Stage Reviews
The Peculiar and Sudden Nearness of the Moon Sydney Spencer is discovering dark family secrets. “Dark,” as in the color of her newborn baby’s skin, a color that doesn’t match the paleness of either parent. The idea of how one incident can topple an ingrained identity and belief in one’s own skin color, culture, and class is a fascinating topic explored in this is a world premiere from multiracial playwright Velina Hasu Houston. Most of this works, if you keep in mind that the play is still being work-shopped. There is much to applaud about this production, from the thought-provoking subject matter to the talented cast. However, Houston needs to lessen the dramatics of the first half and pull together the second half.
Sacramento Theatre Company; 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, 8 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday; $32-$36. 1419 H Street, (916) 443-6722 or (888) 4-STCTIX, www.sactheatre.org. Through December 31. P.R.
Throwing Parties Writer/director Buck Busfield’s new holiday play introduces us to a working-class Italian-American family in the economically-declining Midwest. The story begins as domestic comedy (with a Catholic twist) based on everyday life, and we treasured the marvelous, mute performance by white-haired Mitch Agruss, the patriarch of the B Street acting company. But all this is suddenly interrupted by serious real-world events as the story spins into crisis. Yet just when despair is closing in, there’s an otherworldly intervention. Need we add that there’s a warm and fuzzy ending? The final scene could still use a bit of tweaking, but, for the most part, this is a good little play.
B Street Theatre, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 5 and 9 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, no show Thanksgiving Day, but an added performance Sun. Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. 2711 B Street, Sacramento. $25-$30, with discounts for students, seniors. (916) 443-5300. Through December 31. J.H.
Steambath The action in this dark existentialist comedy takes place in a steamy spa, with men lounging around in white robes and towels, talking about their lives and relationships. Confused newbie Tandy slowly realizes he’s dead, and this room is limbo, a stop on the road to wherever the afterlife leads. Although the thought of being dead unnerves Tandy, being introduced to God as a Puerto Rican steam-bath attendant sends him over the edge Though the play can be a bit frustrating at times, it’s never dull. It’s best to sit back and let the steamy dialogue engulf you. Allow the heavier questions to linger, and enjoy the impressive performances.
Actor’s Theatre, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday; $14-$15. 1616 Del Paso Boulevard; (916) 925-6579; www.actinsac.com. Through December 10. P.R.
Tell Me on a Sunday This is a great showcase for a talented performer to show off her singing and acting chops, and that’s just what Alexandra Ralph does in this Andrew Lloyd Webber one-woman musical. This story of Emma, a British hat designer trying to make it in New York City, is told all in song and without dialogue. To succeed, one has to be an engaging performer with an impressive singing voice. Ralph delivers on both counts. Unfortunately, this is basically a string of songs about Emma’s string of men. We begin to wish Emma would spend as much time finding a life as she does finding, losing and pining for men. This revival of last May’s production is the Actor’s Theatre’s first effort at its new Folsom venue.
Actor’s Theatre of Folsom; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3:30 p.m. Sunday; $20-$22. Stage Nine Entertainment Store and Theatre, 717 Sutter Street in Folsom; (916) 933-8008. Through December 31. P.R.
The Vagina Monologues SacActors.com revives its long-running show. Reviewing it in 2005, Patti Roberts wrote, “This play with the gutsy title takes a taboo subject matter—a basic body part of every woman—and makes it acceptable to talk about. For this production by SacActors.com, three actresses trade off monologues in front of deep-red velvet panels. The performances examine not only the word, but also the body part, and all the shame, power, fear and beauty that vagina owners carry with them. The play is great fodder for after-show conversations.”
Geery Theater; 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday; $14.50-$17.50. 2130 L Street, (916) 451-4152. Extended through December 3. P.R.
