent girl, Zoe Jacobs (Esling), and her family who have recently moved to a new home. Zoe, lost and confused in her new environment, finds an unexpected friend in Charles Cordell (Borup), an aspiring author who just so happens to be the monster she found in her closet. Charlie's Closet outlines the struggle of Charlie and Zoe to be different in a world that is striving to be the same. It is a compelling tale of true platonic friendship centered on themes of taking hold of your destiny and remembering that "every moment to live is a moment to love".

The film is rated PG for Mild Language, and possible dangerous situations, along the lines of those contained in films such as Edward Scissorhands or Monsters Inc.

Tickets are just $7.00 online with a $0.50 convenience fee, or $7.00 at the door.

Online tickets available at www.edmt-tickets.com

This is a fundraiser to help support the Producer/Director of this independent film in future film making efforts as well as support for El Dorado Musical Theatre.

If you are interested in volunteering to be an usher or help in the ticket booth,

please contact:

Wade Sherman

Executive Producer

El Dorado Musical Theatre

(916) 941-SING

wadesherman@edmt.info

Donations Welcome

EDMT is a 501c3 non-profit organization that relies on charitable giving and sponsorships to thrive. Ticket sales and tuition alone cover only 60% of annual expenses. Donations may be directed to the Scholarship Fund, Building Fund, or general operations. Thank you for your generosity. Donations may be made online at www.edmt-tickets.com or by mailing to the EDMT office (see address below).

(Tax ID: 80-0001275)

El Dorado Musical Theatre is an award-winning, regional youth theater with a

mission to build confidence for life through excellence in theater performance.

EL DORADO MUSICAL THEATRE · 5011 GOLDEN FOOTHILL PARKWAY, UNIT #4
EL DORADO HILLS, CALIFORNIA 95762-9649
PHONE 916-941-SING (7464) · FAX 916-941-7465

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El Dorado Musical Theatre | 5011 Golden Foothill Parkway, Suite #4 | El Dorado Hills | CA | 95762

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Publish Post Save NowSave as Draft Return to list of postsIn a message dated 8/4/2010 12:35:07 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, lindaclark@edmt.info writes:

Join us for a screening of the film Charlie's Closet.

One Day Only!

Please join us for a special private screening of this feature length film.

Saturday August 21 at 1:00 PM

Jill Solberg Performing Arts Theater (at Folsom High School)

1655 Iron Point Road, Folsom

(entrance off Prairie City Road)

Charlie's Closet is written and directed by El Dorado Hills Native Spencer Reed, and starring El Dorado Musical Theatre alums Spencer Borup as Charles Cordell, and Matthew Provencal as Tort. The film also features EDMT alums Amy Foulk, Terry Hicks, Devin Holliman, Chris Meissner, and Mariah Muehler with a guest appearance from Phillip Borup.

The film follows the story of a young adolescent girl, Zoe Jacobs (Esling), and her family who have recently moved to a new home. Zoe, lost and confused in her new environment, finds an unexpected friend in Charles Cordell (Borup), an aspiring author who just so happens to be the monster she found in her closet. Charlie's Closet outlines the struggle of Charlie and Zoe to be different in a world that is striving to be the same. It is a compelling tale of true platonic friendship centered on themes of taking hold of your destiny and remembering that "every moment to live is a moment to love".

The film is rated PG for Mild Language, and possible dangerous situations, along the lines of those contained in films such as Edward Scissorhands or Monsters Inc.

Tickets are just $7.00 online with a $0.50 convenience fee, or $7.00 at the door.

Online tickets available at www.edmt-tickets.com

This is a fundraiser to help support the Producer/Director of this independent film in future film making efforts as well as support for El Dorado Musical Theatre.

If you are interested in volunteering to be an usher or help in the ticket booth,

please contact:

Wade Sherman

Executive Producer

El Dorado Musical Theatre

(916) 941-SING

wadesherman@edmt.info

Donations Welcome

EDMT is a 501c3 non-profit organization that relies on charitable giving and sponsorships to thrive. Ticket sales and tuition alone cover only 60% of annual expenses. Donations may be directed to the Scholarship Fund, Building Fund, or general operations. Thank you for your generosity. Donations may be made online at www.edmt-tickets.com or by mailing to the EDMT office (see address below).

(Tax ID: 80-0001275)

El Dorado Musical Theatre is an award-winning, regional youth theater with a

mission to build confidence for life through excellence in theater performance.

EL DORADO MUSICAL THEATRE · 5011 GOLDEN FOOTHILL PARKWAY, UNIT #4
EL DORADO HILLS, CALIFORNIA 95762-9649
PHONE 916-941-SING (7464) · FAX 916-941-7465

"Charlie's Closet" comes to EDH

2010-08-08T14:41:00.000-07:00

EDMT Announces Screening of Locally Produced Feature Length Film “Charlie’s Closet.”

EL DORADO HILLS, CA - El Dorado Musical Theatre is proud to announce a special screening of the feature length film, “Charlie’s Closet” on Saturday August 21 at 1:00PM at the Jill Solberg Performing Arts Theater at Folsom High School. Charlie's Closet is written and directed by El Dorado Hills native Spencer Reed, and starring EDMT alums Spencer Borup as Charles Cordell, and Matthew Provencal as Tort. The film also features EDMT alums Amy Foulk, Terry Hicks, Devin Holliman, Chris Meissner, and Mariah Muehler with a guest appearance from Phillip Borup.

It follows the story of a young adolescent girl, Zoe Jacobs and her family who have recently moved to a new home. Zoe, lost and confused in her new environment, finds an unexpected friend in Charles Cordell (Borup), an aspiring author who just so happens to be the monster she found in her closet. Charlie's Closet outlines the struggle of Charlie and Zoe to be different in a world that is striving to be the same. It is a compelling tale of true platonic friendship centered on themes of taking hold of your destiny and remembering that "every moment to live is a moment to love."

EDMT is rating the film as PG for Mild Language, and possible scary situations. Tickets are just $7.00 online with a $0.50 convenience fee at https://www.edmt-tickets.com/tix/index.php or $7.00 at the door. This event is a fundraiser to support Spencer Reed’s future filmmaking efforts, and general support of EDMT.
EDMT Executive Producer Wade Sherman said, “We are pleased to provide this opportunity to Spencer Reed and our performers who worked so hard on this film. This is the first time it has been screened locally in a theater setting. It is such a positive achievement for young people in our community to have produced a film of this quality.

About El Dorado Musical Theatre: EDMT is an award winning regional theater company based in El Dorado Hills, California featuring performers aged 6-20. EDMT was founded in 2001 and is a Non-Profit Organization. EDMT produces five major productions per year. For more info visit www.edmt.info.

Quacks and Honks can be heard in Historic Folsom!

2010-07-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

Folsom, CA, July 14, 2010: Honk! by Anthony Drewe, Music by George Stiles and Lyrics by Anthony Drewe, beat "The Lion King" out of the Olivier award (the British equivalent to the Tony Award)! Honk! is a contemporary retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's classic story, "The Ugly Duckling" and features Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat-like score that kids everywhere will enjoy. The story wraps up with the wonderful message of how important it is to "just believe in yourself. Don't be left on the shelf feeling that all hope is dead and gone. And you may find, in your own way, you're a swan." This wonderful family entertainment, under the direction of award winning director Connie Mockenhaupt, with assistant directing by two time Elly award winning director Allen Schmeltz and musical direction by Susan Mason is performed by our Summer Musical Theatre Master Workshop students and promises to be great fun.
Honk! plays at 8:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays (plus a special opening performance and reception on Thursday July 1) and Sundays at 4:00 pm from July 24 through August 22. Tickets are $13-$17.

For reservations call (916) 353-1001.

Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter Street, Historic Folsom CA 95630

EDMT Announces Performances for “CINDERELLA”

2010-07-08T14:44:00.000-07:00

El Dorado Musical Theatre is proud to present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” which will run July 9-18 at the Jill Solberg Performing Arts Theater in Folsom. EDMT strives to entertain the community and build confidence in youth through excellence in musical theater performance.

This production features the timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale with the Rodgers & Hammerstein’s hallmarks of originality, charm, and elegance. It was presented originally on television in 1957, starring Julie Andrews. The 1957 broadcast was the highest viewed event in the history of television at that time.

It was re-created in 1965, starring Lesley Ann Warren, and again in 1997, starring Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother. This show has a talented cast of EDMT’s Rising Stars, ranging in age from 6 to 13. Leads include: Cinderella (Caroline Mixon), Fairy Godmother (Ireland Bonds), Stepmother (Anjie Rose Wilson), Grace (Allison Frew), Joy (Isabella Fay), Christopher (David Bryant), Lionel (Zach Wilson), Queen Constantina (Haley Tangen), and King Maximillian (Eric Hurst).

So come with EDMT this summer to an enchanted land where dreams come true, a land filled with fantastic songs, dance numbers, costumes, and an enchanted set, which will delight audiences of all ages! Ticket prices range from $10.00-$16.00 and can be purchased online at www.edmt.info or by calling the box office at 916-941-SING.

EDMT’s Production of “Cinderella” is sponsored in part by Sir Vesa’s Mexican Grill, Parker Development Company, and Pediatric Dental Specialists.

About El Dorado Musical Theat.re: EDMT is an award winning regional theater company based in El Dorado Hills, California, featuring performers 6-20. EDMT was founded in 2001 and is a Non-Profit Organization. EDMT produces five major productions per year. For more info visit www.edmt.info.

Frank Condon retires from River Stage

2010-07-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

2010 River Stage Playwright’s Festival of New Works Mark End of Artistic Director Condon’s Tenure at River Stage.

Presentations July 16, 17, 30 and 31.

Celebrate the end of Frank Condon’s tenure at River Stage, from the formation of the theatre in 1994 to the final presentation of the 15th Anniversary Season. While other theater companies take the first steps in producing playwright festivals, the eminence of River Stage in the Sacramento region is unchallenged. Landmark work by Tony Award-winning playwright Mark Medoff and his astounding "Gunfighter: Gulf War Chronicle" has propelled River Stage into the limelight as the site of seven world premieres of plays that continue to be performed.

This year, River Stage Playwright’s Festival of New Works will present staged readings of two plays. “Confessions of a Pulpiteer” by Lee Boek and “The Little Mermaid is Not for Children” by Alina Trowbridge.

In “Confessions of a Pulpiteer,” directed by Peter Kors, Lee Boek not only gives a fascinating insight into the attractions and complexities of the American evangelical movement, he brings all the passion eloquence and theatrical power he learned as a preacher to create an evening that is stirring, thought-provoking and – in some surprising ways – inspirational. This one-man show with guitar and back up fiddles includes musicians of the highest quality, from the Boston folk music scene. You won't want to miss it.

Presentations are Friday, July 16 at 8:00 pm and Saturday, July 17 at 8:00 pm.

The Little Mermaid is Not for Children by Alina Trowbridge, is directed by Frank Condon. When Carrie Milton misses the chance to say goodbye to her dying mother, she is launched into a mid-life crisis of fairy tale proportions and the middle of the competition between her sisters for her affection and control of the family history. Why do people silence themselves when no one is forcing them into silence? What is the difference between the silence that heals and the silence that kills? The play draws on often expurgated details from the original Little Mermaid story to explore how people face, or don’t face, their mid-life demons and sea witches.

Presentations: Friday, July 30 at 8:00 pm and Saturday, July 31 at 8:00 pm.

River Stage is located at 8401 Center Parkway, Sacramento, CA. on the campus of CRC, at the corner Center Parkway and Cosumnes River Blvd. For reservations by phone call 916-691-7364. For tickets and more information go to www.riverstage.org or email riverstage@crc.losrios.edu

Tickets: General: $7 Students: $5 Seniors: $5 Groups: $5 SARTA: $5 League: $5

There is no reserved seating and tickets are available at the door. Wheelchair access is available.

Sacramento Premiere At the 24th Street Theatre

2010-06-30T17:30:00.000-07:00

Sacramento—"Curtains... the Musical to die for!” Featuring one of the last scores by the lengendary Tony Award-winning songwriting team of Kander and Ebb (Chicago, Cabaret, Zorba) and a book by multiple Tony Award winner Rupert Holmes (The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Say Goodnight, Gracie), Curtains is set backstage in 1959 at Boston’s
Colonial Theatre during the pre-Broadway tryout of a new musical.

When the hapless leading lady is murdered on opening night during the curtain call, Lt. Frank Cioffi is called in to investigate and the entire company and creative team become suspects. But the lure of the theater proves irresistible and after an unexpected romance blooms for the stage-struck detective, he finds himself just as drawn toward making the show a hit as he is in solving the murder. What unfolds becomes not only a ‘whodunit” murder mystery, but also a fun, witty and tuneful musical within a musical, sure to delight audiences of all ages.

Filled with rousing show stopping tunes and dancing galore, Curtains promises to have you laughing so hard, it just might kill you! Curtains opened on Broadway on March 22, 2007 and was nominated for eight Tony Awards in the same year, including
Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score (with David Hyde Pierce winning for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical).

William Goldman of Variety called Curtains “An insanely funny evening!” while Michael Kuchwara of the Assocated Press declared it “Musical Comedy Heaven!”
Multiple Elly Award winning Producer and Director Bob Baxter teams up again with Elly Award winning Choreographer Darryl Strohl to stage this heart-warming musical. James Lohman will direct the one-of-a-kind RSP Resident Orchestra through the fabulous score.

Curtains performs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., July 9 through August 1, 2010.

TICKETS Adults - $20, Seniors/Students/SARTA - $18, Children (12 & under) - $15, Groups of 10+ - $15 each. Tickets can be purchased online at www.runawaystage.com (with new “Pick Your Seat” feature), or at the door. Online Reservation Convenience Fees apply.

Free parking is available. For further information or questions please call the box office at (916) 207-1226.

Imagination Theater! presents The Diary of Anne Frank

2010-06-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

Imagination Theater presents the Tony Award winning show, The Diary of Anne Frank , Friday, July 9 - Saturday, July 24, 2010. This is the true story of a young Jewish girl, Anne Frank who kept a diary during World War II. As Jews in German-occupied Holland, Anne, her family, and others hid in a secret attic-annex above a warehouse to avoid capture. The annex was discovered by the Nazi authorities in 1944 and Anne's family and friends were sent to concentration camps. Anne's father, Otto, the only survivor, published his daughter's diary in 1948. Anne could never have imagined the impact her words would have on generations of readers. More than sixteen million copies of her diary have been sold worldwide, and it remains the most read primary account of the Holocaust. The show is directed by Peter Wolfe and produced by Lanny Langston.

All tickets are reasonably priced at $10.00. For specific dates and times go to www.it-tickets.org. Tickets can be purchased online or by phone (530) 642-0404. Located on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, Imagination Theater celebrates its' 10th Anniversary bringing quality, live community theater to Placerville and El Dorado County.

Norm Foster's "Old Love" comes to B Street

2010-06-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

What: B Street Theatre presents Old Love written by Canadian playwright Norm Foster
Where: B Street Theatre, 2711 B Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
Run Dates: August 2, 2010 through September 12, 2010.
Previews: Saturday July 31 at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, August 1 at 2:00 p.m., preview tickets $12
Opening Night: Sunday, August 1 at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets
Box Office: 916.443.5300 www.bstreettheatre.org

Description
When a grieving widow is approached by an old acquaintance to pay his respects, a strained courtship begins that poses the question: is love worth all the bother? Old Love is a delightfully funny tale of romance, marriage, and friendship between older adults. Two acts. This is the second show of B Street’s 2010-2011 Mainstage Series.

History
Norm Foster is a long-time favorite of B Street Theatre audiences. Mr. Foster’s Affections of May, The Melville Boys, The Foursome, Drinking Alone, The Motor Trade and Mending Fences have all been produced at B Street.

Play: Old Love
Author: Norm Foster
Director: Buck Busfield
Cast: B Street company members Judy Jean Berns as Molly and David Silberman as Bud
Set Design: TBD
Lighting Design: TBD
Costume Design: TBD
Sound Design: B Street Staff
Stage Manager: Jerry Montoya

###
More about B Street Theatre: B Street Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre company producing primarily new work for adults, families and children. The two-theatre playhouse on B Street in Midtown Sacramento is home to the Mainstage Series, B3 Series and Family Series, each created to feature intimate, quality theatre for audiences year-round. Recognized as one of Northern California’s top professional theatres, B Street Theatre has produced more than 100 new plays, 60 of which are world, national, West Coast, or regional premieres.

B Street Theatre was originally founded in 1986 for the purpose of bringing the excitement of live performance to children through a program known as Fantasy Theatre, which is now called the B Street Theatre School Tour. This educational outreach program serves over 200,000 students in Northern California annually.
Other B Street Theatre programs include the B Street Theatre Family Series and Family Series Student Matinees (for school field trips), the B3 Series, B Street Acting Conservatory and Studio for Young People, and the B Street Theatre Internship program for pre-professional/post-college training.

The mission of B Street Theatre is to promote education and literacy, social interaction, and cultural enrichment by engaging children and adults in the highest quality theatre arts and playwriting.

Imagination Theater! presents the The Diary of Anne Frank

2010-06-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

Imagination Theater presents the Tony Award winning show, The Diary of Anne Frank Friday, July 9 - Saturday, July 24, 2010. This is the true story of a young Jewish girl, Anne Frank who kept a diary during World War II. As Jews in German-occupied Holland, Anne and her family feared for their lives.

For two years, beginning in 1942, Anne, her family, and others hide in a secret attic-annex above a warehouse to avoid capture and deportation to a Nazi concentration camp. The annex was discovered by the Nazi authorities in 1944 and Anne's family and friends were sent to concentration camps. The only survivor, Anne's father Otto, later published his daughter's diary in 1948.

Anne could never have imagined the impact her words would have on generations of readers. More than sixteen million copies of her diary have been sold worldwide, and it remains the most read primary account of the Holocaust.

Directed by Peter Wolfe and produced by Lanny Langston, evening performances are at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2:00 p.m. All seats are $10.00. Tickets for the performances can be purchased online at www.it-tickets.org or contact the box office at (530) 642-0404. Located on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, Imagination Theater celebrates its' 10th Anniversary bringing quality, live community theater to Placerville and El Dorado County.

Shadow of a Man

2010-06-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

CALIFORNIA STAGE THEATER COMPANY & TEATRO ESPEJO PRESENT "SHADOW OF A MAN" BY CHERRIE MORAGA

This family tragedy is set in 1969 in the Rodriguez home, a Mexican family living in Los Angeles. It is a hard look at relationships within a disintegrating Chicano family where past secrets and hidden desires threaten to destroy the tenuous remains of all they have built. The title suggests the weighty presence of men in the lives of the female characters. Manuel Rodriguez's inconsistent employment, alcoholism, and disconnection from both Mexican and American culture distance him from his family, especially his eldest, only son Rodrigo. When his dark desires are forced into the open, the women in the family must find solace in one another.

The production is being directed by Antonio Juarez and plays between July 9 and August 1, 2010 in the Wilkerson Theater at the R25 Arts Complex, 1725 25th Street at R street in Midtown Sacramento. Show times are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2 PM. Ticket prices are $20.00, for general admission, $15.00, for Students, SARTA members and seniors, and $12.00 for groups of six or more. The theater is accessible.

Craig Chavez and Gladys Acosta will star as the ill-fated parents in the Rodriguez Family. Their daughters, Leticia and Lupe are played by Diana Mandujano and Marianne Gaona. Lucy Ortiz Scott plays their Aunt Rosario while Berman Obaldia will portray Conrado, a family friend.

“Calstage” offers this summer season bonus production free to season subscription holders. Our plays are produced in collaboration with The Sacramento Progressive Communities and Matrix Arts, non-profits serving the greater Sacramento area.

2010-06-25T14:38:00.000-07:00

Fact Sheet for El Dorado Musical Theatre’s Production of:
“Crazy For You”
With Music and Lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Book by Ken Ludwig

Director - Debbie Wilson
Vocal Director – Jennifer Martin
Costumer – Christine Martorana
Featuring El Dorado Musical Theatre performers between the ages of 13-20.
This show is rated G

Show Overview
‘Crazy For You’ is the story of Bobby Child, a stage-struck New Yorker, who’s dream in life is to dance. Bobby Child is sent to a small, poor town in Nevada to close down the local theater. Soon Bobby falls in love with the theater owner’s daughter, Polly. In order to save the theater, he dreams up the idea to put on a show to raise money for the theater. In the end, the town is reinvigorated, the theater is saved and Bobby finds love. ‘Crazy For You’ first opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre in 1992 and ran for 1,622 performances starring Harry Groener and Jodi Benson. ‘Crazy ForYou’ received three Tony Awards for Musical, Choreographer and Costume Designer. Memorable Gershwin tunes include I Can’t Be Bothered Now, Bidin’ My Time and I Got Rhythm. It’s a high energy comedy which includes mistake in identity, plot twists, fabulous dance numbers, tapping and classic Gershwin music.

Performances July 23- August 1, 2010
Jill Solberg Performing Arts Theatre at Folsom High School
1655 Iron Point Road, Folsom, CA

Directions: From Hwy 50, take Prairie City Road exit and head north.
Campus is on right. Across from Intel.

Ticket Prices
Prices: $20 - General Admission, $16 - Children, Students and Seniors.
Group discounts available.

Show Dates and Times
Friday, July 23 10:00 am (Preview Show – all seats $10)
Friday, July 23 7:00 pm
Saturday, July 24 2:00pm and 7:00pm*
Sunday, July 25 2:00 pm
Thursday, July 29 7:00 pm
Friday, July 30 7:00 pm
Saturday, July 31 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Sunday, August 1 2:00 pm
* Director’s Notes with Debbie Wilson begins at 6pm

El Dorado Musical Theatre
5011 Golden Foothill Parkway #4, El Dorado Hills, CA
(916) 941-SING www.edmt.info

History of America in Folsom

2010-06-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

Folsom, CA, June 21, 2010: The Sutter Street Theatre presents “Complete History of America (Abridged)” written by Reed Martin, Austin Tichenor, and Adam Long and directed by Susan Mason. Yea verily, from Washington to Watergate, from the Bering Strait to Boston, from New World to New World Order – The Complete History of America (Abridged) is a roller coaster ride through the glorious and inglorious moments that make American History. A very talented and humorous cast featuring Ryan Adame, Jessica Larrick and Michael Coleman present this comedy showing 600 years of history in just two hours.
“Complete History of America (Abridged)” plays at 8:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays (plus a special opening performance and reception on Thursday July 1) and Sundays at 4:00pm from July 1 through August 15. Tickets are $18-$23.

For reservations call (916) 353-1001.

Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter Street, Historic Folsom CA 95630

Spamalot comes to Music Circus

2010-06-21T18:33:00.000-07:00

'SPAMALOT' TO BE 500th
IN-THE-ROUND PRODUCTION AT MUSIC CIRCUS

The Sacramento Music Circus production of Monty Python's "Spamalot," opening at the Wells Fargo Pavilion on July 9, will mark a few firsts. It will be the first time a regional theatre has been given the rights to produce the Tony Award-winning best musical. It will also be the first time the musical has been produced in the round. And significantly for the region's largest arts organization, it will be the first time in its history that California Musical Theatre has hosted a regional theatre premiere. But among the firsts, there is another milestone. "Spamalot" will be the 500th opening night for Music Circus at the corner of 15th and H Streets.

From the opening of "Show Boat" in 1951, the Music Circus tent -- and for the last seven seasons the Wells Fargo Pavilion -- has seen the evolution of the American musicals from light operas like "The Merry Widow," "Naughty Marietta" and "The Desert Song" to the great standards of the Broadway stage like "Oklahoma!," "My Fair Lady" and "Fiddler on the Roof" to contemporary favorites like "Les Misérables," "Beauty and the Beast" and, of course, "Spamalot." Over the decades, Music Circus hosted a series of concerts (36 in total), that included the top stage entertainers of the era: Bob Hope, Robert Goulet, Mitzi Gaynor, Jim Nabors, Marlene Dietrich and Liberace to name a few.

Of course the timing of the 500th opening with "Spamalot" and the 60th season is just a happy coincidence. "We couldn't have engineered it this way," Executive Producer Richard Lewis said. "When we put together our season, we endeavor to produce the best shows with the best actors on the stage. The 500th opening gives us another reason to celebrate 60 years of Music Circus in Sacramento. I'm very proud of the work we do here. I only wish we knew how many audience members we've served in all that time, but unfortunately we don't have those records. That would be something to celebrate. It's probably 6 or 7 million."

From 1983 through 1991, Music Circus presented 13 national tours at the Community Center Theater. Those tours, a precursor to the Broadway Sacramento season, are not included as part of the 500 openings at Music Circus.

"Spamalot" opens July 9 for a 13-performance run ending July 18. The season continues with "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" (July 20-25), "Oklahoma!" (July 27-August 1), "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" (August 3-8), "Funny Girl" (August 10-15), "The Marvelous Wonderettes" (August 17-22) and "42nd Street" (August 24-29)

Tickets ($41-$53) are available at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H Street, Sacramento, or by calling (916) 557-1999. For more information about the season, please visit www.SacramentoMusicCircus.com.

Last chance to take on Harvey

2010-06-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

Only three more performances of Harvey left and two are sold out. Call now and make your reservations for next Friday. (916) 353-1001

Sutter Street Theatre
717 Sutter Street
Historic Folsom
http://www.sutterstreettheatre.com/

Alert from Capital Stage

2010-06-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

Peter Sinn Nachtrieb, the brilliant playwright of Capital Stage’s current hit “Hunter Gatherers” will be attending the performance on June 24, 2010. Also, Peter will be joining the cast for a post-show chat with the audience following the performance. Curtain is at 8pm and good seats are available at www.capstage.org or through the box office at 916-995-5464. For more information on Mr. Nachtrieb please visit his site at www.peternachtrieb.com.

