New production joins Our Town on local stage for its second week of performances
The mischievous and wildly entertaining world of Beetlejuice is coming to Historic Folsom as Beetlejuice Jr. opens this weekend at Sutter Street Theatre. The spooky-yet-hilarious musical adaptation, based on the cult-classic film and Broadway hit, will run from March 1 through March 30 with performances on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m.
Directed by Mark Cornfield, with music direction by Heather Clark and choreography by Dian Hoel, Beetlejuice Jr.follows the story of Lydia Deetz, a quirky teenager fascinated by the supernatural and still mourning the loss of her mother. When she and her father move into a house haunted by a recently deceased couple and an over-the-top demon named Beetlejuice, chaos ensues as the troublemaking ghost unleashes his own brand of spooky shenanigans.
With a Tony Award nominated score by Eddie Perfect and a book by Anthony King and Scott Brown, Beetlejuice Jr. delivers humor, heart, and plenty of ghoulish charm. The original Broadway production became a social media sensation, captivating younger audiences with its energetic music and irreverent spirit.
Sutter Street Theatre, a beloved fixture in Historic Folsom, is known for its commitment to bringing unique community productions to the community. The award-winning theater offers an array of performances throughout the year, from classic musicals to contemporary plays, and prides itself on fostering local talent while delivering engaging entertainment for all ages. Located in the heart of Folsom’s charming historic district, the intimate venue provides an up-close and immersive theatrical experience.
Tickets and reservations for Beetlejuice Jr. are available at www.SutterStreetTheatre.com or by calling (916) 353-1001.
Our Town enters second week on Sutter Street stage
As Beetlejuice Jr. takes the stage during the daylight hours starting this weekend, one of the plays that has long been called a true masterpiece of American theater enters its second week at Sutter Street Theater. Thornton Wilder’s Our Town continues with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4:30 p.m.
Hailed by playwright Edward Albee as “the greatest American play ever written,” Our Town is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of life, love, and mortality. Set in the fictional small town of Grover’s Corners, the story follows the everyday lives of the Webb and Gibbs families. Through the experiences of their children, Emily Webb and George Gibbs, audiences witness the beauty of simple moments, the joys of love and marriage, and, ultimately, the profound realities of loss.
Our Town is directed by Sutter Street Theatre’s Allen Schmeltz, who shared with Folsom Times this week he considers it one of the best shows he has directed in his decorated career in theater.
Narrated by the Stage Manager, played by Sam Williams, and performed with minimal props and set design, Our Town is a theatrical experience that speaks to the heart. Hannah Hurst stars as Emily Webb, alongside Beau Engler as George Gibbs. John Hopkins and Angela Aquistapace portray Emily’s parents, Editor Webb and Mrs. Webb, while Brian Hurt and Haley Winalski take on the roles of Doc and Mrs. Gibbs.
The supporting cast brings Grover’s Corners to life with Makayla Hinds as Mrs. Soames, Dallen Eubanks as Howie Newsome, Anthony DePage as Constable Warren, Jon Beaver as Professor Willard, Scott Howard as Simon Stimson, and Tom Roy as Joe Stoddard and Man in Audience. Brandon Newey plays Sam Craig, Elizabeth Old is Rebecca Gibbs, Bennie Carlson and Ian McDonald play Si and Joe Crowell, and Carbon Burrup portrays Wally Webb. Haley McDaniel and Pandora Jessiah round out the ensemble as the Women in Audience.
Wilder’s masterpiece remains as relevant today as it was when it first premiered in 1938, reminding audiences to cherish the fleeting moments that make up a lifetime. Described by The New York Times as “an immortal tale of small-town morality” and praised by The New York Daily News as the play that “describes more powerfully how we imagine ourselves,” Our Town continues to captivate audiences with its universal themes and timeless storytelling.
Sutter Street Theatre and the Theatre Production & Technical Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit nestled in the heart of Folsom’s Historic District, in an intimate but powerful venue located right on Sutter Street. In addition to galleries and specialty shops, you can find restaurants, wine bars, pubs, and the famous Snooks Chocolate Factory all within walking distance of the theatre.
Tickets for Our Town can be reserved at www.SutterStreetTheatre.com or by calling (916) 353-1001. Sutter Street Theatre is located at 717 Sutter Street, Folsom, CA 95630.