The Good Life ~ Sacramento
Exploring a City with a Small-Town Feel and World of PotentialArchive for Theatre
Soulful Sunday
The holiday season is offically here (even though the retail industry would have us believe it now starts in August). Whatever sets your heart a’glow this time of year, there’s plenty of cheer already brewing around town.
From festivals to ice rinks to cozy hangouts, SacTown’s got visions of sugarplums falling from blue trees. Why not let a little of the magic seep in and warm your weary bones starting this weekend…
Sunday, November 18
Festival of Trees: A Taste of Northern California – Enjoy this family affair with local culinary delights, auction and Childrens’ Festival. California Auto Museum, 2200 Front St., Old Sacramento. http://www.calautomuseum.org
Sacramento’s Lost Movie Houses – Watch the Alhambra, Esquire and Showcase come back to life through rare historic photos. Presented by the Sacramento Living Library at Time Tested Books, 1114 21st St, FREE. http://sacramento.downtowngrid.com/events/index.php?events_id=9188&tk=d363942c6f57ff73bc61&event_on=11%2F18%2F2012
For more of what’s happening in this winter wonderland, visit http://www.Sacramento365.com!
Spells of the Season
Don’t Fear the Fun
As the mornings turn crisp and the night sky fills with wisps of smoke and moisture, you might find yourself craving the coziness that can only be found in darkness and the subtle titillations of fall’s enchantments. This Weekend, why not begin the immersion with a pinch of this and dose of that?
Go See a Play
‘The K of D: An Urban legend’ at B Street Theatre runs through October and straight into November. http://www.bstreettheatre.org/
Hit a Round for Charity
10th Annual Fairways to Fairytales takes place in Folsom this Friday, benefitting Fairytale Town. http://www.fairytaletown.org/events/fairways-to-fairytales-golf-tournament/
Celebrate the European Way
Sacramento Turn Verein’s 45th Annual Oktoberfest will melt away the stress.
http://www.sacramentoturnverein.com
Spook Yourself Silly
Old Sacramento Ghost Tours will enchant, entrance or chill to the loveley bones. http://www.historicoldsac.org/programs/programs-ghost.asp
Visit the Big Screen
Sacramento Horror Film Festival promises to get the adenaline pumping. http://www.sachorrorfilmfest.com/index.php?profile=shff
Sacramento International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival will expand your worldview. http://www.siglff.org/wordpress/index.php
Get Seriously Creative (or Creatively Serious)
Dia de los Muertos creative classes and colorful celebrations are cropping up all over the city. http://sacramento.downtowngrid.com/events/index.php
For more events, information and autumn enchantments visit http://www.sacramento365.com/search/results
What’s a’Happenin’, Hotstuff?
Early Summer Fun
Sexy, saucy play ‘OR’ to debut and close out 6-year run at the Delta King Theatre – June 17 – July 17. In addition, the Pilothouse Restaurant will be offering a specially priced $29 three-course dinner for theatre patrons. 916-995-5464, http://www.capstage.org
From Farm to You~
Announcing New Farmers’ Markets Locations:
1)Beautiful east end State Capitol Park, 15th & L Streets, every Thursday, 10AM to 1:30PM
2)St. Rose of Lima Park, 7th & K Street, every Friday, 10AM to 1:30PM (street or mall parking, light rail)
http://www.ca-grown.com
Portuguese Partay~
Come One, Come All for a Parade, Mass, Auction, Eats, Live Music & Fresh Air! The Freeport/Clarksburg Portuguese Festa will be held Sunday, June 19th at 54113 S. River Rd. 916-373-9942
100 Years of Making a Difference~
Stop to once again celebrate your rights at the Sacramento History Museum with the unveiling of the ‘We Won the Vote’ exhibit on June 16th. 916-808-7059, http://www.historicoldsac.org
Singing and Dancing: What a Way to Make a Living
Are you old enough to remember ‘9 to 5’ the movie? Have you ever heard Dolly Parton’s song ‘9 to 5’? Have you ever had to work a 9 to 5 job, Monday through Friday, or had a chauvinistic boss? Have you ever wanted to get revenge or just facilitate some level of justice in the world around you? Do you like to be entertained by good old-fashioned fun?
I know there’s a “yes” in there somewhere…
Before ‘The First Wives Club’ with Goldie, Bette and Diane, there was ‘9 to 5’ (1980) with Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton. So it only took about 30 years for this cute classic film to get its due recognition. I mean, you know you’ve made it when they make a musical about you.
‘So grab (well, don’t literally grab – have I learned nothing from this movie?!) your mothers, grandmothers, daughters, friends and any willing males because 9 to 5: The Musical’ is coming to Sacramento. Call it entertainment or call it education, but admit we’ve come a long way, Baby.
