Capital Stage greets 2010 with "Fiction"

The first Capital Stage production of 2010 is a Sacramento premiere by one of the country's most prolific, versatile, and widely produced playwrights. Steven Dietz' Fiction, a 2002 winner of the Kennedy Center Fund for New American Plays Award, "is a work of uncommon insight--an adult, unsparing and yet often witty look at the intimate relationship between a man and a woman..."
-Associated Press

Tickets Now On Sale

Performances for Fiction will begin with four previews on Friday, January 22 at 8pm; Saturday, January 23 at 7pm; Sunday, January 24 at 2pm; and Thursday, January 28 at 8pm, and will open on Friday, January 29, 2010 at 8pm. Performances continue through February 28, 2010. Showtimes will be Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 7pm and Sundays at 2pm. One added performance will be held on Sunday, February 14 at 7pm; 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 partys 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 menu for theatre patrons; Pilothouse reservations can be made through the box office.

The Story
Meet Micheal and Linda (Eric Wheeler and Janis Stevens), two happily married writers, whose successful lives begin to unravel after they agree to read one another's diaries. A mysterious woman (Artistic Director, Stephanie Gularte) emerges and the boundaries between past and present, fact and fiction, trust and betrayal begin to blur. No life, it turns out, is an open book, and the tension between trust and suspicion is at the heart of this gripping and provocative drama.

Capital Stage Co-founder and Artistic Associate Peter Mohrmann directs company regulars, Gularte, Stevens and Wheeler.

The Playwright
Mr. Dietz's thirty-plus plays have been produced at regional theatres across the United States, as well as Off-Broadway. International productions of his work have been seen in England, Japan, Germany, France, Australia, Sweden, Russia, Slovenia, Argentina, Peru, Greece, Singapore, and South Africa. Recent plays include Yankee Tavern, Fiction (produced Off-Broadway by the Roundabout Theatre Company); the Pulitzer-nominated Last of the Boys (produced by Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago); and several widely-produced adaptations: Honus and Me (from Dan Gutman), and the Edgar Award-winning Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure (from William Gillette and Arthur Conan Doyle). Other plays include Inventing van Gogh, The Nina Variations, Private Eyes, Halcyon Days, God's Country, and Lonely Planet (PEN-USA Award for Drama). Mr. Dietz's work as a director has been seen at many of America's leading regional theatres. He divides his time between Seattle and Austin, where he is a professor at the University of Texas.

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.

DETAILS

What: Capital Stage presents the Sacramento Premiere of FICTION by Steven Dietz
Where: Delta King Theatre 1000 Front Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
When: January 22 - February 28, 2010

Previews
Friday, January 22 @ 8pm
Saturday, January 23 @ 7pm
Sunday, January 24 @ 2pm

Thursday, January 28 @ 8pm

Opening Night: Friday, January 29, 2010 @ 8pm $32 Tickets

Performance Times & Prices

Thursdays/Fridays 8pm $25 Tickets
Saturdays 7pm $29 Tickets
Sundays 2pm $25 Tickets

Added Performance

Sunday, February 14 @ 7pm $32 Tickets

Tickets
916-995-5464
for online purchases: www.capstage.org

Description
Linda and Michael, successful writers who happen to be married to each other, thrive on the give-and-take of their unusually honest relationship. But when they decide to share their diaries, the boundaries between past and present, fact and fiction, trust and betrayal begin to break down. No life, it turns out, is an open book.

Who
Author: Steven Dietz
Director: Peter Mohrmann
Cast: Stephanie Gularte*, Janis Stevens*, Eric Wheeler*
Set Design: Jonathan Williams
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.


Capital Stage Company | Aboard the Riverboat Delta King | 1000 Front Street | Sacramento | CA | 95814

California Musical Theatre Calendar of Events

California Musical Theatre, producer of theatre at K Street's Cosmopolitan Cabaret, Music Circus at The Wells Fargo Pavilion and Broadway Sacramento at the Community Center Theater currently has eight shows available for purchase at the box office, among the 10 currently announced for its schedule. The 60th anniversary Music Circus season is scheduled to be announced on Sunday, January 17.

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NOW PLAYING

"Sister's Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi's Gold" Nov. 24, 2009-Jan.10, 2010 at The Cosmopolitan Cabaret, 1000 K Street. Starring Nonie Newton-Breen in this hilarious interactive holiday comedy. Advance tickets available at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H Street, (916) 557-1999 or Tickets.com. Cosmopolitan Cabaret Box Office is open two hours before curtain. $32-$47. Tues/Wed/Fri/Sat at 8 p.m., Sat/Sun at 2 p.m. New Year's Eve at 7 p.m.


