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BWW Review: Sacramento Goes Under the Sea with THE LITTLE MERMAID
Since Sacramento last saw "The Little Mermaid," director Glenn Casale has fin(e)-tuned Disney's script and created a near-perfect, spectacle of a production. The unofficial mini-tour of the show comes to Sacramento courtesy of California Musical Theatre this week only and is already sold out. ...
BWW Review: FROZEN on Ice
The fame of the phenomenon-hit film "Frozen" has already landed it Broadway and theme park versions in the works. But there was one venue for which the popular musical was more than meant. Given its lead female's "cool" powers, it was only a matter of time before Elsa, Anna, and all their friends re...
BWW Review: You're a Good Show CHARLIE BROWN
Although other vocals and one or two instances of odd timing could use work, the Merced production stays true to the heart of "Charlie Brown." After all, "Happiness" is so often found in live theatre....
BWW Review: Broadway Sacramento's PIPPIN is Extraordinary
The "magic to do" in Broadway's "Pippin" owes as much to simple storytelling and relatable "players" as to actual magic tricks and acrobatic wonders. A knife-throwing act here, a disappearing act there, the grand circus tent concept that helped the musical win its Tony Award for Best Revival fits f...
BWW Review: Merced's MARY POPPINS Makes the Sun Shine Bright
One word describes Playhouse Merced's production of 'Mary Poppins,' and it isn't supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Rather, in a version of the Disney classic that refuses to take itself too seriously, the word of the day is fun. Pure fun. Merced has its share of mishaps. Mary does not fly and Bert...
BWW Review: Stockton Goes Under the Sea with LITTLE MERMAID
Stockton Civic Theatre journeys fathoms below to the sights and sounds of the sea with Disney's 'The Little Mermaid.' Those sights and sounds had technical issues at Wednesday's preview performance, but given the excellent overall production value and the strong, positive audience reaction, the big ...
BWW Review: ELF Decorates Sacramento with Christmas Spirit
Based on the 2003 Will Ferrell film, "Elf" the musical is as "Sparklejollytwinklejingley" as its title character. Santa reads a children's book. Elves tap dance. And it snows inside the Empire State Building. Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin's infectious songs see romantic skaters at Rockefeller Cent...
BWW Reviews: WEST SIDE STORY Delivers Something Good at Music Circus
When Music Circus presented a spectacular production of 'Big River' earlier this summer, it seemed nothing could top it. Four weeks later, 'West Side Story' has come 'cannonballing down through the sky, gleam in its eye, bright as a rose.' Playing through Sunday at California Musical Theatre's Wells...
BWW Reviews: Lovely Thoughts Work Magic in PETER PAN at Music Circus
Glenn Casale's history with "Peter Pan" has been one awfully big adventure that's unlikely to end any time soon. The California Musical Theatre Artistic Director headed the Tony-nominated 1999 Broadway revival, which subsequently saw an A&E television broadcast and multiple tours. The show visited ...
BWW Reviews: BOOK OF MORMON Gives Big, Bright Wonderful Hello to Fresno
Unconventional theatre that honors conventional, musical theatre classics. F bomb after F bomb that somehow manage to be surprisingly inoffensive. Hilarious joke after joke opposite shocking reality. "Book of Mormon" is full of pairs. It even begins with a very catchy number titled "Two by Two," in ...
BWW Reviews: BYE, BYE BIRDIE Gives Sacramento a Happy Hello
Every so often a musical comes along that is just pure fun. In a humorous imitation of the likes of Elvis Presley and his fan girls, "Bye, Bye Birdie" became just such a production, followed by two film versions and earning a place in pop culture with well-known songs like "The Telephone Hour" and "...
BWW Reviews: BIG RIVER at Music Circus Delivers Big Emotions
'Big River' at Sacramento Music Circus is the show to see this summer. Director Michael Heitzman makes optimal use of the company's round stage, working with choreographer AC Ciulla to balance an amusing first act with a heavier second half. ...
BWW Reviews: A Weekend in Wine Country - Transcendence Theatre, Sonoma Valley Inn, Wine Tastings and More!
Sonoma County is known as the wine lover's dream destination. More than wine, however, this Northern California region is near to miles of gorgeous Pacific coastline, over 50 parks with hiking and cycling trails, world-class restaurants, boutique shopping, and a one-of-a-kind outdoor theatre experi...
