Stage Reviews
Driving Miss Daisy This show is an all-star reunion, with actress Janice Read Hoberg and Dale O. Black reprising their Elly-award-winning performances from a production of the same play at Garbeau’s 10 years ago. This time around, they’re joined by James Wheatley, a multiple Elly winner who’s one of the best actors in town. The direction is a little loose, but this is a very strong show otherwise. The story, of course, involves a 25-year relationship, strained at times, between an aging Atlanta matriarch and her black chauffeur. Alfred Uhry’s script (for which he won a Pulitzer in 1988) is warm but not as sentimental as the subsequent film. Some episodes, such as the bombing of a Jewish temple, echo events we’ve experienced all too recently right here in River City. The show is at Garbeau’s Dinner Theatre, at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and at 12:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $17-$34. Garbeau’s is at 12401 Folsom Boulevard, Rancho Cordova. Call 985-6361. Through November 3. J.H.
The Glass Menagerie Most people have heard that The Glass Menagerie is a great American play—so how come it’s been years since we’ve seen a professional production locally? Foothill Theatre Company’s stylish autumn offering ends that drought. The show can be admired from many different angles: the chemistry between cast members Sam Misner, Sharon Winegar, Karyn Casl and Joel Bischoff; the moody lighting (Les Solomon); and, of course, the playwright’s way with language and characters—incredibly lively and very funny at times, framed by hauntingly lyrical backward glances. Director Lynne Collins gets at the family dynamics (love and dysfunction, side by side) without getting mired in gloom and doom. I recommend this play especially for anyone who’s never had the opportunity to experience the classic live. Nevada Theatre, 7 p.m., Thursdays; 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m., Sundays. $5-$21. 401 Broad St., Nevada City, (530) 265-8587. Through October 27. J.H.
Off the Map Set in a rural New Mexican household straight out of the Whole Earth Catalog (circa the early 1970s), this play features a deeply depressed dad, a resourceful mom, an incredibly perky 12-year-old daughter (local girl Rebecca Clouse) and a few family friends. On the surface, the script functions as a memory play with many comic scenes. But a larger payoff sneaks up on you, and the sum emerges as larger than the whole of its parts. 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, with Wednesday matinees at 2 p.m. on October 2, 9, 16 and 23, $16.50-$20.50. 2711 B St, 443-5900. Through October 27. J.H.
Picnic Chautauqua Playhouse delivers a strong production of this classic script by William Inge. The setting is Middle America, 50 years ago. But forget about pious endorsements of traditional values: We’re talkin’ single moms, a romantically inclined teen and a handsome white-trash wanderer from Arkansas. Good performances from the large cast of community actors and director Bob Irvin make for a handsome production. Chautauqua Playhouse, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday matinees on Sept. 22 and 29. $11-$12. 5325 Engle Road (in the La Sierra Center), Carmichael, 489-7529. Through October 5. 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, 7 p.m. Sunday, $16-$19. 1028 R St., 446-2668. Open-ended run. J.H.
Tartuffe Director Vada Russell goes for broad humor in this boisterous production of the classic Molière comedy about an outwardly reverent, privately grasping and lecherous “friend” who worms his way into the confidence of a gullible businessman. There’s plenty of fussing and pouting and physical fun. The setting is moved to California in the 1850s, and there’s even a little Clint Eastwood spoof toward the end. Main Street Theatre Works in the Sutter Creek Theatre; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, September 22; $10-$14. 44 Main St. (Highway 49), Sutter Creek, (209) 267-1590. Through October 5. J.H.
The Woolgatherer This unlikely story of romance features a smart (but occasionally crude) truck driver, who’s hoping for a one-night stand—and perhaps something more—with a shy, solitary young woman whom he meets by chance. The script by William Mastrosimone will hold your attention, but the main reason to see this show is a pair of good performances by local actors Stephen Vargo (a versatile fellow, always an asset on stage) and Maria Rogers. The action takes place in a single room; this small production is at the Thistle Dew Dessert Theatre, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, $12-$18. 1901 P St., 444-8209. Through October 12. J.H.
