Stage Reviews
Benched Local playwright Richard Broadhurst contributes a well-crafted script that incorporates a present-day fable of regret and redemption without getting mawkish about it, while simultaneously coming up with frank, funny lines and some interesting surprises in the plot. Veteran actors Eddie Jones and Rod Loomis are a pleasure to watch at close range on STC’s cozy Stage Two; Elisabeth Nunziato and Brian Henderson contribute solid performances in supporting roles; director Michael Butler sustains the show’s understated charm like a magician doing the Indian rope trick. Sacramento Theatre Company, 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, $16-$35. 1419 H St., 443-6722. Through February 24. J.H.
The Heiress This very well-balanced production features an outstanding cast (led by veteran actor Jack Lynn, in a notable performance, backed up by Miriam Gray, Gillen Morrison and Katie Valdivia), good direction and gorgeous set and costumes. The story, based on Henry James’ 1881 novel Washington Square, is neatly complimented by the historic atmosphere of the beautifully restored Woodland Opera House (built in 1896, when James was in his heyday). Woodland Opera House, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $7-$14. 340 Second St., Woodland, (530) 666-9617. Through February 24. J.H.
How the Other Half Loves Three couples—the men work in the same office—and multiple suspicions of infidelity (real and imagined) fuel the domestic farce How the Other Half Loves. Noted British playwright Alan Ayckbourn wrote the clever script. The production features a “split screen” set depicting two households side-by-side, with overlapping events. Director Adrienne Sher handles the verbal and physical humor skillfully; the cast of six local actors (including Nicole Hayes, Miranda McClenahan, Dan Slauson and Ken Figeroid) alternate smoothly between innocence, intrigue, anger and guilt. Delta King Theatre, on the riverboat at 1000 Front St. in Old Sacramento, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Show-only seats are $14-$16. Dinner/brunch and show tickets are $36-$41. 995-5464. Through March 2. J.H.
The Late, Great Henry Boyle A shy, reclusive professor of medieval literature gets the shock of his life when his novel—dashed off while drunk—becomes a runaway best seller. The script, by David MacGregor, takes some deft jabs at academia and pop culture, as well as the perils of fame. But at its heart, the play is a routine romantic comedy (just in time for Valentine’s Day). A strong, solidly professional cast, including newcomer Ken Roht and regulars Jamie Jones, Kurt Johnson and Anthony De Fonte, make the show feel more substantial than it really is. B Street Theatre, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, $16.50-$20.50. 2711 B St., 443-5300. Through February 24. J.H.
Love Letters For Valentine’s Day (and after), this production features different couples from the local theater community, reading A.R. Gurney’s popular play, which relates the story of two lifelong friends (and lovers) from the time they’re growing up well into middle age, told through the exchange of old-fashioned letters—the kind the postman used to bring. We’re not rating it, because the cast rotates from week to week. Thistle Dew Dessert Theatre, 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday. $16, reservations required. 1901 P. St., 444-8209. Through March 30. J.H.
Mousetrap This, the longest-running play in theater history, is classic Agatha Christie, with its understated murders, intricate plot lines, well-placed red herrings and an assortment of English eccentrics. Through the clever script and earnest acting, this production manages to keep the audience’s attention despite slow pacing, wandering accents and a freezing theater. Michael Coleman is notable as flighty drama-lover Christopher Wren, and the rest of the cast looks like it’s having fun, despite the uneven performances. Theatre El Dorado, 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, $10-$13. El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive, Placerville, (530) 626-5193. Through March 3. P.R.
The Old Settler This comedy of courtship is set in Harlem, circa 1943. The arrival of a good-looking young man from rural South Carolina sets off a string of funny conflicts. He’s come to the Big City to retrieve his girlfriend, but she’s changed her name and isn’t interested in going back home. At the core of the story is the relationship between two 40-something sisters—one of whom catches the young man’s fancy. The cast is terrific, and the set’s a beauty, which compensates for a certain predictability in John Henry Redwood’s feel-good script. Celebration Arts Theatre, 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. $10-$12 ($6 on Thursdays), 4469 D St. (at 45th), 455-2787. Through March 2. J.H.
Othello This no-frills, modern dress production featuring a local cast is anything but consistent. The opening is sketchy, and a few scenes land with a dull thud. But lanky Jeff Young brings nobility and quiet rage to the title role, while Scott Divine (as khaki-clad enlisted man Iago) is chilling as he spins fetid lies. Supporting actors, sometimes weak in the first half, gradually rise to the task. The powerful emotions (love, jealousy, hate, revenge) that make this a great play are summoned to life. Bear with this little show’s inadequacies—when all is said and done, Othello’s tragedy is real. Actor’s Theatre, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $12-$14. 1616 Del Paso Blvd., 925-6579. Through March 24. J.H.
Six Women With Brain Death This very campy revue is Sacramento’s longest-running show, having celebrated its fifth anniversary in October. It’s a series of skits and songs about midlife women with “expiring minds,” dealing with soap operas, high-school reunions, grocery shopping and getting away from the kids. While the show clearly tickles the funnybone of its core audience (females over 40), our critic found the appeal elusive and the humor generic. But then, he’s a middle-aged guy. Studio Theatre, 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $14-$18. 1028 R St., 446-2668. Open-ended run. J.H.
