Donald’s weekend picks
I’m going to depart from my usual format and make just one pick this week: Live Theater.
(OK, so that’s actually a bunch of picks, but you get the idea.)
By my count, there are TWELVE shows from Tulare to Oakhurst you can see tonight. I highlight a chunk of them in my roundup of theater openings in today’s issue of 7, and I’ll tell you more about them after the jump. But first: My top show is “Next to Normal” at StageWorks Fresno, which I’ve written extensively about on the Beehive. It’s a must-see. My review is here.
An added bonus: StageWorks Fresno holds its acclaimed “cabaret” tonight featuring cast members and non cast-members singing a variety of tunes. If you love musical theater, this special performance — a once-in-a-run StageWorks tradition — is a blast. A little bird tells me that there will be all sorts of surprises. And Ashley Taylor will be singing something so new it isn’t even in print yet! The show is expected to start about 10:40 or so. Tickets are $10.
OPENING WEEKEND:
Check out my story in 7 for details. I’ve already told you at length on the Beehive about “Calamity Jane” at Good Company Players and “Big River” at CenterStage Clovis Community Theatre. Some more options:
SLEEPING BEAUTY (KIDS): Children’s Musical Theaterworks opens this stage adaptation based on the popular film. The show stars CMT’s youngest performers, ages 6-10.
THE BROTHERS GRIMM SPECTACULATHON: Presented by the The E&e Performing Arts Center in Kingsburg. The fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm are fractured as two narrators and several actors attempt to combine all 209 stories into one story.
SIXTEEN IN 10 MINUTES OR LESS: Jump Right In Productions presents this original play written by Bradley Hayward, at the Broken Leg Stage. The cast features high school students from the Fresno-Clovis area.
LAST WEEKEND
There are only three performances left of AVENUE Q at the Main Street Theatre in Visalia. (Read my review here.) Plus: This show features a cabaret — this one free — after tonight’s performance featuring cast members plus special guests.
AND DON’T FORGET
Woodward Shakespeare Festival is continuing to steam it up at Woodward Park with a first-rate production of A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE. (Read my review here.) There are only two weekends left.
Responses to "Donald’s weekend picks"
Sleeping Beauty kids:
40 minute long show.
I have 4 little kids to bring.
Me = $14 worst seats
Them = $12 each, worst seats
$62. 40 minute long show.
Hm.
The show is performed by a group of children ages six to ten. How long do you think it should be? The rental for the auditorium and all the other expenses are what they are, regardless of the length of the show. I’m not associated with this show, but, from my experience, young children don’t appreciate sitting through long recitals and plays. Short is good.