Short Review: Gandhi!

The B Street Family Series moves into its new 380-seat home with this original show, designed for American teens/tweens (and their parents). It’s a historically-based hip-hop musical (think Hamilton) with dramatic scenes depicting Gandhi’s nonviolent campaign for India’s independence, and a racially polarized American high school today (with a white bully telling darker-skinned kids they don’t belong). It’s a well-integrated 90-minute show with a worthy message… the music (Noah Agruss) is strong, and the larger stage provides space for crowd scenes and dance numbers that weren’t feasible in the former 100-seat venue—a win/win for both artists and audience. Sat 1pm, Sun 1pm. Through 3/11; $23 adult, $15 children; B Street Family Series at The Sofia, 2700 Capitol Ave.; (916) 443-5300; www.bstreetheatre.org.