Remember when musical theater was called musical comedy? True, dramatic plot turns have consistenly been essential elements in most of the Great White Way's all-singing, all-dancing productions. From the issue of racial discrimination explored in Jerome Kern's landmark "Show Boat" (1927) to the gritty realities of abortion, rape and suicide facing teenagers in Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater's "Spring Awakening" (2007), musicals often have featured some measure of conflict. Maybe it's the rose-colored opera glasses audiences tend to slip on when looking back, but some still bemoan Broadway's shift away from happy-go-lucky book musicals in which the most-serious issue was the question of wh

William Selby remembers well when he first heard about a little cabaret show that was generating buzz among New York theater fans. “I was a full-time actor at the time, and I had a roommate who was a waiter at this place – Palsson’s (Supper Club) on West 72nd Street,” Selby said. “He came home one night raving about something called ‘Forbidden Broadway’ and did a number for me. “I fell off the bed laughing – I knew I loved it right then and there.” Selby wasn’t the only one who embraced Gerard Alessandrini’s concept of a satiric revue that both celebrated and skewered musical theater. Since its opening 30 years ago this month, “Forbidden Broadway” played almost continuously in New Yor

On Friday, 13 January, Runaway Stage Productions began its 2012 season with the Broadway rendition of "The Wedding Singer," at the 24th Street Theater in downtown Sacramento. The adaptation of Adam Sandler's 1998 film tells of a romantic comedy set in the 80's where wedding singer, Robbie Hart attempts to win the heart of Julie who is to marry the wrong man. The musical adaptation is rife with dedications to the 80's: from style to pop-culture references as well as the dancing and the music to help illustrate the era for the audience. The production runs through February 5 with tickets available through Runaway Stage Productions, contact: (916) 207-1226 or go to www.runawaystage.com for

Can you belive 2011 is practically over? New Year's Eve is this Saturday and if you're still searching for plans, we here at Sacramento365.com have gathered up some activities for you. If you're looking for a great, family friendly New Year's Eve experience, complete with fireworks, be sure to head to Old Sac for the New Year's Eve Sky Spectacular. But, for those of you who are looking for some adult celebrations--no kids allowed--here're a few options to greet 2012 (see even more in our Top 10 & Holiday Event Section). Sacramento nightlife is kickin'! 1. New Year's 2012 Bash with Mickey Avalon: Ace of Spades, 7pm Hailing from Hollywood, Mickey Avalon is known to the world as one of the

The audience booed the villains and cheered the good guys, cued by the piano keys played by Musical Director John Cocuzzi Saturday during Sacra-Melo's production of "It's A Wonderful Life" aboard the Delta King. Sacra-Melo, a combination of the words “Sacramento” and “melodrama,” is a musical parody playhouse, co-founder Gary Winterholler, 46, said. He and his wife, 46-year-old Cammie Pavesic, started it in January. "I have done some work for another theater in town, and I loved it. I went and auditioned for the next show, but they did not cast me, and I said, ‘Let's start our company,’ " Winterholler said. The first musical parody Sacra-Melo performed was the "Phantom of the Opera," wh

El Dorado Musical Theatre held auditions Monday night for the classic Broadway musical, "42nd Street". Set in 1933, "42nd Street" tells the story of a chorus girl, Peggy Sawyer, who gets the chance to become a leading lady after the fading diva, Dorothy Brock, is injured before opening night of her Broadway show. Fresh off their multiple Elly Award wins and their critically acclaimed production of "Disney's Beauty and the Beast", El Dorado Musical Theatre drew a crowd of 53 local actors and actress, all between the ages of 13 and 22. Don't let age fool you. El Dorado Musical Theatre is far from your run-of-the-mill youth theatre group. Many of the performers are seasoned professionals, w

photographs by Barry WIsdom There's no bigger fan of the 1954 Paramount Picture production of "White Christmas" than yours truly. Frankly, I do not trust anyone who doesn't want to eat up this all-dancing, all-singing holiday confection with a great big spoon ("Yum! Yum!"). The Technicolor/VistaVision musical offers a solid score by Irving Berlin, and a host of cinematic triple-threats including Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. (OK - the women are really just double threats: the diminutive Vera-Ellen's singing voice was dubbed and Clooney is pretty much stiff as an overcooked gingerbread woman). The film also features a batch of wonderful supporting performances

