October 7th – October 29th Saturdays & Sundays at 1:00 PM
Adapted by Kathryn Shultz Miller from the story by Washington Irving
Directed by Allen Schmeltz
Rated: G
The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow is fun and spooky, adapted from the classic story by Washington Irving and presented with all the thrills, chills and laughs that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The storybook tale revolves around four main characters—the bumbling, awkward schoolteacher Ichabod Crane, the coquettish Katrina Van Tassel, and Ichabod’s brutish rival Brom Bones. It even saves the best for last—the ride of the Headless Horseman. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is perfectly exciting family entertainment for the Halloween season!
“It steals the audience and steals hearts,” wrote a critic when this warm and moving play opened at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, South Carolina. A young boy discovers his grandfather is dying. The old man’s behavior is different; he’s short-tempered and no longer tells his wonderful stories. The boy enlists the grandfather’s aid in helping him with a school project—counting the stars. Their togetherness seems to renew the old man’s interest and he begins telling stories, one of them about the dragon in the sky. The dragon, he explains, is there to guard the stars. An old legend says that should the stars be returned to earth; it would mean a new paradise with no unhappiness, no death. Hearing this, the boy goes off to slay the dragon and return the stars to earth, seeking a means of keeping his grandfather from dying.
The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “Anything can happen if you let it.”
Based on the Novel, “The Hundred and One Dalmatians” by
Dodie Smith
Pet owners, Roger and Anita, live happily in London with their Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, stalwart dogs devoted to raising their puppies. Everything is quiet until Anita’s former classmate, the monstrous Cruella De Vil, plots to steal the puppies for her new fur coat. The Dalmatians rally all the dogs of London for a daring rescue of the puppies from Cruella and her bumbling henchmen. Based on the classic animated film, Disney’s 101 Dalmatians KIDS is a fur-raising adventure featuring Cruella De Vil, Disney’s most outrageous villain, and 101 of the most adorable heroes to set their paws onstage. With a high-spirited score and lovable characters, this stage adaptation is certain to charm and delight all audiences.
The story takes place in the late 1880’s right here on Sutter Street where the residents of the town and surrounding areas have gotten together to celebrate the Holidays. A lot of research went into the people and places that were here in the late 1800’s, give or take a year or two, and everyone you see was an actual resident or visitor to Folsom at that time of year. Come see a show guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. One of the most enjoyable shows of the year with dynamic characters and fun, current music!
Appropriate for all ages and guaranteed to put you in the Holiday Spirit!
Music by Frank Cipolla, Christopher Bond, Melissa Morris and George Reinblatt
Evil Dead The Musical takes all the elements of the cult classic films, The Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2, and Army of Darkness and combines them for one of the craziest, funniest, and bloodiest theatrical experiences of all time. Five college students go to an abandoned cabin in the woods, and accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them all into demons. It’s all up to Ash (a housewares employee, turned demon-killing hero), and his trusty chainsaw to save the day. Blood flies. Limbs are dismembered. Demons tell bad jokes… and all to music. You don’t need to be a fan of Evil Dead to love this show. You don’t need to be a fan of horror to love this show. You don’t even need to be a fan of musicals to love this show. As long as you like having fun… this show is for you. Plus it’s the only show with a “Splatter Zone” – a section of the audience that gets covered in fake blood. And with this combination of blood, jokes, cheesy effects, and really awesome musical numbers, Evil Dead The Musicalis unlike any live show you’ve ever seen. JOIN US!!!!!
Featuring more than 20 hit Queen songs, We Will Rock You follows two revolutionaries as they try to save Rock in a post apocalyptic world. Featuring the songs “Another One Bites the Dust”, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Killer Queen”, “We Will Rock You”, “Somebody To Love”, “We Are the Champions”, “Don’t Stop Me Now,” and many more.
After a victorious 12-year reign and having rocked over 7 million people in a record-breaking run, We Will Rock You played it’s final West End performance on May 31, 2014 and achieved the distinction of becoming the longest-running show ever at London’s Dominion Theatre. We Will Rock You has been performed in 28 countries around the globe and seen by more than 16 million people.
