It’s going to be hot outside these next few days and Folsom’s Sutter Street Theatre could be just the cool offering you can use. To top it off, the local community theatre is offering guests a two for one deal this Friday night only to give theater goers a chance to take in its newest production “The Visiting Mr. Green,” which opened last week for the first time. This Friday, those who purchase once ticket to see the show can get a second one for free, making if a perfect “inflation friendly,” date night.
Directed by Janelle Kauffman and produced in partnership with Kauffmans’ Give Us A Hand Productions, this production is already captivating audiences with its poignant storyline and stellar performances.
Kauffman has directed in both the Palm Springs and Sacramento areas for many years, but her favorite venue remains Sutter Street Theatre in Folsom. Here she is fortunate to work with the talented, generous Sutter Street Theatre family, led by Connie and Mike and Allen and Eileen. This little theater also includes an extended group of actors and crew creating a large, resourceful pool of talent. Among many other plays, she has directed All My Sons and On Golden Pond at Sutter Street.
In those plays Josh Davis was cast in supporting roles, and finally this long awaited production of Visiting Mr. Green. The child actor has grown into the role of Ross and Janelle has the great pleasure of working with two favorite men…husband Stephen and grandson Josh, as co-leads in a play just made for the two of them. She couldn’t enjoy this production more!
“Visiting Mr. Green” explores the unlikely friendship between Mr. Green, an elderly retired dry cleaner, and Ross Gardiner, a young corporate executive. Their relationship begins with an accidental traffic encounter in New York City, leading to a court-mandated community service arrangement that alters both their lives profoundly. What starts as a comedy of mismatched personalities evolves into a touching drama as the characters confront their pasts and forge a deep bond.
The play, which has been translated into 24 languages and staged over 600 times worldwide, has garnered acclaim for its universal themes and powerful performances. Audiences can expect a rollercoaster of emotions as the characters navigate themes of loss, reconciliation, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Stephen Kauffman makes his 31st appearance at Sutter Street Theatre playing the role of Mr. Green. He began acting at age 68 after a 35 year career as Deputy District Attorney, Superior Court Judge Pro Tem and lead attorney in over 50 jury trials. Since then, he has appeared in over 50 dramas, musicals and films in more than
20 venues in both Northern and Southern California He has received 6 annual Best Actor Awards in 4 different cities, including Elly Awards for both comedy and drama. Two favorite roles are Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey and Willie Loman in Death Of A Salesman. Other roles include Willie Clark in Sunshine Boys, Professor Norman Thayer in On Golden Pond, Grandpa in You Can’t Take It With You, Foxwell J. Sly in Sly Fox, Nat Moyer in I’m Not Rappaport and Mayor Shinn in Music Man. He
is overwhelmed with joy at sharing this once in a lifetime Kauffman family production with his favorite director, Janelle Kauffman and his multi-talented, youngest grandchild, Josh.
Josh Davis, is so grateful for the opportunity to play Ross Gardiner in Visiting Mr. Green. He’s especially excited to perform alongside his real-life
grandfather, Stephen Kauffman as Mr. Green, under the direction of his grandmother, Janelle Kauffman. Josh has been acting since age four. Other Sutter Street Theatre credits include On Golden Pond and All My Sons (also with his grandparents), as well as Charlotte’s Web and Seussical. Local audiences may recognize him from Folsom High
School’s productions of Footloose (Ren), Elf (Buddy), and Shrek (Lord Farquaad). Josh also performed professionally as a child actor. He spent two winter seasons touring the country with the National Tour of A Christmas Story and worked locally at the Sacramento Music Circus during multiple summers. Credits at Music Circus include Newsies (Les), Seussical (Jojo), Peter Pan (Michael) and Gypsy. Josh is currently studying Musical Theatre at the University of Southern California, where he most recently appeared as Gordon in A New Brain with USC’s Musical Theatre Repertory. After he graduates, Josh hopes to move to New York City and pursue a career in the theatre industry. “Shoutout to mom and dad for their constant support!”
Performances take place Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays at 4:30 PM and 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 4:30 PM. Tickets can be reserved online at www.SutterStreetTheatre.com or by calling (916) 353-1001. To get in on Friday’s buy one one get one deal, you must call the theater box office and request the deal.
Don’t miss out on this touching theatrical experience right in the heart of historic Folsom. Join the Sutter Street Theatre for an unforgettable evening of drama, laughter, and storytelling with “Visiting Mr. Green.”
Photos by Dakota D Photography
