Posts filed under: Family Series

Family Series

Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom, CA

Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom, CA – Family Series features shows ideal for the whole family, even the little ones! We offer musicals, comedies, musical revues, mysteries and featured entertainers in an intimate, 60 seat theatre.

Below is a list of our current Family Series Show Schedule

Click Here To View Archive Pages Of Previous Family Series Shows

Sarah, Plain and Tall

May 7 – May 29
Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 PM

Written by By Joseph Robinette

Set in the early 1900s, this play brings to life the charming, heartwarming story of a Kansas farmer, Jacob Witting, a widower with two children—Anna and Caleb, who places an ad in the newspapers seeking a wife. He receives a letter from a Sarah Wheaton of Maine who says she will visit the family for a month to see how things work out: “I will come by train. I will wear a yellow bonnet. I am plain and tall.” Narrated by Anna reminiscing on the eve of her wedding, the story unfolds in a fascinating flashback on that often exciting, sometimes tumultuous month when Sarah and the Wittings came to know one another and learned a few things about themselves as well. The joys and challenges of everyday life are richly depicted in this classic which the New York Times called “an exquisite, sometimes painfully touching tale.” The School Library Journal said the book “is filled with wisdom and gentle humor…a tender story about the fragile beginnings of a family relationship on its way to permanence.”

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Pinocchio

January 29- February 20
Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 PM

Written by Kathryn Schultz Miller

Pinocchio tangles with tricksters, Fox and Cat, and Lampwick and his no-good buddies in the Land of Toys. Will he save Geppetto from the belly of the whale? Will he ever prove that he is good enough to become a real boy?

The story really comes alive, as Lorenzo invites you to see his show at Sutter Street Theatre. The audience helps Pinocchio locate Hickory the Cricket, there’s a puppeteer with live puppets, kindly Geppetto, mischievous kids and so much more … including the whale.

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A Wrinkle in Time

September 11- October 3

By John Glore

Adapted from the novel by Madeleine L’Engle

One of literature’s most enduring young heroines, Meg Murry, is back – braces, stubbornness and all. Once again, she’s joining forces with Mrs. Whatsit, Charles Wallace, Calvin O’Keefe and more to battle the forces of evil so she can rescue her father, save humanity and find herself. In the end, we know two things for sure: 1. Love CAN overcome evil and 2. There IS such a thing as a tesseract.

Kids (under 12) can attend Wrinkle in Time free if accompanied by an adult who has paid full admission.

 

Call (916) 353-1001 for more information.

The Lion King KIDS

July 18 – July 26

Music and Lyrics by Time Rice and Elton John

Book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi

Disney’s The Lion King has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world and now, for the first time ever, you have the opportunity to produce this one-of-a-kind musical in your school. The African savannah comes to life on your stage with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle… and back again, in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale.

Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm

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Charlotte’s Web

January 25 – February 16

Adapted by  Joseph Robinette

Based on the book by E.B. White

The Children’s Literature Association named this “the best American children’s book of the past two hundred years,” and Joseph Robinette, working with the advice of E.B. White, has created a play that captures this work in a thrilling and utterly practical theatrical presentation. All the enchanting characters are here: Wilbur, the irresistible young pig who desperately wants to avoid the butcher; Fern, a girl who understands what animals say to each other; Templeton, the gluttonous rat who can occasionally be talked into a good deed; the Zuckerman family; the Arables; and, most of all, the extraordinary spider, Charlotte, who proves to be “a true friend and a good writer.” Determined to save Wilbur, Charlotte begins her campaign with the “miracle” of her web in which she writes, “Some pig.” It’s the beginning of a victorious campaign which ultimately ends with the now-safe Wilbur doing what is most important to Charlotte.

Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm

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The Berenstain Bears on Stage