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OPENS WEDNESDAY

"Xanadu" Dec. 30, 2009-Jan. 10, 2009. A Broadway Sacramento presentation at the Sacramento Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street. Broadway's surprise hit musical makes its Northern California Premiere. Tickets available at the Convention Center Box Office, (916) 808-5181. Advance tickets available at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H Street, (916) 557-1999 or Tickets.com. $18-$65. Stage seating for $25. Tues/Wed/Thur/Fri/Sat at 8 p.m., Thur/Sat/Sun at 2 p.m., Sun at 7:30 p.m.

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NOW ON SALE

"Late Nite Catechism: 'Til Death Do Us Part" January 5-10, 2010 at The Cosmopolitan Cabaret, 1000 K Street. The interactive comedy hit, which played The Cabaret in the fall returns for one encore week starring Second City Theatre alum Nonie Newton Breen. It's Sunday school meets the Newlywed Game. Advance tickets available at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H Street, (916) 557-1999 or Tickets.com. Cosmopolitan Cabaret Box Office is open two hours before curtain. $32-$47. Tues/Wed/Thur/Fri/Sat at 8 p.m., Sat/Sun at 2 p.m., Sun at 7:30 p.m.


"My Way: a Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra" January 26-May 9, 2010 (preview performances January 26-28) at The Cosmopolitan Cabaret, 1000 K Street. His voice, style and attitude defined the 20th century. Four accomplished vocalists pay tribute to the legendary Ol' Blue Eyes. Advance tickets available at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H Street, (916) 557-1999 or Tickets.com. Cosmopolitan Cabaret Box Office is open two hours before curtain. $33-$43. Tues/Wed/Thur/Fri/Sat at 8 p.m., Sat/Sun at 2 p.m., Sun at 7:30 p.m., select Thursdays at 2 p.m.


"Rent" February 3-8, 2010. A Broadway Sacramento presentation at the Sacramento Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street. Starring original Broadway cast members Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp. "Rent" was a late addition to the schedule is a very limited one-week engagement. Tickets available at the Convention Center Box Office, (916)808-5181. Advance tickets available at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office,1419 H Street, (916) 557-1999 or Tickets.com. $25-$65. Tues/Wed/Thur/Fri/Sat at 8 p.m., Thur/Sat/Sun at 2 p.m., Sun at 7:30 p.m.

"Chicago" March 10-21, 2010. A Broadway Sacramento presentation at the Sacramento Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street. The national tour of the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit returns to Sacramento. Tickets available at the Convention Center Box Office, (916) 808-5181. Advance tickets available at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H Street, (916) 557-1999 or Tickets.com. $18-$65. Tues/Wed/Thur/Fri/Sat at 8 p.m., Thur/Sat/Sun at 2 p.m., Sun at 7:30 p.m.

"Little House on the Prairie" April 14-25, 2010. A Broadway Sacramento presentation at the Sacramento Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street. Featuring Melissa Gilbert as "Ma" in the national tour. Tickets available at the Convention Center Box Office, (916) 808-5181. Advance tickets available at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H Street, (916) 557-1999 or Tickets.com. $18-$65. Tues/Wed/Thur/Fri/Sat at 8 p.m., Thur/Sat/Sun at 2 p.m., Sun at 7:30 p.m. >more


"A Chorus Line" May 19-30, 2010. A Broadway Sacramento presentation at the Sacramento Community Center Theater, 1301 L Street. The national tour of the new Broadway revival. Tickets available at the Convention Center Box Office, (916) 808-5181. Advance tickets available at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H Street, (916) 557-1999 or Tickets.com. $18-$65. Tues/Wed/Thur/Fri/Sat at 8 p.m., Thur/Sat/Sun at 2 p.m., Sun at 7:30 p.m.

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UPCOMING

"Shear Madness" May 25-Sept. 5, 2010 (preview performances May 25-30) at The Cosmopolitan Cabaret, 1000 K Street. This uproarious whodunit is the longest running play in America, now making its Sacramento debut. A mixture of improvisation and up-to-the-minute spontaneous humor makes the play delightfully different every time you see it. Currently available as part of the 2010 Cosmopolitan Cabaret season subscription package or to groups of 12 or more. On-sale to single-show ticket buyers on April 26. Advance tickets available at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H Street, (916) 557-1999. Cosmopolitan Cabaret Box Office is open two hours before curtain. $33-$43. Tues/Wed/Thur/Fri/Sat at 8 p.m., Sat/Sun at 2 p.m., Sun at 7:30 p.m., select Thursdays at 2 p.m. >more


