Stage Reviews
Arranged Marriage Arranged Marriage is lovely. It’s also joyful, funny, exquisite, sad and thought-provoking. This world-premiere play looks at the arranged marriage of a young woman from India and her eventual immigration to the United States. Lead actress Shahnaz Shroff delivers a heartfelt, moving performance as young Sumita. This intimate piece presented by two main actresses and a four-person dance ensemble shares Indian ceremonies, customs, costumes, myths, music and dance. There is an abruptness in the second half that stops the flow of the story, but it’s forgivable considering the overall winning nature of the production.
Sacramento Theatre Company; 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, 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-$32. 1419 H Street, (916) 443-6722. Through April 25. P.R.
Around the World in 80 Days Phileas Fogg has 80 days to go around the globe. B Street Theatre has two hours to capture Fogg’s amazing and colorful journey on stage. Both succeed brilliantly. This production of Jules Verne’s classic adventure tale is imaginative, creative and enjoyable. Even more impressive, the play is done without props, scenery or a large cast. Five actors portray more than 30 characters. It’s hard to determine who’s having more fun—the talented cast or the appreciative audience.
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; $17.50-$21.50. 2711 B Street, (916) 443-5300. Extended through March 21. P.R.
Slow Dance on the Killing Ground This small, low-budget production takes on William Hanley’s long (two intermissions), serious play from the early 1960s. It’s a three-character chess game of ideas, set in the dead of night, touching on prejudice, prostitution, abortion, Nazism and education. Ultimately, it focuses on whether it’s better to flee when faced with overwhelmingly bad odds, or to take a difficult, principled stand and risk the worst. Director Vada Russell and actors William Powers, Michael Turner and Jamie Kale don’t hit the bull’s-eye every time, but they come close enough to bring this powerful, dark script to life. Recommended to lovers of serious work.
Celebration Arts, 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday; $10-$12 weekends and $6 Thursday. 4469 D Street, (916) 455-2787. Through March 13. J.H.
Still Life with Iris Iris is a happy youngster in the land of Nocturno, where the residents scurry around at night to create the daytime world. One day, Iris is chosen as “the perfect child” and sent to the Island of the Great Goods, where they collect one of every perfect specimen. As part of the deal, her memory is erased. Eventually, Iris learns life lessons about family, community, diversity and the joy of imperfection. The cast is full of fun and vigor, the costumes are quirky and colorful, and the dialogue has heart and humor (with enough asides to keep the older crowd amused).
Children’s Theatre of California; 7 p.m. Friday, and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; $15-$20. 2711 B Street, (916) 443-5300. Through March 21. P.R.
