A modern and fresh take on a popular comic opera about sentimental pirates, dewy-eyed daughters, bumbling policemen and often-ridiculous dictates of honor and duty.

I saw Pirates of Penzance when I was seven-years-old and it is what started my love for musical theatre!  Civic Theatre West in Roseville (formerly Magic Circle Theatre) will begin their performances this Friday night.  Maybe your kid will turn into a theatre-lover after this show, too!

When: July 9 - August 7; Fridays & Saturdays 8pm, Sundays 2pm
Where: Civic Theatre West, 241 Vernon Street (Roseville Theatre), Roseville
Cost: Adults $25, Students 12 & over $15, Kids 11 & under $12
Info: Call (916) 782-1777 ext 116 or click here

If you are looking for something fun to do on Mother’s Day with your kids and your mom, here is a fun idea!  Runaway Stage Productions is currently performing Cinderella at the 24th Street Theatre.  The bonus is that if you purchase your tickets in advance, Mom gets in for FREE on Sunday!

The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance. Originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA was the most widely viewed program in the history of the medium. Its recreation in 1965 starring Lesley Ann Warren was no less sucessful in transporting a new generation to the miraculous kingdom of dreams-come-true, and so was a second remake in 1997, which starred Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother. As adapted for the stage, with great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, the hearts of children and adults alike still soar when the slipper fits! This Enchanted Edition is based on the 1997 teleplay. Recommended for theatregoers 4 and over.

When: Friday, May 7th and Saturday, May 8th at 8pm OR Sunday, May 9th at 2pm
Where: 24th Street Theatre, 2791 24th Street, Sacramento
Cost: $15 - $20.00 depending on location of seats, FREE for Mom on Sunday (advance purchase required)
Info: Call (916) 207-1226 or click here for the box office

Happy Mother’s Day!

Now playing at Magic Circle Theatre in Roseville is The Wizard of Oz!  Little Dorothy Gale of Kansas, like so many girls her age, dreams of what lies over the rainbow. One day a twister hits her farm and carries her away over the rainbow to another world. Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, the Cowardly Lion and Toto as they travel the universe of Dorothy’s imagination. Based on the timeless 1939 MGM film starring Judy Garland.

When: February 19, 20, 26, 27; Curtain Time 7:30 PM
Matinees February 20, 21, 27, 28; Curtain Time 2:00 PM

Where: Magic Circle Theatre, 241 Vernon Street, Roseville

Price: Tickets are $13.00 for all ages

More info: Call the theatre box office at (916) 782-1777

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day is now playing at  Magic Circle Theatre in Roseville.  Judith Viorst adapted her own award-winning children’s book into a delightful musical.  When I read the following description on the Magic Circle Theatre’s website, I knew we were in for some fun. “To be quite honest, it’s a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. But then, everybody has bad days, sometimes. Not only does Alexander wake up with gum in his hair, but his mother forgets to pack him dessert, and his best friend decides he’s not his best friend anymore. And if that’s not bad enough, Alexander’s brothers don’t have any cavities but—he does. And just when it can’t get any worse, there are lima beans for supper and —yuck!—kissing on TV. It is enough to make anyone want to go to Australia.”

Our Experience:

The kids and I went on Saturday to check it out.  We anticipated a fun time but did not know quite what to expect.  There were five actors in the production and a modest use of props.  The idea was clearly to let the singing, dancing and acting carry the show.  Well, they did just that!  They brought the story to life…and boy did they make us laugh!  The young man who plays Alexander was adorable and we loved repeating, “It is a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day!” along with him.

Expenses:

Tickets for the show are just $8.00 a piece, which is a deal in my book for live theatre.  There are snacks and drinks available at the snack bar during intermission.

Tips:

Kids as young as three will enjoy this show.  The audience was made up of kids from three to about twelve…and all sat still and interested for the entire show.

If you haven’t been to Magic Circle  Theatre, be aware that they actually have two theatres on Vernon Street.  One is the Tower Theatre and one is the Roseville Theatre.  It is a good idea to check which one the production you are seeing is at!  Alexander is playing at the Roseville Theatre and we accidentally went to the Tower Theatre on Saturday afternoon…luckily the right one was within walking distance!  We ran right over and did not miss the show!

You can catch Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day at 2:00 on Saturdays until February 13th.

Magic Circle Theatre
241 Vernon Street & 421 Vernon Street
Roseville, CA  95678
(916) 782-1777

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On Saturday, the kids and I went to see The Adventures of Pinocchio at B Street Theatre.  It was our first time attending a performance at this theatre and I was excited since I had heard great things about their shows.  We were seated in a cozy, intimate theatre and the kids were instantly impressed with the set which had obviously been created with much care.  There was a full house and I’ve never experienced such a  respectful audience during family theatre.  The actors had our complete attention as they were superb!  I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of the performance.  We smiled and laughed through the classic tale.  It was refreshing to enjoy a play just as much as my kids did.

I recommend attending Pinocchio as soon as you can.  There are still performances available each weekend through January 3rd.  They recommend that attending children be over 4 years old and I can understand why.  With such an intimate theatre, any distraction would definitely be disruptive to the performers and the audience. Click here for more information and check out their upcoming Family Series shows as well.  This is such a perfect winter activity with the kids!  It was pouring rain on Saturday when we went and I was so glad that we had planned to do something fun indoors!

Now playing at the 24th Street Theatre!

“There has obviously been some kind of mistake,” insists the Wolf from the pig penitentiary where he’s doing time for his alleged crimes. Here is the “real” story of the three little pigs whose houses are huffed and puffed to smithereens – from the wolf’s perspective. This poor, much maligned wolf has gotten a bad rap. He just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, with a sneezy cold, innocently trying to borrow a cup of sugar to make his granny a cake. Is it his fault those ham dinners–rather, pigs build such flimsy homes? Lois, a budding news reporter sets out to get the real scoop. She visits the Wolf in the “Pig Pen” where he spins his tail . . . I mean tale – “I was framed,” he concludes mournfully.

This hilarious original musical comedy written by Ray Fisher gives us a contemporary new slant on a well loved story. All seats and ages are just $5.00.  Showings at 12pm and 2pm this Saturday, the 19th and Saturday, September 26th.  A fun filled afternoon for the whole family!

Nothing puts a smile on my face like live theater.  I am 100% happy when I am caught up in a musical or play!  So I’ve always hoped that my kids would enjoy seeing shows and that it would be something fun we could experience together.  In January, The Princess and the Frog was playing at the 24th Street Theatre by Runaway Stage Productions.  I thought it sounded like a good one for both my daughter and my son and  figured that they were now old enough to sit through the show and enjoy. Plus, admission is only $5.00 per person for Storybook Theatre!  You cannnot beat that deal.  I also happened to have a 2 for 1 coupon from the Entertainment Book and so it only cost $10.00 for all three of us to attend.

The show was so cute and Runaway Stage Productions puts a humorous spin on their stories.  They also included audience participation which made it even more fun for all the kids.  They laughed through the entire show!  At intermission, there were snacks and drinks available but we just went outside for some fresh air with the snacks we brought along.  The production was completely geared towards kids and everyone seemed to have a great time.  You can click here for their website and whenever they have  a show playing, I have it on the Upcoming Events calendar to the right.  Storybook Theatre productions are every other month.  I definitely recommend checking out a show with your kids!

Runaway Stage Productions
24th Street Theatre,
2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA
(916) 207-1226
General Admission $5.00 for Storybook Theatre
(Cash only at Box Office OR Purchase tickets online)
* 2 for 1 coupon in Entertainment Book

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