August 25th – September 24th Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 PM Sundays at 4:30 PM
Written by Ernest Thompson
Directed by Janelle Kauffman & Stephen Kauffman Produced byKauffman’s Give Us A Hand Productions
Rated: G
This is the love story of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who are returning to their summer home on Golden Pond for the forty-eighth year. He is a retired professor, nearing eighty, with heart palpitations and a failing memory—but still as tart-tongued, observant and eager for life as ever. Ethel, ten years younger, and the perfect foil for Norman, delights in all the small things that have enriched and continue to enrich their long life together. They are visited by their divorced, middle-aged daughter and her dentist fiancé, who then go off to Europe, leaving his teenage son behind for the summer. The boy quickly becomes the “grandchild” the elderly couple have longed for, and as Norman revels in taking his ward fishing and thrusting good books at him, he also learns some lessons about modern teenage awareness—and slang—in return.
Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience.
An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.
This show has a rating of PG-13.
Check out this preview of our fantastic cast performing The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!
Humpty-Dumpty Is Missing! is an affectionate spoof of the private-eye thrillers of the 1940s and ’50s and an exciting, funfilled way to introduce young audiences to this classic genre. Sammy Scoop is a private investigator in the tradition of his grandfather, Samuel Shovel and his father, Sam Spade. Sammy faces the biggest challenge of his illustrious career with the sudden fall and disappearance of the jolly Humpty-Dumpty who apparently had no enemies. But Sammy and his sidekick, Alice from Dallas, soon come up with a list of suspects who had motive and, perhaps, opportunity. Mistress Mary, Rip Van Winkle, Henny-Penny, Peter Rabbit and his sisters, Rapunzel and the Handsome Prince (who, because he is a painter, prefers to be called the Artist Formerly Known As the Handsome Prince) are among the many suspects called onto the carpet. A last-minute surprise appearance by two of fairy tales most celebrated characters, Mother Goose and Mother Hubbard, finally help Sammy and Alice nab the culprit (the least likely suspect, of course—we’d never break tradition in that important area).
In the madcap comedy tradition of Lend Me a Tenor, the hilarious Moon Over Buffalo centers on George and Charlotte Hay, fading stars of the 1950s. At the moment, they’re playing Private Lives and Cyrano De Bergerac in rep in Buffalo, New York with five actors. On the brink of a disastrous split-up caused by George’s dalliance with a young ingénue, they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinee, and if he likes what he sees, he might cast them in his movie remake of The Scarlet Pimpernel. Unfortunately for George and Charlotte, everything that could go wrong does go wrong, abetted by a visit from their daughter’s clueless fiancé and hilarious uncertainty about which play they’re actually performing, caused by Charlotte’s deaf, old stage-manager mother who hates every bone in George’s body.
Original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel
Additional Material by James Fenton
Based on the novel by Victor Hugo
In nineteenth century France, Jean Valjean is released from years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a lifelong struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean’s adopted daughter.
It’s the 1940s. Kay Ridgeway is cruising on the River Nile on the paddle steamer Lotus. Kay has led a charmed life. Blessed with beauty, enormous wealth, and a new husband, she embarks on a honeymoon voyage down the Nile. Fatal circumstances await when the idyllic surroundings are shattered by a shocking and brutal murder. Under scrutiny is a multitude of memorable passengers, all with a reason to kill. The tension and claustrophobia builds, as a shocking and audacious conspiracy is laid bare.
Enter the magical world of twelve princesses who love to dance. Each night, they sing the song that allows them secret passage into the enchanted forest. Once they arrive, the trees sparkle and chime with silver and gold leaves, beautiful music plays and the spirit of their mother watches over them. In the meantime, their father, the king, is perplexed, and the shoemaker and his apprentices are exasperated, but the princesses must dance. Then one day, the king (tired of finding twelve pairs of worn shoes outside his daughters’ room each morning) issues a proclamation. The first person to discover the secret of where the princesses go each night shall receive his or her heart’s desire and eight bags of gold!
Due to its popular demand, Duck Hunter Shoots Angel returns for an encore!
by Mitch Albom
DUCK HUNTER SHOOTS ANGEL is the uproarious story of two bumbling Alabama brothers who have never shot a duck, but think they shot an angel. As they lament their fates in a murky swamp, they are chased by a cynical tabloid journalist and his reluctant photographer, who don’t believe any of it—until feathers, wings and a tiara are discovered along the way. The play hysterically interweaves a love story, sibling rivalry, tawdry media, race relations and cultural stereotypes as the chase to find the angel builds to a crescendo in the swamp. Ultimately a sweet allegory about redemption, DUCK HUNTER SHOOTS ANGEL has been hailed by audiences as a rare comedy with a surprisingly heartfelt lesson.
