Stage Reviews

Drinking Alone As ever with the B Street, this is a smartly executed show with a well-chosen, likeable cast. But this attractive talent is harnessed to a so-so script—in this case, the fourth offering at the B Street by Canadian writer Norm Foster, who’s got a knack for comic dialogue, but wouldn’t make anybody’s list of “10 Best Playwrights.” It’s a pleasant but unambitious show, with plot developments you can spot a mile off. The
B Street Theater , which used to surprise us with edgier material, is resting a bit too comfortably on its laurels.
B Street Theater , 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. $16.50-$20.50. 2711 B St. (916) 443-5300. Through August 5; may be extended. J.H.

Macbeth Director Luther Hanson plays up the witches and their supernatural interventions in this carefully planned production featuring a large cast of local actors. Actor Blair Leatherwood gathers momentum and speaks some of Shakespeare’s greatest speeches in the title role amidst bagpipes, blind ambition, betrayal and bloody vengance. Arrive early with a picnic basket for best lawn seating, and take a sweater for the late evening breeze. Sacramento Shakespeare Festival, 8:30 p.m. August 3 and 5., $8-$10.
William Land Park Amphitheatre . 558-2228. Through August 5. J.H.


Resident Alien A lighthearted summer entertainment about a space alien busboy (with a penchant for junk food) who indulges in an earthly joy ride in rural Wisconsin. Good performances from the cast, smart direction from Sheldon Deckelbaum of UC Davis, and a handful of heartfelt quotes from serious works keep the otherwise tipsy script on an even keel.
Nevada Theatre , 7 p.m. Thursday; 8:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday; matinees 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $5-21, 410 Broad St., Nevada City. (888) 730-8587 or (530) 265-8587. Through August 19. J.H.


The Three Musketeers With a superb supporting cast as well as excellently placed leads, this show—directed by City College Theater instructor Kim McCann—delivers the high-quality production audiences have come to expect from the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival over the past 16 years. At times the plot seems to get lost within the three-hour production, but it always manages to weave its way back to an entertaining storyline. With its authentic period costumes and an innovative use of set and lighting, The Three Musketeers lends itself well to the outdoor theater. Sacramento Shakespeare Festival, 8:30 p.m. August 4. $8-$10.
William Land Park Amphitheatre . 558-2228. Through August 4. M.B.C.


Whodunnit Directed by Rodger McDonald, Whodunnit is a satiric comedy that pokes fun at the classical murder mysteries. While the production runs into less-than-adequate lighting choices, technical pluses of the production lie in Eileen Beaver’s well-made costuming choices and an eye-pleasing set design. The script also includes a slightly homophobic subplot that, unfortunately, is not played off well into the campiness of the production. Overall, though, Whodunnit is a delightful light comedy full of campy dialogue and characters as well as surprises and laughter that should provide an evening of fun for mystery lovers. Garbeau’s Dinner Theater, 6 p.m. dinner shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and an 11 a.m. brunch Sunday, $27-$32. 12401 Folsom Blvd., Rancho Cordova. 985-6361. Through Sept. 2. M.B.C.