"Suds" Sept. 21, 2010-Jan. 9, 2011 (preview performances Sept. 21-23) at The Cosmopolitan Cabaret, 1000 K Street. This rocking '60s musical soap opera is loaded with good clean fun and features some of the greatest pop hits of the era including "Where the Boys Are," "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" and "I Feel Good." Currently available as part of the 2010 Cosmopolitan Cabaret season subscription package or to groups of 12 or more. On-sale to single-show ticket buyers on August 23. Advance tickets available at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H Street, (916) 557-1999. Cosmopolitan Cabaret Box Office is open two hours before curtain. $33-$43. Tues/Wed/Thur/Fri/Sat at 8 p.m., Sat/Sun at 2 p.m., Sun at 7:30 p.m., select Thursdays at 2 p.m. >more

A Wilder Xmas comes to Sutter Street, Folsom

Photo courtesy Allen Schmeltz Productions


Fans of the Sutter Street Theatre (formerly Stage 9 Theatre-Garbeau’s), usually regard afternoon shows on Saturday and Sunday as children’s theater. Not so with “A Laura IngallsWilder Christmas,” which played there to a packed house, mostly adults, last Saturday. Playwright Laurie Brooks’ imaginative speculation about missing years in the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder, prolific and popular writer for children during the nineteenth century, not only entertains kids but casts a sensitive and instructive light on and values of that long-ago era in American history, when brave easterners dared to cross the plains in covered wagons.

Barring a last-minute extension, the play is scheduled to close on December 28. Those who pass it up will miss a rare experience of what must have been a heroic chapter in our country’s experience. For a review and more details, go to www.villagelife.com/story.php?id=692.0&pt=photo

CMT Offers Tribute to Sinatra

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR "MY WAY"
AT THE COSMOPOLITAN CABARET


TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY, DEC. 28

Casting for the California Musical Theatre production of "My Way: a Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra" at The Cosmopolitan Cabaret has been completed. The accomplished four-person cast will include longtime Music Circus favorite Michael G. Hawkins. He'll be joined by Karole Foreman, Laura Dickinson and Jeffrey Christopher Todd.

"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 58 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 are currently available as part of a three-show subscription package with "Shear Madness" and "Suds." Single-show tickets of "My Way" will go on sale on Monday, Dec. 28, 2009.

A favorite of Music Circus audiences, Michael G. Hawkins' roles at Music Circus over the last 20 years have included rakish leading men (Adam in "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," Petruchio in "Kiss Me, Kate" and Harold Hill in "The Music Man") as well as villains (Jigger Craigin in "Carousel," Jud Fry in "Oklahoma!" and Judge Turpin in "Sweeney Todd"). Hawkins' most recent appearance was as the Narrator/Mysterious Man in "Into the Woods."

Appearing opposite Hawkins will be Karole Foreman, who made her Sacramento debut last year as entertainer/socialite Muzzy in the Music Circus production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie." Foreman's roles include the sassy Tanya in the Las Vegas production of "Mamma Mia!," an award-winning performance as Anita in "Jelly's Last Jam," Josephine Baker in the "Josephine Tonight!" and Mary Magdalene in "Jesus Christ Superstar."

Laura Dickinson's extensive vocal range has earned her a busy career as a singer for television and film as well as on stage. Her credits include a long list of Disney projects including "Phineas and Ferb" (currently on the Disney Channel), "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," "The Emperor's New School" and "Cinderella III." Her theatrical roles include Amneris in "Aida" and the title role in "Evita."

The final member of the cast is Jeffrey Christopher Todd, who recently played Brad at Universal Studio's "Rocky Horror Picture Show." His other stage roles include Danny in "Grease," Jesus in "Godspell" and Abe in "Altar Boyz." His television roles include guest starring on the Disney Channel's "Wizards of Waverly Place."

California Musical Theatre Artistic Director Glenn Casale will direct the production, and Chris Schlagel will be musical director and on-stage accompanist. Casale has directed productions all-over the world, including the Tony-nominated and Emmy-winning production of "Peter Pan" and productions of Disney's "Beauty in the Beast" throughout Europe, most recently in Milan. Casale is best known to Sacramentans for his 20-year career directing at Music Circus. Schlagel returns to The Cosmopolitan Cabaret after completing an 11-month run as musical director and pianist for "Forever Plaid" in September.

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.

Three-show subscription tickets are discounted more than 20 percent off the price of the tickets sold separately. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evening performances and Thursday matinee performances are $79 for the three-show package. Friday and Saturday evenings and Saturday and Sunday matinee packages are only $89. Subscriptions for premium tables on the first tier are $89 and $99 respectively.