Book and Lyrics by  Stan and Jan Berenstain

Music by Elliot Lawrence and Jamie Broza

The “world’s foremost expert on the Berenstain Bears,” guitar-strumming Cowboy Joe, is the show’s stage director—introducing and commenting on the play’s five episodes which are based on five classic Berenstain Bears books. The Berenstain Bears’ New Baby: Small Bear is an only cub, and he is a little lonely. But, he is growing—he has outgrown his own little bed. And he is about to become a big brother! Papa Bear builds him a new, bigger bed as they talk about the coming birth of the new baby in the family. When Sister Bear arrives, Small Bear becomes Brother Bear and he finds, to his delight, that he won’t be lonely anymore. The Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room: All families have a messy room or two in the house. In the Berenstain Bears’ tree house, the cubs’ room is the messiest. Mama Bear decides it’s time for a major cleanup; comic conflict results, which is solved by Papa Bear’s neatness plan. The Berenstain Bears and the Double Dare: It’s hard to resist someone daring you to prove you’re not a chicken! Neighborhood bullies, Too Tall and his gang, put Brother on the spot by daring him to swipe one of Farmer Ben’s watermelons. Farmer Ben catches Brother in the act and gives him good advice about dealing with bad influences. The Berenstain Bears Tell the Truth: An impromptu game of soccer inside the Bears’ tree house results in one very broken lamp. Brother and Sister concoct a far-fetched story about a bird flying in the window and knocking the lamp over. Somehow, Papa and Mama Bear doubt this explanation. As the truth comes out, Brother and Sister learn that “no matter how you try, you can’t make truth out of a lie.” The Berenstain Bears Get Stage Fright: Sister Bear is selected to be the star of the Bear Country School production of Grizzlystiltskin. She is very nervous about her role and has trouble memorizing her lines. She practices and practices to get them right. Brother has no such problem—he is supremely confident. But on the night of the performance, Brother gets stage fright and forgets his lines while well-prepared Sister not only has her own part down pat but feeds Brother his lines as well.

Call (916) 353-1001 for information.

Wind in the Willows

November 20- December 12
Saturdays & Sundays at 1:00PM

By Kenneth Grahame
Adapted for the stage by Richard Hellesen
Music and Lyrics by Michael Silversher

A new musical version of the classic story.  Tired of spring cleaning his dismal little home, Mole ventures up into the Wide World, embarking on a series of adventures with his new companions–the clever Rat, wise old Badger, and especially the motorcar-crazed Mr. Toad.  From boating to caravanning to the Battle of Toad Hall, they’re adventures that, in the end, still lead back to the home that is always waiting, happy to hear a song sung like willows in the wind…

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Call (916) 353-1001 for more information.

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

April 2 – April 16
Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 PM

April 22 at 7pm
April 23 at 4pm
April 24 at 4:30pm

Written by  Joseph Robinette

This new dramatization of C.S. Lewis’ classic, set in the land of Narnia, faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. The intense action features chases, duels and escapes as the witch is determined to keep Narnia in her possession and to end the reign of Aslan. All the memorable episodes from the story are represented in this exciting dramatization: the temptation of Edmund by the witch, the slaying of the evil wolf by Peter, the witnessing of Aslan’s resurrection by Susan and Lucy, the crowing of the four new rulers of Narnia, and more. The supporting characters are also here: the unicorn, the centaur and other forest animals, along with Father Christmas, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver and Tumnus the Faun. This story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, is a true celebration of life.

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Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail

December 14 – December 29*

Book, music and lyrics by James W. Rodgers

Inspired by A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh.

 

A very special Friend-and-Relation tells Christopher Robin a story of a Christmas Eve very long ago (about last year) when Eeyore, the old gray donkey who lives by himself in the thistle corner of Hundred-Acre Wood, was absolutely miserable. It seems that he lost his tail and Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet got all of their friends and a search was organized. There is a great deal of fun and excitement, plus delightful songs, in the adventure that follows. Its theme, which concerns caring, sharing and the importance of cultivating friends, makes this a very special and enchanting musical suitable for any occasion.

 

Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm

(12/17, 12/18, 12/19, and 12/20 at 4 pm)

(12/23 and 12/27 at 1 pm)

 

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13: The Musical

October 12 – November 24

Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown

Book by Dan Elish and Robert Horn

Geek. Poser. Jock. Beauty Queen. Wannabe. These are the labels that can last a lifetime. With an unforgettable rock score from Tony Award-winning composer, Jason Robert Brown, (ParadeThe Last Five YearsBridges of Madison County13 is a musical about fitting in – and standing out!

Evan Goldman is plucked from his fast-paced, preteen New York City life and plopped into a sleepy Indiana town following his parents divorce. Surrounded by an array of simpleminded middle school students, he needs to establish his place in the popularity pecking order. Can he situate himself on a comfortable link of the food chain… or will he dangle at the end with the outcasts?!?

 

Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm

 

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Little Red Riding Hood and the Magic Dragon

September 7 – September 29*

Book by David and Julie Payne

Lyrics by Julie Payne.