For more information contact Peter Mohrmann
Marketing Director, Capital Stage

916-379-5051

www.capstage.org

A giant rabbit comes to Sutter Street

2010-06-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

l to r: Stephen Kauffman, Connie Mockenhaupt, Alyce Rogers.
Courtesy photo

When Elwood P. Dowd starts to introduce his imaginary friend, Harvey, a six-and-a-half-foot rabbit, to guests at a society party, his sister, Veta, has seen as much of his eccentric behavior as she can tolerate. She decides to have him committed to a sanitarium to spare her daughter, Myrtle Mae, and their family from future embarrassment.

Problems arise, however, when Veta herself is mistakenly assumed to be on the verge of lunacy when she explains to doctors that years of living with Elwood's hallucination have caused her to see Harvey also! The doctors commit Veta instead of Elwood, but when the truth comes out, the search is on for Elwood and his invisible companion. When he shows up at the sanitarium looking for his lost friend Harvey, it seems that the mild-mannered Elwood's delusion has had a strange influence on more than one of the doctors. Only at the end does Veta realize that maybe Harvey isn't so bad after all.

Produced by Kauffman’s Give Us A Hand Productions and Sutter Street Theatre, written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Mary Chase and directed by Elly Award winning director Allen Schmeltz, with Stephen Kauffman as Elwood P. Dowd and Connie Mockenhaupt as Veta Louise Simmons, the production runs from June 4 through June 27 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 4:00pm. Tickets are $18-$23. For reservations call (916) 353-1001. The theatre is located at 717 Sutter Street in Historic Folsom. Website www.SutterStreetTheatre.com.

Though dated, “Mary, Mary” can still command a stage

2010-06-15T15:39:00.000-07:00

Courtesy photo

If you’ve been away for some time from the venerable Studio Theatre on Sacramento’s “R” Street, you’ll likely be in for a charming surprise. First, there’s the set. Unlike the usual warehouse collection we see a posh New York apartment living room decorated exquisitely with the finest of furnishings. Adding to a sophisticated set design by Michael Peters, some furnishings were on loan from Chautauqua Playhouse.

The signal we get is that we’re now swimming with the professionals. Although Mary, Mary may show signs of aging, Bob and Ro Productions, now at the studio’s helm, aim at professional quality despite being a non-profit.

By the late Jean Kerr, famous mainly for Please Don’t Eat the Daisies (1957), the 1961 play anatomizes contemporary marriage, with its various ambiguities. The setup brings together the witty Mary McKellaway (Christina Clem) and husband Bob (John Hopkins) in his apartment where they hope to avert IRS consequences prior to their impending divorce.

A snowstorm leaves her no option but to stay overnight as Bob’s houseguest, and the following morning she encounters Oscar (Bob Gerould), the blunt family lawyer; a glamorous Hollywood leading man, Dirk Winston (Dale Tagtmeyer), and Bob’s newly betrothed and very young Tiffany Richards (Shana McCarl).

As the witty Oscar observes, “If all you’ve got is the sun in the morning and the moon at night, you’re in trouble.” So the plot question revolves around whether Bob and Mary reunite or go their separate ways. And everything works out over three acts with three intermissions. Under Rosemarie Gerould’s skilled direction a capable cast handles the various comic roles with convincing ease, although the action is fairly predictable.

Bob and Ro Productions presents “Mary Mary” on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m. through June 27. Tickets are $20 general admission, $18 seniors and $15 students, and can be arranged by calling the box office at (877) 532-7171 between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tues. through Sat. Tickets can also be purchased at the door, The Studio Theatre, 1028 R St., Sacramento, CA 95811.

Burn This deftly challenges moral convention

2010-06-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

Kristine David, Eric Baldwin
Courtesy photo

It’s almost always a joy to welcome a bright new theater group to Sacramento. The opening-night audience for Burn This expressed joyful approval of the fledgling effort by Resurrection Theatre Company and Fourth Stage this week at The Wilkerson Theatre. Its producers—Margaret Morneau, Eric Badwin and Aysha Krumm—made a discerning choice of Lanford Wilson’s searing play by way of introduction.

A contemporary and prolific American playwright, Wilson finds ways to get beneath the surfaces of his characters and make us see the depths that often lie beneath. Having a gay character in this 1986 play would have been a bit more of a shock than it is today. But the object was never to shock; it was to reveal. A young and insightful director, Lisa Thew, recognizes “that it’s often our own “out-of-character” decisions that define the most impactful moments of our lives.”

The plot is triggered by the drowning death of Robbie, a young gay dancer. His roommates—choreographer Anna (Kristine David) and ad-man Larry (Shawn B. O’Neal) bring the remains back to their Manhattan loft. The exquisite Anna has recently given up dancing for a career off-stage, and Larry’s affectionate loyalty goes far beyond his job. Tall, bald and thoroughly endearing, the openly gay Larry has become a family member. Anna is also consoled by her boyfriend, Burton (Joshua Glenn Robertson), who strives to immortalize Robbie in a play.

Upsetting this gathering of friendly mourners is the arrival of Robbie’s surviving brother, Jimmy, nick-named Pale (Eric Baldwin), seemingly bent on punishing Robbie’s friends for their suspected contribution to Robbie’s death—and bad habits. A gun-toting restaurant manager who somehow manages to bond with Anna, Pale seems the least likely to cross the barrier but something draw Anna to him.

The second act, which draws the threads together, seems to drag on a bit too long though it never gets boring.

2010-06-07T13:25:00.000-07:00

Thistle Dew Playwrights' Theatre

1901 P STREET,

DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO

eNewsletter and Press Release

JUNE 7, 2010

AUDITION NOTICE

THE THISTLE DEW DESSERT THEATRE

DATES: JUNE 12, 19.

DROP-IN 1901 P STREET: 11:00AM - 3:00PM

BRING RESUME AND HEADSHOT

COLD READ

CALL BACKS JUNE 26

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE TO BE DETERMINED: JULY THROUGH SEPTEMBER

EXACT OPENING AND PLAY DATES TO BE DETERMINED: JULY THROUGH SEPTEMBER

EIGHT TO TEN PERFORMANCE DAYS, FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS AND SOME SUNDAYS

"GOING TO TIBET"

ONE MALE 55-65 [PRECAST]

ONE FEMALE 55-65 [PRECAST]

2 MALES 26-30

SAM MILLER (COMPUTER NERD) AND

DR. BILL DENNING (STUCK-UP, KNOW-IT-ALL, CONNIVING, GOLD DIGGING ...)

2 FEMALES 26-30

SUSAN HARRISON (SECRETARY TO JUDGE MIRIAM FISHER) AND

ALLISON PETERS-FISHER DAUGHTER TO DUNCAN AND MIRIAM

1 MALE 50-60, COMMISSIONER

"GOING TO TIBET": Poor Duncan Peters!

A commissioner from the Judicial Council is coming to interview his family and others are worried. Judge Fischer’s law clerk, Susan, frets that Duncan ’s nonconformity will sink Miriam’s nomination. Not wanting to jeopardize Miriam’s chances for the high court, Duncan leaves for Tibet . Through it all is the question of love. But Miriam is worried. How will it all work out with Duncan in Tibet and the commissioner coming?

AND

"MIXVILLE"

ONE MALE 55-65: JUBAL McCABE, a happy-go-lucky, wanna-be cowboy movie star.

ONE FEMALE 55-65: AIYANNA McCABE, Native American. Her Apache name means ‘eternal blossom’. She has the patience of a saint and the psyche of a poet.

ONE MALE 45-55: NITEESH ‘Carl’ LONEFEATHER: 55-60, brother ofAIYANNA. Member of Native American Tribal Council, Apache Nation.

ONE MALE 14-16, JIMOOTA (‘Jimoo’): 12-15, grandson of JUBAL andAIYANNA. His Apache name means ‘Sun God’.

"MIXVILLE": Are our old cowboy heroes really dead?

Not according to Jubal "Tom Mix" McCabe.

The Fabulous Tom Mix: Thomas Edwin Mix (born Thomas Hezikiah Mix; January 6, 1880 – October 12, 1940) was an American film actor and the star of many early Western movies. He made a reported 336 films between 1910 and 1935, all but nine of which were silent features. He was Hollywood’s first Western megastar and is noted as having helped define the genre for all cowboy actors who followed. Tom Mix was "the King of Cowboys" when the influence of his screen persona was seen in his approach to portraying cowboys. Such was the influence on the life of Jubal 'Tom Mix' McCabe.

We need seasoned actors to present our original works.

email: thistledewplaywrights@yahoo.com

or

telephone: 444-8209

"Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness."
Seneca

Peggy Shannon leaves STC

2010-06-02T12:34:00.000-07:00

Peggy Shannon Accepting Toronto Opportunity

SACRAMENTO, CA. - With “nostalgia and optimism,” the Board of Directors at Sacramento Theatre Company has accepted the resignation of its long-time Artistic Director, Peggy Shannon, effective June 30. Ms. Shannon has accepted a position as Chair of the Theatre School at Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada.

“This is an incredible opportunity for Peggy,” said Linda Clifford, STC Board President. “We are grateful for the talent and growth she brought to STC and appreciate that this is a chance for her to take on a big, new challenge. At the same time, her decision creates a wonderful opportunity within our own theatre to make some exciting changes.”

Matt Miller has been named interim Artistic Director of STC and Michael Laun will take a more senior role as Producing Director. A national search will begin to permanently fill Shannon’s position, though Miller will be a candidate and remain in the job this season. Shannon, who is credited with starting STC’s School of the Arts and bringing new plays, writers, actors and celebrities to the local stage,reflected on the transition:

“I will miss the people of the area, the beautiful neighborhoods, 2nd Saturdays and the legacy we’ve been building, especially within the school. But, it’s good to go toward things and I’m going toward something fantastic now, while feeling confident about where I’ve been.”

Shannon says that while she is “thrilled” about the opportunity ahead, she is proud of the position STC is in now. Subscriptions are up significantly over last year, the school continues to graduate students who move into college programs and professional theater work, and her long-time colleague and friend, Matt Miller, will for now, step into her job.

“Having Matt - someone of his talent as an actor - come live here, get married, have a family ... and become part of this community is something I’m really proud of,” commented Shannon. “This is a really exciting moment in our theatre’s history.”

“The timing is immaculate,” added Miller. “It feels natural to take all the experiences I’ve had on the stage and put them into the artistic product at STC.“

Added Clifford, “ We have very high hopes for Matt.”

About the Sacramento Theatre Company

STC is a professional theatre company located in downtown Sacramento and is one of the oldest and largest arts institutions in the region. From September to May, STC theaters feature eight performances each week. STC Entertains, Educates, Inspires, and Enriches. There's nothing else quite like great professional theatre!

High Voltage Family Appreciation Performance

2010-05-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

This is a FREE event open to families, friends and the public. Join us for a celebration of the first year of High Voltage. And a much deserved. "THANK YOU" to all of our families who have worked so hard to help make High Voltage a fabulous success! Join us for one and a half hours of high energy singing and dancing.

Saturday, June 5 at 5:30 p.m. at The Town Center, El Dorado Hills. The show will be
in the Amphitheater (by the ponds next to Bistro 33).

Visit The Town Center webiste at www.eldoradohillstowncenter.com .

Feel free to sit in the amphitheater or bring blankets or lawn chairs for the grassy area. If you would like to enjoy a meal at Bistro 33 before or during the performance, you may make reservaitions for the patio.

To find out more about High Voltage visit edmthighvoltage.info.

High Voltage Auditions

Saturday, June 19 at
El Dorado Musical Theatre Rehearsal Facility
5011 Golden Foothill Pkwy, Suite 4
El Dorado Hills, Ca 95762

This is your chance to become a part of El Dorado Musical Theatre's premier touring group for performers age 9 - 20. Please arrive at 8:45 am for warm-ups. The audition dance will be taught promptly at 9:00 am with auditions immediately following. You will be able to

pre-register online (opening soon) as well as on audition day. For the calendar, contract, registration forms, and audition letter, please visit our webiste at edmthighvoltage.info.

What is High Voltage?

High Voltage is a group of high-energy young performers who sing, dance, and entertain a wide range of audiences. They are EDMT's "Performance Ambassadors" who take entertainment out of the theater and out into the community. The group has performed at venues ranging from the California State Capital Building to the Carnival Splendor cruise ship. You may view a sampling of past High Voltage performances on the website.

For more information visit edmthighvoltage.info or call (916) 941-SING (7464).

Donations Welcome

EDMT is a 501c3 non-profit organization that relies on charitable giving and sponsorships to thrive. Ticket sales and tuition alone cover only 60% of annual expenses. Donations may be directed to the Scholarship Fund, Building Fund, or general operations. Thank you for your generosity. Donations may be made online at www.edmt-tickets.com or my mailing to the EDMT office (see address below).

(Tax ID: 80-0001275)

El Dorado Musical Theatre is an award-winning, regional youth theater with a mission to build confidence for life through excellence in theater performance.

EL DORADO MUSICAL THEATRE · 5011 GOLDEN FOOTHILL PARKWAY, UNIT #4
EL DORADO HILLS, CALIFORNIA 95762-9649
PHONE 916-941-SING (7464) · FAX 916-941-7465

Mary is too clever for her own good

2010-05-25T14:37:00.000-07:00

MARY MARY

A Comedy about Love, Divorce, Cynicism and Taxes

She is also sometimes too clever for everyone else’s good. But what can you expect? The poor girl had a gorgeous older sister who completely absorbed all adoration and attention around her. So, Mary decided if she couldn’t be beautiful, she’d be clever. Relentlessly clever.

Now she and the very practical Bob are on the brink of finalizing their divorce. He has a pretty young fiance with a penchant for health foods and a background of wealth and privilege. Mary has a new look and a new attitude. Unfortunately they also have a sticky tax problem that forces them to get together one more time. Things would have gone so much smoother if they could have just stayed apart....

About the author: “Women speak because they wish to speak, whereas a man speaks only when driven to speak by something outside himself like, for instance, he can’t find any clean socks.” - Jean Kerr

Jean Kerr was a funny woman. Married to drama critic Walter Kerr, she wrote some successful plays (including Mary, Mary - longest running play of the decade) and some bad plays (after a blessed short run, she and her husband vowed never to discuss their musical, Goldilocks). She had six children, and swore she did her best writing while locked in the car, hiding from her rambunctious family. Kerr was also the author of many essays and books, the best known being Please Don’t Eat The Daisies, which inspired a movie staring Doris Day and David Niven, as well as a television series. She died in 2003.

Bob and Ro Productions presents “Mary Mary” on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m. June 4 through 27. Tickets are $20 general admission, $18 seniors and $15 students, and can be arranged by calling the box office at (877) 532-7171 between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tues. through Sat. Tickets can also be purchased at the door, The Studio Theatre, 1028 R St., Sacramento, CA 95811.

Hunter Gatherers anatomizes human predators

2010-05-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

Richard wrestles Tom
courtesy photo

Mary may have had a little lamb–and may have seen it sacrificed at Capital Stage on Sacramento’s Delta King. The brain child of prolific playwright Sinn Nachtrieb, a San Francisco native, the play begins with a stomach-churning scene. A lamb, invisible in a cardboard box, is about to be slaughtered in front of our eyes. Instinctively we tense, though we know that real consumers don’t buy live lambs and slay them at home.

The action takes place on a May evening in 2005, in “an urban apartment in a city much like San Francisco.” Its cast consists of two married couples, all age 35. Occupants of the apartment are “our hero” Pam (Kelley Ogden) and Richard (Cassidy Brown). They receive a visit from a pair of old friends from high school, also married: Wendy (Katie Rubin) and Tom (Jonathan Rhys Williams). Williams, an artistic associate with the company, also directs.

As Pam looks on, Richard finally summons the strength to overcome his compassion and slay the lamb (something we never really see). His mood swings to triumph and an appetite for the corpse, his favorite dish, which he delivers to an offstage oven. Shortly afterward the couple’s guests arrive, bearing wine. Richard and Wendy chew the lamb carcass, and Pam feeds Tom carrots because he recoiled from the spectacle.

Richard fancies himself an artist, and Tom is a physician. Immediately they relate to each other like a pair of teen-age toughs, savagely wrestling—but all in fun. The horseplay, almost on cue, leads to a cut on Richard’s head, transforming Tom back into his social role as physician. Suddenly all professional, Tom neatly sews up the cut.

The women are also a pair of contrasts: a sedate Pam and a blowsy Wendy. We quickly discover that Richard and Wendy secretly (or not-so-secretly) are carrying on an affair. There’s much talk about how Wendy yearns for a baby and who she might want to be its father. There are also hints of a homosexual attraction between the two men. The play builds to a conclusion where Pam finally discovers—and embraces—her own raw sexuality.

Following the script, Steve Decker, set and lighting designer, decorates the apartment with African masks, spears and skulls on a string, echoing the play’s contrast between civilization and savagery, between the hunters and the gatherers.

The play, like most offerings by Capital Stage, stimulates insight while providing entertainment. Though much of the dialogue brings on laughter, Nachtrieb’s characters seem a little too contrived, designed to fit the human contrasts captured in the title. The acting and directing, though, carry out the play’s mission with suitable élan and comic timing.

The show is aimed at adults and may not be suitable for anyone under 17.

Performances continue through June 27. (There will be no performances Memorial Day Weekend, May 27-30.) Show times are Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25-$32. Discount tickets are also available at the Capital Stage Box Office, by phone at 916-995-5464, or online at www.capstage.org. The Pilothouse Restaurant offers a specially priced $29 three-course dinner for theatre patrons; Pilothouse reservations can be made through the box office.

B Street gets a love child

2010-05-18T09:55:00.000-07:00

B Street Theatre presents LOVE CHILD written by Daniel Jenkins and Robert Stanton

Where: B Street Theatre, 2711 B Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
When: June 5, 2010 through July 25, 2010.

Previews
Saturday, June 5 at 5:00 p.m
Sunday, June 6 at 2:00 p.m.

Opening Night:
Sunday, June 6 at 7:00 p.m.

Performance Times & Prices:
Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 p.m.

Saturdays at 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets
Box Office: 916.443.5300

Description
It's opening night. The cast is unruly, the crowd is restless, and the play is obscure, but Joel has a larger worry: his mother is in the front row. Real and theatrical worlds collide in Love Child, the new comedy about the night a classic play spoke so loudly to its audience that its audience felt compelled to talk back. Actors David Pierini and Greg Alexander take you on a wild ride when they portray everyone on stage, backstage and in the house, all coming together on one riotous night in the theater.

History

Love Child enjoyed two successful runs at Primary Stages in New York. The second run closed January 3, 2010.

Who

Author: Daniel Jenkins and Robert Stanton.
Director: Buck Busfield
Cast: David Pierini and Greg Alexander. Both actors play multiple roles.
Set Design: Samantha Reno
Lighting Design: Kristin Tyler

Dracula Descends on Imagination Theater!

2010-05-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

Dracula Descends on Imagination Theater! this October

Imagination Theater presents Imagination Theater! and with Porter Media Group have been working for nearly two years to bring this haunting multi-media tale of Dracula to Imagination Theater’s stage. Richard Sharp’s version of Bram Stokers’s Dracula is brought to life with exciting film footage intertwined with the stage play for a visual feast. The high definition digital process was shot in several locations, including the historical Central Pacific Railroad Passenger Station in Old Town Sacramento, the Preston School of Industry (also known as The Castle) in Ione, a private residence in Cedar Grove, and a private ranch in Pleasant Valley. The total film time is about 25 minutes of the play, but it is laced throughout to enhance the story and give the audience a new look at an old tale.

Dracula opens October 8, continuing through October 31 with evening shows at 7:00 p.m. and matinees at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.it-tickets.org or contact the box office at (530) 642-0404. All tickets are $15 and are reserved seating. The show is rate PG-13+ and is two hours with no intermission. Located on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, Imagination Theater celebrates its' 10th Anniversary of bringing quality, live community theater to Placerville and El Dorado County.

OLD TIME RADIO SHOWS KEEPS GROWING

2010-05-16T17:16:00.000-07:00

at the Studio Theatre

Comedy, Mystery, Drama... delivered to your home through the wonders of that amazing machine - the Radio!

At least, that’s how it used to be. Arguably the first true example of mass media, programs were performed before a live audience while the rest of the country gathered around their radios and listened in. Now anyone can be a part of that studio audience when Bob and Ro’s Old Time Radio Shows perform at the Studio Theatre! Local actors take on the roles of established and timeless shows like Gunsmoke, Richard Diamond and The Bickersons. Add in a musical interlude with singer Mike Branson (or a special guest) and you’ve got a great evening’s entertainment.

All performances are at the Studio Theatre, 1028 R St., Sacramento:

Sunday, May 23 at 7:00 pm • Tickets $10
Richard Diamond - The Gibson Murder Case • The Bickersons • Fibber McGee and Molly - Fibber’s Closet

With a musical interlude featuring Jeanette Hall, Jackie Clauson, Eileen Beaver, Dan Lee and Dennis Cain

Sunday, June 13 at 7:00 pm • Tickets $10
Gunsmoke - The Guitar • The Bickersons • Our Miss Brooks - Friday the Thirteenth

Also featuring the song styling of Mike Branson

Sunday, June 27 at 7:00 pm • Tickets $10
Richard Diamond - The Nathan Beeker Case • The Bickersons •
Fibber McGee & Molly - The Policeman’s Ball

plus the Song Styling of Mike Branson

Sunday, July 11 at 7:00 pm • Tickets $10
Pat Novak P.I. - Go Away Dixie Gillian • The Bickersons •
My Friend Irma - Seeing Ghosts

plus the Song Styling of Mike Branson

Sunday, July 25 at 7:00 pm • Tickets $10
Richard Diamond - The Grey Man • The Bickersons • Fibber McGee & Molly - Fibber Gets His Hand Caught in a Bottle

plus the Song Styling of Mike Branson

Notch & Castle Returns to Sutter Street Theatre

2010-05-16T17:06:00.000-07:00

The Comedy Team of David Iannaci and Tony Castle are returning to the Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom, May 27th through May 30th.

Folsom, CA, May 14, 2010: These two seasoned professional entertainers are once again at Sutter Street with their hilarious, high-energy show. The Variety-Show format with its cast of wacky characters delights audiences with songs, skits, bits, impressions and surprises.

So, if you are tired of channel-surfing and long for Live Entertainment that brings the flavor of the wildly popular Variety Shows that once dominated prime-time television, then Notch and Castle’s Comedy-Variety Show is the show for you. Four days only (May 27, 28 29, 30) - Thursday at 7:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday at 8:00p.m. and Sunday at 4:00 p.m.

Tickets are $13-$17. For reservations call (916) 353-1001.

Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter Street, Historic Folsom CA 95630

David Iannaci and Tony Castle…”A different class of clowns.”

MSTW: summer season at Kennedy Mine

2010-05-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

TREASURE HUNTS AND SERVANT SILLINESS AT KENNEDY MINE AMPHITHEATRE

Main Street Theatre Works Presents a Summer Season of Family Fun and Adventure with Treasure Island and The Servant of Two Masters.

Main Street Theatre Works is proud to present their 2010 Summer Season at the Kennedy Mine Amphitheatre in Jackson ~ opening with the classic pirate adventure, Treasure Island, Ken Ludwig’s adaptation from the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, followed by the zany adventures of Carlo Goldoni’s The Servant of Two Masters, a translation and adaptation of by Jeffrey Hatcher and Paolo Emilio Landi. Treasure Island runs Friday and Saturday nights, June 18th through July 24th and The Servant of Two Masters runs August 6th through September 4th.

Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of Treasure Island, set in 1775, pays tribute to this masterful tale of treachery, mayhem, and a young boy’s coming of age adventure. Jim Hawkins is recovering from the death of his father, while trying to help his mother run the Admiral Benbow Inn. Enter the dangerous pirate Billy Bones, who is being tracked for possession of a treasure map by some of the sea’s most famous cutthroats ~ the greedy and unpredictable George Merry, the fierce woman pirate Anne Bonny, the intimidating and evil Blind Pew, and leading the pack is the infamous Long John Silver, the most famous hero/villain of all time. Silver befriends Jim and provides Jim a connection to his deceased father, but is Silver really an ally to Jim, or will he betray him to get his hands on the treasure map? This swashbuckling adventure, Treasure Island, pulls into the Kennedy Mine Amphitheatre June 18th through July 24th.

Following the pirate adventure is The Servant of Two Masters. If you loved the zaniness of Around the World in 80 Days last year, you’ll love “…Servant.” It’s been described as “…a Bob Hope or Woody Allen comedy written by Monty Python and performed by Chaplin.” In the story, the madcap and always hungry servant, Truffaldino, does his best to serve two masters, in hopes of an extra meal and some extra pocket change. But is food what he’s really hungry for or is he hungry for his true love, Smeraldina? From beginning to end, the audience is caught up, and included, in the zany madness of an Italian Circus setting, complete with outrageous costumes, mistaken identities, thwarted lovers and irate fathers. The Servant of Two Masters runs August 6th thru September 4th.

Main Street Theatre Works is a professionally oriented theatre company, performing in the heart of Amador County. Now in their 16h season, MSTW continues to be dedicated to bringing professional and community theatre artists together to produce classical and contemporary plays, striving for a balance that stimulates both artists and audiences.