BWW Reviews: Music Circus Provides a 'Loverly' MY FAIR LADY
Music Circus opened its 2015 season Tuesday evening with Glenn Casale's enchanting production of the Lerner and Loewe classic "My Fair Lady." Casale's direction and Bob Richard's choreography scatter gems of endearing humor throughout. At three hours, the show drags at times, but the lengthy dialo...
BWW Reviews: CINDERELLA Gets the Royal Treatment
Originally written for film and often seen on stage, Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella has kept a solid heart over the years, with each adaptation featuring some unique song or casting choice. Now comes the touring production of the recent Broadway hit, visiting Sacramento through May 17. Adapted...
BWW Reviews: SPAMALOT at Playhouse Merced Full of Laughs
And the Arthur Award goes to… Playhouse Merced for its production of Monty Python's Spamalot. Actually, the production, which plays now through May 24, could win several "Arthur" awards: Best use of "Sir Not Appearing." Best use of original staging. Best reference to previous season shows. Honorab...
BWW Reviews: DOGFIGHT at Green Valley Theatre
Dogfight, playing now through May 17 at Green Valley Theatre Company, definitely fits into the 'Something Else' category of the company's slogan: Classics. Comedy. And Something Else....
BWW Reviews: ONCE Awes in Sacramento
Perhaps the show's title comes from its surprisingly magical "once upon a time" storytelling. Or maybe it refers to its short timeframe wrapped around a once in a lifetime crossing of paths. But one thing is for certain, the Tony Award winner for Best Musical is all at once appealing. Even when lea...
BWW Reviews: NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT is 'Delishious' Broadway Fare
The Broadway production of "Nice Work If You Can Get It" played for just over a year in New York with the fame factor of Matthew Broderick and Kelli O'Hara pulling in audiences. The current national tour may not last long either, with its only Northern California stop currently in Folsom. But the pr...
BWW Reviews: INTO THE WOODS a Wish Come True
Be careful what you wish for… but if your wish is for great theatre, your wish is granted. Playhouse Merced offers a creative set and fantastic cast in Sonheim's "Into the Woods."...
BWW Reviews: MAMMA MIA a Crowd Pleaser
Mamma Mia! Here we go again! The sensational Abba-inspired tour returned to the Gallo Center for the Arts Thursday evening with yet another sold-out run ahead. After more than ten years on Broadway and with numerous International and North America tours, the pop musical heads to Fresno for its next ...
BWW Reviews: JOSEPH a Technicolor Surprise at CALMT
Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice wrote Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as a mosaic of musical styles and humor, meaning any dream will do for design and concept. American Idol husband-wife team Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young bring a tech and color production to Sacramento this week. And Tue...
BWW Reviews: CAMELOT a Dazzling Masterpiece
The lyrics tell all. "In short there's simply not a more congenial spot than here in Camelot," now lodged at Fresno's Saroyan Theatre through tonight only. Originally launched into success by Julie Andrews and Richard Harris, the classic receives a new, simplified staging with an overwhelming ambian...
BWW Reviews: BEAUTY & THE BEAST in Fresno
The newer production of the musical, which I have seen twice before in addition to the Broadway production, moves at a quick pace with added slapstick humor and a gorgeous aesthetic. Despite the few down sides to a trimmed script, the changed direction allows the cast space to make characters their ...
BWW Reviews: THE HOUSE OF YES at GLM
Wendy Macleod's play, The House of Yes puts the funk in dysfunctional, but without the 'n,' if you get my drift....
Videos
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Backroads of the Americas - Solo Guitar NAMBA Performing Arts Space (6/27-6/27) |
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PRIMARY TRUST By Eboni Booth B Street Theatre (10/07-11/01) |
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Clinically Un-Depressed Resurrection Theatre (5/01-5/30) |
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WHEN MARTHA MET KRIS: THE SANTA CLAUS LOVE STORY B Street Theatre (12/02-12/27) |
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The Crane Wives Ace of Spades (6/14-6/14) |
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Three Days Grace, I Prevail & The Funeral Portrait at Golden 1 Center Golden 1 Center (11/17-11/17) |
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Espejos: Clean Capital Stage (5/06-6/07) |
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WORKING FOR CRUMBS By Kate Danley B Street Theatre (6/17-7/12) |
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Great Balls of Fire The East Sonora Theatre (7/24-8/09) |
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2026 Night Nation Run - Los Angeles, CA Fairplex (11/07-11/07) |
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