FICTION by Steven Dietz at Capital Stage There’s an old adage in theatre that audiences attend with ‘a willing suspension of disbelief’. That is to say that they willingly set aside the truth and accept the fact that Peter Pan can fly even though the wires holding him up are plainly seen. That applies to theatre, film, and especially literature. But what if we believe every word we read? Can fiction become fact? Is something true simply because we believe it? In 2003 author James Frey wrote a memoir of his struggle with addiction called ‘A Million Little Pieces’. He was lauded as a troubled genius with a brilliant future, and America loved him. When the truth came out that a portion of

Trust and betrayal took the stage Friday with the opening of "Fiction" at the Capital Stage. The play by Steven Dietz, follows a dramatic love triangle that took the audience on a trip through the characters pasts. "Fiction" is about married writers Linda and Michael and how their lives were not what they seemed. Linda finds out she is dying and at her request, is allowed to read her husband's journals since he will read hers once she is gone. From there, the plot twists and turns, and as it moves between the past and the present their diaries reveal bits and pieces of their lives. The play keeps the audience guessing, unfolding the truth with each scene. I was expecting a more serious

Capital Stage is testing the boundaries of trust and suspicion in its new provocative drama "Fiction" by Steven Dietz. The theater's description of the play tells of two married writers, Michael and Linda, who decide to read each others' diaries and find that their relationship is not as open as it seems.As a woman emerges from the pages, the realization that trust and betrayal both exist begins to change the way they understand the past and the present. Production designer Jonathan Williams describes the twists and turns of "Fiction" best with a line from the play: "The lies begin when we lift the pen." Dietz has written over 20 original plays since the 80's, many of which revolve arou

"I'm a 30-year-old man applying for a job as an elf," said the man in the gray hooded sweatshirt, looking less than thrilled about his new position. It was Gary Alan Wright, telling the story of his elf alter ego, Crumpet, and the mischief he got into during his time in Santaland, the mall's winter wonderland. The stage looked the part, with a beautiful Christmas tree, toys and Santa's throne. The lone cast member of "Santaland Diaries" kept the people at the Capital Stage aboard the Riverboat Delta King laughing out loud at the play by humorist David Sedaris. Wright transformed into Crumpet on stage, stripping down to his green knickers and candy-cane stockings. He accomplished this whi

Treat yourself to a tasteful helping of holiday humor with the wickedly truthful "The Santaland Diaries."  Presented by Capital Stage in Old Sacramento, "Diaries" focuses on the crazy, "insane things" the holiday season tends to bring out in just about everyone - parents and hired elves alike.  "This is an adult take on how adults act around Christmas," said Peter Mohrmann, Capital Stage manager. "We've told every Christmas story over the last few years, we really wanted to show something different." Unlike cheery Christmas classics such as "It's a Wonderful Life," "White Christmas" and "Christmas Carol," "Diaries" has more of a "witty, sardonic and unpredictable" aftertaste, according

Capital Stage has a history of delivering funny and clever new plays, and tonight's performance was no exception.  "Erratica: An Academic Farce" written by the precocious Reina Hardy in her late teens is just that and more.  A friend and I went to the opening "Preview" performance on Saturday, July 11th at 7 pm, and enjoyed walking from our parking place in a light warm rain along the Old Town Sacramento waterfront to the Delta King where the theater is located.  We were lucky to get third row center seats, and the baroque music playing before the show was familiar and delightful.  The audience was expectant and cheerful. Managing Director, Peter Mohrmann gave his usual enthusiastic welco

  David Mamet's breakthrough 1977 tragicomedy, American Buffalo, is about to receive a Sacramento revival at Capital Stage on Friday, March 27, 2009. Performances for American Buffalo will begin with three previews on Saturday, March 21 at 7pm, Sunday, March 22 at 2pm, and Thursday, March 26 at 8pm, and will open on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 8pm. Performances continue through April 26, 2009. Showtimes will be Thursdays - Sundays as follows: Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 7pm , and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets prices range from: $24-$32. Discount tickets are available as follows: Preview tickets: $15; Thursday student tickets: $12; Sunday matinees senior tickets: $18; Group rates

If you have ever done something despite your better judgment, maybe chose to follow the crowd instead of following your gut to avoid hard, emotionally painful work, then you will understand Charlie, the provocative and complex protagonist in Theresa Rebeck's fierce, edgy, raw and scathing new comedy The Scene opening at Capital Stage on Friday, January 23, 2009. The Scene will make its Sacramento premiere with three preview performances on Saturday, January 17 at 7pm, Sunday, January 18 at 2pm, and Thursday, January 22 at 8pm, and will open on Friday, January 23, 2009 at 8pm. Performances will continue through February 22, 2009. Showtimes will be Thursdays - Sundays as follows: Thursdays