Where: The Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter Street in Folsom
Who: Directed by Michael Coleman
by Mitch Albom
DUCK HUNTER SHOOTS ANGEL is the uproarious story of two bumbling Alabama brothers who have never shot a duck but think they shot an angel. As they lament their fates in a murky swamp, they are chased by a cynical tabloid journalist and his reluctant photographer, who don’t believe any of it—until feathers, wings and a tiara are discovered along the way. The play hysterically interweaves a love story, sibling rivalry, tawdry media, race relations and cultural stereotypes as the chase to find the angel builds to a crescendo in the swamp. Ultimately a sweet allegory about redemption, DUCK HUNTER SHOOTS ANGEL has been hailed by audiences as a rare comedy with a surprisingly heartfelt lesson.
Character descriptions:
Sandy (late 30s, 40-ish): a tabloid journalist. Cynical, a little jaded, a little self-hating. Sandy had plans, and they did not involve tracking would-be Angel shooters for The Weekly World and Globe.
Lenny (30-ish, African American): a photographer. Has even less desire than Sandy to be on this particular assignment.
Lester (30s): a tabloid publisher. Fast talking, fast walking, always looking for an angle. Lester knows what his readers want, and Sandy better get it for him – yesterday.
Duane (late 20s to early 50s, southern accent): one of the Duck Hunters. Duane’s not the brightest bulb in the chandelier, but he’s trying.
Duwell (late 20s to early 50s, Southern accent): the other Duck Hunter, and Duane’s younger brother. Duwell is a little dimmer than Duane, but sweeter with it.
Woman (late 20s, Southern accent): sweet, thoughtful, supportive, but some spark and spunk as well.
Kansas (teenager, 17. Southern accent): Smart girl with a smart mouth – but likeable.
Gator Man/Phil (no age specified): Gator Man. A strong, physically comic actor who moves well. Fun role without a lot of lines, but lots of presence.
The Voice/Loan Officer (40s). Commanding vocal presence; actor is mostly heard, not seen – the inverse of Gator Man.
Please bring a headshot and resume if you have them.
The audition will be cold readings from the script.
The show runs February 24 – March 18 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 4:00pm.
We will be having an additional audition for The Twelve Dancing Princesses thisSunday, January 14th at 7:00 pm.
When: Sunday, January 14th at 7:00
Where: The Annex, 710 Figueroa St, Folsom
Who: Directed by Lisa Dillon
Parts to be filled:
1 Comedic Male
1 Romantic Male
1 Non-Singing Male
Ensemble Roles – any age or gender
All ages from children to seniors are invited to audition.
What to bring: Please bring a headshot and resume if you have them and be prepared to sing a short song or excerpt from a song. Bring piano sheet music or a CD. No a cappella please if possible! There will also be a dancing audition so dress appropriately.
Rehearsals start Monday January 15th.
When: Sunday, January 7th at 7:00
Where: The Annex, 710 Figueroa St, Folsom
Who: Directed by Lisa Dillon
Book and Lyrics by Jennifer Kirkeby
Music by Shirley Mier
Enter the magical world of twelve princesses who love to dance. Each night, they sing the song that allows them secret passage into the enchanted forest. Once they arrive, the trees sparkle and chime with silver and gold leaves, beautiful music plays and the spirit of their mother watches over them. In the meantime, their father, the king, is perplexed, and the shoemaker and his apprentices are exasperated, but the princesses must dance. Then one day, the king (tired of finding twelve pairs of worn shoes outside his daughters’ room each morning) issues a proclamation. The first person to discover the secret of where the princesses go each night shall receive his or her heart’s desire and eight bags of gold! After an entertaining visit from the Prince of Arrogance (“Talking about me is my favorite thing to do!”), Matthew the commoner comes to visit. And when the Spirit Mother gives Matthew an invisibility cloak, events rapidly begin to change.
All ages from children to seniors are invited to audition.
What to bring: Please bring a headshot and resume if you have them and be prepared to sing a short song or excerpt from a song. Bring piano sheet music or a CD. No a cappella please if possible! There will also be a dancing audition so dress appropriately.