Tickets are available in advance at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H Street, (916) 557-1999. All performances are at The Cosmopolitan Cabaret, 1000 K Street (at 10th street). Cabaret box office is open two hours before performances.

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 Musical Theatre just finished its second production in the theatre, "Late Nite Catechism: 'Til Death Do Us Part," the eight-week follow-up to "Forever Plaid," which opened the brand new theatre in the former Woolworth's building and ran for a record-setting 11 months. The third production, "Sister's Christmas Catechism" is running through January 3, before "'Til Death Do Us Part" returns for an encore week.

For complete schedule information, please visit www.CosmopolitanCabaret.com.

"Brothers" opens at Sutter Street Theatre

...From Sutter Street Theatre

l-r: Ron Randolph, Mike Jimena, Stan Bautista

Photographer: Connie Mockenhaupt


Sutter Street Theatre, formerly named Stage 9 Theatre – Garbeau’s, will be opening the hilarious comedy “Brothers!” by Dave Williams on Saturday, January 2, 2010. Three brothers--each equipped with his own idiosyncrasies--are forced
to endure each other for one purpose: money. But the family inheritance they're looking forward to has an unfortunate caveat. Before they get their wealth, they are required to spend one weekend with each other once a year for ten years straight. The setting (a dilapidated forest cabin in the middle of nowhere!) doesn't help matters.

This production will reunite the incredible cast of one of Stage Nine's most successful comedies to date, last year's "Escanaba in Da Moonlight!"

“Brothers!” will play on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 4:00 p.m. through February 7 at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter Street, Historic Folsom. Reservations can be made by calling (916) 353-1001.

Summary:

What: “Brothers!” by Dave Williams

Directed by Connie Mockenhaupt & Charlie Holiday

Run Dates: January 2 – February 7, 2010

Times: Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm, Sunday Matinee 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

Black Women in the South

Announcement from Celebration Arts

Celebration Arts presents Shakin’ The Mess Outta Misery, a drama by Shay Youngblood.

This is the story of a young black girl’s coming of age in the South in the 1960’s. A diverse, non-traditional group of older black women in the community raised Daughter, the main character, after her mother died. These women, some related and others not, helped guide her to womanhood. Daughter shares with the audience how these Big Mamas prepared her for her coming life.

Directed by James Wheatley, the play opened December 4, 2009 and runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. through December 20, 2009. It will resume on January 7 and close on January 16, 2010. Celebration Arts is located at 4469 D Street, Sacramento, CA.

Ticket prices for Shakin’ The Mess Outta Misery are $15 general, and $13 students and seniors. On Thursday nights all seats are $8. Call (916) 455-2787 for information and reservations.

FYI from Thistle Dew

Thistle Dew Playwrights' Theatre Workshop eNewsletter and Press Release

DECEMBER 15, 2009



The Unique
Thistle Dew Dessert Theatre,

the original local playwrights' theatre in Sacramento

1901 P Street.
And the Thistle Dew Playwright’s Workshop presents,



"Wake up, Jay!

It's Christmas!"



December 18 (7pm), 19 (7pm), 20 (2pm),

26 (7pm) and 27 (2pm).

Featuring Mary Jo O'Connor and Sean McDougall

and a special guest actor, Doug McDougall.

Charlie and Jay are typical house pets. Or are they? They can and do get into the same adventures and misadventures as the children in their audiences.

Tickets: Children $5.00, Adults $10.00,
Includes dessert, coffee, tea and fruit drink
For Required Reservations
444-8209
E-mail (Best): thistledewplaywrights@yahoo.com

**************************************************************

Calling all Essayists! Pulp Fiction Writers! Poets! Novelists! Journalists! Come join us every Monday evening at 7:00. (Except national holidays).

Do you have a story to tell?

If you do, we'll convince you that you can write a play!

Even a three minute play!



YOU CAN AND SHOULD BE A PART OF OUR VERY SUCCESSFUL GROUP.



Do you have a play you'd like critiqued? Bring it to the group any Monday evening at 7:00.
Jump into the critique mêlée .… or just listen quietly.....until your passions rise … and in the midst of the frenzy you feel compelled to join the excitement and the emotion of the fray to express with zeal

your opinion of Act II, Scene Three when the protagonist ....
Yes. I know. But we've all been there. Haven’t we?
All newcomers are welcome!

=========================================================

PLEASE: We are an intimate theatre, in consideration of those who are sensitive to the chemicals in fragrances, this area has been declared a Fragrance Free Zone.

Thank you.

