Frank Condon retires from River Stage

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.