By Odin Rasco
Before May’s warm spring nights give way to the scorching summer heat, Sacramentans may feel inspired to explore the region while they can still enjoy the evening n. Luckily, a list of must-see theatrical productions are coming to local stages this month, providing the perfect excuse for a trip downtown or a twilight drive through the valley.
This month’s offerings include options for all theatregoers. Families looking to catch a show together will have a blast at the premiere of B Street Theatre’s newest original piece, “The First Adventures of the Hardy Boys,” while those willing to take a trip up the hill for a one-of-a-kind show under the stars will adore Folsom Lake College’s one-weekend-only presentation of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” Opportunities for theatrical entertainment abound this month: seeing a show a week would still leave a handful of productions unwatched.
“Parade”
The winner of the 2023 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, the Broadway tour of “Parade” is coming to Sacramento early this month. Newlywed Jewish couple Leo and Lucille Frank are struggling to make a life in the old red hills of Georgia when Leo is accused of an unspeakable crime. The ordeal propels the couple into an unimaginable test of faith, humanity, justice and devotion. Riveting and gloriously hopeful, Parade reminds us that to love, we must truly see one another.
Venue: SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center
Address: 1301 L St., Sacramento
Dates: May 6 – 11
Cost: $42-105 (subject to change)
Tickets: https://www.broadwaysacramento.com/production/parade/
“Unseen”
First staged at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in 2022, Mona Mansour’s “Unseen” makes its Sacramento debut at Capital Stage, opening May 7. Conflict photographer Mia wakes up in the Istanbul apartment of her on-again, off-again girlfriend after being found unconscious at the scene of a massacre she was photographing. Unable to remember being at the massacre, Mia discovers she sent photos of the site hours before she was discovered. As Mia and her partner resume their volatile back-and-forth dynamic, Mia’s Californian mother arrives from the United States to try to unravel what happened to her daughter.
Venue: Capital Stage
Address: 2215 J St., Sacramento
Dates: May 7 – June 8, 2025
Cost: $30-$52
Tickets: https://capstage.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/events/a0STV000000Z3Cj2AK
“Twelfth Night”
Falcon’s Eye Theatre resumes its recent trend of a springtime Shakespeare show under the stars, bringing the whimsical seafaring story of “Twelfth Night” to life in a musical adaptation. For one weekend only, a talented crop of local performers and college students will bring the show to life nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Shipwrecked Viola, separated from her twin brother, takes the guise of the charming Cesario as she encounters quirky, mischievous and occasionally lovestruck islanders. Featuring shanties and dirges that trace the ebb and flow of love and identity, the hilarity of mixed affections and the thrill of adventure await.
Venue: Wakamatsu Farm
Address: 941 Cold Springs Rd., Placerville
Dates: May 8 – May 11
Cost: $27.75
Tickets: https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/falconseyetheatre/6879
“The Sunshine Boys”
Accomplished and acclaimed playwright Neil Simon’s “The Sunshine Boys” brings together
Al Lewis and Willie Clark — known as “Lewis and Clark” in their heyday at the top rung of vaudeville comedy acts — after decades of animosity led to a serious split. When a CBS showrunner reunites the two to put together a piece on the history of comedy, the duo remembers a life of memories, miseries and mirth. Working to get an old sketch back on its feet, the two will have to overcome 40 years of hard feelings before they’re ready to perform.
Venue: Sutter Street Theatre
Address: 717 Sutter St., Folsom
Dates: May 9 – June 1
Cost: $21-$30
Tickets: https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/sutterstreettheatre/5276
“The First Adventures of the Hardy Boys”
A show for the young and the young at heart, “The First Adventures of the Hardy Boys” is an original work by B Street’s own Jerry Montoya. Join Frank and Joe Hardy early on in their career as an iconic detective duo as they unravel mysteries and outsmart villains. With humor, fun and lots of energy, the show is perfect for an outing with the young ones or for mystery lovers of any age.
Venue: The Sofia
Address: 2700 Capitol Ave., Sacramento
Dates: May 10 – 25
Cost: $22 for kids, $27 for adults
Tickets: https://bstreettheatre.org/family/the-first-adventures-of-the-hardy-boys/
“Waiting for Godot”
The Samuel Beckett-penned tragicomedy that shook theatre to its foundations when it first came out, “Waiting for Godot” unfolds in a world where time and place are amorphous. Vladimir and Estragon wait by a lonely tree for the titular Godot, and in their waiting explore modern life in a way that words alone cannot encapsulate. Through the absurd and adverse, Beckett’s masterpiece captures facets of the human condition few other artists have ever achieved.
Venue: The Stage at Burke Junction
Address: 3300 Coach Lane, Cameron Park
Dates: May 10 – June 1
Cost: $25-$28
Tickets: https://thestage.ticketspice.com/waiting-for-godot
“Dirty Dora”
An original work by EMH Productions and Ooley Theatre member Lee Zamloch, “Dirty Dora” makes its debut. The story of hidden family secrets unfolds over the course of a card game called Dirty Dora when Roz and Tony’s weekend getaway is interrupted by Roz’s son Edward and his new wife, Stevie. With tensions aplenty, the twisting tale of drama will have the audience questioning if the family can make it through the secrets they’ll spill.
Venue: The Ooley Theatre
Address: 2007 28th St., Sacramento
Dates: May 22 – June 7, 2025
Cost: $15-$25
“Million Dollar Quartet”
The Broadway hit inspired by the recording session that united four titans of early rock ’n’ roll — Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins — is presented by Broadway Sacramento for one week. When father of Sun Studios, Sam Phillips, brings together the four musicians on Dec. 4, 1956, a jam session for the ages unfolds. Featuring hits like “I Walk the Line,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Great Balls of Fire,” classic rock ‘n’ roll lovers will find themselves wanting to sing along.
Venue: UC Davis Health Pavilion
Address: 1419 H St., Sacramento
Dates: May 30 – June 5
Cost: $58-125 (subject to change)
Tickets: https://my.broadwaysacramento.com/1644/1671
This story is part of the Solving Sacramento journalism collaborative. This story was funded by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento. Following our journalism code of ethics, the city had no editorial influence over this story. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, Capital Public Radio, Outword, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review, Sacramento Observer and Univision 19. Sign up for our “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.
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