Music by Martha Yordy

 

“And Little Red Riding Hood lived happily ever after” is where Little Red Riding Hood and the Magic Dragon begins. But Little Red isn’t really happy! Through the song, Fairy Tale Lament, we learn that she has grown tired of her story. She dreads knowing that every time someone opens up her book she will be forced to relive the same old familiar tale. With the help of Toby, a lovable, comical magic dragon, Little Red sets off for new adventures. Along the way she meets, and sometimes becomes, other fairy tale characters like princes and witches and frogs. She manages to find excitement and sometimes danger. Ultimately Little Red’s magical journey brings her to the realization that anything is possible and that imagination is the true beginning of everything.

 

Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm

*September 21st will be at 10:3o am

 

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The Secret Garden

 

May 5 – May 26

by  Jerry Montoya

After Mary Lennox is orphaned, she becomes the ward of an uncle in England she has never met. As she adjusts to her new life at secluded Misselthwaite Manor, Mary discovers a secret garden. If she can uncover the mysterious circumstances behind the garden, she might be able to save her sickly young cousin and melt the heart of her emotionally distant uncle. A touching coming-of-age story, based on the classic novel.

 

Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm

 

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Stuart Little

 

February 2 – February 24

 

Adapted by Joseph Robinette

Based on the book by E.B. White

 

This is the endearing classic about a mouse named Stuart Little who is born into an ordinary New York family. All the charm, wisdom and joy of the E.B. White original are captured in this adaptation by Joseph Robinette, who also dramatized the highly acclaimed stage version of Charlotte’s Web. The many adventures—both big and small—of Stuart Little are brought vividly to life in this story theatre presentation. The acting ensemble plays many human and animal roles in a series of delightful scenes that make up the marvelous maneuverings of a mild-mannered mouse trying to survive in a “real people’s world.”

 

Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm

 

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The Magic Toyshop

Dec. 10, 11, 17, and 18 at 1:00pm

Dec. 16, 20,  21, 22, 23, 27, 28 & 29 at 4:00pm

 

Book and lyrics by Patricia Clapp and Dyanne Earley
Music by Kevin Stites

Rated: G

When the Master Toymaker sprinkles a touch of Magic Doll Dust on the wonderful dolls he has made, they come to life in a surprising way. They realize how unusual they are when they find they can walk, talk and breathe. The Master Toymaker realizes it too, and decides he does not want to sell them. They are too wonderful to be “mussed, crushed and handled” by loving children. The dolls, however, take the opposite view. Dolls are meant to be loved, and these dolls don’t want to miss anything. With the aid of an unusual customer who visits the toy shop, and additional aid from the audience, the dolls achieve their desire to be given to children at Christmas. A happy holiday musical which involves everyone.

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Little Women

November 3 – December 2

No performance November 4th

by Peter Clapham

Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott

 

The story of Little Women, Louisa M. Alcott’s famous novel, is so well known and so well loved that it is hardly surprising that many attempts have been made to portray its characters upon the stage. None has yet been so successful, however, as this brilliant dramatization by Peter Clapham. The structure of the play faithfully covers that of the novel, interweaving the lives of the March girls, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, and Laurie, the boy next door, as they grow up happily together.

 

 

Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00

 

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The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

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!

 

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The Boy Who Stole the Stars

August 11 – September 8

by Julian Wiles

 

 

“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.

 

Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00

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Humpty Dumpty is Missing! or The Mysterious Case of the Fallen Egg

May 19 – June 17

by Joseph Robinette

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).

Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00

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The Twelve Dancing Princesses

February 10 – March 18

Book and Lyrics by Jennifer Kirkeby

Music by Shirley Mier

Directed by Lisa Dillon

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!

Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00

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Choices

 January 13 – February 4

An original work by Jenny Connors and the Breaking Borders Company

Music and lyrics by Cory Coppin and Kale Coppin

Directed by Alison Gilbreath

 

Toby doesn’t want to go to summer camp.  He’d rather stay home, alone in his room with his games.  He has a bad attitude about everything and everyone until he is visited by three spooky friends, each with their own lesson.  Join Toby on his journey with Old Man Smithers, the Lady of the Pond, and the Spirit of Summer.  Adults and children alike will be tapping their toes along with this fun musical that teaches about the power of positive thinking and taking a chance on friends.

Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm

 

Teachers who are considering bringing Choices to their school get a free ticket.

Call 916-353-1001 to reserve a seat.

 

Click Here to Purchase Tickets