The setting for the amphitheatre is truly spectacular. Located on the Kennedy Mine property, patrons walk past an old tailing wheel (used when the mine was in operation), across an old bridge, into a grass-covered, terraced bowl, surrounded by majestic oaks. There the stage is set for picnicking and enjoying professional quality productions.

Performances are Friday and Saturday nights, with gates opening at 6:30, show starting at 8:00. Patrons are encouraged to come early with picnics, chairs and jackets. The Kennedy Mine Amphitheatre is located on North Main Street in Jackson, next to the Country Squire Motel.

Performance Dates and Times
Fridays and Saturdays
Gates open at 6:30pm for picnics, Show starts at 8:00pm
Treasure Island
June 18th - July 24th
The Servant of Two Masters
August 6th – September 4th

Ticket Prices
Adults - $17.50
Students/Children 18 & under - $12.00
Family Pack (2 adults/2 students) - $49.00

Tickets available at the gate or on-line at
www.mstw.org

Charley’s Aunt revives at Chautauqua

2010-05-10T15:35:00.000-07:00

Courtesy photo

Choosing a play to see is a lot like buying shoes. Much depends on your taste and purpose. If you’re drawn to witty reflection that illuminates upper class values of Victorian England, then Chautauqua’s current offering of Charley’s Aunt may be your cup of tea, especially if you’d like some choice laughs as crumpets.

The play, by Brandon Thomas, opened in London in 1892 and enjoyed many revivals since, including a 1941 film version starring Jack Benny. The story relies on a popular device for its humor and suspense: mistaken identity. In the process it reveals both the charms and prejudices of the mores it satirizes.

With wedlock in mind, a pair of Oxford undergraduates, Charley Wykeham (Jess Thomas) and Jack Chesney (Nick Palleschi) have their eyes on, respectively, two suitable young ladies, Amy Spettigue (Zoe Samborski) and Kitty Verdun (Analise Langford-Clark). One is the niece, the other a ward, of Stephen Spettigue (Richard Spierto) an overbearing London solicitor.

Initiating a respectable courtship requires a respectable chaperon, and Jack has just the ticket: his Brazilian aunt, Donna Lucia d’Alvadorez, who’s on her way for a visit. With that expectation in mind he sets up a meeting with the girls. To Jack’s horror, the aunt “from where the nuts come from” is delayed. The impulsive Jack, rather than postponing the meeting, recruits his somewhat ditsy pal Lord Fancourt Babberley (Marc Berman) to masquerade, in drag) as the aunt. (Costumes are by Eileen Beaver.)

Chaos follows, with the greedy Stephen Spettigue wooing Charley’s supposedly rich aunt despite her ugliness. Others contributing to the disorder include a cynical butler, Brasset (Daryl Petrig), who observes how his employers do everything “with a bang” except pay their bills. Eventually the real Donna Lucia arrives, played with an aristocratic warmth by Laura Sheridan. What’s more, she was once engaged to Jack’s father, Col. Sir Frances Chesney, and now completes the circle by resuming their engagement.

A contrite Lord Fancort drops his disguise and is forgiven. His prize, though, is Donna Lucia’s independently wealthy companion, Ela Delahay (Jackie Rouse).

The able cast is smartly directed by Diane Bartlett on two spare but attractive sets designed by Rodger Hoopman. Stage Manager Barrett Chew doubles as a porter and entertains with some soft-shoe dancing during the intermission.

Though much of the humor seems clumsy by today’s standards, the production has its charms. As the final show of its thirty-third season, the play sheds a nostalgic light on the artifice of England 118 years ago.

Charley’s Aunt continues through June 13 at the Chautauqua Playhouse, 5325 Engle Road in the La Sierra Community Center in Carmichael. Performance are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Admission is $17 general and $15 students, seniors, children, and SARTA members. Call (916) 489-7529. See also cplayhouse.org

2010-05-10T14:52:00.000-07:00

Shayleen Schmutzer-Smith (Helga Ten Dorp), Benjamin T. Ismail (Clifford Anderson), Wade Lucas (Sidney Bruhl), Melissa Rae Frago (Myra Bruhl)

Photo by Lori Ann DeLappe-Grondin.

Big Idea Theatre is excited to continue its 2010 season with the opening of Deathtrap by Ira Levin on Friday, May 21, 2010. Opening night includes a gala with wine, light refreshments, a meet and greet with the cast and crew, and live music featuring local artists. All opening night tickets are $20.

This energetic production is directed by Kirk Blackinton and features BIT Company actors Wade Lucas, Benjamin T. Ismail and Melissa Rae Frago, joined by the talents of Shayleen Schmutzer-Smith and Ernesto Bustos.

Performances of Deathtrap are at 8:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, May 21 through June 19, 2010. Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. (May 30, June 6, 13 only). Regularly priced general admission tickets are $15. SARTA/League/Seniors/Students $12. All second weekend tickets are $10 (May 28-30 only). Big Idea Theatre is located at 1616 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815. Box office: 916-960-3036. Web site: www.BigIdeaTheatre.com

THE STORY:

A "has been" Broadway playwright struggling to overcome a dry spell schemes to take credit for a student's script. The suspense mounts as the plot twists and turns with devilish cleverness, thrills, and laughter.

Ravenous Hunger and Rampaging Libidos

2010-05-06T17:18:00.000-07:00

Cap Stage Serves Up
Ravenous Hunger and Rampaging Libidos

Richard wrestles Tom
courtesy photo

Hunter Gatherers
May 14 - June 27, 2010
(no performances Memorial Day Weekend May 27-30)
(Opening Night: Friday, May 21, 2010 at 8:00 pm)

Capital Stage continues as Sacramento's "home of the premieres" with its presentation of Peter Sinn Nachtrieb's hilarious and outrageous Hunter Gatherers. Winner of the 2006 Harold and Mimi Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association New Play Award and Will Glickman Award, Hunter Gatherers was included in every Bay Area media's list of best plays for 2006. Besides the Bay Area, Hunter Gatherers has been a huge hit with critics and audiences from LA to Philadelphia and Seattle to Dallas.

"Outrageously libidinous knockabout farce meets penetrating social satire in Peter Nachtrieb's hilariously revelatory comedy." - San Francisco Chronicle
The Story

A hilariously savage dinner with friends is the setting of the Sacramento premiere of Hunter Gatherers by Peter Sinn Nachtrieb. An urban evening finds Pam and Richard hosting their best friends, Wendy and Tom, for an annual get-together. An animal sacrifice kicks off the evening, followed by a little more sex, violence, deception, wrestling and dancing than at previous parties. The line between civilized and primal man will be blurred. Hunter Gatherers is a dark comedy described as Lord of the Flies meets Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Performances for Hunter Gatherers will begin with four previews on Friday, May 14 at 8pm; Saturday, May 15 at 7pm; Sunday, May 16 at 2pm; and Thursday, May 20 at 8pm, and will open on Friday, May 21, 2010 at 8pm. Performances continue through June 27, 2010. (There will be no performances Memorial Day Weekend, May 27-30, due to the annual Jazz Festival in Old Sacramento.) Showtimes will be Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 7pm and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets range from $25-$32. Discount tickets are available as follows: Preview Tickets: $15; Student Tickets on Thursdays and Fridays: $12; Senior Tickets on Sunday Matinees: $20; and Group Rates available for parties of 12 or more. Tickets are currently available at the Capital Stage Box Office, by phone at 916-995-5464 or online at www.capstage.org. The Pilothouse Restaurant offers a specially priced $29 three-course dinner for theatre patrons; Pilothouse reservations can be made through the box office.

The Playwright
Peter Sinn Nachtrieb was born in San Francisco and grew up in Mill Valley. Mr. Nachtrieb graduated from Brown University with a degree in Theater and Biology, and earned his MFA in Creative Writing from SF State in 2005. His play, Colorado had its full world premiere at Impact Theatre in 2006. His first full length play, Meaningless, has won multiple awards, received its world premiere at Chicago's Bailiwick Repertory Theatre August 2004, where it earned rave reviews. His one act, Multiplex, was produced at the Bruno's Island New Plays Festival in San Francisco, and was part of SFSU's mainstage season in 2003. His short play, Self Help, won an Emerging Playwright Award from SF's Playground Theatre. Mr. Nachtrieb's play, Hunter Gatherers had a sellout three-month world premiere run the summer of 2006, produced by Killing My Lobster. Its early development was supported by a Tournesol Emerging Playwrights Residency at the Z Space, the New Works Fund, a grant program of Theatre Bay Area and was part of the 2005 Bay Area Playwright's Festival. It was performed on Cape Cod at W.H.A.T. in summer of 2007. Mr. Nachtrieb's play boom had its world premiere at Ars Nova in New York and had productions at DC's Woolly Mammoth, Seattle Rep, Cleveland Public Theatre and Sacramento's B Street Theatre. Mr. Nachtrieb's most recent play, TIC, had its world premiere with Encore Theatre with whom he has received an Emerging Playwright Award from the Wallace Alexander Gerbode Foundation and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. It played in January 2009 in San Francisco. He has received a commission from South Coast Rep, and wrote for the 2009 Humana Festival Anthology.

The Cast
Hunter Gatherers will include Katie Rubin (Speech & Debate) as Wendy, Greg Parker (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change) as Tom, Kelley Ogden co-founder of Sacramento's KOLT Run Creations as Pam and Bay Area favorite Cassidy Brown as Richard. Capital Stage Artistic Associate Jonathan Williams (Dirty Story, Boy Gets Girl) directs.

WARNING: This play contains adult subject matter, and although it is hilarious, it's probably not suitable for those under the age of 17.

Hunter Gatherers
Fact Sheet

What: Capital Stage presents the Sacramento Premiere of Hunter Gatherers by Peter Sinn Nachtrieb.
Where: Delta King Theatre, 1000 Front Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
When: May 14- June 27, 2010 (no performances Memorial Day Weekend, May 27-30)

Previews
Friday, May 14 @ 8pm
Saturday, May 15 @ 7pm
Sunday, May 16 @ 2pm
Thursday, May 20 @ 8pm

Opening Night: Friday, May 21, 2010 @ 8pm $32 Tickets

Performance Times & Prices
Thursdays/Fridays 8pm $25 Tickets
Saturdays 7pm $29 Tickets
Sundays 2pm $25 Tickets

Description
Pam and Richard are hosting their best friends, Wendy and Tom, for an annual dinner get-together. An animal sacrifice kicks off the evening, followed by a little more sex, violence, deception, wrestling, and dancing than at previous parties. A darkly comic evening where the line between civilized and primal man is blurred, but is there still room for dessert?

Who
Author: Peter Sinn Nachtrieb
Director: Jonathan Williams
Cast: Cassidy Brown*, Kelley Ogden, Greg Parker*, Katie Rubin*
Set Design: Steve Decker
Lighting Design: Steve Decker
Costume Design: Rebecca Redmond
Sound Design: Brad Thompson
Production Manager: Cathy Coupal
Stage Manager: Liz Estella*

* Appear courtesy of Actors' Equity Association, the professional union for actors and stage managers in the U.S.

Always Patsy Cline Charms STC

2010-05-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

Michele Hillen (l.) and Dyan McBride
Courtesy Maria Christie Photography

Maybe it’s a lack of fresh, riveting drama, but based on the enthusiastic audience for “Cline,” theatergoers seem to be more interested in social awareness than in story telling, especially regarding women. Rather than a dramatized biography, we get a character profile, complete with music.

As Patsy, Dyan McBride provides not only a faithful representation of the singer, with voice to match, but also projects the kind of country-girl warmth that drew audiences to the real Patsy. The current audience also claps along to much of the familiar and loved tunes she bequeathed to us.

Louise (Michele Hillen), Patsy’s representative friend and fan, captures the warmth that brought those audiences to the versatile country singer from Virginia.

Born in 1932, Patsy was the daughter of a seamstress and a blacksmith father who deserted the family when Patsy was 15. Yet Patsy insisted the home was a happy one. A by-ear pianist who sang with perfect pitch, she began her career on a local radio station and climbed to success by way ABC-TV’s Grand Ole Opry and Arthur Godfry’s Talent Scouts in New York.

She recorded a string of hits, from country pop-crossover songs to the torch-song style that made her famous. Her biggest hit was Willie Nelson’s “Crazy,” which made the top ten in 1961. In 1963, at 30 and to our loss at the height of her career, she died in an airplane crash.

Directed by Michael Laun, the show at STC, written and originally directed by Ted Swindley, is more of a dramatized concert than a play, with thirteen numbers divided between two acts. McBride’s spirited Patsy is supported by five musicians, led by Erik Daniells, as conductor and on piano.

Always Patsy Cline continues through May 23, with performances Wednesday (6:30 p.m.), Thursday (12:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.), Friday (8 p.m.), Saturday (2 and 8 p.m.), Sunday (2 p.m.). Tickets are $15-$18; group tickets are $25. The Sacramento Theatre Company is at 1419 H Street, Sacramento. Call (916) 443-6722 or (888) 4-STC-TIX; Group Sales: (916) 446-7501 x 120. Check www.sactheatre.org.

A Witty Eurydice at River Stage

2010-04-27T13:01:00.000-07:00

According to poet Marianne Moore, poetry brings us “imaginary gardens with real toads in them.” But Sarah Ruhl’s “Eurydice,” based on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, brings us imaginary gardens with imaginary toads. According to the myth, the poet and musician Orpheus seeks his dead wife in Hades, but when he breaks the rule and looks back at her as she follows him, she remains permanently among the dead.

While Ruhl’s dramatization borrows the skeleton of the myth, director Frank Condon, in his farewell production at River Stage, brings us what appears to be a surreal version, set in a nether world where there appear to be no rules. The central character, as the title predicts, is Eurydice (Destiny Robbins), who appears to be entirely free to do exactly as she chooses.

Orpheus (Spencer Tregilgas) appears in a minor role, scarcely daring to step off the elevator leading him into Hades. He carries an accordion to represent his musicianship.

What’s more, the society of the dead seem to make their own rules (if you can call them such), and the “romance” is between the spirits of Eurydice and her father (Paul Fearn). Since every inhabitant is dead, the laws of the living no longer pply. Thus adultery ceases to be an issue. In this cultural and moral chaos, we’re lectured by a trio of stones: Big Stone (Eric Alston), Little Stone (Joshua Carranza-Vick) and Loud Stone (John Hopkins). But in the anarchy of the dead, their comments seem meaningless.

While the acting and directing hold our attention, the story appears to unfold in a vacuum. With conventional surrealism the premise is based on the irrational and bizarre activities of an unconscious mind, usually functioning during sleep. Thus the “reality” is the product of a slumbering brain. Here we have no reality, merely an imaginary garden with imaginary toads.

Given the flawed premise, the production still holds our interest through Condon’s fine pacing and polished performances by the actors. It continues for about 70 minutes without intermission and offers some witty dialog, as when Eurydice’s father observes, “Be quiet about politics but vote for the right man.”

“Eurydice” continues through May 16 at Cosumnes River College, 8401 Center Parkway, Sacramento. Performances are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $16 to $18, with discounts. Call (916) 691-7364 or e-mail riverstage@crc.losrios.edu.

Jack climbs Sutter Street bean stalk

2010-04-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

Ireland Bonds and Connie Mockenhaupt
Courtesy photo

The biggest challenge for children’s theater is entertaining adults. On that score Sutter Street Theatre, in Folsom, succeeds admirably with its current “Jack and the Beanstalk.” For starters, the ancient tale is adapted for moderns by Kathryn Schultz Miller, predominant playwright for children. Add to that Allen Schmeltz’ creative and savvy direction of an expert young cast, and success becomes unavoidable.

Of course we get some of the usual tricks, like audience participation, but the core of the success is wit and fine acting. The cast of four—experienced youngsters Kerrie Buehler, Ireland Bonds, and Brady Tait--includes the savvy Connie Mockenhaupt, co-owner of the theater and longtime professional.

Mockenhaupt starts off the first of her three roles as the Magic Keeper. In a sparkling purple dress with complementary fedora (costumes by Eileen Beaver), she boasts of her prowess to the other three actors, who at first scoff at her. But she quickly turns their skepticism to awe by turning Tait and Buehler into animals, at least temporarily. The action revolves around Jack (Bonds), who switches between male and female roles, and predictably swaps a cow for some “magic” beans.

Later, as Mama, Mockenhaupt instructs Jack to sell the cow. Horrified when he tells her that he swapped the cow for “magic” beans, she tosses the beans into a bush, which dominates center stage. Suddenly a long strand of greenery is yanked up to the ceiling.

What follows are some of the play’s funniest scenes, with Tait as an ogre and Buehler as his wife. In a grotesque black wig, he reveals his omnivorous appetite, declaring how much he enjoys eating little boys. Jack, meanwhile, is hidden with potatoes in a bin below the floor but later climbs the bean stalk.

Even more amazing is that the ghoulishness fails to faze even the smallest children in the audience, who take it all in with appreciative laughter. No mother whisked a hysterical child out of the theater. Afterwards, as traditional with Sutter Street’s children’s theater, the audience complimented and chatted with the performers on the sidewalk in front of the entrance.

“Jack and the Beanstalk” continues through May 30 at 717 Sutter Street in Historic Folsom. Performances are Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m., and the show continues for about an hour. Tickets are $13 to $17 and are available at the door. For reserved seating call 916-353-1001. See also www.sutterstreettheatre.com or email mikonpro@sbcglobal.net.

CHAUTAUQUA PLAYHOUSE opens CHARLEY’S AUNT on May 7

2010-04-21T15:24:00.000-07:00

Pictured: (L) Jeff Thomas, Marc Berman, Nicholas Palleschi

Photo credit: Warren Harrison

Chautauqua Playhouse announces the final show of its 33rd season, the classic comedy CHARLEY’S AUNT by Brandon Thomas, opening on May 7th at the Playhouse. The show will run on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm through June 13. All performances will be held at the Chautauqua Playhouse, 5325 Engle Road in the La Sierra Community Center in Carmichael. Admission is $17 general and $15 students, seniors, children and SARTA members.

Charley’s wealthy aunt from Brazil, where “the nuts come from,” will have to delay her visit. Time to press Lord Fancourt Babberly into action - and a dress. Comic confusion results in the world’s most famous farce. Guaranteed to move an audience to tears of laughter!

The production is directed by Diane Bartlett and features Jeff Thomas, Marc Berman, Nicholas Palleschi, and many other popular Sacramento actors. Set design is by Rodger Hoopman with costumes by Eileen Beaver.

For tickets and additional information call the theatre at (916) 489-7529
(PLAY). Information and tickets are also available through the Chautauqua Playhouse website: www.cplayhouse.org.

A trailer park takes over Thistle Dew

2010-04-20T13:10:00.001-07:00

Courtesy photo

Laura Sheperd, an Elly Award winner, brings a provocative revision of her “Last Resort Trailer Park” to Sacramento’s daring Thistle Dew Dessert Theatre, a haven and inspiration for local playwrights. A cast of oddballs, mainly female, come together in a laughter-filled comedy, set in a Winnemucca, Nevada, trailer park in what looks like a promising inspiration for a very special TV series.

In a revealing comment on her creative inspiration, Sheperd says that her play ideas start with characters, and the drift of the play confirms that process. What plot there is revolves around a minor crime. Somebody stole a truck belonging to Buk (Sean Williams), a habitué of the trailer park, and used it to break into a house on the other side of town.

Hank Trimble (Jeff Webster), a low-key deputy sheriff, seeks out Buk to ask questions, having noted his ownership from documents in the truck and listed under his formal name: Buford Ulysses Kingman. Hank’s “investigation,” in fact, provides one of the shows funnier scenes. For some reason he thinks that getting a DNA sample from Buk will determine the latter’s guilt or innocence. Buk, though, has a pathological fear of sharp instruments and creates a spray of cotton covered sticks, which frustrate Hank.

The play, though, is dominated by its three women. Rhonda (Gay Cooper) owns the park and lives on the premises. She’s the level-headed one who sets off the eccentricities of the other two. Nadine (Noemi C. Rios) is one of the park’s tenants and Buk’s paramour. She has a secret rival in her friend Charlene (Ashley Lucas), who hangs around the park.

One nice touch by Sheperd, who also directs, is an avoidance of glamour. The actors look like ordinary people, the kind we see regularly on lines at a supermarket checkout stand. One offbeat note comes from the Southern accents the characters employ. Though the locale is in Nevada, the characters sound like residents of Dogpatch.

Both Sheperd and Thistle Dew’s artistic director, Thomas M. Kelly, agree that “writing is re-writing.” Kelly, in fact, hosts meetings of playwrights and would-be playwrights at his theater, with sessions free and open to all. In that spirit we can look for possibilities in the current version of “Trailer Park,” now in search of a plot.

One kernel of possibilities lies in a detail from the story. Two characters discover that they are father and son. That’s a provocative situation that could be explored for development. But I may be presumptuous; I’m the critic, not the playwright.

“Last Resort Trailer Park” continues through May 1 at 1901 P Street, Sacramento. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 and include coffee, tea and “decadent desserts,” served during intermission. For tickets and reservations, call 916-444-8209 or go to thistledewplaywrights@yahoo.com.

Becky Shaw: an eye-opener about the sexes

2010-04-19T16:53:00.000-07:00

True to form, Sacramento’s B Street Theatre offers a main stage show that’s both entertaining and instructive. Introducing us to nationally recognized playwright Gina Gionfriddo, director Buck Busfield, also the theater’s producing artistic director, opens a window on today’s emerging cultural values. If you didn’t know who wrote the play you would never imagine that it came from the pen of a woman.

Its four main characters treat promiscuity as a norm, like changing partners on a dance floor. A fifth character, the elderly Susan Slater (Elizabeth Benedict), mother of Susanna Slater (Lindsey Gates), is just about as sexually permissive as the others. Hearing that her late husband had a reputation as a gay, she replies that if people want to be gay they should go ahead and be gay. Her new boyfriend is not just a friend but her lover.

Daughter Susanna is married to young Andrew Porter (Brian Rife), after what appears a conventional exploration of sex and love through promiscuity, which encourages the unattached (and semi-attached) among us to explore their tastes, as if shopping for new clothes. Almost shrugging off conventional morality, she declares, “Sometimes lying is the most humane thing you can do.”

Dominating the play is her step-brother, Max Garrett, who was adopted by her mother. B Street veteran Kurt Johnson plays him with so much dash that he all but runs away with the play. He delivers most of Gionfriddo’s zingers, such as “love is a by-product of use.” His self-indulgent cynicism is a complement to his practical success in business and money management, and he knows exactly where to find a good lawyer.

He’s also contemptuous of Andrew, an aspiring writer, and sums him up by saying, “He scribbles and brews coffee,” and “He thinks 401k is a band.” With good intentions Susanna and Andrew set up the free-wheeling Max with the seriously disturbed and suicidal Becky Shaw (Samantha Sloyan).

Becky resists well-meaning attempts to help, declaring that “I don’t want Ghetto therapy.” She also declares that “happiness makes me mean.”

But her mental problems, including attempted suicide, don’t soften Max, who observes, “You force people to hurt you.”

“I would like you to try harder,” he tells her, “the next time you try suicide.”

While the play manages to be witty and clever, with touches of insight and revelations about current attitudes about sex and love, it seems too harsh and cynical to pass for comedy. With witty character development by the actors, and under Busfield’s tight direction, its satirical observations occasionally provoke laughter along with insight, despite some awkwardness from being played in the round.

“Becky Shaw” continues through May 30 at 2711 B Street, behind the Stanford Park Baseball Field. Performances are Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 2 and 6:30 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m.; and Saturdays at 5 and 9 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18-$30. Call (916) 443-5300. See also www.bstreettheatre.org.

Jack climbs a beanstalk on Sutter Street

2010-04-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

The Classic Tale Jack and the Beanstalk continues at Sutter Street Theatre, Historic Folsom

Directed by award winning director, Allen Schmeltz with a cast of Elly nominated and award winning actors this production brings audiences adventure, magic and a young hero overcoming giant obstacles.

Folsom, CA, April 2, 2010: Jack and the Beanstalk The audience participates in this adventure as the "Beanstalk Players" present the classic story with some surprising twists. The giant is replaced with a grumpy and very hungry Ogre and the whole story is brought together with the help of a delightful Magic Keeper. Will Jack save the day, or will he become a meal for the Ogre and his wife? Come and find out…

Summary
• “Jack and the Beanstalk” by Kathryn Schultz Miller
• Directed by Allen Schmeltz
• Run Dates: April 17 – May 30, 2010
• Times: Saturdays & Sundays at 1:00pm
• Tickets: $17 general, $15 seniors & SARTA, $13 children – Group Rates are available!
• Reservations: Call (916) 353-1001
Sutter Street Theatre
717 Sutter Street
Historic Folsom 95630
• Website: www.sutterstreettheatre.com

2010-04-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

Message from Falcon's Eye

Folsom Lake College Department of Theatre Arts
Artistic Director David Harris
10 College Parkway
Folsom CA 95630
916-608-6760

THE FALCON’S EYE THEATRE PRESENTS
Tony Award-winning musical comedy The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Folsom CA April 8, 2010

The Falcon’s Eye Theatre at Folsom Lake College presents William Finn and Rebecca Sheinkin’s Tony award-winning musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee to conclude our 2009/2010 performance series.

In the musical comedy, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn’t everything and that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser.
This hilarious tale of overachievers’ angst chronicles the experiences of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. The show’s Tony-Award winning creative team has created the unlikeliest of hit musicals about the unlikeliest of heroes: a quirky yet charming cast of outsiders for whom a spelling bee is the one place where they can stand out and fit in at the same time.