=========================================================



^^^^^^^ Websites to Bookmark ^^^^^^^

http://www.jacneed.com/JAC/JAC.htm

Check out our new website:

www.thistle-dew.net

The Sacramento Municipal Arts Council

http://sacramento365.com

search for the Thistle Dew Dessert Theatre!

These are excellent sites, easy to use

("user friendly") and a very good way

to keep informed about theatre and the arts in the Sacramento area.

You can even add a comment about our theater, one of our plays or actors,

...............or even our dessert.



Thank you,

Tom, Ellie and the members of the Thistle Dew Playwrights' Workshop

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

"Bad Seed" comes to Chautauqua

Announcement

CHAUTAUQUA PLAYHOUSE
5325 ENGLE ROAD, CARMICHAEL, CA 95608
(916) 489-7529

A Non-Profit Organization

CHAUTAUQUA PLAYHOUSE to open BAD SEED on March 12

Chautauqua Playhouse announces it next show of its 33rd season, the thriller BAD SEED by Maxwell Anderson, opening on March 12, at the Playhouse. The show will run on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm through April 18. 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.

Based on the best-selling novel by William March, the play took Broadway by storm in the 1950’s and has been filmed twice. It remains a suspenseful psychological drama, even 55 years later. Rhoda Penmark is the star child of her class and the apple of her mother's eye, every bit the perfect child. Then one of Rhoda's classmates drowns on a school field trip under strange circumstances. Unspeakable terror and a villain you’ll never forget.

Director and set designer Warren Harrison has assembled a cast including Mary Bond, Monique McKisson, Julie Bock-Betschart, Walter Thompson, Daryl Petrig, Chris Lamb, Michael Walker, Bob Nannini and Carolyn Gregory. Lauren Metzinger will be featured as “Rhoda”. Costumes are 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.

Cinderella Returns to STC

Two mice, Stepmother and Cinderella
Courtesy photo

As its highlight of the holiday season, the Sacramento Theatre Company once again offers a sophisticated version of “Cinderella,” designed to charm both children and adults. Many of the old cast return, most prominently the trio playing the wicked stepmother and her ugly children (in drag, of course). New additions to the cast add further polish and charm to this musical version. For details and a review in El Dorado Hills’ “Village Life,” go to http://villagelife.com/story.php?id=692.0.

Sutter St. goes into woods, up beanstalk

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


The Classic Tale Jack and the Beanstalk Opens Saturday, April 17 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

EDMT’S “The Holiday Reunion” has homey touch

After getting used to El Dorado Musical Theatre’s awesome productions at the massive Jill Solberg Theatre in Folsom, we enjoy seeing some of its impressive youthful performers in a modest setting, up close and personal. Billed as “a new musical holiday tradition,” the company’s latest offering, “The Holiday Reunion,” makes itself at home at the El Dorado Hills’ Town Center, in a store front now complete with theater lights, audio sound and a dressing room off stage.

Featuring the company’s High Voltage touring group, the story recounts an imaginary rehearsal of a variety musical, performed by alternating casts of 16 each, labeled the Holly and the Jolly. The premise allows the performers, using canned instrumental music, to deliver eleven songs of the season while in unassuming costumes. The show lasts a little over an hour without intermission.

It starts off with a powerful “Live ‘Til I Die” by Cee Cee Patrick, sung by Dee Dee Healy (get it? Cee Cee–Dee Dee?), the adult leader of both casts. The show then brings on the company, authenticating their artistic prowess in a competitive “Tap Battle,” led by the awesome Carly Speno/Andrew Wilson as the fictional Maddie/Mike Sawyer. The rest of the company are no slouches as they give the leaders their best tippy tap support.

Among the varied numbers are “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “We Need a Little Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Happy Birthday,” and the dazzling windup of “White Christmas.” Added to the program was “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” exquisitely delivered by Heather Clark.

A fine ecumenical touch comes after a company member hangs a Star of David on the Christmas tree, followed by the happy Hebrew song “Hava Nagila,” celebrating Hanukkah and sung by Bennie Bernstein (Alex Levy/Jordan Maxey). That star has a curious history. It was a gift from a Jewish friend to Richard Wilson, who wrote the book for the show. Wilson regularly hangs the star on his family Christmas tree and provided it for the show.

The location comes with some minor inconvenience for the audience. The folding chairs for seating are on a level floor, so that some audience members, especially children, may have a hard time seeing beyond a high back. The blocking is also awkward on occasion, with smaller cast members sometimes hidden behind taller performers. In a professionally designed theater space, these inconveniences would rarely occur.