If you’ve ever longed to see a Broadway Musical onstage, with a live 18-piece orchestra, here’s your chance, and in Sacramento! The Runaway Stage is presenting The Drowsy Chaperone through Oct. 2, 2011, with a cast of 19 talented performers. Singing, dancing, acting, they do it all with incredible talent and timing. A campy 1920s musical comedy within a play, the show is narrated by “the man in the chair” - played by Steve Minnow. He shows us how to beat the blues by listening to old musical comedy records. (yes, records). My favorite line is when he drops the needle on his antique record player and says “You hear that static. I love that sound. To me, it’s the sound of a time machine sta

The Who’s ‘Tommy’ Opening Night UC Davis Wright Hall Main Theatre Thursday, May 19, 2011   With an impressive cast of young performers, “Tommy” lives up to its past Broadway reputation in this UC Davis reproduction. The musical drama is not an easy feat—it is a rock opera composed completely of musical numbers, all of which are performed live on stage and accompanied by a live band. The story, tragic in many ways, is quite appealing. It captures the early childhood of a young boy named Tommy, and follows him throughout a series of family-induced trauma. The powerful message of hope and belief is clearly portrayed by the end of the play, as Tommy overcomes his struggles and emerges a

Delightful. Entertaining. Deliciously fun. What more could you want from a theater experience designed to celebrate the 40-year career of one of Broadways best and brightest? Sacramento Theatre Company presented the last in its 2010-2011 Cabaret Series Thursday night with “From Godspell to Wicked: The Musicals of Stephen Schwartz.” “From Godspell to Wicked” was a whirlwind tour of the 40-year career of one of Broadway’s most renowned composers and songwriters, Stephen Schwartz. The show presented melodies from some of Schwartz’s more famous stage plays, including “Godspell,” “Pippin,” “The Baker’s Wife,” “Children of Eden” and “Wicked,” and even included a few songs from some of Schwart

Currently in its second weekend (of four), New Helvetia Theatre’s production of “They’re Playing Our Song” is another winner from the young company. Founded two years ago, NHT has received high praise for productions that have included “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” “tick…tick…BOOM!” and “[title of show].” “They’re Playing Our Song” should appeal to fans of both musicals and plays, as a musical that probably has more distinctive dialog than production numbers. It’s not that the songs are weak, it’s just that the rest of the material comes from the pen of Neil Simon, and so it has that tone that makes it somewhat like watching a Woody Allen movie with musical interludes. The songs themselve

Here are some of the many music events happening in the Sacramento area this week. For more detailed information on these events and many more go to www.eMusiConnect.com. Sacramento Area Concerts & Music Events Through Sunday, March 20th: 9 to 5 The Musical at The Sacramento Community Center Theatre on 1301 L Street in Sacramento. Shows at 8PM, 2PM, and 7:30PM depending on date. Tickets are $18.00 - $70.00. A Grand Night For Singing at Cosmopolitan Cabaret on 1000 K Street in Sacramento. Continues WED-SUN. Show times are at 8PM or 7:30PM with some 2PM matinees. Tickets are $33.00 - $48.00. Friday, March 18th - Saturday, March 19th: Sacramento Ballet In-Studio Celtic Experience at 1631

Sometimes, reading (and writing) an acerbic review that drips acid like one of those drooling, double-jawed xenomorphs from "Aliens" can be more entertaining than the show itself.  Imagine an evaluation that begins, "If Dave MacDonald's Best of Broadway cast had dropped its sequin-covered panties and urinated all over the stage like an elderly Carol Channing, they literally could not do worse..." Sure, such a critique – clearly inspired by the delicious sarcasm of "Glee's" musical-hating cheer coach Sue Sylvester – might be a whole lot of fun on some admittedly sick, sick level, but comments like, "This is the most offensive thing I've seen in 30 years of reviewing – and that includes an

 photos by Barry Wisdom  Imagine being happily married for 36 years – more than three decades of bliss blessed with talented children and grandchildren. Along the way, you’ve earned the respect and love of your community, and while there have been a few tumultuous years marred by major moves (and even war), things seemed like they would continue forever. Then, out of the blue, you hit a rough patch when financial problems create a wedge between you and your beloved spouse. Money and even friends become scarce, and before you know it, you’re in a trial separation. Ultimately, the financial problems are resolved, but the time apart and the fear of history repeating raises real concerns ov