Showtimes for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee are April 30 through May 16, 2010, at 8:00pm on Friday and Saturday nights, and at 2:00pm on Sunday afternoons. There are special “student-night” performances on Saturday May 8 at 2:00 p.m. and Thursday May 13 at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets are 15 dollars for general admission and 10 dollars for students, seniors, SARTA and League members Student tickets on Thursday May 13 at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday May 8 at 2:00 pm, tickets are 5 dollars FOR THESE PERFORMANCES ONLY. At this time, The Falcon’s Eye can only accept payment by cash or check. We cannot accept payment by credit card or ATM card. The Falcon’s Eye box office can accept reservations at any time by calling 916-608-6800.
Henry V will be performed at Oak Hills Church, 1100 Blue Ravine Road, in Folsom.

This performance contains some mature themes. Parental Guidance suggested for those under 13. Children under 8 years of age are NOT ADMITTED

ABOUT THE PLAY
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE started as a non-musical play entitled C-R-E-P-U-S-C-U-L-E, done by the improvisational group “The Farm.” One of the performers in the play, Sarah Saltzberg, happened to be the nanny of the playwright Wendy Wasserstein (The Heidi Chronicles). Wasserstein was impressed by what she saw and suggested to friend William Finn (Falsettos) that he may be able to take the show to the next level. Finn, his former student Rachel Sheinkin, and C-R-E-P-U-S-C-U-L-E creator Rebecca Feldman worked together to turn the piece into a full-length musical.

“... it's the more private but enduring triumphs - the connection finally made with a member of the opposite sex, the discovery of previously unknown pockets of self-esteem - that are really being celebrated in "Spelling Bee," William Finn's score ... occasionally suggests a Saturday morning television cartoon set to music by Stephen Sondheim, that's not inappropriate. ... wistful songs provide a nice sprinkling of sugar to complement the sass in Rachel Sheinkin's zinger-filled book.”
-- Charles Isherwood, New York Times

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee QUICK FACTS
Director: David Harris
Producer: The Falcon’s Eye Theatre at Folsom Lake College
Location: Oak Hills Church
1100 Blue Ravine Road in Folsom
Musical Director: Philip Angove
Choreographer: Debra Davis-Worth
Scene and Lighting Designer/Technical Director: Jonathan Williams
Costume Designer: Nancy Pipkin
Stage Manager: Alyse Vogel
Cast: Jenna Cedusky, Dilan Endsley, Katherine Folsom, Donte Mayer, Samia LaVirgne,
Kevin Meinz, Matthew Provencal, Tyler Robinson, Robert Salls, John Reilly Saunders, Rebecca Scolnick, and Zachary Whitehouse.

OPENING NIGHT FRIDAY APRIL 30, 8:00 PM

Performance Times/Prices April 30th through May 16th.
Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 pm/$15 gen admin, $10 students and seniors
Sunday afternoons at 2:00 pm/$15 gen admin, $10 students and seniors.
Also: Saturday May 8 at 2:00 p.m. and Thursday May 13 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets for these two performances only are all $5.00.

About us:
The mission of the Department of Theatre Arts at Folsom Lake College is to provide the people of the region with theatre that speaks to their lives and experiences and that challenges their expectations. We strive to enrich the community by providing performing arts opportunities for the people of the region as actors, designers, and technicians in a fully-supported educational environment.

In spring 2011, Folsom Lake College expects to welcome the community to our new multi-million dollar performing arts complex. It will house FLC’s visual and performing arts programs, and will be the home of The Falcon’s Eye Theatre at Folsom Lake College.

2010-04-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

Charlie Baker (played by veteran actor, Michael Bishop) discovers not all is what it seems at the lodge.

Tickets are still available for the final weekend of Imagination Theater's comedic farce, The Foreigner. The remaining shows are Friday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, April 17 and 18 at 2:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $17 adults, $14 seniors, and $10 children/students. Tickets are available online (www.it-tickets.org), by phone (530) 642-0404, or at the door.

Directed by Lanny Langston, produced by Peter Wolfe, and set design by Virgil Toothaker, The Foreigner is the hilarious comedy about Charlie, an extremely shy proper Englishman who has a fear of speaking to strangers. He brought by his friend, Froggy, to a fishing lodge in rural Georgia , where Froggy tells everyone that Charlie is a foreigner who doesn't understand a word of English. Soon, everyone is fussing over and confiding in him. Charlie quickly discovers that all is not what it seems at the lodge and must somehow save the day - without revealing his cover!

Located on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, Imagination Theater celebrates its' 10th Anniversary bringing quality, live community theater to Placerville and El Dorado County.

Richard III reigns over Del Paso Boulevard

2010-04-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

Photo by Lori Ann De Lappe-Grondin

England’s King Richard III, despite a mere two-year reign in the late fifteenth century, remains a mysterious, colorful and controversial figure, especially in America. His reputation as a villain, enhanced by Shakespeare, still continues despite the controversy surrounding it. But Richard’s current English supporters–mainly the Richard III Society (which includes an American Branch)–is dedicated to restoring his crippled reputation.

Though he reigned for only two years, 1483-1485, Richard’s career mirrored the intrigues surrounding Elizabeth I and the Tudor kings, who supplanted him and the house of York. Shakespeare’s version, his fourth play, follows a trilogy about Henry VI and continues Richard’s reputation as a deformed monster. Thus the bard wooed Elizabeth and her court.

Mostly billed as a history rather than a tragedy, the play is obviously less popular here than in the British Isles. Though the cast includes characters who lived before Europeans discovered America, it also provides one of Shakespeare’s famous lines, “A horse, a horse! My kingdom for a horse!” And it opens with Richard’s dazzling soliloquy, beginning with “Now is the winter of our discontent/Made glorious summer by this son of York.”

Sacramento’s Big Idea Theatre deserves a medal for offering “Richard III” as its current production. Surprisingly, opening night drew an audience at least twice the usual size, though some freely admitted unfamiliarity with the play and Shakespeare in general. Under Justin L. Chapman’s sharp direction, Brian Harrower in the title role leads an accomplished and polished cast.

Jeffery Heatherly gives strong support as a forceful Buckingham, as do the others, mostly in multiple roles. Particularly memorable is Mariana Seda as both the luckless Anne and the cross-dressed Catesby with an eye patch. Justin Muñoz takes the versatility prize as King Edward, Richmond, Lovell and the ghost of Prince Edward.

The cast is capably supported by Renee DeGarmo’s flexible set design, plus fight choreography by Ernesto Bustos, who also appears as Brackenbury and Rivers. Katie Chapman’s colorful period costumes, though, are confusingly mixed with contemporary dress in what appears to be a fuzzy attempt to make the action timeless The inconsistency led one viewer to wonder if there was some hidden symbolism embodied by the blend of historical periods.

The scenes before intermission focus on what in the trade is called “set-up,” background for the dramatic conflicts to come. The complicated historical and political relationships among the characters, though, become wearying and may have cost the production some of its first audience. Unfortunately, those who gave up lost the dramatic clashes that kept the rest of us alert in the second part..

As the clever, witty and villainous Richard, Harrower had the biggest challenge but met it only in part. Although Richard’s traditional hunchback is minimized, Harrower appears clearly deformed, limping with a gamed leg and a hand that remained gloved and hidden. The complex role, though, demands more than a portrayal of a sore loser.

Shakespeare defines Richard in a traditional opening address to the audience. Yet Harrower’s one-dimensional delivery, words emanating from an embittered cripple, loses some of Richard’s complexity and fascination for us. Richard’s language also reveals a frustrated intelligence, barred from the rewards of the usual courtly life, and consequently seeking gratification through an ability to manipulate those around him. The words thus reveal a secret wink between Richard and the audience.

The production also brushes past a key early scene, where Richard, despite his crippled body, woos and wins the widowed Anne, whose husband he slew in battle. His triumph feeds his hungry ego, a substitute for his inability to love.

But although the production loses some of Shakespeare’s complexity, it provides an interesting revelation of the bard’s power and a rare glimpse at a historical context that we rarely have the opportunity to see.

Performances of Richard III are at 8:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through May 9. Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. (April 18, 25, and May 2 only). Regularly priced general admission tickets are $15, with SARTA/League/Seniors/Students at $12. All second weekend tickets are $10 (April 16-18 only). Big Idea Theatre is located at 1616 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815. Box office: 916-960-3036. Web site: www.BigIdeaTheatre.com

Lambda offers Opening Lines

2010-04-13T11:14:00.000-07:00

Message from Lambda Players

It was 10 years ago that local film reviewer Tom Swanner decided to
try his hand at being a playwright. An avid theatre-lover and former
professional actor, he approached The Lambda Players and submitted his
first script.

A few months later the play, Opening Lines, was playing to sold out
houses. Now, on the 10th anniversary of its first reading, Opening
Lines is once again taking the stage with an updated script, a cast of
Lambda Players’ veteran actors and the return of director Matthew
Burlingame (Sordid Lives, Hedwig) at the helm.

“Opening Lines is the only Tom Swanner play I haven’t directed,”
Burlingame told Outword. “We’ve collaborated on five shows now and
when I heard them kicking around the idea of doing an updated version,
I knew I had to direct it.”

Opening Lines lead characters, Chris and Richard are being played by
long time Lambda regulars Mahlon Hall (Sordid Lives, The Nun Crashers)
and West Ramsey (Make Way For Dyklings, Oscar and Bosie). The two are
set up on a blind date by friends only to discover the possibility
that love at first site may truly exist.

Returning from the original production is Cynthia Davis who portrayed
Diane, Richard’s slightly insane, muscle-relaxer popping best friend
and fag-hag. Opposite Davis is Chris’ best friend played by Brian Judd
(Paperclip Messiah, The Coming Out Party) who is described as a loud,
bitter queen. Davis and Judd turn Diva-ing into an art-form as the two
clash in a local coffeehouse.

Rounding out the cast are Miacail Buse (Burnt Fields, Dear Harvey) and
Lynnette Blaney (Suddenly Last Summer, Burnt Fields) as Chris’ parents
who have come by to meet the new boyfriend.

The only problem is Chris doesn’t know that they know he is gay, and
isn’t quite ready to come out to them.

Described as “a sensational comedy” and “one of the best
romantic-comedy scripts produced by The Lambda Players,” Opening Lines
is the first in a string of plays that are gay-themed, returning the
players to their roots.

“We’ve spent the last year or so experimenting with different styles
of plays, trying to see what works for us,” said Swanner, who is also
The Lambda Players’ artistic director. “Our community is vastly
different than it was even 10 years ago. Do you still want to see
coming out stories, we asked? The answer we got is ‘yes’. LGBT
Sacramento wants to see their lives reflected on our stage, so we’re
gonna give it to them.”

To accomplish this, Swanner and Lambda Players’ board president Dave
Stewart, who also holds the Mr. Bolt 2009-10 title, enlisted the help
of former Artistic Director Matthew Burlingame who retired from the
troupe four years ago.

Returning last year to direct the hit comedy Sordid Lives, Burlingame
has signed on to direct a minimum of four shows in the upcoming
season, including his own play Paperclip Messiah scheduled to open in
July and also celebrating it’s 10 year anniversary on The Lambda
Players’ stage. The show chronicles a tumultuous love affair between a
Catholic priest struggling with inner demons and a down-on-his-luck
gay man who takes a job as the parish custodian.

Other shows being discussed for the upcoming season include past
Lambda Players’ hits such as Trolling, Coffeehouse, Countess Dracula
and several new works by local playwrights. Following Opening Lines
will be a Shakespeare adaptation entitled Romeo and Julian.

“We’ve had a tough road the last year with the tight economy, the
expense of the new theater space and the shortage of arts grants for
California’s arts community,” said Stewart. “We’re also in a city with
over 50 competing theater companies who are all struggling to make it.
The Lambda Players has survived this long because our community
supports the work we do. It’s our job to produce plays worthy of that
support and we are committed more than ever to doing that. Opening
Lines is just the start.”

Opening Lines will play at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from April 16
through May 22, with no show on May 8. There will be two Sunday
matinees, dates of both are to be announced.

Visit www.LambdaPlayers.com for more information

2010-04-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE - THE MUSICAL
and HABITAT FOR HUMANITY partner to raise awareness
of the need for affordable housing in Sacramento

National tour starring Melissa Gilbert as Ma
opens at the Community Center Theater
on Wednesday, April 14, for two-week run

Cast members to aid completion of North Sacramento home on Friday

Company members of LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, THE MUSICAL arriving at The Sacramento Community Center Theatre on April 14, 2010 will help build a house at a Habitat for Humanity Sacramento build on April 16 at 10:00 a.m. on Mahogany Street in Del Paso Heights. This build is part of a nationwide effort between Habitat for Humanity International and Little House on the Prairie to raise awareness about the need for affordable housing. The tour, presented by California Musical Theatre's Broadway Sacramento series stars Melissa Gilbert as Ma.

"We are excited to work with Little House on the Prairie, the Musical," said Christine Roybal, Fund Development Officer for the Sacramento Habitat for Humanity Chapter. "We appreciate the cast and crew for helping us raise awareness of the need for more affordable housing and their generous commitment to helping to eliminate poverty housing."

Throughout its 34-week, 26 city tour, Little House on the Prairie will make a minimum donation of $1,500 per market to the work of Habitat for Humanity through June 2010. In addition, the cast and crew will help local Habitat for Humanity affiliates build homes in each location.

"Habitat for Humanity is truly one of the most important, most wonderful organizations in this country and around the world," said Ms. Gilbert. "An enduring message of Little House on the Prairie- the importance above all of a home and a strong family -- is exactly the mission of Habitat. There couldn't be a more perfect match between a show and an organization. As we travel across the country during the next year, we are looking forward to getting involved in a variety of ways in each city to do our part to aid in Habitat's mission to bring affordable housing to those in need."

Melissa Gilbert, who played the lead role of Laura Ingalls in the hit television series based on the beloved children's books by the same name, continues her legacy on the prairie and will now be playing the role of Ma Ingalls.

"We are extremely grateful to Melissa Gilbert, the cast and producers of Little House on the Prairie for supporting our mission and engaging audiences across the country to build greater awareness of the need for affordable housing," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "The Ingalls family's struggles in difficult conditions parallel the challenges many families face today in trying to secure better futures for themselves and their children. It's our hope this new interpretation of an ageless classic will remind fans both young and old of the importance of a safe, simple and decent home."

Little House on the Prairie has remained a celebration of early Americana for nearly 75 years. The musical premiered at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis in a developmental production in August 2008.

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ABOUT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INTERNATIONAL

Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 300,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.5 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.

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ABOUT LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, THE MUSICAL

Little House on the Prairie, a new musical based on the beloved Laura Ingalls Wilder series of classic American books is the uplifting story of an American family forging a new life amidst the mighty challenges, heartbreaks, joys and triumphs that face them in the newly-settled heartland. Melissa Gilbert, who rose to fame as a child playing 'Laura' in the hugely successful NBC television series "Little House on the Prairie" during the 1970's, now continues her legacy 'on the prairie' by taking on the role of Ma. This celebration of the pioneering spirit and the core values on which this country was founded will travel throughout the U.S. on a 26 city tour which culminates in spring 2010.

Tickets for the Sacramento engagement of Little House on the Prairie are on sale now. Advance tickets for Little House on the Prairie are available at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H Street, Sacramento, by phone at (916) 557-1999 or (916) 808-5181 or online at Tickets.com. Tickets are also available at the Community Center Theatre box office at 1301 L Street. Tickets are $18-$65. Discounts are available for groups of 12 or more by calling (916) 557-1198. To learn more about Little House on the Prairie and other shows coming to Sacramento, please visit www.BroadwaySacramento.com. Visit the official Little House on the Prairie website at www.littlehousethemusical.com.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:

Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8:00 pmThursday matinees are at 2:00 pmSaturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm
Sunday evening, April 18th is at 7:30 pm

Melissa Gilbert in Sacto musical

2010-04-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE - THE MUSICAL
WITH MELISSA GILBERT AS MA

California Musical Theatre presents LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, THE MUSICAL as the fifth show in the 2009-10 Broadway Sacramento season at the Community Center Theater. The national tour stops in Sacramento April 14-25. Broadway Sacramento is sponsored by Wells Fargo.

Melissa Gilbert, who rose to fame as a child playing Laura in the hugely successful NBC television series “Little House on the Prairie” during the 1970’s, now continues her legacy on the prairie by taking on the role of Ma. Little House on the Prairie will also star Steve Blanchard as Pa and Kara Lindsay as Laura.

"Little House on the Prairie" is the uplifting story of an American family forging a new life amidst the mighty challenges, heartbreaks, joys and triumphs that face them in the newly-settled heartland. It is also the story of young Laura Ingalls, as she begins her life as a young woman, finding purpose, and finding love. Above all, it is the celebration of the pioneering spirit and the core values on which this country was founded – a spirit that still resonates today.

"Little House on the Prairie," with Gilbert, Blanchard and Lindsay, had its world premiere production in August, 2008, at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, where it shattered all box-office records and sold-out for 12 consecutive weeks. Initiated for the stage by Adrianne Lobel (Frog and Toad) and Francesca Zambello, the show is directed by Zambello (Disney’s The Little Mermaid), with music by Academy Award winner Rachel Portman (Emma), lyrics by Donna di Novelli and a book by Tony Award winner Rachel Sheinkin (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee). Michele Lynch is choreographer and Kevin Stites is musical supervisor.

Tickets for the Sacramento engagement of "Little House on the Prairie" are on sale now. Advance tickets for "Little House on the Prairie" are available at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H Street, Sacramento, by phone at (916) 557-1999 or (916) 808-5181 or online at Tickets.com. Tickets are also available at the Community Center Theatre box office at 1301 L Street. Tickets are $18-$65. Discounts are available for groups of 12 or more by calling (916)557-1198. Visit www.BroadwaySacramento.com for more ticketing information.

MELISSA GILBERT (Caroline “Ma” Ingalls). Theatre: Off-Broadway: A Shayna Maidel (Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards); Regional: Love Letters (Canon Theater, LA); The Glass Menagerie (Chautauqua Theater Company); The Miracle Worker (Royal Poinciana Playhouse, Palm Beach); Bus Stop and Love Letters (Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville); Little House on the Prairie, the Musical (Guthrie). Television: Series lead in “Little House on the Prairie,” starred in more than 40 movies for television, including Emmy Award-winning The Miracle Worker, and more than a dozen television series, including “Nip/Tuck,” and “Sweet Justice.” Ms. Gilbert served as President of the Screen Actors Guild from 2001–05, and is currently the Standing Board Chair and Spokesperson for the Children’s Hospice and Palliative Care Coalition. Ms. Gilbert is also a New York Times best-selling author with the recent publication of her autobiography, Prairie Tale - A Memoir, from Simon & Schuster.

STEVE BLANCHARD (Charles “Pa” Ingalls). Broadway: Beauty and the Beast, Camelot, A Christmas Carol, The Three Musketeers; Off-Broadway: Frankenstein, Johnny Guitar, An Oak Tree; National tours: Camelot, Phantom of the Opera, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum; Repertory Theatre of St. Louis: Esmeralda; Baltimore’s CenterStage: Sleep of Reason; Charles Playhouse, Boston: The Threepenny Opera; Ford’s Theatre, Washington, D.C.: Hot Mikado, Godspell; Guthrie: Little House on the Prairie, the Musical; Paper Mill Playhouse: Chess; Theatre Under The Stars, Houston: Chess. Film/Television Law at Randado, Rapmaser Ronnie, Warlords 3000, “Third Watch,” “Law and Order,” “Ed,” “Police Story,” “Sunset Beat,” “One Life to Live,” “Guiding Light,” “Another World.”Original cast recordings Johnny Guitar, Sundown, Frankenstein; debut solo CD Northbound Train

KARA LINDSAY (Laura Ingalls). Theatre: Denver Center for the Performing Arts: Quilters; Guthrie: Little House on the Prairie, the Musical; 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle: Lone Star Love; West Virginia Public Theatre:Thoroughly Modern Millie, Beauty and the Beast, Cats, Hello, Dolly!; Carnegie Mellon University: Side Show, After Miss Julie, Hello Again, Oresteia. Training B.F.A., Acting/Musical Theater, Carnegie Mellon University

FRANCESCA ZAMBELLO (Director). Theatre Broadway: Disney’s The Little Mermaid; London: Royal Albert Hall: Showboat; West End: Napoleon; Raimund Theater, Vienna: a new musical based on Rebecca; Seattle Children’s Theatre: Tibet Through the Red Box; Bregenz’s floating stage: West Side Story; Guthrie: Little House on the Prairie, the Musical. Old Globe: First Wives Club, Skylight Music Theater: artistic director, 1984-91; Opera: Metropolitan Opera: An American Tragedy (world premiere), Cyrano de Bergerac (with Placido Domingo), Les Troyens; Teatro alla Scala: Cyrano; Washington National and San Francisco Operas: The Ring, San Francisco Opera: artistic advisor; Royal Albert Hall: La Bohème; The Bolshoi: Fiery Angel; Chicago Lyric Opera: Salome; Royal Opera House: Carmen, Don Giovanni; Paris Opera: Boris Godunov, War and Peace, Billy Budd, William Tell; Film War and Peace (ORF), Amahl and the Night Visitors (BBC), The Little Prince (BBC/PBS). Awards: Three Olivier Awards; two Evening Standard Awards for best musical and best opera; two French Grand Prix des Critiques; Japanese Golden Prize; Helpmann Award; Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres; Russian Federation’s medal for Service to Culture; the Palme d’Or in Germany; the Golden Mask in Russia. Education: Colgate University; Moscow University. www.francescazambello.com

RACHEL PORTMAN (Music). Theatre: Little House on the Prairie, the Musical. Film: Grey Gardens, The Duchess, Emma, The Cider House Rules, Chocolat, Infamous, The Manchurian Candidate, Oliver Twist, The Lake House, Nicholas Nickleby, Hart’s War, The Human Stain, Life is Sweet, The Legend of Bagger Vance, Beloved, Home Fries, Addicted to Love, Marvin’s Room, Only You, The Road to Wellville, Sirens, Benny & Joon, The Joy Luck Club, Used People, Smoke, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, Where Angels Fear to Tread. Opera/concert: The Little Prince, The Water Diviner’s Tale. Awards: Academy Award for Best Original Score for Emma; Academy Award nominations for The Cider House Rules and Chocolat; British Film Institute’s Young Composer of the Year Award.

DONNA DI NOVELLI (Lyrics). Musical Theater/Opera: Little House on the Prairie, the Musical (lyrics); Florida (book and lyrics) Lyric Opera Cleveland, Public Theater’s New Work Now, New York City Opera’s VOX; No God but Yearning (book and lyrics) Public Theater’s New Work Now, Joe’s Pub. Theater: The First Eff (stage play) Mark Taper Forum, Duende Arts. Dance: Twelve Dancing Princesses (text) Los Angeles Modern Dance and Ballet. Commissions: San Francisco Opera; Chanticleer; BBC. Publications New Monologues For Women by Women (Heinemann Press), NuMuse, Brown University. Awards: Manhattan Theatre Club Fellowship, Rockefeller Foundation residency in Bellagio, Italy; National Musical Theater Conference residency, the Mac Dowell Colony and the Atlantic Center for the Arts. Professional Affiliations: ASCAP, Dramatists Guild. Teaching: Bookwriting, Graduate Musical Theater Writing Program at NYU Tisch School of the Arts; Playwriting, National Theater Institute, Eugene O’Neill Theater Center; Visiting professor, Brown University. Training: M.F.A., Graduate Musical Theater Writing Program at NYU Tisch School of the Arts (Ira Gershwin Fellow); A.M., Brown University.

RACHEL SHEINKIN (Book) Recent work includes Broadway: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Tony, Drama Desk awards); Off Broadway: Striking 12 (Lucille Lortel nomination), off-off: Serenade. Regional: Guthrie, Little House on the Prairie, the Musical; Center Theater Group, Sleeping Beauty Wakes (Los Angeles Ovation Award); London: Blood Drive. Residencies, fellowships, commissions include: Eugene O’Neill National Theater Center, Baryshnikov Dance Foundation, MacDowell Colony, Manhattan Theatre Club, Deaf West, McCarter Theatre, Playwrights Horizons. Rachel is a volunteer mentor for TDF’s Open Doors program, a visiting instructor at Yale School of Drama, and adjunct faculty member of NYU’s Graduate Musical Theater Writing Program.

MICHELE LYNCH (Choreographer). Paper Mill Playhouse: Happy Days. Broadway: The Coast of Utopia (Choreographer), Hairspray and The Full Monty (Associate Choreographer), Urinetown (Asst. Choreographer). Off-Broadway: Everyday Rapture (Second Stage), NYMF: Idaho; Yale Rep: Rough Crossing; Guthrie: Little House on the Prairie; Asolo Theatre: Pride & Prejudice; Mark Taper Forum: 13; St Louis MUNY: Breakfast at Tiffany’s; Stanford Center for the Arts: Empire; North Carolina Theatre: South Pacific; Ford Center: Leading Ladies; has traveled around the world setting companies of Hairspray and The Full Monty. Film: CAMP. Awards: Connecticut Critics Circle Award for Happy Days at Goodspeed Opera House; Garland Award for 13.

KEVIN STITES (Music Supervision, Additional Vocals, Incidental Music). Broadway: Tale of Two Cities, Color Purple, Titanic, Sunset Boulevard, Pamela’s First Musical, Children and Art, Les Misérables, Threepenny Opera, Fiddler, Nine, Oklahoma!, On the Town. National tours: Color Purple, Martin Guerre, Miss Saigon, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Titanic. Guest conductor: Grant Park Symphony, Guys and Dolls and Les Miserables at Hollywood Bowl. TV/Film: “Rosie Live,” Reefer Madness and others.

