Stage Reviews
A…My Name Will Always Be Alice Studio Theatre revives last year’s production of this all-women revue that touches on the angst of womanhood - both tragic and comic angst - as sung to basic piano tunes and acted out in funny skits. This show tones down the bitterness of the Studio Theatre’s long-running Six Women with Brain Death (now in its eighth year) and ups the triumphs. It also includes more “women on the fringe” - singles, single moms, divorcées and widows. That said, there is little diversity explored. If you don’t fall into the white, middle-class, over-30, heterosexual range, you might not find much with which to align yourself. But even if you can’t relate, you’ll be entertained.
Studio Theatre, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and 2 p.m. Sunday; $15-$19. 1028 R Street, (916) 446-2668. Through May 16. 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 April 4. P.R.
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. Extended through May 9. P.R.
Convenience Sacramento’s actor-turned-composer Gregg Coffin wrote this show, which gets its West Coast premiere here. And it’s a wonderful show! The story involves a relationship between an estranged mother and son: She plans to remarry, and he needs to tell her he’s gay, but neither can clear the air because they’ve frozen each other out for 20 years. Coffin’s songs incorporate savvy lyrics with infections melodies. A week after you see this show, you’ll still be humming some of the tunes. This is a show we recommend across the board. Don’t delay, because it has a limited run.
Sacramento Theatre Company; 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday; $16-$32. 1419 H Street, (916) 443-6722. Through April 4. J.H.
Give ’Em Hell Harry! Local actor Joe Larrea revives this popular one-man show, which enjoyed a long run in Sacramento. Larrea is a solid choice to portray former president Harry Truman, in terms of both looks and temperament. This show covers Truman’s run-ins with Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin and some rascally Ku Klux Klansmen back in his native Missouri, and delves into Truman’s feelings about inheriting the presidency from Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Larrea’s warm, winning performance as the candid Truman is a welcome contrast to some recent (and current) occupants of the Oval Office who have a lot more difficulty telling the unvarnished truth.
Motherlode Performing Arts Company; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday; $16-$22. Veterans Memorial Building, 130 Placerville Drive in Placerville. (530) 672-3322. Through March 28. J.H.
In Bed with Chuck and Lois This play, presented by Beyond the Proscenium Productions, is a comedy about the very married for the very married. Though the title sounds salacious, the play is actually a mild-mannered glimpse at a well-established couple’s dance of communication. Local playwright Joni Hilton looks at the 20-year marriage of a committed couple and adds an ingenious twist by having two additional actors act out the real thoughts behind the couple’s careful comments. Unfortunately, though the play is filled with sharp dialogue, clever repartees and some nice performances, it too often feels dated and clichéd. It shows us a good old-fashioned marriage but not overly compelling theater.
California Stage; 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday; $12-$15. 1723 25th Street, (916) 922-9774. Through April 10. P.R.