The show owes a lot to its production staff: Debbie Wilson (director/choreographer), Jennifer Martin (vocal director), Denise McHugh (costumer), Stephanie Hudson (technical director), Annie Speno (High Voltage producer), Tanya Bonds (Holiday Reunion producer), and Angie Teter (Parent Volunteer coordinator).

The production also owes thanks to Tony Mansour, owner of the premises, for offering the space gratis, where it will be shared with a visit from Santa.

“The Holiday Reunion” runs through December 20 at 4357 Town Center Blvd. in El Dorado Hills, Suite 110. Performances are Thursday, December 17, at 7 p.m.; Friday, December 18, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, December 20, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $13-$15. For tickets and more details see www.edmt.info.com or call(916) 941-SING

What would the holiday season be without a visit from Ebenezer Scrooge? The Chautauqua Playhouse in Carmichael doesn’t let us down. Rather, it brings us the 30th anniversary production of “Scrooge,” and in the form of a musical. The story is faithful to Charles Dickens’ classic, with adaptation and lyrics by Rodger Hoopman, original music by Rob Knable. An added treat is Olivia Kaufmann, resident of El Dorado Hills and veteran of the El Dorado Musical Theatre.

For details and a review, go to www.villagelife.com.

Capital Stage celebrates with SantaLand Diaries

‘Tis the season for theater companies to honor the holidays. They have two main choices: drag out the Dickens (as Tom Lehrer put it) or give us something new. Sacramento’s Capital Stage takes the second path with “Santaland Diaries,” an essay transformed into a short play.

Its celebrated author, David Sedaris, first read it on National Public Radio in 1992. It recalls a lean period in his life. As a “slacker” down to his last 20 bucks, he got a temporary job as a Christmas elf at Macy’s department store in New York. The entire experience was humiliating, even from the beginning, when he had to submit a urine sample, “with roaches and stems floating in it.”

But the concept alone was enough to destroy his self-image. “I am a thirty-three-year-old man,” he declares, “applying for a job as an elf.” And the memoir goes on to recount his demeaning experiences with frantic parents, unruly children and a demanding army of Santas. He even notes that if you rearrange the letters into an anagram, “Santa” becomes “Satan.”

On stage the essay becomes a 75-minute one-act, without intermission, performed by a lone actor addressing the audience, more than once even roaming among them. Directed by a savvy Janis Stevens, the versatile Gary Alan Wright works hard to do more than recite the text of the essay. Much of his action involves almost balletic changes of costume as he wrings every drop of humor out of the situation.

The action takes place on a minimal yet charming set by Jonathan Williams. First we have the elf room, where Sedaris waits to be interviewed. Then we get a Santa throne, surrounded by toys and a couple of tiny buildings with blinking lights.

But most of the essay’s charm is in its witty observations. “It is the SantaLand policy to take a picture of every child, which the parent can either order or refuse. People are allowed to bring their own cameras, video recorders, whatever. It is the multimedia groups that exhaust me. There are parents bent over with equipment, relentless in their quest for documentation.”

If the play and its parent essay are supposed to be satire, the target seems unclear. Most of Sedaris’ complaints reveal his own demeaning behavior, not kids behaving like kids or parents acting like parents. If anything, he faults a society that compels a grown man to portray an elf just to stay alive.

The chief weakness in the show comes from Joe Mantello’s adaptation. Though Wright manages to romp energetically around the stage, he can’t turn an essay into a play. Apparently the essay worked well enough on radio, but in a theater we expect to see something happen on stage, something more than changes of costume. As Marshall McLuhan famously said years ago, “The Medium is the Message.” He might have said, more precisely, that the medium controls the message.

“The Santaland Diaries” continues through December 27 at the Delta King Theatre, 1000 Front Street in Old Sacramento. As noted in the press release, the play is “for mature elves only.” Performances are Wednesday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. Added performances are at 2 p.m. on December 12 and 19; 7 p.m. on December 13, 20, 22. Tickets are $31 for Saturday, $27 for other days. For tickets or other details call (916) 995-5464 or go to www.capstage.org.

Holiday Classic Comes to Capital Stage

Limited Run of Special Holiday Classic
Only Two Performances

On Monday, December 21, at 7:00 p.m., and Christmas Eve, December 24, at 2:00 p.m., Capital Stage will present one of America's most beloved holiday classics as a 1940's live radio play. This family-friendly fundraiser will feature the company's artistic team of Stephanie Gularte, Peter Mohrmann, Janis Stevens and Jonathan Rhys Williams as well as Cap Stage favorite Harry Harris.

All proceeds from this event will help support the nonprofit Capital Stage and its mission to grow bold, dynamic, professional live theatre in our region!

