Sacramento Stage & Theatre News
Updated Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2008

OPEN AUDITIONS FOR DAVIS MUSICAL THEATRE

    DAVIS, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2008) - Davis Musical Theatre Company proudly has announced auditions for their next production, The Sound of Music.  Part of the great Rodgers and Hammerstein collection, this show requires a large cast including seven children.  Maria, a high spirited woman who is too much for the local abbey, is assigned to be a governess for seven children for a widowed naval captain.  As she spends time there, she grows to love the entire Von Trapp family.

    The Sound of Music has such famous songs as “Do-Re-Mi”, “Climb Every Mountain”, “My Favorite Things”, and “Edelweiss”. 

    DMTC is located at 607 Pena Drive in Davis, CA.  Those auditioning should be prepared to sing 16 bars of a song of their choosing.  But no songs from the show.  An accompanist will be provided.

    Auditions will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 4, 2009 and Monday, January 5, 2009.  Callbacks, if needed, will be held on January 6.  Rehearsals begin Monday, January 12, 2009. The Sound of Music will perform on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:15 p.m. and Sundays at 2:15 p.m. from February 27 - March 22, 2009. 

    Mulan Auditions - Do you have a child who likes to perform, sing and dance?  Then come join Davis Musical Theatre Company’s Young Performers Theatre (YPT) in their next production of the 2008-2009 season by auditioning for Disney’s Mulan, Jr.  Directed by LeaAnn Carlisle, Mulan takes place in Ancient China.  Based on the 1998 movie, Mulan is about a girl who decides to join the army to stop the Hun invasion.  Popular songs include “Reflection”, “Honor to Us All,” and “Make a Man out of You”.   Auditions will take place January 12 and 13, 2008 starting at 4 p.m. at 607 Pena Drive in Davis.  Performances will be March 7–21. Auditioners should be prepared to sing 16 bars of a song of their choosing, but no songs from the show. 

    For more information on Davis Musical Theatre Company, visit www.dmtc.org.

GARBEAU'S BENEFITS MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 19, 2008) - Though affected by a national recession that has impacted the entertainment and restaurant industries as well as charitable giving, Garbeau’s is looking forward to A New Year’s Wish at Garbeau’s, their second annual benefit for the Sacramento chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 100% of proceeds are donated to the charity.
    Garbeau’s owner and CEO, Mark Ferreira, is himself a former “Wish Kid” and proudly displays a plaque of Jeremiah, a four-year-old whose wish of a trip to Hawaii was made possible by last year’s sold out event. “Our goal this year was to raise enough to grant two wishes,” Ferreira said. “While we have a healthy attendance already, we think the economy might keep us from seeing the same sold-out numbers we enjoyed last year.” On track to raise at least enough to grant one wish, Ferreira says, “still makes it all worthwhile.”
    The New Year’s Eve event begins with cocktails at 5pm and dinner seating at 5:30. A performance of My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra will begin at 7:30, and guests who wish to have an early evening will be able to enjoy a faux countdown and toast at 10pm. Those staying for the late evening will see the dance floor open while being treated to the music of The BBC: A Beatles Tribute Band through the countdown and early hours of 2009.
    Prices are $115 for the Full Package (Dinner, Show, and Beatles), $80 for the Early Evening Package (Dinner and Show), and $45 for the Countdown Package (Beatles only). Prices include everything except alcohol purchases and tip.
    For more information, visit Garbeau’s online at www.garbeaus.com or call (916) 985-6361.

CHANGE IN SCHEDULE FOR STAGE 9

    FOLSOM, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2008) - Stage Nine Theatre will be presenting the hilarious comedy Escanaba in da Moonlight by Jeff Daniels in place of Born Yesterday.

    Escanaba in da Moonlight runs from Jan. 16 – Feb. 22 with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 4 p.m. on Sundays.
    Synopsis: When the Soady clan reunites for the opening day of deer season at the family’s Upper Peninsula camp, 35 year old, Reuben Soady brings with him the shameful reputation of being the oldest Soady in the history of Soadys never to bag a buck. Reuben is buckless and the laughing stock of the folks in Escanaba, who even hide their children from his sight lest they too catch the disease. In a hunting story to beat all hunting stories, Escanaba in da Moonlight spins a hilarious tale of humor, horror and heart as Rueben goes to any and all lengths to remove himself from the wrong end of the family record book.
    Stage Nine Theatre is located at 717 Sutter Street in Historic Folsom. Reservations: (916) 353-1001. Tickets: $22 general, $20 seniors & SARTA, $15 children 12 and under – Special group rates are available. www.stageninefolsom.com.

'MURDER ROOM' PLAYS AT CHAUTAUQUA DEC. 5-JAN. 5

    CARMICHAEL, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2008) - Chautauqua Playhouse announces the third show of its 32nd season, The Murder Room by Jack Sharkey, opening on December 5, at the Playhouse.

Bob Nannini and Sara Hanson from "The Murder Room." Photo by Warren Harrison.

    The show will run on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through January 25, with a brief break during Christmas and New Year’s weekends.

