"The Conductor" Is Worth Seeing

2010-02-08T03:32:54Z

B Street Theatre's new production, "The Conductor: Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad," is a great experience.

The play, which is part of B Street Theatre's Family Series, made its debut in time for Black History Month. It tells the story of Harriet Tubman as she helps a slave, Jeremiah, escape to freedom in 1850s America. Jerry Montoya authored this B Street Theatre original production.

"The Conductor" was written with children in mind, but that doesn't mean it is dumbed down. Instead, it portrays the struggles of being a slave in a way that is easy to understand and accessible for young viewers but is harrowing and intense enough that the experience is not diminished.

This makes the play engaging for adults as well as children. That the production presents slave life in a family-friendly manner is perhaps its greatest strength, but "The Conductor" has many other qualities.

The actors portray their characters with conviction and emotion. The stage bursts with personality, allowing the audience to invest in the unfolding events. Skyler Cooper, who plays Harriet Tubman, deserves special mention for transforming a meek mother in one scene to a powerful and convincing leader in the next.

The play's target on young viewers does have its faults, though. The plot is fairly simple and the supporting characters are never fully fleshed out. One character in particular has a quick change of heart that might not seem believable. But "The Conductor" is well told and well acted, and is great for the young audience.

Considering that the venue holds only about 150 people, the production values are quite good. The sets are well designed, if a bit sparse, consisting mostly of a few backdrops and a constructed porch. The sound effects are adequate, with ambient noise such as crowd chatter and hooting owls coming through the speakers when appropriate. The technical side of the play always compliments the solid acting, which is the anchor of the play.

"The Conductor: Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad" is moving and powerful, and entertains both children and adults. It's one you'll remember long after you have left the theater.

"The Conductor," B Street Theatre, weekends through March 14, 1 and 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 to $22, available by calling 916-443-5300. B Street Theatre is at 2711 B St.

A Little naughty with your nice this holiday

2009-11-26T03:15:43Z

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 to the Capital Stage website.

Before David Sedaris became the best-selling author and Grammy-award nominated humorist he is today, he was an unemployed, struggling writer in New York. In a desperate attempt to make a few bucks, Sedaris was hired as "Crumpet the Elf" at the famous Santaland Macy's display in New York City. Similar to the movie "Bad Santa," Sendaris experiences the other side of rosy cheeks and cheery Christmas tunes — exasperated holiday shoppers.

"[Sendaris] did a reading of "The SantaLand Diaries" in Chicago in the early 90s on National Public Radio," Mohrmann said. "That is really what brought so much attention to him, it launched his career."

The show became so popular, it is shown across the country and has become a National Public Radio annual tradition, Mohrmann added.

Capital Stage artistic associate Janis Stevens will direct Foothill Theatre Company member Gary Alan Wright in this one-man play. Also, this one-hour play has been recommended for "Mature Elves" due to some graphic language.

In the spirit of giving, Mohrmann hopes the comical play will excite people to see more local performances in and around the Sacramento area.

"It is important to really see all the great theatre performances going on," he said. "That is my wish for the holiday season."

Capital Stage is located at 1000 Front St. in Old Sacramento. "The Santaland Diaries" will hold previews starting Nov. 27 at 8 p.m. Opening night is Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. Ticket prices vary depending on the date and time. The schedule can be viewed here.

Capital Stage is also running "Dinner & Show" tickets, which features a three-course meal on the Delta King. Tickets range from $49 to $56, not including taxes or gratuities.

Group rates and ticket discounts (students, seniors, preview days) can be viewed here.

Tickets can be purchased here.

"The Santaland Diaries" will conclude on Dec. 27 at 2 p.m.

Photo courtesy Capital Stage website.

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"The Conductor" Is Worth Seeing

A Little naughty with your nice this holiday