Pilgrims Progress on 24th Street

2010-04-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

Courtesy photo.

Inspired by John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, a seventeenth-century literary classic, One Way Productions of Sacramento has taken on the challenging task of converting allegory into drama. The work in question, an “allegory of ideas,” personifies character abstractions by treating them as people. In Bunyan’s story, for instance, we get Mercy, Love and Joy embodied as people. The pitfall is that, as drama, the characters become oversimplifications, challenging Coleridge’s “willful suspension of disbelief.” In contemporary terms, they seem “phoney.”

With Lynne Cimorelli’s original music, Ingrid Laurentiis-Wilson has done a remarkable job as playwright, director and choreographer. The production holds our attention and maintains our sympathy, in spite of its fundamentalist subtext. The play, like its model, rides on the assumption that salvation is the reward of those who interpret the Bible literally, rather than accepting a wide range of meanings. Beginning in the early nineteenth century, Unitarian theologians like William Ellery Channing made broad religious interpretations acceptable in polite society.

To its credit, One Way Productions offers an instructive and entertaining experience to audiences that include a wide range of beliefs. Led by Taila Viaovich, 17, as Christiana (female equivalent of the original “Christian”), the cast includes a large contingent of home-schooled youngsters, performing with skill and verve that have earned enthusiastic audiences.

Remaining production dates and details are Friday, April 9, at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, April 10, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Advance tickets may be purchased for $9.00 (adults), $8.00 (seniors and military), 7.00 (groups of 10 or more), and $5.00 (children 12 and under). To order tickets in advance, contact One Way Productions at info@1wayproductions.org, or call (530) 676-8858. Ticket prices at the door are $14.00 (adults), $11.00 (seniors and military) and $8.00 (children 12 and under).

All performances will be held at the 24th Street Theatre in Sacramento. Go to: www.Sierra2.org for directions.

Beware of hunchbacks on Del Paso Blvd.

2010-04-06T14:34:00.001-07:00

l to r: Justin Munez, Brian Harrower, Mariana Seda

courtesy photo

Big Idea Theatre is excited to continue its 2010 season with the opening of William Shakespeare's Richard III on Friday, April 9, 2010. Opening night includes a gala with wine, light refreshments, a meet and greet with the cast and crew, and live music featuring local artists. All opening night tickets are $20.

This show is directed by Justin L. Chapman and features BIT Company actor Brian Harrower as Richard. The show is filled out by a skilled cast of players including Jeffery Heatherly, George Sanford, Mariana Seda, and Carrie Joyner.

Performances of Richard III are at 8:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, April 9 through May 9, 2010. Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. (April 18, 25, and May 2 only). Regularly priced general admission tickets are $15. SARTA/League/Seniors/Students $12. All second weekend tickets are $10 (April 16-18 only). Big Idea Theatre is located at 1616 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815. Box office: 916-960-3036. Web site: www.BigIdeaTheatre.com

THE STORY: Shakespeare's spellbinding play tells the tale of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, one of theatre's most memorable villains, as he gleefully murders his way to the top. Richard is a man with an eye to the crown and a heart of flint who is bent on seizing power, no matter the cost.

Big Idea Theatre's company is elated about our hit third season. We are committed to bringing high quality entertainment to the Sacramento area, and to making the theatre-going experience fun, affordable and accessible for all. Please help us get the word out about our continuing adventure by attending and telling everyone about Richard III. We look forward to seeing you in the house!

$5. PREVIEW performance of RICHARD III at BIT this Thursday, April 8 at 8pm.

Warning: this show is not for children...it's also three hours long. Tell them "Stanley" sent you!

"None of the Above" is a lot

2010-04-05T20:26:00.000-07:00

From Another Square Production

“A snappy comedy by the playwright Jenny Lyn Bader about the risks people end up taking when they're trying to safeguard themselves. With wit and candor, the two characters deftly dissect entitlement, intelligence, and isosceles triangles." - The New Yorker

"An urban satire, intellectual caper and romance, all rolled into one. Plenty of charm and smarts!" - Time Out

Another Square Production presents:

"None of the Above"
Three Penny Theatre
1723 25th Street (25th & R Streets)
Sacramento, CA 95816

Event Dates: Apr 16 - May 16, 2010
Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 2 pm

Featuring: Carissa Meagher as Jamie and Brandon Lancaster as Clark

Jamie, 17, a sophisticated New York City private school student, answers the door one day expecting her drug dealer and instead finds her SAT tutor. Things degenerate from there. First Jamie tries to get out of being tutored and then she tries to cut a deal with the tutor, Clark. He doesn't have much sympathy for her plight. They clash right away and seem to have very different values and priorities. But as the play progresses, Jamie and Clark negotiate an unusual pact. Soon enough, all the snap judgments these two have about each other will get thrown out the window, and they'll both be surprised by what they learn.

Directed by Robin Henson
Contact:
Penny Kline Meagher, Producer
penny@anothersquareproduction.com
P.O. Box 163120
Sacramento, CA 95816
phone: 916 448-0312
cell: 916 420-4517

Event Page: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/104570

Sutter Street Goes into the Woods

2010-04-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

The Musical Into The Woods Opens Friday April 9 at Sutter Street Theatre, Historic Folsom

A Sondheim classic, Into The Woods blends familiar fairy tales with the story of a childless Baker and his Wife, who are attempting to reverse a curse on their family in order to have a child.

Folsom, CA, April 2, 2010: Into The Woods! Act One finds the characters "Happily Ever After" through familiar classic stories. Act Two deals with the consequences that fairy tales often ignore. What to do with a dead Giant in the backyard, does marrying a Prince really lead to bliss, is carving up the wolf the solution, and is the Giant always wrong? All the characters must deal with that happens after "Happily Ever After!"

Summary
• What: Into The Woods
• Book by Janes Lapine, Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
• Directed by Susan Mason
• Run Dates: April 9 – May 23
• Times: Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sunday Matinees at 4:00pm
• Tickets: $23 general, $21 seniors & SARTA, $18 children – Group Rates are available!
• Reservations: Call (916) 353-1001
Sutter Street Theatre
717 Sutter Street
Historic Folsom 95630
.

Someone watches over Capital Stage

2010-03-31T14:07:00.000-07:00

l. to r.: Michael Wiles, Scott Coopwood, Matt K. Miller

Photographer: Charr Crail

True to form, Sacramento’s Capital Stage entertains us while encouraging us to think. Inspired by a true story, Irish playwright Frank McGuinness weaves a tale of three foreigners–Adam (Michael Wiles), an American; Edward (Scott Coopwood), an Irishman; and Michael (Matt K. Miller), an Englishman–held hostage in Lebanon by mysterious captors. Though chained to the walls of a cell, they're treated respectfully, even given a feast, during their endless stay.

“Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me,” based on a popular song title, captures a universal longing for supernatural protection. It’s the call of the infant, still lingering in all of us, for a god, gods, angels or other superior beings to help us survive the messes we make of our lives. It echoes our secret cry of “Mommy!” waiting to be released.

For a detailed review go to villagelife.com/story.php?id=692.0.

EDMT Announces Schedule for CATS

2010-03-30T14:07:00.000-07:00

Heather Clark and Joey Saffren
courtesy photo

MESSAGE FROM EL DORADO MUSICAL THEATRE:

Gasp in awe as the junk yard is transformed into a mystical night-time playground for cats of all shapes and sizes. The variety of characters and personalities include the storyteller and protector Munkustrap (Andrew Wilson), the roguish Rum Tum Tugger (Jonathon Cranmer), and the wise Old Deuteronomy (Joey Saffren).

Also memorable are Macavity (Felix Roessler), who is never at the scene of the crime, and the magical Mr. Mistoffelees (Cierra Diaz). Watch as mischievous Mongojerrie (Carly Speno) and Rumpleteazer (Caroline Mixon) cavort around on stage! Shed a tear to the poignant hit song "Memory," sung by Grizabella (Heather Clark), the one-time glamour cat. It's the climax of Cats, and by far it’s most popular and well-known song.

Cats is quite simply a triumphant piece of musical theater. It's an all-singing, all-dancing musical spectacular, with a magnificent musical score that you will not soon forget. Composed by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cats is based on the universally popular poetry of T.S. Eliot, which tells the story of the annual gathering of Jellicle cats, at which time one special cat is selected to ascend to the Heaviside Layer.

A true musical theatre phenomenon, Cats originally opened at London's New London Theatre on May 11, 1981 and ran for a record-setting 21 years! Cats’ London success was nearly matched on Broadway where it ran at the Wintergarden Theatre for just over 18 years!

Don’t miss one of the most exhilarating and innovative musicals ever staged!

El Dorado Musical Theatre is proud to premiere Cats, which will run April 9-25 at the Jill Solberg Performing Arts Theatre in Folsom.

Cats is sure to be a hit, so get your tickets soon! It's a show filled with fantastic songs, amazing dance numbers, stunning costumes, and a spectacular set, which will delight audiences of all ages! Ticket prices are $12.00-$20.00 and can be purchased online at www.edmt.info or by calling the box office at 916-941-SING. Special Thursday evening performances on April 15 and April 22 at 7:00 p.m. are being offered with all seats only $12.00! Discounts are also available for groups of ten or more.

About El Dorado Musical Theatre: EDMT is an award-winning regional theater company based in El Dorado Hills, California, and featuring performers aged 6-20. EDMT, producing five major productions per year, was founded in 2001 and is a Non-Profit Organization. Remaining productions this season include Cinderella and Crazy for You. Additionally, EDMT produces an annual training show for performers aged 5-9; no experience is required. Most performances take place at the Jill Solberg Theater on the campus of Folsom High School.

Two Seasoned Pros Join Forces for Laughs

2010-03-26T10:08:00.001-07:00

l-r: David Iannance, Tony Castle
Photo Credit: Sutter Street Theatre
“NOTCH and CASTLE COMEDY VARIETY SHOW”

David Iannace and Tony Castle have spent their lives in show business. They are now joining together their many talents and experiences to bring an Old School Variety Show to today's audience; a show filled with songs, jokes, skits, bits and lots of surprises. The Great Variety Shows we all remember will live again when "Notch and Castle" hit the stage with a cast of wacky characters that will keep the audience wondering what comes next.

Folsom, CA, March 4, 2010: Notch and Castle Comedy Variety Show will run March 26 through April 3 on Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm and Sunday at 4:00pm at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter Street, Historic Folsom 95630. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (916) 353-1001.

Summary
• “Notch and Castle Comedy Variety Show”
• Run Dates: March 26 – April 3
• Times: Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00pm and a Sunday Matinee at 4:00pm
• Tickets: $17 general, $15 seniors & SARTA, $13 children – Group Rates are available!
• Reservations: Call (916) 353-1001
Sutter Street Theatre
717 Sutter Street
Historic Folsom 95630

Anatomy of Sin at California Stage

2010-03-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

Courtesy photo

In his social satire “Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll,” Eric Bogosian anatomizes self-indulgence, as manifested by popular culture at the end of the twentieth century. He brings his vision to us through the talents of a single actor embodying nine different characters as examples. Michael Claudio, directed by his widely admired dad, Ed Claudio, offers a virtuoso performance in each of the roles. The play continues at Sacramento’s California Stage. For details and a review, go to http://villagelife.com/story.php?id=692.1.

Radio Message from Bob and Ro

2010-03-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

Message from Bob and Ro

Contact Robert C. Gerould
Tel. 916-532-0108
Email: bobgerould@gmail.com
www.BobandRoProductions.org

BOB AND RO’S OLD TIME RADIO SHOWS CONTINUES
at the Studio Theatre

The radio shows have been popular enough that Bob and Ro Productions have decided to make them a regular event.

The idea comes from the days when radio programs were performed before a live audience while the rest of the country gathered around their radios and listened in. Now anyone can be a part of that studio audience when Bob and Ro’s Old Time Radio Shows perform at the Studio Theatre! Local actors take on the roles of established and timeless shows like Our Miss Brooks, Boston Blackie and My Friend Irma. Add in a musical interlude with singer Mike Branson and you’ve got a great evening’s entertainment.

All performances are at the Studio Theatre, 1028 R St., Sacramento:

Sunday, March 28 at 7:00 pm
Tickets $10
Richard Diamond - The Red Rose
The Bickersons
My Friend Irma - The Coronation

Also featuring the song styling of Mike Branson

Sunday, April 11 at 7:00 pm
Tickets $10

The Adventures of the Thin Man - The Case of the Goofy Groom
The Bickersons
Our Miss Brooks - Board of Education Day

Also featuring the song styling of Mike Branson

Sunday, April 25 at 7:00 pm
Tickets $10
Richard Diamond - The Longest Short Cut
The Bickersons
Fibber McGee and Molly - The $100 Bill

Also featuring the song styling of Mike Branson

Reefter Madness from Artistic Differences

2010-03-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

MESSAGE FROM ARTISTIC DIFFERENCES

Artistic Differences Theatre Co. presents
Reefer Madness! by Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney

Artistic Differences Theatre Company closes its 2009-2010 season by bringing you Reefer Madness the Musical, a raucous, musical comedy inspired by the 1936
exploitation/propaganda film of the same name. A relatively new work, Reefer Madness
the Musical has made its way from the Los Angeles theatre scene, over to New York, and even television’s Showtime movie channel.

Reefer Madness the Musical takes place in the small town America of our past, the
1930’s, and tells the tale of what happens when the American youth is seduced by the
most heinous of evils...MARIJUANA, the demon weed. Luckily, The Lecturer, a stern
government-sponsored figure is here to show us that marijuana only leads to a
downward spiral filled with evil jazz music, sex, and violence. The Lecturer’s lesson
weaves the story of boy next door Jimmy, and his sweetheart Mary Lane, as their lives
are fouled by the Demon Weed! Can they be saved from cannabis catastrophe?!

With regards to producing Reefer Madness the Musical, AD Artistic Director Maggie
Hollinbeck states that while the production is for entertainment, Artistic Differences also looks at cultural temperature of the community for inspiration.
“Sacramento has recently gotten an earful on the subject of legalization of
marijuana, either for medical purposes or recreational use,” notes Hollinbeck, “so it
seems like a perfect time to bring Reefer Madness to local audiences. It’s a campy sendup about the uniquely American hysteria surrounding the use of drugs - drawing
interesting parallels to the fear-mongering and misinformation that has fueled
American politics, especially over the last decade.”

In response to recent increases in conversation about marijuana, Artistic Differences is looking to invite local politicians, experts, journalists, activists etc. to speak after the show for special talk-back sessions regarding marijuana and marijuana legalization.

Also, AD has formed a co-sponsorship with La Vie en Verte: The WAMM Movie, a
documentary centering around the medical use of marijuana. The film is a production
by Reefer Madness cast member Bevin Bell-Hall and her husband Charlie Hall.
Artistic Differences production of Reefer Madness the Musical runs April 2nd to May
2nd at California Stage, in Downtown Sacramento. Tickets are $20 general and $17
student/senior, with a special opening weekend teaser price of $12.

Established in 2006, Artistic Differences Theatre Company is committed to a single
vision: to enrich the artistic landscape in Sacramento and beyond by producing fresh,
unique interpretations of the unsung American musical.

Box Office: (916)708-3449 ###

Dates and Times
April 2, 2010 through May 2, 2010
Opening: Friday, April 2 @ 8 pm
Runs: Fridays & Saturdays @ 8 pm
Sundays at 7pm
Special: Tuesday, April 20 @ 8 pm
Saturday, April 17 @ 12am (midnight)
Saturday, April 24 @ 12am (midnight)
Ticket Prices
General: $20
Student/Senior (65+): $17
Opening weekend: $12
TICKETING INFORMATION: Artistic Differences Theatre Co. Box Office 916/708-3449

New from Thistle-Dew Dessert Theatre

2010-03-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

OPENING APRIL 9, 2010

"LAST RESORT TRAILER PARK"

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY LAURA SHEPERD

Featuring

Noemi Rios, Jeff Webster,

Gay Cooper, Ashley Lucas

and Sean Williams

Continuing April 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, and CLOSING May 1

Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:00 p.m. Sunday performances are at 2:00 p.m.

TICKETS ARE $25.00 INCLUDING DESSERT, COFFEE AND TEA

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED
E-mail (Best): thistledewplaywrights@yahoo.com
or telephone 444-8209

/////////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

COMING SOON

TIM CAHILL'S

"GOING TO TIBET"

Poor Duncan Peters!

A commissioner from the Judicial Council is coming to interview his family and others are worried. Judge Fischer’s law clerk, Susan, frets that Duncan ’s nonconformity will sink Miriam’s nomination. Not wanting to jeopardize Miriam’s chances for the high court, Duncan leaves for Tibet . Through it all is the question of love. But Miriam is worried. How will it all work out with Duncan in Tibet and the commissioner coming?

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

COMING SOON

THOMAS M. KELLY'S

"Mixville"

Are old cowboy heroes really dead? Not according to Jubal "Tom Mix" McCabe.

Thomas Edwin Mix (born Thomas Hezikiah Mix; January 6, 1880 – October 12, 1940) was an American film actor and the star of many early Western movies. He made a reported 336 films between 1910 and 1935. Nine of which were silent features. He was Hollywood’s first Western megastar and is noted as having helped define the genre for all cowboy actors who followed.
Tom Mix was "the King of Cowboys" when the influence of his screen persona was seen in his approach to portraying cowboys.
Such was the influence on the life of Jubal McCabe.

“The Bad Seed”: chilling fear about “evil” children

2010-03-16T20:21:00.000-07:00

The premise of Maxwell Anderson’s play “The Bad Seed” is that children can be born with murder in their hearts. In a well-crafted production, Carmichael’s Chautauqua Playhouse revives this once popular, though now almost forgotten, chiller, leaving the audience to decide its plausibility. From the start we know there will be no mystery. A glance at the playbill warns us that the 8-year-old Rhoda, played by 11-year-old Lauren Metzinger, has homicide in her heart.

After a leisurely start we are caught in her web, wondering who the next victim will be. And be prepared for a shocker at the end. For a detailed review go to http://villagelife.com/story.php?id=692.0.

A "Foreigner" comes to Placerville

2010-03-15T09:35:00.000-07:00

Message from Imagination Theatre:

The Foreigner Visits Placerville’s Imagination Theater

Imagination Theater presents Larry Shue’s comedic farce, The Foreigner, which opens Friday, March 26 and runs through Sunday, April 18. Friday evening performances are at 7:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday performances are at 2:00 p.m. There is no show on Easter, April 4. Ticket prices are $17 adults, $14 seniors, and $10 children/students. Group discounts are also available. There is one Thursday show, April 1, and all seats are $10—no fooling! The Foreigner is suggested for teens through adults.

Directed by Lanny Langston, produced by Peter Wolfe, and set design by Virgil Toothaker, The Foreigner is the hilarious comedy about Charlie, an extremely shy proper Englishman who has a fear of speaking to strangers. He brought by his friend, Froggy, to a fishing lodge in rural Georgia, where Froggy tells everyone that Charlie is a foreigner who doesn't understand a word of English. Soon, everyone is fussing over and confiding in him. Charlie quickly discovers that all is not what it seems at the lodge and must somehow save the day - without revealing his cover!

Tickets can be purchased online at www.imagination-theater.org or contact the box office at (530) 642-0404. Located on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, Imagination Theater celebrates its' 10th Anniversary bringing quality, live community theater to Placerville and El Dorado County.

Chicago takes charge of Sacramento

2010-03-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

If anarchy needed a bible, a good choice would be the award-winning musical “Chicago,” its national tour now brought to Sacramento by California Musical Theatre. According to its press release, the show offers us “Murder. Greed. Corruption. Violence. Exploitation. Adultery.” Who could ask for anything more?

The storyline is based loosely on a pair of 1924 murders, reported in the Chicago Tribune by Maurine Dallas Watkins. The first was about a married cabaret singer, Belva Gaertner, accused of killing her husband. “No sweetheart in the world,” Gaertner declared, "is worth killing.” The second featured a young Beaulah Annan, who killed her boyfriend, “then called her husband to tell him.” Thanks to a sharp lawyer, she got away with the crime.

The stories inspired the 1942 film “Roxie Hart” and ultimately led to the current musical, with Roxie Hart (Bianca Marroquin) as the lead character. A housewife and nightclub dancer, she shoots Fred Casely (Brent Heuser), the lover who threatens to walk out on her. In a Cook County jail she meets and later befriends Velma Kelly (Brenda Braxton), one among several murderesses who deliver “Cell Block Tango.”

Presiding over the block is the corrupt matron, “Mama” Morton, played by big-voiced Carol Woods. Adding color to the group and played in drag is Mary Sunshine (D. Micciche), who justifies herself in “A Little Bit of Good.” Somehow Micciche shows us an operatic voice, complete with vibrato.

Billed as the star of the production is television’s popular John O’Hurley, playing the sharp and cynical lawyer Billy Flynn. Described by People magazine as one of the “Sexiest Men Alive,” he’s best known for roles as diverse as J. Peterson on TV’s “Seinfeld” and King Arthur in “Monty Python’s Spamalot.” He’s not only authoritative as Flynn, but he delivers in numbers like “We both Reached for the Gun” and “Razzle Dazzle.”

But labeling him as the star does him no favor. Despite a very capable performance, he just doesn’t make it as the “star” of the show. At the opposite pole is Tom Riis Farrell as Amos Hart, Roxie’s lackluster husband with bottomless tolerance for all her vagaries. From jail she claims to be pregnant as a way to escape the criminal justice system, and Amos waxes ecstatic, declaring that he’s the father—even though they haven’t had marital relations for years.

But when she reveals that there really is no baby, the reality of his position, the knowledge that she merely uses him, finally becomes inescapable. When at last he leaves her, not in bitterness but in practical necessity, he earns both pity and respect from the audience in one of the shows most powerful and moving moments. In song he identifies himself as “Mister Cellophane,” the man invisible to all. And he departs with awesome dignity and philosophical poise.

The show finally unwinds with an unexpected twist.

With book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander, plus lyrics by Ebb, the Broadway production opened in 1975. It’s revival in 1996 proved to be one of the longest revivals in Broadway history. Since the latter date the show has had successful productions in 24 countries and 11 languages, but especially on London’s “West End” stage.

The one big drawback for the production is John Lee Beatty’s set, a grandstand tilted like a huge picture frame and occupied by an orchestra of thirteen musicians, led by Andrew Bryan. The set so dominates the action that the various locales, especially the jail, are never really seen. Thus the various scenes are played out on something like an Elizabethan stage, where the locale is defined through announcement by one of the characters.

As a result it’s easy to lose track of where an action is taking place, thus inviting some confusion among the audience. Otherwise the rest of the production is compelling.

“Chicago” continues through March 21 at the Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street, Sacramento. Tickets, $18-$65, are available at the Convention Center Box Office, (916) 808-5181. Advance tickets can be had at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H Street, (916) 557-1999, or Tickets.com. Call the box office for remaining dates and times or check http://californiamusicaltheatre.com.

“Arranged Marriage” returns to STC

2010-03-09T16:30:00.000-08:00

Courtesy photo

Years ago the Sacramento Theatre Company produced “Arranged Marriage,” based on a story by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. It was performed in the modest space now known as “The Pollock Stage” at the Wells Fargo complex in the heart of Sacramento. The new version is a musical—with colorful costumes, plus song and dance, all native to India—adapted and directed by Peggy Shannon, STC’s artistic director.

We get superb performances by Roshni Shukla, playing Sumita, an Indian girl who goes to California to be with her “arranged” husband, and by Katherine Cristina Miller, mainly as the goddess Parvati, who sees marriage as destiny. Warren leads an ensemble of seven polished dancers, mostly cast from STC’s Young Professionals Conservatory. Jim Sarb provides Indian male voices. The result projects authenticity to the core.

The colorful costumes by Gail Russell, coupled with the authentic choreography by Tyler Russell Warren and the poetry by Rabindranath Tagore, translated from the Bengali, augment an exciting taste of the arts of India.

The main weakness of the production seems to come from Divakaruni’s lack of experience as playwright. Unless you follow revolutionaries like Bertolt Brecht, you stick to Aristotle’s definition of drama as “an imitation of an action,” not an imitation of someone talking about an action. In “Arranged Marriage” two of the main actions are Sumita’s wedding and a murder at her husband’s convenience store, neither of which we see.

I brought this puzzle to Shannon, who explained that Divakaruni had demanded that such events be brought to us by report from Sumita. Even if drama is subdued, the play still offers us our money’s worth in color, authenticity, and the artistry of everyone we see and hear.

And what’s missing from view is compensated by lines inspired (probably) by Tagore. Late in the play, crushed by catastrophe, Sumita declares, “My unlived life gathered itself into a scream.”

Before concluding, I feel obliged to reveal my own connections with Divakaruni. In the eighties, as chair of the English Department at Contra Costa College, I helped to hire her as a teacher. We maintained a cordial relationship and she later moved on to a better job. She later left teaching, I learned, as she pursued a successful writing career. We had a friendly meeting during the first production of her story at STC.

“Arranged Marriage” runs through March 28 on the Mainstage at the Wells Fargo Complex, 1419 H Street. Performances are Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., Thursday at 12:30 and 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15-$46. There’s no intermission. Call the box office at (916) 443-6722.

2010-03-09T16:08:00.000-08:00

Courtesy photo

If a musical team of evangelical young men came to town with the express purpose of saving your soul, would you go to their show? Probably not, regardless of whether your soul was saved or lost. But an award-winning musical spoof of just such a group brings irresistible entertainment to Sacramento’s Runaway Stage. Under Bob Baxter’s astute direction, and backed by a fine resident orchestra, the cast of five demonstrates superlative skills in singing, dancing and, above all, comedy.