Spirit Mother King Phillip Handmaidens double as Shoemaker’s Apprentices and Townpeople Two Royal Guards Hearld Head Shoemaker Prince of Arrogance / Townsperson Matthew – Ability to play guitar or flute is a plus.
*Note: There are non-singing and non-dancing roles in the show.
Running Dates:
Feb. 10 – March 18, Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00
It’s that time of year again. For me and for many families in the Folsom area, Sutter Street Theatre’s annual production of “Holiday in the Hills” is not to be missed. Written by the managing directors of Sutter Street Theatre, Connie Mockenhaupt and Mike Jimena, the show has just opened its 12th version.
In her “Director’s Notes” in the program, Mockenhaupt explains: “The story takes place in the late 1800s right here on Sutter Street where the residents of the town and surrounding areas have gotten together to celebrate the holidays. A lot of research went into the people and places that were here in the late 1800s, give or take a year or two, and everyone you see was an actual resident or visitor to Folsom at that time of year.”
Sound like a boring history play? Nothing could be further from the truth. The research Mockenhaupt speaks of is all in the play’s Playbill, not on the stage. What is on the stage is the most scintillating evening of holiday-themed song and dance I’ve ever enjoyed. You won’t care that Christopher Celestin is appearing as Ab Fleckenstein, who owned a soda fountain. You’ll just be glad he’s back on stage with his outstanding singing and dancing. The beautiful Comstock sisters, Mia and Zoe, are Nan Burnham and Fannie Hoke, but there is no “final exam” where you will be expected to name the characters. With this show, all 33 cast members could be historical Folsom founders, but you will sit entranced at the beauty and skill of these delightful performers.
Hazel Johnson and Paul Griesen, here George and Evelyn Grumble, are regulars on the Sutter Street stage, and here represent the audience for the show, watching and commenting on the others, but occasionally feeling compelled to join the fun. Dian Hoel returns as stage performer Adah Isaacs, who performed tied to the back of a running stallion. At Sutter Street, Dian, in addition to performing in this show, is also the show’s choreographer, who has again made the cast into professional-quality dancers.
I can’t forget Mockenhaupt, the show’s co-author and director, as the saucy Emma Spencer, the town madam, who flirts shamelessly not only with the men in the cast, but those in the audience as well. And Mockenhaupt’s husband, Jimena, holds the show together as Peter J. Hopper, the owner and editor of the Folsom Telegraph. His reading of “The Night Before Christmas” is always a highlight of the show. Non-stop musical accompaniment is skillfully provided by Kale Coppin—the piano playing ladies man Jacob Hyman in the 1880s.
If “Holiday in the Hills” is not one of your family’s annual traditions, perhaps it should be. See this year’s show and you’ll likely resolve to return next year and hopefully many years to come. It is the most fun show you’ll see this holiday season! Oh, and you will be a participant in the show as well. Guaranteed.
The Carsino Show has returned – in the style of the Johnny Carson show as if it were done by the Mafia! Live music plus tributes to Liberace, Carol Burnett, Frank Sinatra, Rodney Dangerfield, Dean Martin, Abbot & Costello and more with your host, Johnny Carsino.
Performances will be held outdoors under the stars on the patio of The Gaslight Co. at 718 Sutter Street with socially-distanced nightclub cabaret seating. Masks are required and temperatures will be taken upon arrival. A full bar will be available.
There will be three performances: Friday March 26th & Saturday March 27th at 8:00pm and Sunday, March 28th at 4:00pm. Seating is limited so make your reservations early. Tickets are $20 each.
by Bill Counts, Annie McWilliams and Seth Fortna-Hanson
Music and Lyrics by Kale and Cory Coppin
Directed by Kale and Cory Coppin
When high school basketball star Derik Nelson’s parents think he might be gay, they whisk him off to Camp Son Beam, a “pray-away-the-gay” camp for sexually confused teens. Pitted against the camp’s bigoted and maniacal director, the campers must learn to overcome their differences, blur the line between ‘straight’ and ‘gay,’ and teach each other– and the camp staff– a valuable lesson about acceptance.
July 14 – August 5
April 7 – May 6
March 24 – April 29*
February 10 – March 18
The Carsino Show Under The Stars
Straight Camp