Live Theater Review by Jeanie K. Smith - December 2019
Delightfully Seasonal
Take the whole family to see a musical
Miracle on 34th Street, The Musical
Runs Dec. 6 - Dec. 22
Lucky Penny Productions
Community Arts Center
1758 Industrial Way, Napa 94558
(707) 266-6305 http://www.luckypennynapa.com
Sonoma Arts Live presents a musical version of the hit comedy film A Christmas Story, about a boy, his quirky family, and his fervent request for a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Laughter and nostalgia strut hand in hand in this delightful show set in 1940s Indiana, suitable for all ages. Larry Williams directs a fine cast including an ensemble of young actors sure to charm.
A Christmas Story: The Musical
Runs Dec. 6 - Dec. 22
Sonoma Arts Live
Broadway in Sonoma County? Yes, please! That’s the thrill of a Transcendence Theatre Company production, when the performers hail from Broadway’s biggest hits like Wicked and Chicago. The TTC Broadway Holiday Spectacular is always a sure-fire way to get your spirits moving, with original arrangements and stagings of seasonal songs, knockout vocals and dance in the best Broadway style. Children and the young at heart of all ages are welcome. A limited run at each of two venues means get your tickets NOW.
Broadway Holiday Spectacular
Transcendence Theatre Company
Runs Dec. 6 - Dec. 8 at
Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa 95403
(707) 546-3600
and Dec. 14 - Dec. 15 at
For the Grown-ups
Polar Bears opens Dec. 4 at Left Edge Theatre in Santa Rosa, and might be just the date night you need to escape holiday treacle. Mark Bradbury stars in the one-man show by local playwright David Templeton, about family, fatherhood, holiday decorations, and the question that puzzles all parents: when is the right time for my children to know the truth about Santa? A hit in Marin last year, it will no doubt sell out its short run here.
Polar Bears
RunsRuns Dec. 4 - Dec. 15
Left Edge Theatre
Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa 95403
(707) 546-3600
https://www.leftedgetheatre.com
The World Goes Round opens at Cinnabar Theater on Dec. 13, highlighting show tunes from the remarkable team of John Kander and Fred Ebb, including hits from Cabaret, Chicago, Woman of the Year and more. Not strictly a holiday show, it’s the kind of revue Cinnabar does so well, a treat for musical theatre lovers, and even includes a New Year’s Eve performance complete with champagne.
The World Goes Round
Runs Dec. 13 - Jan. 5
Cinnabar Theater
(707) 763-8920
http://cinnabartheater.com/the-world-goes-round
The Seafarer opens at Mainstage West and is a chilling story about the sea, Ireland, and the power of myth. It’s Christmas Eve, and Sharky (Edward McCleod) has returned to Dublin to look after his irascible, aging brother (John Craven) who has recently gone blind.
The Seafarer
Mainstage West
104 N Main St
Sebastopol, CA 95472
707.823.0177
Directed by David Lear
Runs November 29 – December 21
2nd and 4th Thursdays at 8 PM; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM; 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sundays at 5 PM
Already up and running…
If you haven’t got your tickets yet for these gems, don’t delay.
Oliver! Runs Nov. 15 - Dec. 15 6th Street Playhouse G.K. Hardt Theatre 52 W. 6th Street, Santa Rosa 95401 (707) 523-4185
https://www.6thstreetplayhouse.com/home
Reviewed in the Gazette 11/17/19: https://www.sonomacountygazette.com/sonoma-county-news/review-oliver-at-6th-street-playhouse-by-jeanie-smith
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley
Runs Nov. 22 - Dec. 15
Spreckels Theatre Company
Note: This show is a play, not a musical.
The Sound of Music Runs Nov. 22 - Dec. 8
Santa Rosa Junior College & Sonoma State University
(707) 527-4307