For details and a review, go to If a musical team of evangelical young men came to town with the express purpose of saving your soul, would you go to their show? Probably not, regardless of whether your soul was saved or lost. But an award-winning musical spoof of just such a group brings irresistible entertainment to Sacramento’s Runaway Stage. Under Bob Baxter’s astute direction, and backed by a fine resident orchestra, the cast of five demonstrates superlative skills in singing, dancing and, above all, comedy.

For details and a review, go to http://villagelife.com/story.php?id=692.0.

Audition Info from IT

2010-03-08T14:45:00.000-08:00

Imagination Theater! March 2010

IT! Box Office: 530-642-0404 or ITPlacerville@yahoo.com

IT! Website: www.imagination-theater.org

IT! Insider’s Blog at www.itplacerville.blogspot.com

GREASE IS THE WORD! AUDITION INFORMATION

GREASE SING-A-LONG
Sunday, March 14th, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Anyone who is interested is invited to come sing the songs from Grease at the first rehearsal of the "Fuzzy Dice." This is the band that will be playing the rehearsals and performances of the show. This sing-a-long is just an opportunity to sing the songs, get in the rock-and-roll mood, and have fun with the music. Anyone, regardless of age, or whether they are actually going to audition for the show is encouraged to participate. No preparation is necessary... this is not an audition. Lyrics sheets will be provided.

GREASE DANCE AUDITION
Monday, April 5th, 6:30-9:00 p.m. at Vanessa's Foothill Dance Studio in Shingle Springs. Participation in this audition is required for ALL ROLES in Grease. Please be prompt. Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing and jazz or character shoes if you have theme. Auditioners will learn simple combinations and jitterbug steps.

GREASE GENERAL AUDITION
Saturday, April 10th, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
This will be the general audition for all roles. (Parking in above lot due to Kids' Expo)

Singing Requirements:
All Auditioners will be required to sing a rock-and-roll type song and provide their own karaoke backing CD. An audition accompanist will not be provided. Auditioners being considered for lead roles by the Directors may be asked to also sing a song from the show with the live band that will be provided. Lyrics for the songs from the show will be provided at the audition.

Reading and Improvisation:
Auditioners will be asked to do cold readings from the script and group improvisations.

Partner Dancing:
If time permits, auditioners will participate in jitterbug partner dancing exercises. All auditioners should therefore wear loos-fitting comfortable clothing and suitable dancing shoes... no sandals or bare-feet!

GREASE CALL-BACK AUDITION
Sunday, April 11th, 6:00-9:00 p.m.

This will be the CALL-BACK AUDITION for all roles. Due to the anticipated large number of auditioners, this Call-Back Audition is likely to be required for some, and maybe all, of the auditioners--- so all auditioners are asked to remain available.

SHOWS ARE SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 2010. Box Office: 530-642-0404

"Women of Juarez" at California Stage

2010-03-05T18:06:00.000-08:00

MESSAGE FROM CALIFORNIA STAGE

CALIFORNIA STAGE presents
WOMEN OF JUAREZ

by Rubén Amavizca-Murúa in the Wilkerson Theater

Directed by Dr. Manuel Jose Pickett

This dark tragedy is based on the deaths of hundreds of women in Juarez, Mexico, who are found raped, tortured, and buried in the desert with no real explanation. Since 1993, over 600 women have been reported missing and the bodies of more than 400 murdered victims have been found.

Play Director, Manuel Picket says, ‘California Stage and Teatro Espejo are hoping to raise the cry: ‘NOT ONE MORE!’ with this production”. California Stage Producer Ray Tatar says that “If 600 women disappeared from the streets of Sacramento; there would be hell to pay! We would find those murderers, yet most people don’t know about this on-going tragedy because the media which survives on the next gruesome tale does not see itself in a leadership role”.

The play tells the story of a family who refuses to accept complacent explanations by the Mexican authorities as to the disappearance of their daughter and their plight to find an immediate answer. Award-winning actress Diana Mandujano stars in “The Women of Juarez” playing a mother searching for her missing daughter only to discover an intricate web of misogyny, police and political corruption.

“Women of Juarez” plays between February 19 and March 21, 2010. in the Wilkerson Theater, 1725 25th Street, in Midtown Sacramento. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2 PM. Ticket prices are $20.00, for general admission, $15.00, for Students, SARTA members and seniors, and $12.00 for groups of six or more. The theater is accessible.

CALIFORNIA STAGE THEATER COMPANY

2010 play season is collaboration with The Sacramento Progressive Communities

and Matrix Arts, non-profits serving the greater Sacramento area. 916-451-5822

1725 25 Street sacramento, California, 95816-- www.calstage.org

Holy Altar Boyz at 24th Street Theatre

2010-03-03T14:33:00.000-08:00

...Message From Runaway Stage Productions

At the 24th Street Theatre in Sacramento
Hotter than Backstreet Boys! Cooler than N Sync!
And Holier than thou!

Sacramento—Winner of the 2005 Outer Critics Award for BEST OFF BROADWAY MUSICAL, ALTAR BOYZ is a foot-stomping, rafter-raising, musical comedy about a fictitious Christian boy-band on the last night of their national "Raise the Praise" tour. The Boyz are five all-singing, all-dancing heartthrobs from Ohio: Mathew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham. With their tight harmonies and spectacular choreography, the ALTAR BOYZ will delight Runaway Stage Production's audiences. As they perform their signature hits such as "Rhythm In Me," "The Calling," and "I Believe," the Boyz question their loyalty to each other and ask whether or not faith is really holding them together. They finally deliver a message of unity, that "there is no star as bright as its constellation, no harmony in a single voice."

Multiple Elly Award winning Producer and Director Bob Baxter teams up again with award winning Choreographer Darryl Strohl and Musical Director James Lohman to stage this heartwarming and hilarious Sacramento Community Premiere!

ALTAR BOYZ performs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., March 5 - 28, 2010.

TICKETS Adults - $20, Seniors/Students/SARTA- $18, Children (12&U) - $15, Groups of 10+ - $16 each. Tickets can be purchased online at www.runawaystage.com (Online Reservation convenience fees apply), or at the door.

Free parking is available.

Questions? Call (916) 207-1226

Review of "Becky's New Car"

2010-03-02T12:41:00.000-08:00

At B Street: “Becky’s New Car” toys with adultery

Foreground: Brian Rife, Ashley Padovani; background: Elisabeth Nunziato

Photo: b street staff

A playwright often succeeds by turning a cliché on its head. The prolific and fashionable Steven Dietz does so in “Becky’s New Car,” now on stage at Sacramento’s B Street Theatre. Like many middle-aged wives of our time, Becky Foster (Elisabeth Nunziato) holds down a job and takes care of her family.

She flips a cliché, though, when she embraces an adulterous relationship with a rich and elderly widower, Walter Flood (Dan Harlan), who’s almost overwhelmed by her eagerness, mistakenly thinking she’s also widowed. Based on today’s media it always seems to be the husband whose midlife crisis projects him into extra-marital dalliance.

Joe Foster (David Pierini), her good-hearted husband, is a working man of moderate income who seems to welcome her distracting labors in the office of Bill Buckley’s auto dealership, where she answers the phone and even makes a killer of a deal with Walter, who buys a fleet of cars through her.

Rounding out the cast are the Fosters’ son Chris (Brian Rife), a 26-year-old hanging on to his adolescence by staying in college long after the time when he should be earning a living in the workaday world. Lording it over his parents, and others, by spouting jargon from his major in psychology, he represents an interesting type rarely depicted on stage. A generation ago he would have been labeled a “scholarship bum.”

His female parallel in uselessness is blunt-speaking Ginger (Jamie Jones), financially comfortable but admittedly lacking in marketable skills. Sheila, Walter’s deceased wife, once described her as “sweet, angelic and completely non-stick.” Then there’s Steve (Greg Alexander), laid-back manager of the auto agency and the Fosters’ family friend. Finally, we meet Kenni Flood (Ashley Padovani), Walter’s daughter. She and Chris fall in love and wind up getting married.

Nicely directed by Michael Stevenson, this outstanding cast makes the most of Dietz’ material. Unfortunately, Dietz gums up the comedy by having the players interact with the audience, often bringing members onto the stage. This dalliance with shtick works well for a variety show but undermines our willing suspension of disbelief. The opening night audience, though, seemed to enjoy the diversion, and there was no shortage of volunteers.

This audience intrusion, though, helps to mask the flaws in the plot, for instance the coincidental romance between Chris and Kenni. Would their adulterous parents have introduced them to each other?

A serviceable set design by Samantha Reno is suitable for the B Street’s main stage, three-quarters in the round. Reno puts the office on the north side, the home on the south. But the setup takes some getting-used-to, as when the office becomes the Fosters’ home office and the home becomes other locations. On the plus side, though, the set avoids losing time with changes of scenery.

Those who enjoyed Dietz’ impressive “Fiction,” which closed on February 28 at Capital Stage, may be disappointed in the lightweight “Becky’s New Car,” though the audience at B Street gave it a standing ovation.

“Becky’s New Car” continues through April 11 at 2711 B Street, behind the Stanford Park Baseball Field. Performances are Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 5 and 9 p.m., and Sundays and Wednesdays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22-$30. Call (916) 443-5300. See also www.btreettheatre.org.

QUILTERS STITCHES PAST TO PRESENT

2010-03-01T11:47:00.000-08:00

FROM IMAGINATION THEATER

An old friend is returning to town. The musical "Quilters," originally presented in Placerville in 1987, will be back in March 2011 as a production of Imagination Theater, in conjunction with Ensemble Theatre Company. The director, Chrissie Addison, was in the original cast and can’t wait to share her new vision of this regional theatre favorite. Written by Barbara Damashek and Molly Newman, "Quilters" is the story of the courageous women who moved west to help settle this country, recording “the pieces of their lives” through the work of their hands. Their quilt blocks are first presented individually to represent episodes in their lives; the blocks eventually form a quilt that combines all of their stories into one.

In the 1987 production, construction of the various quilt blocks was done by local quilters, who donated their time. Chrissie intends to again tap into this rich source of talent for the quilts, but she wants to add another element. Since the finished quilt is called the “legacy” quilt, Chrissie wants it to be made from donated fabric. If someone has a favorite scrap of cotton (or other soft, non-synthetic fabric), that they would be willing to part with, she hopes they will let it be used for the construction of the quilts. Donated materials could be yardage, but it could also be skirts, tablecloths, aprons, or anything that could be cut up and re-used. Just as women of the prairie did, today’s quilters will be stitching together used fabric which is not only “green,” but authentic in living history.

Even though auditions are not until late October, Chrissie and her staff are already hard at work on all that goes into mounting a major musical. They would like to begin collecting fabric on March 15th, so the quilting volunteers have plenty of time for their creations. Collection will continue until there is enough fabric for the quilts needed. Fabric can be dropped off at the Imagination Theater office or at the Mountain Democrat on Main Street in Placerville. What’s more, if there is a story behind the fabric donated, please share that, too, by including a short note. For more information, or if you’d like to volunteer to work on "Quilters," email Chrissie Addison at foothillsinger@comcast.net .

SOMEONE WHO'LL WATCH OVER ME

2010-02-27T09:50:00.000-08:00

Message from Capital Stage

March 19 - April 25, 2010
(Opening Night: Friday, March 26, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.)
Sacramento, CA - February 26, 2010 Capital Stage continues its fifth season with Frank McGuinness' gripping "Someone Who'll Watch Over Me," winner of the 1993 New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Foreign Play.

In the late 1980's Brian Keenan, John McCarthy and Terry Waite were taken hostage in Beirut. They were held, together or separately, for over four years. "Someone Who'll Watch Over Me" is Irish playwright Frank McGuiness's fictionalised version of these actual events.

An American doctor, and English academic, and an Irish journalist are taken prisoner in the Middle East. Having little contact with their unseen captors -- and none whatsoever with the outside world -- the men use dark humor and their vivid imaginations to forge their own reality within the walls of their cell. As victims of political action, powerless to initiate change, what can they do? How do they live and survive? Filled with humor and pathos, "Someone Who'll Watch Over Me" is ultimately a remarkable celebration of the human spirit.

Performances for "Someone Who'll Watch Over Me" will begin with four previews on Friday, March 19 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 20 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, March 21 at 2 p.m.; and Thursday, March 25 at 8 p.m., and will open on Friday, March 26, 2010 at 8p.m. Performances continue through April 25, 2010.

Showtimes will be Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $25-$32. Discount tickets are available as follows: Preview Tickets: $15; Student Tickets on Thursdays and Fridays: $12; Senior Tickets on Sunday Matinees: $20; and Group Rates are available for parties of 12 or more. Tickets are currently available at the Capital Stage Box Office, by phone at 916-995-5464 or online at www.capstage.org.

The Pilothouse Restaurant offers a specially priced $29 three-course dinner for theatre patrons; Pilothouse reservations can be made through the box office.

The Playwright

Since his debut on the Irish theater scene with The Factory Girls (1982), Frank McGuinness has been one of his generation's most prolific and significant playwrights, earning applause and awards throughout the world for such plays as "Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme" (1985) and "Someone Who'll Watch Over Me" (1992. "Later works include Dolly West's Kitchen" (1999), "Gates of Gold" (2002) and "There Came A Gypsy Riding" (2007). His most recent play, "Greta Garbo Came to Donegal" premiered in London in January 2010. He has also written new versions of classic dramas, including works by Henrik Ibsen, Anton Chekhov, and Euripides, adapting the literal translations of others. In addition, he wrote the screenplay for the film "Dancing at Lughnasa" from Brian Friel's stage play.

The Cast

"Someone Who'll Watch Over Me" features a powerhouse cast with returning Capital Stage favorite K. Scott Coopwood ("The Scene," "Dirty Story") playing Edward, the Irishman. Sacramento Theatre Company member Matt K. Miller makes his Capital Stage debut as Michael, the Englishman; and Bay Area actor Michael Wiles ("Fat Pig") rounds out the cast as Adam, the American. Capital Stage Artistic Director Stephanie Gularte ("Speech & Debate," "The Scene") directs.

"Someone Who'll Watch Over Me" is recommended for mature audiences.

Pilgrim's Progress on 24th Street

2010-02-27T08:55:00.000-08:00

One Way Productions
Presents
The Pilgrim’s Progress
Friday, April 2, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 3, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Friday, April 9, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. and
Saturday, April 10, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Advance tickets may be purchased for $9.00 (adults), $8.00 (seniors and military), $7.00 (groups of 10 or more), and $5.00 (children 12 and under). To order tickets in advance contact One Way Productions at info@1wayproductions.org.
Ticket prices at the door are: $14.00 (adults), $11.00 (seniors and military) and $8.00 (children 12 and under).
All performances will be held at the 24th Street Theater, located at 2791 – 24th Street, Sacramento 94818.

Broadway and Beyond come to EDMT

2010-02-26T19:32:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy Mark Cloverdale

El Dorado Musical Theatre’s High Voltage Tour Company Performs A One Night Only Cabaret
“Broadway and Beyond” March 20th in Folsom

The El Dorado Musical Theatre does more than just produce spectacular Broadway productions throughout the year. New in 2009, EDMT’s by-audition-only musical tour group, consisting of thirty three talented performers ages 10 – 20 from El Dorado, Placer, and Sacramento Counties, have kept a very busy schedule this year performing on a Carnival Cruise, at the California State Fair, at the State Capitol, at single night cabarets and more, all while juggling their music and dance training, production rehearsals, and school schedules.

The High Voltage Tour Company is performing its next cabaret, “Broadway and Beyond”, on March 20th at the Oakhills Church in Folsom.

A special selection of classic to contemporary Broadway show tunes, revival numbers, and familiar hit songs will be performed by soloists, duos, small and large groups, with a variety of dance genres, tap, jazz, and musical theatre choreographed by Elly Award Winning choreographer Debbie Wilson, and vocally directed by Jennifer Martin.

Please join us for an affordable and entertaining special two hour evening amid intimate and relaxed seating around candlelit tables. Tickets are on sale now with a super saver discount offer of $3.00 off every ticket purchased before March 10th. Prices are $15.00 for adults and $12.00 for children 12 and under, including dessert and beverage. Tables accommodate eight guests. Guests may reserve an entire table when purchasing eight tickets at the same time. Patrons will be assigned best seats at tables based on date of purchase. Please plan on to arrive 15-30 minutes before show time.

For more information or to purchase tickets please visit the website at www.edmt.info or call 916-941-SING. Prior High Voltage cabaret nights have sold out so get your tickets early.

A Sleeping Beauty for everyone

2010-02-25T12:19:00.000-08:00

In childhood we all learned the fable of sleeping beauty, the story of a beautiful princess who couldn’t be awakened from a profound sleep until she was kissed by a handsome prince. The stage production by that name, and now offered by Folsom’s Sutter Street Theatre, embellishes the story with exciting new characters and comic turns that delight adults as well as the tiniest tots who see it. For details and a comprehensive review, see the current Village Life of El Dorado Hills or go to http://villagelife.com/story.php?id=692.1.

Photographer: Allen Schmeltz Productions

Imagination Theater! Goes to Broadway

2010-02-19T09:30:00.000-08:00

Imagination Theater writes:

Imagination Theater invites those in the community to join them on a trip to New York City March 2-7, 2011. The group will take in some Broadway shows, tour the NBC studios, Radio City Music Hall, Ground Zero, and much more. Lanny Langston, a director and founder of the theater commented, “Spring is a wonderful time to tour the Big Apple and it’s good to be able to budget ahead and plan for the trip. This is an incredible value-- especially when you sign up before April 1.”

The cost is $2,288 for adults and $1,973 for youth (12-23 years old) which includes round trip airfare from Sacramento, hotels, breakfasts, some dinners, all attractions, Broadway shows, plus a professional guide.

Imagination Theater celebrates their tenth anniversary this year and is an organization devoted to telling good stories well in an atmosphere of trust, respect, personal growth, and challenge. For more details about the trip, contact Lanny Langston at (530) 903-6361.

Threepenny Opera now in Sacramento

2010-02-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

The Threepenny Opera: a stunning classic at California Stage

Those of us who’ve kicked around for awhile can remember the sandpaper voice of Louis Armstrong emanating from a radio, singing about Mack the Knife, Lotte Lenya, Jenny Diver, Suky Tawdry and Lucy Brown. At the time I couldn’t help wondering who these people were. If you had the good fortune to see the classic “Threepenny Opera,” now at California Stage, you should recognize most of those names.

They refer to characters portrayed or mentioned in what was a radical new musical that made its debut in Germany in 1928, with music by Kurt Weill, book and lyrics by Bertolt Brecht. It was radical not only in form but in content, its Marxist leanings caught in a tag line describing the story as “what happens when the banks get richer and the poor get poorer.” After a rocky start the show caught on, only to be outlawed when the Nazis took over. Weill and Brecht left Germany and brought the powerful drama to the rest of the world.

The focal character is Macheath, the knife-wielding criminal leader, played by veteran actor Michael RJ Campbell, who reveals a powerful singing voice that adds to his dramatic prowess. The action begins with a street singer (Gregory Dorado), who rolls back what looks like an extended shower curtain and sings the famous “Ballad of Mack the Knife.” Meanwhile we see a large group of figures behind him in frozen postures like a still life and, like him, with painted black rings around their eyes.

We get a sample of the underworld culture when J.J. Peacham (Michael Sokol), with his wife Celia (Angelina Réaux, who also directs the show), tyrannizes a would-be beggar (Filch, also played by Dorado) by taking his clothes in exchange for rags. Peacham’s counterpart, the king of criminals, is Macheath, who woos and wins Miss Polly (Kelly Daniells), the Peachams’ buxom daughter, and begins a feud with her parents.

Based loosely on John Gay’s “The Beggar’s Opera” of 1728, “The Threepenny Opera” is set in London, though updated to 1837, when Queen Victoria took the throne. In fact Mack’s scheduled execution coincides with her coronation.

The play, which continues through an exhausting three acts, is more concerned with love and sex than with crime, greed and politics. As matters progress we discover that Mack has an appetite for women, mainly prostitutes. Polly’s chief competitors include Jenny Diver, played by the exquisite Jessica Goldman, whose golden voice is especially revealed in “Solomon Song” (introduction to Act III, Scene 2). The role, incidentally, was written for Lotte Lenya, Kurt Weill’s wife.

Polly’s main competition, though, comes from a wife Mack married earlier, Lucy Brown (Whitney-Claire Roeder). She’s the daughter of Tiger Brown (Jeffrey Lloyd Heatherly), chief of police, and Mack’s protector. There’s a delightful scene where Lucy tries to poison Polly’s tea, and the two switch teacups several times.

High drama, though, comes in Act III, where Mack’s luck runs out and he can’t afford a bribe to keep him from being hanged….But we don’t want to spoil the ending.

The actors are supported by a five-piece band, conducted by Christopher Cook. The musicianship is solid, except that the volume sometimes tends to drown out what the actors are saying. Director Réaux also designed a functional set, with doors and windows that reveal actors passing behind them. She adds a comic touch by using a lone wired garden gate to signify a prison cell.

“The Threepenny Opera” continues through March 15 at California Stage, on R Street at the corner of 25th Street in Sacramento. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 general; $15 students, seniors and actors. For reservations, tickets or further information, call California Stage at 916-451-5822. Tickets are also available online at www.seeaplay.com. California Stage is fully accessible.

Photos: 1. Michael RJ Campbell as Mack the Knife
Courtesy of California Stage

2. Mack in prison

2010-02-16T14:30:00.000-08:00

“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” a wry analysis of relations between the sexes, returns to Folsom. Long popular at the late Garbeau’s, it’s now on stage at the Sutter Street Theatre, in a production that’s better than ever. Deftly directed by Susan Mason, its polished cast of four, with a fine sense of comedy, takes on multiple roles as they illustrate the often-rocky stages between youthful dating and death.

The first act, covering courtship and including family relationships, takes us to marriage. The more somber second act leads us through parenting to old age. For a full-scale review, go to http://villagelife.com/story.php?id=692.0.

Sleeping Beauty awakens in Folsom

2010-02-16T10:55:00.000-08:00

From Sutter Street Theatre

The Musical "Sleeping Beauty" opens Friday, February 20, at Sutter Street Theatre, Historic Folsom.

The emphasis is on comedy in this musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale. A delightful group of characters is assembled, so that young audiences as well as adults will find the show as enchanting as the magic in the story itself. There's Chester the Jester, Typsy the Gypsy and the Royal Magician, who is so inept he transforms himself into a frog. And there's the evil Thornberry, who puts the curse on Princess Elaine (the "sleeping beauty," and the brave Prince Dauntless, who battles the fire-breathing dragon to break the magic spell. Add ten tuneful songs to this zany story and you have a magical theatrical performance.

Sleeping Beauty will open on Saturday, Feb. 20, and run through Sunday, April 11, on Saturdays and Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter Street, Historic Folsom, 95630. Reservations are recommended, and can be made by calling (916) 353-1001. Recommended for the entire family.

Summary

"Sleeping Beauty” book and lyrics by R. Eugene Jackson, music by Patsy Pollard
• Directed by Allen Schmeltz
• Musical Direction & Choreography by Connie Mockenhaupt
• Run Dates: Feb. 20 – April 11, 2010
• Times: Saturdays & Sundays at 1:00pm
• Tickets: $17 general, $15 seniors & SARTA, $13 children – Group Rates are available!
• Reservations: Call (916) 353-1001

Sutter Street Theatre
717 Sutter Street
Historic Folsom 95630
• Website: www.sutterstreettheatre.com
.
Photo ID
• Photo #1 – l-r Holly Wilson, Alyssa Middleton, Brady Tait, Eric Hurst
Photographer: Allen Schmeltz Productions

Auditions for Music Circus

2010-02-11T14:08:00.000-08:00

SACRAMENTO AUDITIONS ANNOUNCED
FOR THE 2010 MUSIC CIRCUS SEASON

California Musical Theatre is looking for performers for the 2010 Music Circus season at the Wells Fargo Pavilion. This is the 60th season of Music Circus, presented by California Musical Theatre under the leadership of Executive Producer Richard Lewis. Music Circus auditions performers in New York, Los Angeles and Sacramento.

The 2010 Music Circus lineup is: Spamalot (July 9-18); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (July 20-25); Oklahoma! (July 27-August 1); Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (August 3-8); Funny Girl (August 10-15); The Marvelous Wonderettes (August 17-22); and 42nd Street (August 24-29).

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Sacramento auditions for non-Equity singers and actors (ages 16 and above) will be held on Wednesday and Thursday March 3-4, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Pavilion, 1419 H Street, Sacramento by appointment only. Appointments may be scheduled by calling the audition hotline at (916) 446-5880, ext. 164, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Feb. 24-26 and Mon. March 1, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Auditioners should be prepared to sing a ballad and an up-tempo song and must bring sheet music in his or her own key. An accompanist will be provided. Non-Equity actors must have local housing.

All actors must be able to attend callbacks on either March 10 or 11.

Members of Actor's Equity Association should call (916) 446-5880, ext. 117, beginning February 22 to set up an appointment for Friday, March 5. More info will be provided at that time.

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Sacramento dance auditions (ages 16 and above) will be held on Saturday, March 13 at The Ballroom of Sacramento, 6009 Folsom Boulevard, between 60th and 61st Streets, at 10 a.m. Appointments are not required. Separate audition appointments for dancers will not be scheduled.