Inspired by the classic American film of the same title, "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" is performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Five actors perform the dozens of characters in the radio play as well as produce the sound effects.

"Listen" Back in Time

Imagine it's Christmas Eve, 1946, in Studio A at WBFR in Manhattan, New York. The actors arrive for a special live radio performance of "It's a Wonderful Life." You'll hear all your favorites--including George Bailey, Mary, Clarence Oddbody, Mr Potter, Uncle Billy, even
Zazu--and all the other wonderful characters that make up Bedford Falls.

Adapted by Joe Landry It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Two Performances: Monday, Dec 21, 2009 at 7:00 pm
and Thursday, Dec 24, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Tickets: 916-995-5464 or http://www.capstage.org/
Recommended minimum donation amount: $25

Capital Stage's production of David Sedaris' The Santaland Diaries might belong on Santa's "naughty" list. So, in the interest of being "nice," Capital Stage is pleased to present this family-friendly production of It's a Wonderful Life: a Radio Play.
Offer Expires: Being Nice Never Expires

"Out & Bold" night for the GLBT community

Capital Stage Company Announces:

GLBT Special Holiday Theatre Performance

Capital Stage is proud to announce the next "Out & Bold" night for the GLBT community and their friends on Wednesday, December 9, 2009. Out & Bold night is an opportunity for members and friends of the GLBT community to meet new people, re-connect with other theatre-goers, enjoy a drink, and experience Capital Stage's bold, intimate style of live theatre.

"Out & Bold" will feature pre-show wine reception starting at 6:15 pm aboard the Delta King, and as a special holiday treat Artistic Differences Christmas Carolers will perform songs of the season. Following the singers will be a performance of Capital Stage's current production "The SantaLand Diaries" by bestselling author and NPR contributor David Sedaris at 7:00 pm. Tickets are at a special Wednesday reduced rate of $15 if purchased through the box office at 916-995-5464 or can be purchased on-line at the regular ticket price of $27 at www.capstage.org.

Beauty & Beast at Imagination Theater

Announcement from Imagination Theater
(located on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville)

Imagination Theater presents:

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

OPENED December 4

CONTINUING:

December 5, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 at 2 p.m.
December 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 26 at 7 p.m.

Belle, dissatisfied with life in her small provincial French town, constantly tries to fend off the misplaced "affections" of conceited Gaston. The Beast is a prince who was placed under a spell because he could not love. A wrong turn taken by Maurice, Belle's father, causes Belle and the prince to meet.

Tickets $10-17. Call the box office at 530-642-0404 to make your reservations. For seating availability, go to www.itplacerville.blogspot.com.

Tickets: $17 Adult, $14 Senior, $10 Child, Group 10+ $13, Group 20+ $12

Sister Visits Cabaret for Christmas

Charr Crail photo

“Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi's Gold” takes over at the Cosmopolitan Cabaret where “’Til Death Do Us Part–Late Night Catechism” left off last month. The original show exploited the premise that the audience consisted of students in a Catholic parochial school classroom, being bullied by the traditional knuckle-rapping nun. The show opened with playwright Maripat Donovan playing “Sister,” the one-woman role.

In “Christmas Catechism” Donovan follows the original format. The first act is introduction, coaching us in the mysteries of Catholicism, and the second brings on the clowns from the audience. In the original the group performed a mock version of”The Newlywed Game”; in the Christmas effort they dress up as animals and Biblical figures to reenact the Nativity.

In the original Donovan performed as the hard-nosed “Sister.” In the Christmas version we get a quite different Sister, ably delivered by Nonie Newton-Breen. This time she’s a hipster with a dry sense of humor, using her savvy and charm to lure non-believers into the fold. Donovan, by the way, tends to be ecumenical. In 1985 she followed the Jewish trade as an understudy in “Portrait of a Shiksa” (i.e. non-Jewess).

Both versions have about the same strengths and weaknesses. The first act builds around a comic presentation of what Catholicism is all about and its role in the rest of the world. An added highlight is Newton-Breen's gift for repartee. Her Sister draws comments, often barbed, from the audience. Then, unless the audience is salted with shills, she fires back quick-witted ripostes worthy of a seasoned nightclub comic.

The second act, in both versions of the show, is entertaining buffoonery as crowd-pleaser. Each version would be improved if limited to a strong one-act. What’s more, the cocktail waitress leaves just before the show starts, so if you need a refill you have to run out to the bar during intermission and stand in line.

