Sacramento Stage & Theatre News
Updated Friday, May 11, 2012 - 2 p.m.

DMTC HOLDS AUDITIONS FOR 'JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING

TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT' MAY 20-21

    DAVIS, Calif. (May 9, 2012) - Davis Musical Theatre Company announced the auditions for the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice hit, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Auditions for the musical are Sunday, May 20 at 7:30pm and Monday, May 21 at 7:30pm with callbacks on Tuesday, May 22 at Davis Musical Theatre Co at 607 Pena Drive in Davis.
    With direction by Steve Isaacson and choreography by Jacob Montoya, Joseph retells the bibical story from the book of Genesis of a young man destined for greatness, who eventually saves Israel from starvation with the first recorded history of rationing.
    Auditioners should wear comfortable/dance clothes/shoes, as well as bring sheet music of a song they are prepared to sing. (It is requested that auditioners do not use a song from the show.) A piano accompanist will be provided; no recorded music or acappella singing, please.
    Rehearsals for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat begin Sun June 24th with performances running for three weeks from July 20 - Aug 5.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN FOR JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
    Narrator – Articulate story teller. Wide singing range. Age range: 20 and up.
    Joseph – Favorite son of Jacob. Physically fit. Tenor. Age range: 18-30.
    Pharaoh – Able to impersonate Elvis. Baritone. Age range: 25 and up.
    Jacob – Father of 12 sons.
    Potiphar - A rich Egyptian. Age range: 45+
    Brothers: (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin) Age range: 17-35. Must be able to sing and dance/move well. There are three featured solos (One More Angel, Those Canaan Days and Benjamin’s Calypso).
    Butler and The Baker – co-cell mates with Joseph. Age range: 20 up Must be able to sing and dance well.
    Wives / Egyptian entourage: Age range: 17-35. Must be able to sing and dance/move well. Potential for small singing and dancing solos. Role of Mrs. Potiphar (sexy wife of Potiphar – featured dancing role) will come from the female ensemble.
    More information is available online at www.dmtc.org or by calling (530) 756-3682.
 

STC HOSTS TONY AWARDS VIEWING PARTY

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 2, 2012) - On the heels of the 2012 Tony Award nominations announcement, Sacramento Theatre Company announces it will host “Celebrate the Season” a Tony Awards Viewing Party with VIP Dinner celebrating both the Broadway and Sacramento theatre seasons. Producing Director Michael Laun said, “We created this event wanting to take the lead in bringing all of the local performing arts organizations together to celebrate the vibrant and diverse programming produced in the Sacramento region.”
    Members of the host committee for this event are Linda Clifford, Denise Davis, Terilynn Diepenbrock, Walt Gray, Steve Hansen, Lial Jones, Lori Rianda, Libby Siino, Neill SooHoo and Monica Woods. The red carpet evening will include a VIP Dinner followed by a Tony Awards Broadcast Reception and will feature guest appearances from local educational, community and professional theaters. Awards recognizing outstanding support for local theatre will also be presented.
    One exciting addition to this event is a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance (SARTA). STC Business Development Director Wade Sherman said, “SARTA’s mission is to foster and promote high quality theatre in Sacramento. We are pleased to partner with them to support their regional efforts.”
    For more information please visit the STC web page HERE.
 

'LEGENDS!' BEGINS MAY 4 AT ARDEN PLAYHOUSE

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 22, 2012) - See what happens when two aging movie stars, who hate each other with a vengeance, are forced to work together in a new Broadway play. Sacramento community theater veterans Barbara Messmer and Patty Thiel make the wigs fly in this hilarious play. Joining them are Betty Cummings, Scott Plotkin, Gene Haslett, and Keith Goings in this finely written comedy by James Kirkwood, the author of P.S. Your Cat Is Dead and A Chorus Line.
    Legends! is a story about bitter rivals. They have stolen roles, Oscars, and husbands from each other over their long association. Now, due to personal circumstances, they are brought together to cooperate on a Broadway project offered to them by a seedy producer whose only show of note is an off-Broadway hit called Craps! Eager beaver producer Martin Klemmer, a wheeler-dealer if ever there was one, has uncovered a terrific commercial script - Star Wars: The Play. Since he has produced only one Off-Broadway project, Martin's phone calls are not being returned by the powerful Broadway magnates capable of getting this play to the Great White Way. Martin needs names, names like film legends Sylvia Glenn and Leatrice Monsee, for the leads. If Martin can sign them, he can get the money. Unfortunately, they hate each other. Will Martin be able to resolve this titanic dilemma? Will 'Star Wars: The Play' hit the big time? And, if Sylvia and Leatrice do agree to appear together, will Paul Newman sign on, too?
    Legends! is directed by Blake Flores. Blake has been acting, directing and producing in local community theater for over thirty years. He began his directorial endeavors in 1987 with the Volcano Theatre Company's production of Fred Carmichael's Done To Death. He has since directed over 30 local productions, including Jack Sharkey's Who’s On First? at Big Idea Theatre, which he co-founded in 2003. Most recently, he has directed Oatmeal and Kisses at Arden Playhouse.
    Legends! opens on Friday, May 4, 2012 with performances on Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm through June 16. Sunday matinees are at 2pm on Mother’s Day, May 13 and May 27, 2012.
    All tickets are $15 with a reservation and $18.00 at the door. (Cash or check only.) Tickets can be reserved by calling (916) 332-2582. Arden Playhouse is located at 5640 Roseville Road, Suite D, Sacramento, and seats 150.
    Arden Playhouse is a community theater dedicated to continuing its tradition of presenting entertainment in a casual setting.
    For more information about Legends! or to find out about our group discounts, call the theater office at 332-2582, email admin@ardenplayhouse.com, arden@ardenplayhouse.com, or check the website www.ardenplayhouse.com.
 

