By Odin Rasco
Celebration of — and reflection on — history is prevalent at Sacramento stages this month, and I couldn’t be more giddy.
This month’s theater offerings come in a variety of flavors — from the classic presentation of “Romeo and Juliet,” the satirical look at musicals of yesteryear in “The Drowsy Chaperone” or stories of historical Black figures like in “Thurgood.” But they all hold to the common theme of tales rooted in the past. Audiences can see Shakespeare like he hasn’t been staged in hundreds of years, or see stories of Harriet Tubman that will reach thousands of local students.
There’s opportunity aplenty to consider the past (both factual and imagined) from a comfy theater seat this month, so consider tickets to a local show a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your special someone or yourself.
“Thurgood” (One night only)
As part of Black History Month Programming, The Guild Theater presents “Thurgood.” The one-man play, performed by Sacramento talent James Ellison, brings to life the journey of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Justice of the United States Supreme Court. The show goes past Marshall’s legal victories to the man behind the robe — his wit, doubts and unwavering commitment to justice. The show also serves as the initial offering from Sacramento’s newest theater group, The 40 Acres Theatre Company.
Venue: The Guild Theater, 2828 35th St., Sacramento
Date: Feb. 7
Cost: $25-35
Tickets: The 40 Acres Theatre Company
Rise Up Theatre Company’s upcoming production is a treat for lovers of classic Broadway shows. Parodying vintage 1920s-era musical theater, “The Drowsy Chaperone” sees a musical come to life in the living room of a fan of a fictional 1928 show of the same name. Broadway star Janet van de Graaf is eyeing the door on show business as she plans to marry wealthy man Robert Martin — and her producer is none too happy about it. As the farcical play unfolds, the Broadway fan provides commentary and explanation that elevate the musical cliches with a wry self-awareness.
Venue: The Recital Hall at Cosumnes River College, 8401 Center Parkway, Sacramento
Dates: Feb. 6-21
Cost: $15-20
Tickets: Rise Up Theatre
California Volunteer Theater’s second production is promising a Shakespeare experience that audiences haven’t seen in centuries. Not only will “Romeo and Juliet” be coming to California Stage in full Renaissance costume, but it will be staged with original music from Shakespeare’s production — which CVT claims will be the first time it’s been done in such a fashion for at least 300 years. A classic even in Shakespeare terms — and the bane of many high school freshmen — “Romeo and Juliet” is a tragic romance with plenty of violence and death on the way to the final curtain.
Venue: California Stage, 2509 R St., Sacramento
Dates: Feb. 6 through Mar. 8
Cost: $15-25
Tickets: California Volunteer Theater
This February, take a trip to a museum where the exhibits come to life, exploring Black identity, history and culture. Celebration Arts is marking the start of its 40th anniversary season with “The Colored Museum,” which itself is turning 40 this year. Characters from across history, including an overenthusiastic middle passage guide, a tortured soldier and a diva with a secret share their stories, creating a satirical “museum of ourselves.” The show existed as a kind of precursor to skit shows like “In Living Color” and “The Dave Chappelle Show,” but it feels timely and urgent in the current moment.
Venue: Celebration Arts, 2727 B St., Sacramento
Dates: Feb. 6-22
Cost: $16-27
Tickets: Celebration Arts
“Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad”
B Street Theatre’s most popular show is coming back for a limited time this February. “Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad” dives into the extraordinary true story of the escaped slave who later took on perilous journeys to lead other slaves to freedom. Tubman’s history is told through music, storytelling and dramatic reenactment, led by Tiffany Oglesby playing the titular role.
15,000 students are set to see the show during field trips this year, but six public performances through February and early March are sure to entertain families, students and lifelong learners.
Venue: The Sofia, 2700 Capitol Ave., Sacramento
Dates: Feb. 8 through Mar. 8
Cost: $17-29
Tickets: B Street Theatre
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 and protocols, the city had no editorial influence over this story and no city official reviewed this story before it was published. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, CapRadio, Capitol Weekly, Hmong Daily News, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review and Sacramento Observer. Sign up for our “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.
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