Auditioners should arrive to check in at 9:00 a.m. The audition will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. Dancers should be registered, dressed in appropriate dance attire and warmed up by 10:00 a.m. Performers should be prepared to learn a dance combination, and everyone should also bring sheet music in his or her own key in the event they are asked to sing. We are looking for dancers proficient in ballet, jazz and tap; acrobatics a plus.

Dancers, 16 and over, will also have the opportunity to be considered for participation in a series of dance classes this summer with visiting guest instructors. For more information about the dance classes, call Victoria at (916) 446-5880, ext. 122.

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Auditions for children (ages 10-16) for participation in the Music Circus Junior Company will be held Tuesday, March 2, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Pavilion at 1419 H Street in Sacramento by appointment only. Appointments may be scheduled by calling the audition hotline at (916) 446-5880, ext 164, Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 22-23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Each child should be prepared to sing and bring sheet music in his or her own key. An accompanist will be provided. The Music Circus Junior Company is a three-week fee-based program of the California Musical Theatre education department. The program will take place July 5-25 and culminate in the students performing 8 performances as the children's choir in the 2010 Music Circus production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The fee for the Music Circus Junior Company program is $650.

***
California Musical Theatre actively solicits women and minorities for non-traditional casting opportunities. Music Circus is a professional theatre organization. Union members and non-union performers are welcome.
Music Circus was founded in 1951 as the first professional musical theatre in the round west of the Mississippi. Until 2002, its first-class summer stock productions were presented under a canvas tent, the last of its kind in the country. In 2003, the company introduced its new, modern tent-theatre, the Wells Fargo Pavilion, which combines the traditional arena stage with improved audience comfort. Music Circus is the largest, continually operating musical theatre-in-the-round in the country, making it a landmark in the professional theatre community and a living museum of musical theatre history: Sacramento Music Circus is America’s theatre-in-the-round. Music Circus operates under a contract with Actors Equity Association, the union for professional actors in the United States, and the majority of the principal and ensemble cast have extensive Broadway and national tour credits. The acting company will be announced in late spring.

"Threepenny Opera" at California Stage

2010-02-10T18:35:00.000-08:00

Angelina Réaux directs the California Stage production of "The Threepenny Opera," by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill. It opened in 1928 and proved to be one of the great musicals of all time.

It recalls what happens when the banks get richer and the poor get poorer. The play tells the tale of the doomed love affair of Mac Heath, London’s reigning thief, and Polly Peachum, the deceptively sweet daughter of a successful businessman who specializes in human misery and controls the city’s beggars. Based loosely on John Gay’s much earlier Beggars’ Opera, it is filled with betrayals, schemes, revenge, reversals of fortune, and Weill’s famously dissonant score. The popular singer Bobby Darin made the song “Mac the Knife” famous.

Stars of the local musical theater make up the cast: Kelly Daniells, Michael RJ Campbell, Michael Sokol, Angelina Réaux, Gregory Jurado, James Rollans, Mark Fejta, Jabriel Shelton, Jeffrey Lloyd Heatherly, Jessica Goldman, Joelle Wirth, Senga Smith, Laura Lothian, Annie Coke, and Whitney-Claire Roeder.

Director Réaux has appeared on the stages of opera houses, concert halls, cabarets, and theatres around the world, singing everything from Italian Opera to "OKLAHOMA!" She has won wide recognition for her performances of French and German Cabaret and "The American Songbook." She has collaborated with Leonard Bernstein, Kurt Masur, Charles Dutoit, John Mauceri, Kent Nagano, Marin, Alsop, and Ned Rorem; worked with Stephen Sondheim, Harold Prince, Stephen Wadsworth, Tony Taccone, Tony Kushner, sung with the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, Boston Pops, and the Accademia di Santa Cecilia; and with the Santa Fe Opera, Washington Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and Boston Lyric Opera.

Internationally acclaimed for both her performances and recordings of the works of Kurt Weill and Leonard Bernstein, Reaux has also worked on and off-Broadway, toured nationally with "Sweeney Todd," and has been presented by some of the world's leading theatres and concert houses.

The orchestra will be conducted by Christopher Cook, local director and conductor who recently produced and directed “Rocky Horror Picture Show” at The California Stage Theater.

“Threepenny Opera” opens February 5 and plays through February 27, 2010. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 general; $15 students, seniors, and actors. For reservations, more information, or ticket sales, contact California Stage at 916-451-5822 or online at www,calstage.org or seeaplay.com. California Stage Theater is at 1723 25th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816. It is a non-profit, collaborative production company and is fully accessible.

An Exceptional Grease at EDMT

2010-02-10T10:03:00.000-08:00

Though it first appeared on Broadway in 1972, “Grease” still captures the anxieties and ecstasies of high school students. Now on stage in El Dorado Hills by El Dorado Musical Theatre, the story takes place in the late fifties, yet still brings us an authentic portrait of today's joys and anxieties of adolescence. What’s more, performed by youngsters, mostly of high school age, it’s at least as good as many Broadway productions. For more details and a review, go to
villagelife.com/story.php?id=692.0.

Special offer from Capital Stage

2010-02-09T13:55:00.000-08:00

Capital Stage is offering two-for-one tickets for their production of FICTION. This offer is only good for the performance this Friday, February 12 at 8:00 pm. To receive this ½ price ticket offer call the box office at 916-995-5464 and mention the 2-4-1 special. More information at www.capstage.org.

For more information search (top left) for "a tragic-comic fiction."

BOB AND RO’S OLD TIME RADIO SHOWS

2010-02-09T10:50:00.000-08:00

From Bob and Ro's

In the old days, boys and girls, social media was called "Radio."

Live audiences would watch actors (both up-an-comers and established personalities) perform comedies, dramas and mysteries. The rest of the world would listen breathlessly to their radios for the next episode of their favorite programs.

Now anyone can be a part of that studio audience when Bob and Ro’s Old Time Radio Shows perform at the Studio Theatre! Local actors take on the roles of established and timeless shows like Our Miss Brooks, Boston Blackie and My Friend Irma. Add in a musical interlude with singer Mike Branson and you’ve got a great evening’s entertainment.

Performances in February are at the Studio Theatre, 1028 R St., Sacramento:

Sunday, Feb. 14 • 7:00 pm • Tickets $10
Boston Blackie • The Bickersons • Our Miss Brooks, Madison High is Cold

Also featuring the song styling by Mike Branson

Sunday, Feb. 21 • 7:00 pm • Tickets $10
Richard Diamond Private Eye • The Bickersons • My Friend Irma

Also featuring the song styling by Mike Branson

Tickets can be arranged by calling (877) 532-7171 or purchased at the door.

At the end of February we will be appearing at the Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom!

Sat., Feb. 27 at 4:00 pm and Sun., Feb. 28 at 6:00 pm
Richard Diamond Private Eye • The Bickersons • Our Miss Brooks, Madison High is Cold
Also featuring the song styling by Mike Branson
Call Sutter Street Theatre for ticket prices! (916) 353-1001

If you’d like more information about BOB AND RO’S OLD TIME RADIO SHOWS, Bob and Ro Productions, or to schedule an interview with the actors, please call Bob Gerould at 916-532-0108 or e-mail bobgerould@gmail.com.

CHICAGO is BACK IN TOWN

2010-02-09T08:45:00.000-08:00

From California Musical Theatre

California Musical Theatre presents the national tour of "Chicago" starring John O'Hurley at the Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street, as part of the 20th anniversary Broadway Sacramento season, March 10-21, 2010. Now celebrating 13 glorious years of girls, glitz and glamour on the Broadway, the record-breaking smash hit musical CHICAGO is now the seventh longest-running production in Broadway history ... and shows no sign of ever slowing down!

Murder. Greed. Corruption. Violence. Exploitation. Adultery. Treachery. Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago's slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids.

With a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, CHICAGO is the winner of six 1997 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Cast Recording.

John O'Hurley (Billy Flynn) is one of People magazine's "Sexiest Men Alive," and has become one of television's busiest and most versatile actors, show hosts, advertising heroes, and feature film stars. The award-winning actor is best known as J. Peterman on "Seinfeld," which is now the No. 1 syndicated series in the world in 85 countries. He danced his way into the hearts of America as the ultimate champion of the highly rated ABC show "Dancing with the Stars," starred on Broadway in Chicago, as the male lead Billy Flynn and starred in a two-year stint as the head of the Round Table, King Arthur, in Eric Idle's hilarious musical comedy "Monty Python's Spamalot" in Las Vegas. On the small screen he can be seen weekly on the popular syndicated show "Family Feud." As a follow-up to his Billboard chart topping CD Peace of Our Minds (which was the first independently produced CD to ever reach #13 on the Billboard Music charts), O'Hurley recently released Secrets from the Lake, a collaboration of his piano compositions with cellist Marston Smith. O'Hurley has written two books including his New York Times Bestseller called It's OK to Miss the Bed on the First Jump: And Other Life Lessons Learned from Dogs, and Before Your Dog Can Eat Your Homework, First You Have To Do It. When not performing, John maintains his single digit gold handicap by playing on the Celebrity Players Tour. Additionally, he lends his name and golf game to help charities close to his heart, especially Golfers Against Cancer and Child Development Institute. O'Hurley enjoys spending his free time with his wife Lisa and their young son William Dylan. Together they love to play golf, travel, play with their dogs, cheer for the Boston Red Sox, and entertain friends at their Beverly Hills home.

Produced by Barry and Fran Weissler, CHICAGO has become a worldwide phenomenon with productions in 24 countries and 11 languages since 1996.

The record-breaking London production of CHICAGO continues to hold the record as the longest-running American musical in West End history. CHICAGO is also on tour throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as international tours in Australia and the United Kingdom.

CHICAGO is a production not to be missed. And all the reviewers agree. Time Magazine calls it "A Triumph," Newsweek raves "Smashing" and Entertainment Weekly sums it up by calling CHICAGO "Broadway's Most Electrifying Show."

Advance tickets for CHICAGO are available at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H Street, Sacramento, by phone at (916) 557-1999 or (916) 808-5181. Tickets are also available at the Community Center Theater box office, 1301 L Street, or online at Tickets.com. Performance times are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., and Sunday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18-$65. Visit www.BroadwaySacramento.com for more ticketing information.

Discounts available for groups of 10 or more by calling (916) 557-1198.

Celebration Arts Announcement

2010-02-07T11:09:00.000-08:00

Celebration Arts presents "From The Mississippi Delta," a drama by Endesha Ida Mae Holland, Ph.D. Directed by James Wheatley, From The Mississippi Delta will open February 19, 2010 and show Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. through March 28, 2010. For this production there will be a 2 p.m. matinee on March 20 and 27. There will be no performance on February 20, 26, 27 and 28. Celebration Arts Theatre is located at 4469 D Street, Sacramento.

The journey begins in Greenwood, Mississippi – the Delta. Phelia, the author’s alter ego describes the events that inspired her to dream far beyond the funny-paper wall in her drafty shotgun house. A very powerful influence in her life was Ain’t Baby, a midwife who delivers babies of poor black and white women, does ironing for white women and rents rooms to prostitutes as a way to support her family. She describes how the civil rights movement helped her toward her destiny. She gains an education and received a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota.
Ticket price: $15 general and $13 students and seniors. On Thursday night all seats are $8. Call (916) 455-2787 for information and reservations.

“Rent: the Broadway Tour” comes to Sacramento

2010-02-04T14:24:00.000-08:00

Photo by Joan Marcus

Jonathan Larson’s “Rent,” which gathered a Pulitzer and a flock of other honors, closed on Broadway in 2008 but is now traveling as “Rent: The Broadway Tour.” California Musical Theatre makes it “a special addition to the Broadway Sacramento season.” It includes three members of the original Broadway cast: Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp and Gwen Stewart.

Just as “West Side Story” was an update of “Romeo and Juliet,” “Rent” is a contemporary version of “La Bohème,” where characters have AIDS instead of tuberculosis. And “Rent” has by now risen to a classic, a must-see at least once in a lifetime. As for the current version, we were lucky to have seats next to a couple who’d seen the Broadway version. They told us that the road show was a match for the original.

The first act reveals the characters living in a run-down apartment house on New York’s East End. A pair of friends, Mark Cohen (Anthony Rapp) and Roger Davis (Adam Pascal) are tenants, but the owner, Benny (Jacques C. Smith), wants to evict them so he can develop the property. He bemoans the fact that so many tenants are behind in their rent, the subject of the play’s second musical number. Thus we get one interpretation of the title. In a broader sense, “rent” may be what we “pay” just for being alive.

An aspiring film maker, Mark turns his camera on his surroundings, including Angel Schunard, played in drag by Justin Johnston. Among others in the neighborhood are Mimi Marquez (Lexi Lawson), Benny’s former date and now Roger’s lover. As for Mark, he was formerly paired with the gorgeous blonde Maureen Johnson (Nicolette Hart), who is now the paramour of Joanne Jefferson (Trisha Jeffrey/Merle Dandridge). Also on hand is Tom Collins (Michael McElroy), friend and former roommate of Mark and Roger.

It’s the Christmas season, warmed by the complexity of these relationships, as expressed in the act’s twenty numbers. Among them is a delightful courting song, “Light My Candle,” where Mimi is the pursuer and Roger the pursued, until he runs out of matches. The song also illustrates how times have tended to reverse the roles of the sexes. In a hilarious moment Maureen moons her fellow cast members. We also see how racial differences have been negated.

The first act probably has greater appeal to younger audiences, but the second act–which takes us through New Year’s Day, Halloween and a second Christmas–should have greater appeal to older audiences. Its darker moments and twelve numbers capture the pains of parting, sickness and death. The feeling of loss is caught in “Goodbye, love,” sung by seven characters.

Much credit goes to director Michael Greif, with strong help from choreographer Marlies Yearby and music supervision by Tim Weil, supported by an on-stage six-musician orchestra. Set designer Paul Clay offers a surreal back wall of gray bricks with odd sketches on them, plus a towering construct that looks like an abstract statue built with a giant erector set.

“Rent” continues through February 8, 2010, at the Sacramento Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street. Performances continue Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m.; Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.; and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Convention Center Box Office, (916) 808-5181. Advance tickets can be had at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H Street, (916) 557-1999, or Tickets.com.

Prices are $18-$65. A “Rent” tradition, started in New York and continuing on the road, continues with the current production in Sacramento. Orchestra tickets for $23 go on sale at the theater box office two hours before the show, cash only, with a limit of two per person.

"SPAMALOT" TO OPEN SEASON AT CMT

2010-02-03T09:03:00.000-08:00

60th ANNIVERSARY MUSIC CIRCUS SEASON ANNOUNCED

TONY WINNER "SPAMALOT" TO OPEN SEASON IN
FIRST REGIONAL THEATRE STAGING ANYWHERE

"THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES" AND "DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS"
ALSO TO MAKE IN-THE-ROUND PREMIERES

California Musical Theatre Executive Producer Richard Lewis has announced the line-up of shows for the 60th summer season of Sacramento Music Circus, America's Theatre-in-the-Round. The seven-show season will include the Music Circus premieres of "Spamalot," "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" and "The Marvelous Wonderettes" and new stagings of "Oklahoma!," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," "42nd Street" and "Funny Girl," the latter returning to Music Circus after an 18-year absence.

Season ticket holders from 2009 will receive renewal invoices by mail on January 25, and the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office will begin taking paid reservations for new subscribers on that day as well. For the 60th anniversary season, season ticket prices have been rolled back to their lowest since 2006, with seven-show package available for $235-$299. Subscriptions are discounted over 20 percent off the price of the tickets if sold separately. Reservations and renewals are available at 1419 H Street or by phone at (916) 557-1999 beginning Monday, January 25. >complete season ticket prices

The season will open with the Music Circus premiere of Monty Python's "Spamalot," the Tony Award-winning best musical of 2005. Written by Eric Idle and based on the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," "Spamalot" will play a 13-performance run July 9-18. The comedy tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and includes a bevy of beautiful show girls, cows and a killer rabbit. The Broadway production played for over 1,500 performances in New York and had an extensive national tour. (An extended engagement at Winn Las Vegas blocked the tour from being presented anywhere in California.) CMT Executive Producer Richard Lewis negotiated the rights for Music Circus to present the major regional theatre premiere of the show. The production, to be staged by CMT Artistic Director Glenn Casale, will include the Tony-nominated original Broadway costume designs. >more about "Spamalot"

The season will continue July 20-25 with "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." The early work by Broadway legends Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber is a favorite for Music Circus audiences, with its vibrant costumes and its energetic songs. "Joseph" is a fanciful retelling of the Bible character whose talent for interpreting dreams takes him on incredible adventures through Egypt. Directed and choreographed by Richard Stafford who has staged a national tour of the show, this summer's production will use the new London script for the first time, utilizing a 40-person choir of local children. Tickets will be half-price for children 4-11. >more about "Joseph"

The works of Rodgers and Hammerstein are the foundation of the American musical theatre as well as Music Circus. To celebrate the 60th Music Circus season, "Oklahoma!," the first collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, returns to the tent July 27-Aug. 1. Perhaps the most American of musicals, "Oklahoma!" celebrates the pioneer spirit on the Western frontier and features many of the most recognizable musical classics, including "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'" and "Surrey with a Fringe on Top." Marcia Milgrom Dodge, whose production of "Ragtime" just completed its critically acclaimed Broadway run, will direct "Oklahoma!" for Music Circus. >more about "Oklahoma!"

The second of three Music Circus premieres this summer will be the recent Broadway hit "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," Aug. 3-8. The musical comedy, which ran for over two years on Broadway and was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, is an adaptation of the 1988 film about two charming con men on the French Riviera and their competition to swindle a beautiful young American woman. Being presented for the first time in-the-round, this production will be directed by Richard Stafford, who directed last summer's Music Circus production of "Cats." >more about "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels"

By popular demand, "Funny Girl," the 1964 musical biography of Vaudeville legend Fanny Brice, returns to Music Circus for the first time in 18 years Aug. 10-15. Both personal and opulent, the celebrated musical comedy includes extravagant Ziegfeld-style production numbers as well as intimate show-stopping songs like "People" as it follows Brice's career from ugly duckling to headliner. Artistic Director Glenn Casale, who directed the 1992 tent production starring Laurie Beechman, will direct the 2010 production. >more about "Funny Girl"

The original creative team of the recent New York hit "The Marvelous Wonderettes" will recreate the magic under the tent along with members of the original off-Broadway cast Aug. 17-22. This Music Circus premiere takes the audience back to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where they will meet the Wonderettes, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their voices. Nearly every song from the era that was made famous by a girl group or female vocalist is highlighted in this cotton candy-colored blast from the past, including "Lollipop," "It's My Party" and "It's In His Kiss." Creator Roger Bean will direct. >more about "The Marvelous Wonderettes"

The season will close with "42nd Street" Aug. 24-29. The stage adaptation of the 1933 movie musical is being produced at Music Circus for the first time since 1999, and only the third time ever. The winner of the 1981 Tony Award for best musical, "42nd Street" is famous for its show-stopping precision tap dancing, its unforgettable Harry Warren songs like "We're in the Money," "Shuffle Off to Buffalo" and "Lullaby of Broadway," and for being the quintessential chorus-girl-becomes-a-star backstage musical. >more about "42nd Street"

Music Circus was founded in 1951 as the first professional musical theatre in the round west of the Mississippi. Until 2002, its first-class summer stock productions were presented under a canvas tent, the last of its kind in the country. In 2003, the company introduced its new, modern tent-theatre, the Wells Fargo Pavilion, which combines the traditional arena stage with improved audience comfort. Music Circus is the largest, continually operating musical theatre-in-the-round in the country, making it a landmark in the professional theatre community and a living museum of musical theatre history: Sacramento Music Circus is America's theatre-in-the-round. Music Circus operates under a contract with Actors Equity Association, the union for professional actors in the United States, and the majority of the principal and ensemble cast have extensive Broadway and national tour credits. The acting company will be announced in late spring.

Seven-show season subscriptions will be available at the Wells Fargo Pavilion box office at 1419 H Street beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 25. Last year's subscribers will receive invitations to renew by mail and have priority to retain their seats or to upgrade. Piad season-ticket reservations can also be made by phone at (916) 557-1999. The seven-show packages are $299 for Friday and Saturday evenings, $235 for Thursday matinee and $285 for all other performances. >complete season ticket prices

Discounts are available for groups of 12 or more by calling the group sales department at (916) 557-1198. Groups can reserve seven-show or single-show packages beginning Monday, January 25.

Single-show tickets will be available for purchase beginning Monday, May 17, at 10 a.m. Single show tickets are $53 for Friday and Saturday evenings, $41 for Thursday matinee and $50 for all other performances. All ticket prices include a facility fee. >complete single ticket prices. Three-show Mini-Series ticket packages will go on sale on Monday, April 19. >more information on Mini-Series

For more information about the season, please visit www.SacramentoMusicCircus.com.

A tragi-comic “Fiction” anatomizes writers

2010-02-02T16:48:00.000-08:00

Photo by Char Crail

Playwright Steven Dietz’ sophisticated analysis satirizes and sympathizes with the souls of writers. Adroitly directed by Peter Mohrmann,
“Fiction” features a cast of three. At the center are Linda (Janis Stevens) and her husband Michael (Eric Wheeler), both writers. She achieved fame from one literary novel; he made money from scripts for popular movies.

Most of the story comes from recollections from her diaries and his journals. Complications arise from her brain tumor, which may (or may not) be fatal and his affair with Abby (Stephanie Gularte), whom he met at a writers’ colony. The action, always compelling, swings back and forth in time, with an effete style that almost seems to mock itself. The play has a special appeal to a sophisticated audience.

For details and a review go to villagelife.com/story.php?id=692.

2010-02-02T13:20:00.000-08:00

l-r: Ryan Adame, Stephanie Zito
Photo by Jeffrey Mason

The Musical I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change! Opens Friday, February 12 at Sutter Street Theatre, Historic Folsom.

This celebration of the mating game takes on the truths and myths behind dating and "the relationship." The first half of this play explores awkward dates, the lack of dates, meeting the parents (egad!), and wedding bells! And then Act II reveals the agonies and triumphs of in-laws and newborns, trips in the family car and pick-up techniques in unusual places....

"I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!" will open on Valentine’s Day Weekend, Friday, Feb. 12 and run through Sunday, March 21 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 4:00 pm with an extra 7:00 pm performance on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter Street, Historic Folsom. Reservations are recommended, particularly for the Valentine’s Day Weekend and can be made by calling (916) 353-1001. Recommended for mature audiences.

Summary
• “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!” book and lyrics by Joe Dipietro, music by Jimmy Roberts
• Directed by Susan Mason
• Run Dates: Feb. 12 – March 21
• Times: Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sunday Matinee at 4:00 pm (Extra 7:00 pm performance on Valentine’s Day Feb. 14)
• Tickets: $23 general, $21 seniors & SARTA, $18 children – Group Rates are available!
• Reservations: Call (916) 353-1001.
Photo by Jeffrey Mason

Sutter Street Theatre
717 Sutter Street
Historic Folsom 95630

"Rent" comes to Sacramento

2010-01-29T09:00:00.000-08:00

From California Musical Theatre

FIRST ROW ORCHESTRA SEATS FOR
"RENT: THE BROADWAY TOUR"
AVAILABLE FOR $23
DAY OF PERFORMANCE ONLY
AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER THEATER BOX OFFICE

Seats in the first row of the orchestra will be made available for $23 for every performance of "RENT: The Broadway Tour," the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical, at the Sacramento Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street. The $23 tickets go on sale at the Community Center Theater box office, on the day of performance only, two hours prior to the show and are available to anyone, cash only, with a limit of two tickets per person.

"In keeping with the spirit of the show and the vision of Jonathan Larson, the show's creator, we are happy to be able to offer prime seats to people who otherwise would not be able to purchase them," said original "RENT" producer Kevin McCollum. "Jonathan was himself a struggling artist and his dream was to create a universal piece of musical theatre that's available to everyone.

The tradition of the low priced tickets was started in New York when the show moved to Broadway after a sold-out run in a small downtown theatre. Since that time people have lined up as early as the night before to guarantee their purchase of the front row tickets. The producers of the show are committed to continuing the tradition of offering orchestra seats for a low price in each city the show will play.

"RENT: The Broadway Tour" makes its Sacramento return at the Community Center Theater, February 3-7, 2010. Rent is a special addition to the Broadway Sacramento season, presented by California Musical Theatre. The $23 tickets are available at the Community Center Theater box office, 1301 L Street, only. The price of the ticket includes a $3 facility fee.

For general ticket information, call (916) 808-5181 or (916) 557-1999.

For more information about "RENT", please visit www.siteforrent.com.

At Howard Johnson’s: murder and adultery for fun

2010-01-26T14:39:00.000-08:00

With “Murder at the Howard Johnson’s,” Bob and Ro Productions is off to a happy start at the popular Studio Theatre in Sacramento. Though the play, by Ron Clark and Sam Bobrick, has murder in its title, we know at the outset that it’s going to be a comedy. It turns out to be one long spoof of murder story as genre.

The plot involves only three characters: Arlene Miller (Lee Marie Kelly); Mitchell Lovell (Dean Shellenberger), her lover; and Paul Miller (Aurelio Martinez), her husband. All the action, both hilarious and scary, takes place at a Howard Johnson’s hotel “somewhere in America.” In the first scene, a week before Christmas, the lovers plot Paul’s murder but somehow manage to screw things up.

The second scene, on the fourth of July, finds them back at the hotel, but this time Arlene and Paul have been reconciled. Mitch has been unfaithful to Arlene, so the married couple now plots to murder him. This is the scariest scene, with both men chasing each other, visibly through large windows, as they chase each other along a ledge high above the ground.