'THE HOBBIT' AT SUTTER STREET THEATRE MAY 5

    FOLSOM, Calif. (Apr. 18, 2012) - Bilbo Baggins the little hairy footed Hobbit will be appearing at Sutter Street Theatre in Markland Taylor’s dramatization of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic story “The Hobbit.” Directed by award winning director Allen Schmeltz, The Hobbit opens May 5, 2012 and plays at Sutter Street Theatre on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00pm through June 10. Tickets are $17 general, $15 seniors, and $13 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased by calling (916) 353-1001 or on-line at www.SutterStreetTheatre.com.
    It's unusual for a modern work to become a classic so quickly, but Tolkien's "ring" stories, which began with The Hobbit, clearly are in this very special category. They stir the imagination and intellect of everyone they touch. Bilbo, one of the most conservative of all Hobbits, is asked to leave his large, roomy and very dry home in the ground in order to set off as chief robber in an attempt to slay a dragon and recover an important treasure. It's the last thing that any sensitive Hobbit would want to do, but the results greatly benefit not only Bilbo but all of the Hobbits who inhabit Middle Earth and delight those children and adults who continue to enjoy this kind of magic.
 

'THE ODD COUPLE' OPENS AT FOLSOM'S SUTTER STREET

    FOLSOM, Calif. (Apr. 18, 2012) - Sutter Street Theatre in Historic Folsom will be opening “The Odd Couple” by Neil Simon and directed by Connie Mockenhaupt on April 27, 2012. The Odd Couple will play Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 4:00pm through May 27. Tickets are $23 general, $21 seniors, $18 students with an ID Card, and $15 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased by calling (916) 353-1001 or on-line at www.SutterStreetTheatre.com.
    The classic comedy opens with a group of the guys assembled for poker in the apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. If the mess that surrounds them is any indication, it's no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Unger, who has just been separated from his wife. Felix is fastidious, depressed and tense. He appears down and seems suicidal, but as the action unfolds Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean-freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results as “The Odd Couple” in one of Neil Simon’s most popular plays.
 

REVIEW AND INTERVIEW ARCHIVES RETURN

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 1, 2012) - The Sacramento Stage & Theatre review and interview archive section have returned. Click on the "Reviews & Interviews" link to the right to access them. We are still reformatting some of these so there may be missing pictures and/or links.

SUTTER STREET ANNOUNCES 2012 SUMMER CAMPS

    FOLSOM, Calif. (Mar. 22, 2012) - The Award Winning Sutter Street Theatre will again be presenting Summer Camps in the Visual and Performing Arts. To register or for information about tuition, class times or any other questions, please call (916) 353-1001. Following is the schedule. Camps will take place at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter Street, Folsom CA 95630,
Performing Arts Camps for ages 8-12
(June 11-15 and 18-22)
Two 1-week camps with an afternoon Visual Arts Camp option.
Learn performing and visual arts from a staff of experiences instructors. Students will perform what they have learned on the Saturday following each camp.
Tuition: $175 morning, $250 morning & afternoon

Summer Masters Musical Theatre Camp
(weekdays July 2-July 20)
We are again offering our very popular Masters Musical Theatre Camp. This year we will be producing Disney's Jungle Book.
The workshop is open to ages 10 - 18 and no experience is required. Saturday & Sunday performances follow the camp sessions for four weekends.
Tuition: $375

Creative Arts Camp for 6 - 12 year olds
(July 23 to July 27)
Our Creative Arts Camp that involves Oil Painting, Mask Making, Drawing, Crafts, Music, Dance and Drama. A show and reception will take place on Saturday, July 28. The camp is taught by Mike Jimena, Connie Mockenhaupt and Devin LePage, all award winning arts educators.
Tuition: $250
 

To register for the Camps please call 916-353-1001.