As an extra benefit, the show adds an eight-member singing group, the SS Peter and Paul Choir from Rocklin, who serenade us with songs of the season. They introduce us to Sister, who demands that they add “Jesus” to one of their popular numbers.

“Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold” continues through January 3 at The Cosmopolitan Cabaret, 1000 K Street, Sacramento. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Additional performances are available for matinees on Thursdays, December 10 and 24; for evenings on Thursday, December 24, and Sunday, December 13. There will be no performance on December 25. Tickets are $32-$47, depending on dates and seating.

“Late Night Catechism: Till Death Do Us Part” returns for an encore week from January 5 to 10.

Tickets are available at the Cabaret box office two hours before show time. They are available earlier at The Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H Street or by calling (916) 557-1999 (-1198 for groups), and (800) 225-2277. Check online at www.Tickets.com. For more information visit http://www.cosmopolitancaberet.com/.

Holiday Reunion by EDMT

Message From EDMT:

El Dorado Musical Theatre’s premiere performing group, High Voltage - The Tour Company, presents The Holiday Reunion, a heart-warming celebration of holiday music and dance.

This festive musical is being performed in an innovatively designed 100+ seat theater on Main Street in downtown, in El Dorado Hills Town Center, just for the holidays, running Dec. 4th through Dec. 20th on Friday, Saturday nights, and Sat. and Sun. matinees.

Set in a rehearsal hall decorated for the holidays, this charming, family friendly musical celebrates the 25th anniversary of the founding of a young person’s performing group, with their first show occurring on December 24th.

Located at 4357 Town Center Blvd., Ste. 110 in El Dorado Hills Town Center, is a winter wonderland where you will find unique shops and restaurants adorned for the holidays with old-world ambiance overlooking fountains and ponds with a surrounding strolling path. This quaint venue is the setting for the premiere opening of The Holiday Reunion, a charming musical enjoyable for the whole family. Come early and enjoy dinner before the show at one of the many fine restaurants.

Special thanks to the Mansour Company and El Dorado Hills Town Center. The Holiday Reunion is sponsored in part by Pueblo Chico Cantina and other Town Center businesses.

General seating for all shows. Ticket prices $15 adults, $13 students, children and seniors. For tickets, directions, group discounts, or more information, please visit or call http://www.edmt.info/, 916-941-SING.

Showtimes:

Friday, December 4th at 8:00 PM (Holly Cast)
Saturday, December 5th , 2 Shows: 4:30 PM and 8:00 PM (Jolly Cast)
Sunday, December 6th at 2:00 PM (Holly Cast)

Thursday, December 10th at 7:00 PM (Holly Cast)
Friday, December 11th at 8:00 PM (Jolly Cast)
Saturday, December 12th, 2 Shows: 4:30 PM and 8:00 PM (Holly Cast)
Sunday, December 13th at 2:00 PM (Jolly Cast)

Thursday, December 17th at 7:00 PM (Jolly Cast)
Friday, December 18th at 8:00 PM (Holly Cast)
Saturday, December 19th , 2 Shows: 4:30 PM and 8:00 PM (Jolly Cast)
Sunday, December 20th at 2:00 PM (Holly Cast)

An Irresistable Holiday in the Hills shines in Folsom

Photo courtesy of Allen Schmeltz Productions

“Holiday in the Hills,” our yearly gift from Stage Nine–Garbeau’s in Folsom, stresses the fun the season provides, leaving most of the regional history to the playbill. The sparkling cast, ranging in age from nine to senior, reward us with accomplished performances, strong in song, dance and acting. Inevitably the historic Folsom characters draw us into the spell, as we sing, swing and jiggle right along with them. While Christmas is inevitably at the core of the show, the production reaches out to an audience that includes all faiths.

For details and a review, go to http://villagelife.com/index_entertainment.php?id=6.

Thistle Dew presents "Wake up, Jay!"

Announcement from Thistle Dew:

The Unique Thistle Dew Dessert Theatre,
the original local playwrights' theatre
(1901 P Street, Sacramento)
and the Thistle Dew Playwright’s Workshop present:

"Wake up, Jay! It's Christmas!"

OPENING December 4 at 7 p.m.,

CONTINUING December 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 26 at 7 p.m.; December 6, 13 and 27 at 2 p.m.

Featuring Mary Jo O'Connor, Sean McDougall and a special guest actor, Doug McDougall.

Charlie and Jay are typical house pets. Or are they? They can and do get into the same adventures and misadventures as the children in their audiences.

Tickets: Children $5.00, Adults $10.00. Includes dessert, coffee, tea and fruit drink.

For Required Reservations: Call 916-444-8209; E-mail (best):

thistledewplaywrights@yahoo.com

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