Sutter Street Theatre’s sold-out musical hit comes to Zittel Family Amphitheater for a special encore benefit August 30
It’s alive—and it’s giving back. After a string of sold-out performances inside Sutter Street Theatre, the monstrously funny Mel Brooks musical Young Frankenstein is returning for one final bow, this time outdoors under the stars at the Zittel Family Amphitheater. The special event takes place Saturday, August 30, and not only offers a night of hilarious entertainment, but also raises funds for one of Historic Folsom’s most treasured traditions—Santa’s Christmas Cottage.
Guests are invited to bring low-back lawn chairs, sip on local wine and beer, and enjoy a Broadway-caliber musical comedy in the heart of the Historic District. Tickets are $25 with student discounts available at check-in, and they are moving quickly following the theatre’s sold-out summer run. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Aug. 30 Tickets are available now HERE.
A monstrously fun production
Sutter Street Theatre’s production of Young Frankenstein has already been hailed as one of its most popular shows of the year, filling the Historic District’s intimate theatre with roars of laughter from opening night through its August 24 finale. Now, those that didn’t get a chance to see this great production have one last chance to do so in a very special way in Historic Folsom.
Directed by Kenny Brian Gagni with Dena Jimena, and with musical direction by Connie Mockenhaupt and Rikki Pratt and choreography by Devin and Thomas LePage, the show balanced witty dialogue, lively song-and-dance numbers, and physical comedy that had audiences on their feet.
Based on Brooks’ 1974 cult-classic film, the musical follows Frederick Frankenstein (or “Fronk-en-steen”), a respected New York scientist reluctantly drawn into the legacy of his grandfather’s Transylvanian estate. With help from Igor (“Eye-gore”) and the charming Inga, Frederick soon finds himself reanimating the family monster—with hilarious consequences. Musical highlights like “Transylvania Mania” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz” brought down the house each night.
The encore performance does more than bring big laughs. It’s also a fundraiser for Santa’s Christmas Cottage, the community-built holiday attraction that debuted in 2024 and instantly became a cherished family tradition.
Constructed with the support of local Rotary Clubs, businesses, and dozens of volunteers, the Cottage became a seasonal centerpiece in the Historic District Plaza last December. Families lined up nightly to meet Santa, snap photos, and create holiday memories against the backdrop of its twinkling lights and nostalgic design.
Maintaining that magic requires year-round support. Proceeds from this Young Frankenstein fundraiser will help cover off-season storage, upkeep, and future programming so the Cottage can continue to shine for generations. Supporters emphasize that the event is about more than entertainment—it’s about preserving the kind of holiday magic that strengthens Folsom’s sense of community.
An evening for the community
The August 30 event is presented by the Folsom Historic District Association in partnership with Sutter Street Theatre, Santa’s Christmas Cottage, Bacchus House, Folsom Times and the City of Folsom, and . Seating is first come, first served, and with the momentum of a sold-out indoor run behind it, organizers expect the limited amphitheater space to fill quickly.
Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase, though outside beverages are not permitted.
For tickets and full event details, visit folsomhistoricdistrict.ticketspice.com/-young-frankentstein-2025.
