With the opening of their current production, Stephen Sondheim's "Merrily We Roll Along,” New Helvetia Theatre makes a big jump in its growth as a theater company. The barely 3-year-old company, under founder Connor Mickiewicz, has brought Sacramento audiences wonderful contemporary musical theater productions that, for one reason or another, would not otherwise be produced here. But taking on a play like "Merrily We Roll Along," by such a master as Sondheim, required a great deal of growth in almost every area for New Helvetia. I am happy to report that it has all come together and that their production is a critical success and should be a very rewarding experience for its viewers. The

Opening its 61st season with a highly popular contemporary musical with good casting has paid off for California Musical Theatre’s Music Circus. “The Producers,” which opened Tuesday night, involves a failed Broadway producer whose most recent show closed on opening night. A passing remark by the low level accountant sent in to audit the books puts the plot in motion. If the producer would have a guaranteed flop, they could bank the investment, close the show and keep the money. They set out to find the worst play, a lousy director and terrible actors. Many complications and much humor ensue, along with lots of great songs and dancing. “The Producers: the new Mel Brooks Musical,” while b

Hedwig and the Angry Inch New Helvetia Theatre By Tony Sheppard Capitol Weekly This column normally focuses on film, but occasionally something else comes along that warrants attention. “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” the first full production of the New Helvetia Theatre, is one of those. Familiar to many from the film adaptation or prior stage productions, “Hedwig” tells the story of a transgendered East German who undergoes a botched sex change operation in a bid to emigrate to America. That brief description alone makes it clear that it’s not material that would appeal to all audiences, and it’s certainly not a show for most kids. But this is a phenomenal production of a heartfelt and in