Sutter Street Theatre brings its acclaimed production to the Zittel Family Amphitheater for a one-night-only fundraiser benefiting the Christmas in Folsom Santa Cottage Project.
One of the latest productions of Sutter Street Theatre’s milestone 20th season is preparing to leave the stage of its historic Sutter Street home for one unforgettable evening beneath the stars, bringing Disney’s beloved musical Newsies to the Zittel Family Amphitheater in Historic Folsom for a special performance that supports a cherished local cause.
On Friday, Aug. 7, audiences will have a rare opportunity to experience the high-energy Broadway favorite in an outdoor setting as the theater presents a one-night-only benefit performance with proceeds supporting the Christmas in Folsom Santa Cottage Project, a nonprofit that has helped create holiday memories for thousands of local families each holiday season.
While Newsies continues its successful run inside Sutter Street Theatre, the amphitheater presentation offers something entirely different. Set against the backdrop of Historic Folsom on a warm summer evening, the production transforms the Zittel Family Amphitheater into an open-air Broadway stage, giving audiences a fresh way to experience one of the company’s most ambitious productions of the season.
The special performance also highlights the community spirit that has long connected the performing arts with local charitable organizations, allowing theatergoers to enjoy an evening of live entertainment while helping support one of Folsom’s best-loved holiday traditions.
Inspired by the true story of the Newsboys Strike of 1899, Newsies follows charismatic newspaper seller Jack Kelly and a determined group of young newsboys who challenge powerful newspaper publishers after unfair price increases threaten their livelihoods. Their fight for fairness becomes an inspiring story of courage, friendship, leadership and perseverance that continues to resonate with audiences more than a century after the historic strike took place.
Although Disney’s original 1992 film developed a loyal following, it was the Broadway adaptation that transformed Newsies into one of the company’s most celebrated stage productions. Featuring music by legendary Disney composer Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein, the musical earned multiple Tony Awards and has become one of the most frequently produced titles in community and regional theaters across the country.
Its soaring score includes audience favorites such as “Seize the Day,” “King of New York” and “Santa Fe,” while its demanding choreography and large ensemble cast have made it a favorite among performers and theater audiences alike.
Earlier this summer, Sutter Street Theatre brought that excitement to Historic Folsom with a production that showcased the company’s talented cast and creative team. The Aug. 7 benefit performance builds upon that success by taking the show beyond the walls of the theater and into one of the city’s premier outdoor entertainment venues.
The move from an intimate indoor theater to the Zittel Family Amphitheater gives the production an entirely different atmosphere. Rather than traditional auditorium seating, guests are encouraged to bring low-back chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening of live theater beneath the open sky.
The setting offers a uniquely Folsom experience. Visitors can spend time exploring Historic Folsom’s shops and restaurants before making the short walk to the amphitheater, where the evening’s entertainment begins as the sun sets over the district. It creates the feel of a community celebration while preserving all of the excitement and energy of a Broadway musical.
Gates open at 6:30 p.m., giving attendees time to find seating before the performance begins at 7:30 p.m.
Wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase during the evening. Outside beverages are not permitted inside the venue.
While the performance promises an entertaining summer evening, its impact extends well beyond the stage.
Every ticket sold helps support the Christmas in Folsom Santa Cottage Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has become an integral part of the city’s annual holiday celebrations.
For years, the Santa Cottage has welcomed thousands of children and families to Historic Folsom, creating a place where youngsters can meet Santa Claus, share their Christmas wishes and create memories that often become annual family traditions. The project depends on volunteers, community partnerships and fundraising efforts throughout the year to continue providing the experience each holiday season.
The benefit performance of Newsies offers another way for residents to support that mission while enjoying one of the region’s premier community theater productions.
It is also a fitting partnership. Like the musical itself, which celebrates ordinary people coming together to accomplish something bigger than themselves, the evening brings together local artists, volunteers, supporters and audiences to strengthen a community tradition that has touched generations of Folsom families.
As Sutter Street Theatre celebrates its 20th season, the special outdoor performance also reflects the organization’s continued commitment to making live theater accessible throughout the community. Since opening its doors, the nonprofit theater has become one of the Sacramento region’s most respected community performing arts organizations, presenting musicals, comedies, dramas and youth productions while helping develop local talent and enriching the cultural life of Historic Folsom.
Hosting Newsies beneath the stars continues that tradition while creating what could to be one of the city’s most memorable theatrical events of the summer.
Located at 200 Wool Street, the Zittel Family Amphitheater has become one of Historic Folsom’s signature venues for concerts, festivals and community celebrations. Its intimate hillside setting provides an ideal backdrop for an outdoor theatrical production, allowing audiences to enjoy live performance in a relaxed and uniquely local atmosphere.
Tickets for the special benefit performance are $25. Seating is general admission, and guests are encouraged to arrive when gates open to secure preferred viewing locations. Low-back chairs or blankets are recommended to help preserve sightlines for everyone attending. Tickets can be purchased online on the theater’s website for Aug. 7 here.
Although Newsies continues its regular engagement at Sutter Street Theatre, the Aug. 7 performance is the only scheduled opportunity to experience the production beneath the stars at the Zittel Family Amphitheater.
For theater enthusiasts, families seeking a memorable summer evening or anyone looking to support an important community tradition, it offers a chance to enjoy Broadway-quality musical theater while helping ensure that Christmas magic continues to shine brightly in Historic Folsom for years to come.
The one-night-only benefit performance takes place Friday, Aug. 7, at the Zittel Family Amphitheater, 200 Wool Street in Historic Folsom. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., with the performance beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25, and proceeds benefit the Christmas in Folsom Santa Cottage Project. Guests should bring a low-back chair or blanket. Wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase, and outside beverages are not permitted. For any additional information visit www.historicfolsom.org or www.sutterstreettheatre.org.
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