Brought to you by Broadway Sacramento, ‘9 to 5: The Musical’ is playing March 9 through the 20th at the Community Center Theater. For more information visit: http://sacramento365.com/event/detail/440912413/9_to_5_The_Musical
Fairy Tales & Shakespeare Merge
Fairy Tale From a Distance
When I was a little younger, more rebellious version of myself, my friends and I snuck into Fairytale Town one debaucherous night. Running the crooked mile, climbing the tree house, playing on the swiss cheese, the dusty barn animal scent, the thrill of doing something forbidden… it was exhilarating to the young-hearted young adult in me (and no animals were harmed in the making of this adventure).
Today, the memories of Fairytale Town stay with me, as we both grow and evolve into our best grown-up selves. So I’m proud to share news about what’s new at FTT:
SHAKESPERIMENT 2011, a new extension of their popular and successful Fairytale Town Troupers program! ‘The first production will be a brand new one-act adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Fairies & Fools!”, featuring young actors ages 12 to 21. This innovative and original production focuses on the disharmony between the King and Queen of Fairyland and a group of bumbling actors who unwittingly cross their paths. It’s a fun and family-friendly romp filled with music, magic, mirth, and mayhem.’
WHEN: February 19-February 27, 2011
WHERE & MORE: http://sacramento365.com/event/detail/441088679/Shakesperiment_2011_A_Midsummer_Nights_Dream_Fairies_Fools
As for the serious side of FTT, due to a City Ordinance, adults cannot be admitted to Fairytale Town unless accompanied by a child. (woops)
[Photo from: Californiadaytrips.blogspot.com]
For the Love of Local Theatres
Here Today,....
And now it’s gone. Well, almost. Today is its last day in business. That alone is sad. But will the 73-year-old art deco building survive? That’s up to the leaders in the small town of Woodland, who have to decide whether to build a brand-new multiplex two blocks away and oust an existing business… or save the State and restore it to its original glory.
An optimist and nostalgic, I hope to see the State Theatre rise again, anew. To me, it’s what a historic building in a historic neighborhood of a historic town needs. But a realist as well… well, I’m not holding my breath on this one.
Reviews of the State Theatre are pretty good, mostly due to those like me, softened by a sense of what used to be: http://www.yelp.com/biz/state-theatre-woodland
For more information on how you can help save an old theatre, visit: http://www.FriendsofStateTheatre.org. And in the meantime, patron the Sacramento area’s other historic theatres such as the Crest and Tower.
An Acquired Taste
Noises Off
It was a mild early Autumn day ~ The leaves were beginning to turn various colors and the sun was still high and bright in the sky. We walked toward the entrance of the theatre’s courtyard to meet my stepdad, stepsister and brother-in-law for a matinee showing of ‘Noises Off’… but what stood before me – outside the theatre – was almost like a dream…
There were rows and rows of vintage costumes reminding me of both richer and simpler times ~ frocks of sheer cotton, velvet robes with ruffled trims, patchwork pastel aprons, long luscious coats, sailor dresses, shortsuits, scarves and more. All were for sale, all those dreamy textures and classy shapes… And from so many different eras ~ Oh, the stories these garments could tell!
Come to find out it was Sacramento Theatre Company’s 1st Annual costume sale. All this before the show even began!
Sitting in the intimate theatre where nearly every seat appears to be a good one, I thought about the various performances I’d attended (and missed) throughout my lifetime – ballet, opera, orchestra… I thought about all the culture I’d tended to shy away from… And I realized how these cultural gatherings can actually help move and escalate us to new heights of the imagination. After I’ve had a good experience at a particularly inspiring performance, I often walk away a little more expanded in mind and spirit, and I dare to dream just a little bit bigger than I did the day before.
It is only now that I fully realize how invaluable this really is.
Sac has more theatres and stages than I can keep track of, but http://www.Sacramento365.com is a great resource. For the record, ‘Noises Off’ is showing at the Wells Fargo Pavillion through November 1. http://www.sactheatre.org/
[photo courtesy http://www.BroadwayWorld.com
There is something special about Sacramento; the rich land upon which it was built, the rivers that flow through, the bounty around it and the people who make the Sacramento area their home.
Life is good in California’s Capital City for many reasons, including climate and geography, community and amenities, nature and wildlife, and so much more. It’s hard to imagine a warmer feeling than a sunshine-drenched morning here, an easier feeling than a refreshing post-rain spring day, or a more engaging experience than a night on the town with friends or family.
There’s truly something here for everyone and every mood, for Sacramento is a shifting entity itself, with four distinct but relatively mild seasons, diverse neighborhoods and people, a ripening food and restaurant scene, year-round events and outdoor fun, and daytime and night-time adventures. Its magic is a blend of history and tradition, vision and reinvention. And there’s so much pleasure to be had here – with family and friends, food and wine, adventures and experiences – that they’re likely to create the kind of fond memories that might seem so familiar… but aren’t quite like any other.