After a fifteen-minute intermission, the second act and its single scene bring the trio back to the hotel on New Year’s Eve, but this time…I won’t spoil the story by giving it away.

The real charm of the play, thanks largely to the deft direction by Bob Gerould, is in the dialogue and sight gags. Paul has the best lines, like “Cut the crap, Arlene. You’re looking at a used car dealer.” Then there’s “A truly healthy person would never commit suicide” and “Potatoes don’t help you forget.”

Arlene has a couple of good ones, like “This would be much easier if he didn’t love me so much.” So does Mitch, who gets to say, “Life is cruel and I’m not crazy about the government.” And then there’s one line that defines the play itself: “I saw death and it winked at me.” The actors are well cast for the spirit of the play, combining skills in drama and comedy.

“Murder at the Howard Johnson’s” continues through February 21 at The Studio Theatre, 1028 R Street, Sacramento. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 general, $15 for students, $18 for seniors. For tickets call (877) 532-7171 between noon and 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. See also www.BobandRoProductions.org.

At Sutter Street: Return to Wonderland

2010-01-25T16:20:00.000-08:00

Director Allen Schmeltz has made “Alice in Wonderland” a specialty. For Sutter Street Theatre’s Young People’s Series, he once again brings to life Lewis Carroll’s immortal story, “Alice in Wonderland,” in the colorful stage version by Kathryn Schultz Miller. Schmeltz has offered it twice before at Sutter Street and twice before that at Garbeau’s. Yet it never loses its magic.

It begins with Carroll (Schmeltz) indulging his avocation by taking a photograph of the real Alice, whose imaginary alter-ego becomes the immortal Alice, the child who visited Wonderland. Exhausted by posing, the real Alice in the play falls asleep and finds herself in the magic land invented by the author. Played by an irresistible eight-year-old Hannah Hurst, she finds herself surrounded by a colorful population of fantasy figures as she magically becomes bigger and smaller.

Three other actors, each playing multiple roles, round out a charming cast. A seasoned and versatile Brady Tait, winner of two Ellie Awards, becomes both the White Rabbit, supposedly responsible for leading her down the hole to Wonderland, and the maddest of Mad Hatters, he of cockeyed tea-party fame. Thanks to Connie Mockenhaupt, choreographer and assistant director, two children from the audience join the party as the March Hare and Dormouse.

Two other seasoned young actors round out the cast. A veteran of many plays and musicals, Christopher Celestin almost magically transforms himself into the Caterpillar, the Cheshire Cat, and the ferocious Queen of Hearts. Last but not least is the versatile Kerry Buehler, who acts as stage hand, the Three of Hearts, and the complex Blackbird. For the Blackbird she dons what looks like a spacesuit and manipulates a dummy bird with her left hand. Masked by tight netting, she can provide the bird’s lines without being a ventriloquist.

Veteran designer Eileen Beaver created the array of fanciful costumes that colorfully define the characters wearing them. Mike Jimena contributes an efficient set, dominated by a large central tree, suitable for the real world as well as Wonderland. A hole near the top of the trunk can frame the head of an imaginary character, holding a conversation with the fantasy Alice.

Also contributing to the creative showmanship is Colin Hoyt’s dramatic lighting. Once again, with black light, he conjures up ghostly white hands gesturing in the dark.

“Alice in Wonderland” continues through February 14 at 717 Sutter Street, Historic Folsom 95630. Performances are Saturdays at 1 and 4 p.m., Sundays at 1 p.m. Tickets are $13 to $17, with group rates available. Call 916-353-1001 or e-mail mikonpro.net.

Sinatra: Going His Way

2010-01-25T15:50:00.000-08:00

Over 50 songs
immortalized
by FRANK SINATRA

Preview performances
Tuesday-Thursday, Jan. 26-28,
only $25

A California Musical Theatre
production at K Street's
Cosmopolitan Cabaret
January 26-May 9

"My Way: a Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra" celebrates the music of this icon of cool: a singer whose style, voice and attitude defined much of 20th century music. Two dynamic couples take the audience from the 1940s swing era, to the bright lights of Las Vegas with the Rat Pack, to Sinatra's final performances in the 1990s. The musical features over 50 songs made famous by Ol' Blue Eyes, including "Strangers in the Night," "I've Got You Under My Skin," "Fly Me to the Moon" and "New York, New York."

The production will begin its 15-week run on January 26, 2010 with three preview performances and will open on January 29, continuing through May 9.

Tickets for "My Way" are $33 for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings, and $38 for Friday and Saturday evenings and Saturday and Sunday matinees. Thursday matinees ($33) are scheduled for February 26, March 25 and April 29. Tables on the first level of the tiered seating are $38 for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings and Thursday matinees and $43 for Friday and Saturday evenings and Saturday and Sunday matinees. Preview performance tickets are only $25. See www.CosmopolitanCabaret.com for complete performance schedule.

Tickets are available in advance at the Wells Fargo Pavilion box office, 1419 H Street, or by calling (916) 557-1999, or at The Cosmopolitan Cabaret door two hours before curtain. Tickets are also available online at www.Tickets.com.

Discounts are available for groups from 12 to 200 by calling (916) 557-1198.

The Cosmopolitan Cabaret is a 200-seat cabaret-style theatre, featuring 23 tables of four and seven rows of tiered seating with beverage counters. Adjacent to Paragary Restaurant Group's Cosmo Café, patrons can take advantage of cocktail service inside the theatre before the show.

California Stage offers "Threepenny Opera"

2010-01-25T14:07:00.000-08:00

California Stage announces the opening of "The Three Penny Opera" by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill

“The Threepenny Opera” recalls what happens when the banks get richer and the poor get poorer. The play tells the tale of the doomed love affair of Mac Heath, London’s reining thief, and Polly Peachum, the deceptively sweet daughter of a successful businessman who specializes in human misery and controls the city’s beggars. Based loosely on John Gay’s much earlier Beggars’ Opera, it is filled with betrayals, schemes, revenge, reversals of fortune, and Weill’s famously dissonant score. The popular singer Bobby Darin made “ Mac the Knife” a song from this musical famous.

Stars of the local musical theater make up the cast: Kelly Daniells, Michael RJ Campbell, Michael Sokol, Angelina Réaux, Gregory Jurado, James Rollans, Mark Fejta, Jabriel Shelton, Jeffrey Lloyd Heatherly, Jessica Goldman, Joelle Wirth, Senga Smith, Laura Lothian, Annie Coke, and Whitney-Claire Roeder.

Director Angelina Réaux has sung on the stages of opera houses, concert halls, cabarets, and theatres around the world singing everything from Italian Opera to OKLAHOMA! She has won wide recognition for her performances of French and German Cabaret and "The American Songbook". She has collaborated with Leonard Bernstein, Kurt Masur, Charles Dutoit, John Mauceri, Kent Nagano, Marin, Alsop, and Ned Rorem; worked with Stephen Sondheim, Harold Prince, Stephen Wadsworth, Tony Taccone, Tony Kushner, sung with the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, Boston Pops, and the Accademia di Santa Cecilia; and with the Santa Fe Opera, Washington Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and Boston Lyric Opera. Internationally acclaimed for both her performances and recordings of the works of Kurt Weill and Leonard Bernstein. Reaux has also worked on and off-Broadway, toured nationally with SWEENEY TODD, and has been presented by some of the world's leading theatres and concert houses.

The orchestra will be conducted by Christopher Cook, local director and conductor who recently produced and directed “Rocky Horror Picture Show “at The California Stage Theater.

“Threepenny Opera” opens at California Stage Theater, 1725 25th Street, Sacramento, on February 5 and continues through February 27. Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $20 general; $15 students, seniors, and actors. For reservations or more information, contact California Stage at 916-451-5822 or Online Ticket sales on seeaplay.com. See also www.calstage.org. California Stage is fully accessible.

Auditions for Richard III

2010-01-20T14:46:00.000-08:00

Auditions for Shakespeare's Richard III will take place at the Big Idea Theatre on Sunday, January 24. Richard, the hunchbacked king with a withered arm was a ferocious warrior and one of the Bard's most colorful villains, famous for his oft-repeated shout: "A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!"

Audition will begin at 6 p.m. There will be cold readings from the script. All roles are still available, and auditioners are advised to bring bring a headshot, resume and classical monologue if available. "If not" the announcement says, "do not worry about it."

All roles are still available. The theater is looking for men and women ages 18+;
women will be considered for some of the traditionally male roles. Call backs will be announced.

Rehearsals will be March 1 to April 8. Performance Dates are April 9 to May 8. If you would like to sign up for Richard III auditions or have any questions or concerns please contact postmaster@bigideatheatre.com .

Big Idea Theatre
1616 Del Paso Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815
www.bigideatheatre.com(916) 960-3036.

“Spelling Bee” offers opportunities for the young

2010-01-17T14:16:00.000-08:00

Courtesy photo

With a jaw-breaking title, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” the current musical at Sacramento’s Runaway Stage offers opportunities for the young. With three adults managing the fictional yearly ritual, six young contestants have ample opportunity to display their talents as actors, singers, dancers and comedians. Yet though the show was a Broadway hit in 2005, it seems a bit old hat today, even with topical gags that include reference to Tiger Woods, Ellen Degeneres and H1N1 nasal spray.

The production, though, is about as good as it gets, thanks to Producer-Director Bob Baxter, musical direction by James Lohman and vocal direction by Anne-Marie Pringle. Almost everybody in the cast sings, including Vice Principal Douglas Panch (Dan Masden), representing the school that houses the event, contest manager Rona Lisa Peretti (Kristen Wagner), whose thrilling soprano can stop the show, and Mitch Mahoney (Rudy Brown), a kind of sergeant-at-arms, who escorts losers off the stage.

The youthful contestants, almost like characters in a comic strip, are Olive Ostrovski (Christina Day), William Barfee (Tony Wichowski), Logainne Schwartzandrubenierre (Danielle Hansen), Marcy Park (Marcy Goodnow), Leaf Coneybear (Tristan Rumery), and Chip Tolentino (Scott Woodard).

Each has a personal quirk when trying to spell a word. Logainne talks to her hand, Barfee scribbles the letters on the floor with his foot, and Chip experiences unbidden erections. (This could be the reason the show is recommended for theatergoers over 14.) Chip’s “Lament” is the song “My Unfortunate Erection.” After his failure, he “sells” candy to the audience, flinging some into their midst.

Also involved are five members of the band, hidden away, who make up the “Resident Orchestra” for this production. The show runs without intermission for almost two hours.
For those who’ve never seen it before, it can be a fun night full of surprises. There’s no one in particular that we’re likely to root for, and there are no haunting melodies that you hum on the way to the parking lot.

Still, a Runaway Stage production at its 24th Street Theatre, in a residential neighborhood, has a homey feel, especially after a show, when members of the audience can chat with the cast on the sidewalk outside the entrance.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” continues through January 31 at the Sierra 2 Center, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15-$20, with group discounts, and are available at the door or at www.runawaystage.com (with a new “Pick Your Seat” feature). For more information call (916) 207-1226.

"Grease" comes to EDMT

2010-01-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

From EDMT:

Take yourself back to a simpler time of life and see El Dorado Musical Theatre’s top talent at our Encore production of the classic musical, "Grease", February 5—21 at the Oak Ridge High School Theater, 1120 Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills. Performances are at 7 p.m. on February 5, 11, 12, 13, 19 and 20; 6 p.m. on February 7; and 2 p.m. on February 6, 7, 13, 14 and 21. Prices are $12-$25, with group discounts available.

"Grease" is the all-American musical based on the sub-cultures of high school life in the 1950’s. Sweet Sandy Dumbrowski and Danny Zuko meet over the summer where true love starts to blossom. When Sandy transfers to Rydell High, she runs into Danny, the leader of the tough-talking but harmless gang of greasers, the ‘T-Birds’. Danny ignores Sandy during their first encounter, pretending to be too cool to be seen with sweet Sandy. The ‘Pink Ladies’ soon take Sandy under their wing at a pajama party where Sandy and the ‘Pink Ladies’ experiment with cigarettes, wine and ear piercing.

As Danny and Sandy continue down the road to reconciliation, there are car rumbles, a dance contest and the infamous drive-in movie scene. When Danny refuses to conform to Sandy’s wholesome good girl image, Sandy dons tight jeans, changes to a bouffant hairdo and is determined to win back her one true love. Filled with foot-stomping tunes such as “We Go Together,” “Greased Lightning,” “Summer Nights” and “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee,” this production is sure to delight all audiences.

Debbie Wilson, El Dorado Musical Theatre's founder, directs and choreographs the cast of performers between the ages of thirteen and nineteen, including Clara Regula as Sandy Dumbrowski, Spencer Borup as Danny Zuko, Jordan Sharp as Rizzo and Terry Hicks as Kenicke.

Take yourself back to a simpler time of life and see El Dorado Musical Theatre’s top talent at our Encore production of the classic musical, "Grease," February 5—21 at the Oak Ridge High School Theater, 1120 Harvard Way in El Dorado Hills. Performances are at 7 p.m. on February 5, 11, 12, 13, 19 and 20; 6 p.m. on February 7; and 2 p.m. on February 6, 7, 13, 14 and 21.

Tickets for 'Grease' are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.edmt.info or by calling the box office at (916) 941-SING. Prices are $12.00 - $25.00. Group discounts are available. Visit the website to learn more about Grease and also EDMT's upcoming auditions for CATS, to be held on Monday, February 8th at EDMT.

El Dorado Musical Theatre is proud to present a new discussion series called "Director's Notes with Debbie." Debbie Wilson will speak to patrons on the first Sunday evening show. Talking points will include the overall production of the show, technical challenges and the significance, impact or staging of the production. Please join us on Sunday, February 7th from 5:15 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. for this very informative discussion series. Please note there is no additional charge for this event and all 6:00 p.m. show ticket holders will be admitted.

El Dorado Musical Theatre is an award winning regional theater company based in El Dorado Hills, California featuring performers ages 6-20. EDMT, founded in 2001, produces five major productions per year. Remaining productions this season include "CATS," "Cinderella" and "Oklahoma." Additionally, EDMT produces an annual training show for performers ages 5-9, no experience is required. Most performances take place at the Jill Solberg Theater on the campus of Folsom High School or the Oak Ridge High School Theater in El Dorado Hills. EDMT's elite touring company, High Voltage, appears throughout the region at events such as the Capitol Rotunda Holiday Celebration and the State Fair. For more information visit www.edmt.info or call (916) 941-SING.

Jack climbs beanstalk at Runaway Stage

2010-01-15T09:34:00.000-08:00

Storybook Theatre at Runaway Stage announces the opening of JACK AND THE BEANSTALK on Saturday, January 16. Written and Directed by Lillian Baxter, this production for the whole family continues on Saturdays through January at noon and 2 p.m.

This re-telling of a popular old tale finds Jack and his mother, Margaret Sprague, at their wits end. Jack's father has been gone for a very long time, leaving mother and son desperately poor. Bessie the cow must be sold at market if they are to make the mortgage payment.

Along the way, Jack meets a pair of outrageous strangers, straight out of a late night infomercial, who offer to trade the cow for "magic beans." Thrilled at the prospect of owning magic beans, Jack seals the deal. Alas, his mother turns out to be less than thrilled when he arrives back home. She throws the beans straight out of the window where overnight they grow into a gigantic beanstalk. Jack climbs the beanstalk and meets Rupert the Giant who has a goose who lays golden eggs.

All seats are $5.00. Tickets can be purchased online at www.Runawaystage.com, or by calling our box office at (916) 207-1226. Runaway Stage Productions performs at the 24th Street Theatre (at the Sierra 2 Center), 2791 24th Street, Sacramento.

Recommended for theatregoers of all ages.

"Alice in Wonderland!" at Sutter Street

2010-01-14T14:32:00.000-08:00

l-r Christopher Celestin, Hanna Hurst

photo by Allen Schmeltz Productions

Sutter Street Theatre brings back for the third time its award-winning production of "Alice in Wonderland" by Kathryn Schultz Miller and directed by two-time Elly award winner Allen Schmeltz. The production offers all the familiar characters that Alice meets during her adventures in Wonderland: the White Rabbit, the Caterpillar, the Cheshire Cat, the March Hare, and The Queen. New staging and lighting keeps this production fresh and magical. Is Alice having a dream or is it really happening to her? After all, as she says, "It is all so real."

“Alice in Wonderland” will play on Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. and on Sundays at 1:00 p.m. through February 14 at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter Street, Historic Folsom. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (916) 353-1001.

The play is directed by Allen Schmeltz, with choreography by Connie Mockenhaupt.

Run dates are January 9 to February 14, 2010. Tickets are $17 general, $15 for seniors and SARTA members, $13 for children. Group Rates are available.

For reservations call (916) 353-1001.

Bi-racial love story at Big Idea

2010-01-14T13:39:00.000-08:00

Wagner Media Group presents a reading of its latest film project, "For the Love of Ivy," Sunday, January 17th, at the Big Idea Theatre, 1616 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento at 2 pm. "For the Love of Ivy" is a bi-racial love story, told in flashbacks, that begins a few days prior to the arrest of Rosa Parks on December 1st, 1955. The central character, Ivy, is a young black maid who has impressed Tyler Madison and his wife, June, who have just moved to a small Southern town from the more liberal North.

Author John Wagner has made his story very topical by framing it with scenes of President Obama being sworn into office in the beginning and the end. We see Ivy as an elderly woman who can’t believe what she’s seeing. The rest of the script makes one realize why she feels this way.

After his wife dies unexpectedly in childbirth, Madison helps Ivy learn to read and write, and, in the process falls in love with her. Their relationship becomes sexual...and dangerous....since sleeping with a "colored" woman was against the law in most of the Southern states then.

Word leaks out to the residents of their small town, creating a firestorm of disgust and hatred. Eventually, Tyler and an unlikely ally find justice for Ivy, who has nearly recovered from a life-threatening assault. Finally, Ivy asks Tyler to come with her to Montgomery, Ala., to "meet this Rosa Parks."

Wagner has assembled an experienced cast of local actors for this project including film actors like Bonnie Antonini, who appeared in the TV show Trauma as Nurse Rodgers. Other local actors include Raul Bustamante, Charmaine Jackson, Gary Agid, Mark Hoffman, Kelley Ogden, Mark Halverson and Ann Tracy.

“I’ve found that African-American actresses are often overlooked for their talent," Wagner said when asked about writing "For the Love of Ivy."

“These women," he says, "have a unique ability to provide compelling performances on screen. I also tapped into the local African-American community by working with Suzanne Brooks (http://www.naymz.com/suzanne_brooks_1836150). I plan to produce this with the financial assistance of several investors who I’m not at liberty to name just yet.”

Wagner is no stranger to film, having been an independent film producer since 1992. His feature-length films include "The Gourmet" (1998), "The Cheapest Movie" (2000), which premiered at the Crest, and "The Mafia Chronicles" (2009).

Capital Stage & Friends go to OSF

2010-01-14T12:53:00.000-08:00

Theatre, Art & Wine Tour with Capital Stage

Sacramento's Capital Stage invites theatre-lovers in the community to join them on the company's third annual journey to Ashland, Oregon. On August 19, 2010, a group of theatre lovers will depart by chartered bus to experience a four-day, three-night cultural adventure to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Reservations are now being taken for this August 19-22 package. "This trip has sold out for the past two years. We have a great time and are really looking forward to making the journey again this year," said Cap Stage Founding Artistic Director Gularte.

Founded in 1935, the Tony Award winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) is one of the oldest and largest non-profit theatres in the nation. Those joining in on this trip to the festival will see the following productions:

TWELFTH NIGHT - Both Orsino and Olivia's households have love on the brain. But who, really, are the objects of desire? When Viola, a shipwrecked castaway, disguises herself as a boy and finds work as Orsino's servant, she becomes entangled in an awkward love triangle. Things come unglued, but for almost everyone, Shakespeare's treasured comedy ends happily. Twelfth Night brims with antics, beds and bathtubs, and beloved characters, both prudish and crudish.. (Elizabethan Stage)

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE- Mrs. Bennet will stop at nothing to obtain advantageous matches for her five middle-class daughters. This shouldn't be difficult for Jane, the eldest and the family beauty. Her sister Elizabeth is another story. Witty and outspoken, Elizabeth takes an instant dislike to the high-born Mr. Darcy. He professes to find her barely tolerable. Or does he? Can their simmering attraction overcome class distinctions and prejudices about each other? (Angus Bowmer Theatre)

AMERICAN NIGHT - As Juan José studies for his citizenship exam, his obsession to pass takes him on a fantastical odyssey. On a zig-zag journey through U.S. history, Juan discovers America's best in a handful of unsung citizens who made courageous choices in some of the country's toughest times. L.A.'s legendary Culture Clash partners with company actors in a cutting, comic mix of past and present, stereotype and truth that will move you into a deeper vision of our shared story. (New Theatre)

The tour package will include:
Roundtrip Motorcoach Transportation
3 Nights at the Ashland Plaza Inn & Suites
Continental Breakfast Daily
3 Theatre Tickets with Excellent Seating
Evening Wine Reception Meet & Greet with Cap Stage Staff and fellow attendees
Backstage Tour
Discussion with a OSF Company Member on One of the Plays
Trip to historic Jacksonville
Baggage Handling

NEW THIS YEAR! Discussion about the plays with Capital Stage artistic staff.

The cost of the package is $795 per person, double occupancy, prior to June 1. Cost is $850 after June 1.

Reservations can be placed by contacting General Manager Keith Riedell at 916-379-5051.

About Capital Stage Company

Founded in 2005, Capital Stage Company is a professional, nonprofit theatre with a mission to be a dynamic leader in the evolution of the contemporary live theatre landscape in the Capital region and to passionately engage audiences in the art of live storytelling with bold, innovative plays performed by professional artists, in an intimate, up-close setting.

About the Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Founded in 1935, the Tony Award winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) is one of the oldest and largest non-profit theatres in the nation. Located in the charming town of Ashland, Oregon the festival runs for 8-1/2 months and offers 11 plays in 3 theatres.

"boom": a cosmic comedy at B Street

2010-01-12T16:40:00.000-08:00

Sacramento’s awesome B Street Theatre now ventures to bring “boom” (with lower-case “b”) to its main stage. In its announcement, B Street refers to the play as an “apocalyptic comedy,” and the play lives up to its title.

Along with theologians and scientists, poets are drawn to speculate on how the universe came to be and how it will end. In his “The Hollow Men” T.S. Eliot declared that the world will end “not with a bang but a whimper.” In “Fire and Ice” Robert Frost concluded that both are “great, and would suffice.” In “boom,” Peter Sinn Nachtrieb’s dark comedy, the grand catastrophe comes from a collision with a comet. (Nachtrieb, incidentally, is fast becoming a hot name in theater circles.)

“In college I majored in both theater and biology,” he notes, “and I think this play might be an attempt to understand the relationship between the two.” With the play’s sometimes disconcerting absurdist undertones, he does stimulate us to think. Directed by Michael Stevenson, the play features three able actors. Peter Story becomes Jules, a graduate student in biology. Sarah Aili, in her B Street debut, is Jo, a troubled undergraduate in journalism. And Jamie Jones assumes the mysterious role of Barbara, servant of an undefined higher power and the play’s chorus.

The setting is an underground university laboratory that once was a bomb shelter. It also serves as Jules’ home, where he dotes on the fish he nurtures in an aquarium. Jo arrives in response to his personal ad, where he declares, “I love kissing, body contact, oral sex, and intensely significant coupling.”

Jo demands “Sex! Now!” as Nachtrieb plunges into role reversal, where Jo becomes the pursuer and Jules the quarry as he protests that he’s not only a virgin but a homosexual. They find themselves trapped on Samantha Reno’s eerie set, with what looks like a giant spider web above and a metal door, like a submarine hatch, at the rear.

Despite his rejection of her advances, Jules won’t let Jo leave. Barbara meanwhile comments amid her loud timpani in the background, where she demonstrates her ability to knock people out and raise them up again. After Jo and Jules reveal their past lives to each other, he discloses his big secret: a comet is just moments away from colliding with Earth and ending all life upon it—at least all that’s on the surface. All his preparations are aimed at survival.

Although the script treats the play as a one-act, B Street offers the audience an intermission, afterward continuing in the aftermath of the cataclysm. Jules has planned for the occasion with food and a large supply of tampons and diapers. But Jo resists her new role in Jules’ strategy, to restore the human race through procreation. He then becomes the champion of life; she the apostle of death.

In Barbara’s words we get “the drama of survival.” Though Jules acquiesces to Jo’s suicidal aims, she ultimately fails to strangle herself with a plastic bag over her head. She screams at him: “STOP! BEING! OPTIMISTIC!”

But he blithely retorts, “Biology is optimism.” And although Barbara’s undefined bosses are ready to give up, life’s essential goal of staying alive prevails. We learn about past catastrophes, in prehistoric times long before humanity appeared. But something always seems to bring life back.

If there is any flaw in the play, it’s the slight miscasting of Peter Story as Jules, who according to the script should be 28, an appropriate age for a graduate student. But his skill as an actor can make him seem much younger. Jones makes the most of her compelling role as a quasi-goddess, and Aili’s versatility is a real find.

This mind-bending play is clearly not for everyone, especially youngsters. But for those attuned to serious theater, it can be exalting—and a ringing call to optimism.

“boom” continues on the B Street Main Stage through February 21 at 2711 B Street, behind the Stanford Park Baseball Field. Performances are Tuesday and Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 5 and 9 p.m. Matinees are Wednesday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18-$30. Student and senior discounts are available. $5 student rush tickets are also available with valid student ID. Call (916) 443-5300. See also www.bstreettheatre.org.