    A non-refundable $50 deposit is required to hold a spot in the Camp. The balance is due 14 days before the start of the Camp.
    Limited enrollment so register early! If you pay the balance prior to 30 days before the start of the Camp you will receive a 10% discount. Multiple students from the same family will also receive a 10% discount.
 

'THE COLOR PURPLE' COMES TO THREE STAGES

    FOLSOM, Calif. (Mar. 8, 2012) - It was 30 years ago this year that The Color Purple, Alice Walker’s powerful novel, was originally published. It won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award for fiction; it went on to be adapted into a film by Steven Spielberg. As a Broadway production—originally produced by Oprah Winfrey and Quincy Jones— the musical ran for two years and was nominated for 11 Tony Awards.
    The national tour of that Broadway play, The Color Purple comes to Three Stages at Folsom College for three performances next month.
    "‘The Color Purple’ is such a powerful, uplifting piece of musical theater,” noted Executive Director Dave Pier. “It translates beautifully—into music, into stagecraft, into the Broadway motif— and will be a special experience in the intimacy of Three Stages.”
    The Color Purple will perform in Three Stages on April 10, 11 and 12 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $39-$59, with Premium tickets available for $69; they are available online at www.threestages.net or from Three Stages Ticket Office at 916-608-6888 from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday, and two hours before show time. Three Stages is located on the west side of Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom, CA, facing East Bidwell Street.
 

SECOND SHEPARD PLAY FOR CAPITAL STAGE

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 8, 2012) - Capital Stage continues its successful first season in midtown with a Sam Shepard revival. True West will mark the second Shepard play the company has presented following an acclaimed 2009 staging of Fool For Love. Performances for True West will run March 21 - April 22, 2012 and will feature company co-founder Jonathan Rhys Williams (Or,, Hunter Gatherers, Fool For Love) and actor Cole Alexander Smith (reasons to be pretty, First Person Shooter) as battling brothers Lee and Austin.
    Performances for True West will begin with three previews on Wednesday, March 21 at 7pm and Thursday & Friday March 22 & 23 at 8pm. The production will open on Saturday, March 24 at 8pm. Performances continue through April 22, 2012. Showtimes will be Wednesdays at 7pm, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. General tickets range from $20-$32. Discount tickets are available as follows: Preview Tickets are $18; Student Rush Tickets are $12; Senior Sunday Matinee Tickets are $26; 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 ADVENTURES OF PETER COTTONTAIL'  OPENS MAR. 24

    FOLSOM, Calif. (Mar. 6, 2012) - Peter Rabbit lives happily in the Green Meadow, eating from Farmer Brown's carrot and cabbage crops. His sole concern is his name, Peter Rabbit. He doesn't like it. Along with his friends - Jimmy Skunk, Sammy Jay, Old Mr. Toad, Johnny Chuck, and others, he sets out to discover a new and more appealing name. Meanwhile, Granny Fox is so hungry for barbecued rabbit, she sends Reddy Fox to capture Peter. Reddy makes a variety of plans to trap Peter, but he is clearly outfoxed by the rabbit. But, in the end, it is Reddy Fox who helps Peter find his new name.
    The Adventures of Peter Cottontail opens Saturday, March 24 at 1:00pm then continues Saturdays at 1:00pm through April 29 at the Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom.
    Dates & Times: March 24 - April 29 - Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00pm.
    Where: Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter Street, Folsom 95630.
    Tickets: General $17, Seniors $15, Children 12 and under $13. Reservations: (916) 353-1001 plus on-line at www.SutterStreetTheatre.com.
 

NUNSENSE II SET FOR SUTTER STREET THEATRE

    FOLSOM, Calif. (Mar. 6, 2012) - Nunsense II: The Second Coming could easily be subtitled "the rest of the story." The sequel to the international hit musical Nunsense takes place approximately six weeks after the first "benefit performance." The same five nuns are back on stage at Mt. Saint Helen's School for what is billed as a "Thank You Program” for their supporters. This time they are forced to work around the set dressing of "The Mikado" which is presented the following week by the Hoboken Music Society on the Mt. Saint Helen's Stage. Trouble brews when Sister Mary Paul and her prize money are claimed by a bunch of Franciscans.
    Nunsense II: The Second Coming opens Saturday, March 17 at 8:00pm with a Saint Patrick’s Day Party with the cast following the performance and then continues Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 4:00pm through April 22.
    Dates & Times: March 17 - April 22 - Fridays and Saturdays 8:00pm and Sundays at 4:00pm (March 17 includes a Saint Patrick’s Day Party with the cast following the show.)
    Where: Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter Street, Folsom 95630
    Tickets: General $23, Seniors $21, Students $18 with Student Body Card, Children 12 and under $15. Reservations: (916) 353-1001 plus on-line at www.SutterStreetTheatre.com.