    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.
    The Murder Room is a zany spoof of British mysteries. There are secret chambers, panels and trap lids galore that are operated by ridiculous contrivances - a grand mixture of Agatha Christie, Monty Python and Abbott and Costello. The quick, smart, well-timed dialogue, combined with hilarious situations and physical antics make this high mad, melodrama a fun night at the theatre. Guaranteed to provide many laughs!
    The production is directed by Paul Fearn and features Bob Nannini and Sara Hanson. Set design is by Rodger Hoopman, with lighting by Ross Aldrich. 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 at www.cplayhouse.com.

STAGE 9 OPENS 'WINNIE THE POOH XMAS TAIL' ON DEC. 6

    FOLSOM, Calif. (Nov. 23, 2008) - There is a great deal of fun, plus delightful songs, in this charming adventure of Winnie-the-Pooh and friends in the thistle corner of Hundred-Acre Wood. Eeyore has lost his tail and his friends help him find it in an enchanting musical with a theme of caring, sharing and the importance of cultivating friends.
    A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail with book, music and lyrics by James W. Rodgers and directed by Allen Schmeltz, can be seen on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. with extra performances on the weekdays of Dec. 22, 23, 24, 29 & 30 at 1:30 p.m. and an additional 4:00 p.m. performance with added surprises on our open day of Dec. 6.

    The show runs Dec. 6 through December 30. Tickets are $15 general, $13 for seniors & SARTA, and $12 children. Special group rates are available as are Birthday Parties. For reservations call (916) 353-1001. Recommended for all ages.
    Stage Nine Theatre is located at 717 Sutter Street in Historic Folsom.

SS&T EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT AND

DISGUST AT ECKERN CONTROVERSY

by Joe Blenkle / Sacramento Stage & Theatre

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2008) - Disappointment and disgust pretty much sum up my feelings at the recent controversy surrounding California Musical Theatre Artistic Director Scott Eckern.

    For those of you who don't know, Eckern, a 25-year veteran with CMT, resigned from his job Nov. 11 under pressure from various gay and lesbian groups and individuals connected with the theatre industry.

    Eckern had donated $1,000 of his own money toward YES on Prop. 8, the recently passed California Proposition which bans same sex marriages. This enraged the previously mentioned groups and individuals to the point where they were calling for a boycott of future California Musical Theatre productions until Eckern was fired.

    For groups who preach "tolerance," I find it highly hypocritical and disgusting that these hateful demands were made. It was Eckern's own money and had nothing to do with California Musical Theatre. And, acting on his personal beliefs, it was certainly not the business of anyone but Eckern who or what he donated his money to.

    I find it equally disappointing that California Musical Theatre did not stand up to these groups and instead threw Eckern under the bus, so to speak, for the good of the company. Plain and simple, CMT was blackmailed and gave in to the demands.

    This incident has totally changed how I look at the theatre industry. Certain "groups" obviously wield too much power and as long as they continue to get their way, everyone is in danger. This isn't about gay or straight. It's about losing your freedom of choice and being punished for supporting who or what you personally believe in.

    Mr. Eckern, you did nothing wrong and you have nothing to apologize for. It's unfortunate these people forced your resignation, but by doing so they've shown what they're really all about -- intolerance. I know I would never demand someone be fired for what they believed in no matter how much it differed from my views. It's really a sad message they send if they truly want equality and acceptance.

Ayesha Mazumdar, Connie Mockenha- upt, and Kirsten Swanson from "Holiday in the Hills." Photo by Allen Schmeltz Productions

HOLIDAY EVENTS

PRESENTED BY STAGE 9

    FOLSOM, Calif. (Nov. 11, 2008) - The award winning Stage Nine Theatre and the Stage Nine Entertainment Store & Gallery in Historic Folsom present the following Holiday Events.
    Nov. 21 – Dec. 28 - Holiday in the Hills a musical holiday review that runs Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m.
    Friday, Dec. 5 - Free Santa Clause photos from 5-8 p.m. on stage at the Stage Nine Theatre, 717 Sutter Street, Folsom.
    Friday, Dec. 5 - Christmas tree lighting in Historic Folsom that will include entertainment by Stage Nine Theatre.
    Dec. 5-22 - Santa Clause Photos every Saturday and Sunday from 1-7 p.m. plus Monday Dec. 22 from 2-8 p.m. in Santa's Workshop at the Stage Nine Store & Gallery, 705 Sutter Street, Folsom.  Proceeds from Santa Clause will go to the non-profit Theatre Production & Technical Academy of Folsom.
    Dec. 6-30 - A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail a musical adventure for the entire family with shows at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays plus extra weekday performances on Dec. 22, 23, 24, 29, & 30 at 1:30 p.m.
    Plus, it will snow every weekend in front of the Stage Nine Store & Gallery and the new Folsom skating rink will be open.
    Stage Nine Theatre is located at 717 Sutter Street in Historic Folsom and the Store & Gallery is at 705 Sutter Street. For show reservations, call (916) 353-1001.