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; 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 infectious 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; 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. Extended through April 10. 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.
Jar the Floor Celebration Arts revives last spring’s production of this African-American comedy. Four generations of women—and a visiting Jewish girlfriend—gather for the matriarch’s 90th birthday. They discuss their dreams and goals, sexual satisfaction and men (do women really need them?). They also debate who’s been selfish and who’s made sacrifices as a mother or daughter. Each woman represents a different era and attitudes, sometimes in obvious ways, but the cast and director (Linda Goodrich) make a strong case for Cheryl West’s script.
Celebration Arts; 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday; $10-$12 ($6 on Thursday). 4469 D Street, (916) 455-2787. Through May 2. J.H.
The Memory of Water There’s nothing like death to bring a family together, but togetherness is not always pretty. Such is the gathering of three sisters, who come home to bury their mom and drag all their baggage with them. What follows are the snips, slings and stings of sisters who are swimming and drowning in a sea of memories and secrets. What makes this production so fun is the obvious affection the cast members have for one another. The script is clever, funny and insightful, though it’s sometimes uneven in its approach to comedy and drama.
Delta King Theatre; 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday; $8-$22, with dinner-and-show packages available. 1000 Front Street in Old Sacramento, (916) 995-5464. Through April 18. P.R.
Titus Andronicus Titus Andronicus is the nasty underbelly of William Shakespeare’s tragedies. It’s lurid, cruel and violently vengeful and involves rape, murder, amputation and cannibalism. Titus contains attitudes toward women, blacks and non-Christians that are, by today’s standards, politically incorrect at best. Why stage it now, in low-budget mode, with semi-modern dress? Well, it’s still a disturbing play, and the fact that it was apparently popular in Shakespeare’s time tells us something. (And don’t forget that similar atrocities were committed recently during the Liberian civil war.) The title role is a ghoulish vehicle for an older leading man who’s willing to shoot for the moon, as veteran actor Ed Claudio does. Alexandra Ralph is devastating in her mute mutilation scene.
Actor’s Theatre; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday; $12-$14. 1616 Del Paso Boulevard, (916) 925-6579. Through April 18. J.H.