CAPITAL STAGE ADDS COMEDY SHOWS

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 5, 2012) - Capital Stage has added a second performance of Katie Rubin's comedy show My Spritual Death, a Comedy Show! On Friday, March 9 and Saturday, March 10 at 8pm Capital Stage's new midtown venue at 2215 J Street will host popular actress/comedienne Katie Rubin performing her one-woman comedy show My Spritual Death, a Comedy Show!
    In her unique style, local actress, playwright and comedienne, Rubin brings characters, poetry, and stand-up comedy together for this unique theatrical tour de force taking aim at spirituality, family trauma, and addiction.
    "We are excited to be hosting Katie's very original show and look forward to more opportunities to use our new venue to present the work of other artists and groups in our community," said Capital Stage artistic director,Stephanie Gularte.
    Tickets are sold out for the March 9, 2012 but good seats remain for the Saturday, March 10th show. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased through Capital Stage's box office at 916-995-5464 or online at www.capstage.org.
 

WOODLAND OPERA HOUSE PRESENTS 'SOUTH PACIFIC'

    WOODLAND, Calif. (Feb. 29, 2012) - The Woodland Opera House will present the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, South Pacific opening Friday, March 9. The production is underwritten by Tony and Trish Marshall and Woodland Healthcare.
    The plot draws from James A. Michener's Pulitzer Prize-winning 1947 book Tales of the South Pacific and centers on an American nurse, Nellie Forbush, stationed at a U.S. Naval base during World War II. Nellie falls in love with an expatriate French plantation owner, Emile de Becque, but struggles to accept his mixed-race children. A second romance concerns U.S. Lieutenant Joseph Cable and a young Asian woman, Liat. The issue of racial prejudice is explored throughout the musical, most pointedly as Cable sings, "You've Got to Be Carefully Taught".
    Although well known for its extraordinary score including; “Some Enchanted Evening”, “Younger Than Springtime”, “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair”, “Bali Ha'i”, “There Is Nothin' Like A Dame”, and “A Wonderful Guy”, “South Pacific” is also a deeply felt drama. Its portrayal of Americans stationed in an alien culture in wartime is as relevant today as when it first thrilled audiences in 1949, a production that won ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Libretto.
    The show features Catherine Nickerson as Nellie Forbush, Michael Maples as Emile de Becque, Spenser Micetich as Lt. Cable, Deborah Hammond as Bloody Mary, Allison Ruanto and Briahna Yee as Liat, Alex Cesena as Billis and Erick Lindley as Captain Brackett.
    The show is directed by Angela Frost Baltezore with music direction by Dan Pool. Set design is by John Bowles and costumes are designed by Denise Miles.
    South Pacific will play March 9 through April 1 on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 2 p.m. with an additional matinee performance on Saturday, March 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets for reserved seats are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and students, $12 for children 17 and under. Balcony tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for children. Group discounts are available. For tickets call 530-666-9617 or order online at www.woodlandoperahouse.org.
 

'DIAL M FOR MURDER'  AT SACRAMENTO THEATRE COMPANY

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 29, 2012) - Looking for a Fun-Filled Night of Mystery and Suspense?
    Attend the Opening and Post-Show Reception of Sacramento Theatre Company's Dial "M" For Murder at a Special Returning Patron Price.
    If you liked STC’s Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure, you’ll love Dial M For Murder. As a returning patron to STC, you are eligible to attend our special Opening Night performance and reception of Dial M For Murder on Saturday March 3rd starting at 8:00PM at the special price of $25.
    This classic suspense thriller by Frederick Knott was the basis for the 1954 Alfred Hitchcock film starring Ray Milland and Grace Kelly. After marrying his wife for her money, Tony Wendice now plans to murder her for the same reason. He arranges for the perfect murder - a plot involving intrigue and blackmail, but things don't go according to plan.
    For more information about Dial "M" For Murder, Click Here.
    STC’s production stars Matt K. Miller as the husband and Jackie Vanderbeck as the wife. The production is directed by Greg Alexander.
    STC’s artistic staff will offer a prologue at 7:15pm to share insights and information about the production and the 8pm performance will be followed by a dessert and champagne reception in the lobby with members of the cast. It’s elementary, my dear friends.
    STC’s Dial M For Murder is the must see suspense thriller of the season. Your night of Mystery and Mayhem is just a phone call away.
    To guarantee your special price of just $25 (which is 45% off the regular price) call the box office Tue - Sat from Noon to 6pm at (916) 443-6722 and mention the Returning Patron special offer.
 

SACRAMENTO STAGE & THEATRE NOW ON TWITTER/FACEBOOK

   SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2011) - Sacramento Stage & Theatre is now on Twitter. Visit us at www.Twitter.com/SacStage. Follow us @SacStage. We are also on Facebook. Find our page HERE.