It’s not surprising only dedicated musical theater fans know of “Urinetown: The Musical.” Though it was nominated for a whopping 10 2002 Tony Awards, including Best Musical (winning for book, score and director), its title alone keeps many mainstream-oriented theater companies from considering it for their conservative audiences. Thank the Lord the Elk Grove-based Flying Monkey Productions isn’t one of those companies. Blessed with a solid musical quintet, lively choreography and detailed-oriented direction, FMP’s mounting of “Urinetown” at California Stage is a dark chocolate-coated confection that boasts outstanding lead voices among its youthful cast. Continuing through July 31, it’s a

The big top is flying up as the Sacramento Music Circus returns to the Wells Fargo Pavilion for its 60th anniversary season and 500th production. The seven-show 2010 season opens July 9 with Monty Python's "Spamalot" and closes Aug. 29 with "42nd Street." As always, season ticket holders contribute to the show selection by filling out surveys sent by the Music Circus months prior to the season opening. The highest-rated shows are selected assuming Music Circus can obtain rights to the show. This year "Funny Girl" was the second highest-rated show on the survey, which marketing director Christopher Bower described as "surprising." "If there is something we're maybe on the fence about but

Ma. Pa. Half-Pint. Mary. Almanzo. For those of us who grew up in the 1970s and '80s, these names mean something.   “Little House on the Prairie, the Musical” opened Saturday at the Community Center Theatre. Melissa Gilbert, who starred as Laura Ingalls Wilder in the original television series, plays the beloved “Ma”. And what a gift she gives audiences that have cherished her all these years.   The musical version of Wilder’s classic series published 75 years ago does a wonderful job of capturing the essence of her story. It is a tale of family, hardship, community and love. This adaptation does a fantastic job of portraying our infant country through the eyes of settlers in the Dakota

Laura Ingalls Wilder's personal story of her and her family's homesteading in the Dakotas, as a musical, has been expanded into a great American story of hard work and overcoming the odds to settle the Great Prairies. This production harkens back to musicals such as “Paint Your Wagon,” “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and even the masterpiece “Oklahoma!”  Although there is no composer Richard Rodgers and librettist Oscar Hammerstein II here, the production is very solid musical theater.  It would be difficult to find someone not familiar with the stories.   As a fourth grader, I had the stories read to me in a rural Washington country schoolroom shared with my second-grader sister.  It

Image 1: Composer John Bucchino works with actor Nanci Zoppi and Musical Director Graham Sobelman at the It's Only Life masterclass Image 2: John Bucchino explains his process of writing and composing during the It's Only Life masterclass Image 3: New Helvetia Founder and Artistic Director Connor Mickiewicz sings "Playbill", accompanied by composer John Bucchino at the It's Only Life masterclass   It's Only Life After an amazing first year, which included the critically praised productions of Hedwig and the Angry Inch and also Tick, Tick...BOOM (so good they had to bring it back), New Helvetia Theater hosts a unique musical event tonight at the Crest Theatre.  Tonight's one-night p

It's the "Season of Love" at the California Musical Theatre as the Broadway Musical Rent: The Broadway Tour comes to Sacramento. The musical follows a group of young artists who live in New York's East Village during the 1990s. Rent is a passionate story of friendship and love that challenges many tough subjects like AIDS, poverty, homophobia and drug addiction. Rent is a modern take on the opera La bohème, which was written by Giacomo Puccini in 1896. The show is the eighth-longest running on Broadway. Its success has been recognized multiple times, having received Tony Awards for Best Music, Best Score and Best Book, as well as Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1996.   The musical is maki