Murder, manipulation, miracles, musicals – all of these are taking to Sacramento area stages this April as theater companies bring classic tales to life. For the murder-curious, two beloved stories from yesteryear are sure to thrill: Chautauqua Playhouse’s “Dial M for Murder” opens soon, while Sutter Street Theatre is extending its run of “Murder on the Orient Express” due to popular demand. If a less bloodstained throwback is more appealing, Big Idea Theatre is set to tackle the Henrik Ibsen masterpiece “Hedda Gabler,” while B Street Theatre is heading back to the 1700s with “Franklinland.” Musical lovers are sure to rejoice at the chance to see “Rent” or “Godspell” (or both, depending on their preferences).
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“Rent”
What is there to be said about “Rent” that hasn’t been said thousands of times since it first hit the stage? For some theater types, this is an all-time classic. A 1980s New York City reimagining of “La Bohème,” the story follows a band of young artists and musicians in the midst of the AIDS crisis as they live on the margins and bear the emotional and physical burden of being overlooked and ignored during a pandemic.
Venue: The Ooley Theatre, 2007 28th St., Sacramento
Dates: April 10 through May 3
Cost: $25-30
Tickets: The Ooley Theatre Presents: RENT by Jonathan Larson – Events
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Chautauqua Playhouse is bringing out a new version of the murder mystery that served as the inspiration for one of Alfred Hitchcock’s most-loved films. Tony is convinced his wife Margot is cheating on him. Although the affair seems to be over, Tony’s jealousy leads to a mess of lies and deceptions that end in murder.
Venue: Chautauqua Playhouse, 5325 Engle Rd., Ste. #110, Carmichael
Dates: April 17 through May 10
Cost: $21-23
Tickets: Dial M For Murder via ThunderTix
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“Godspell”
Falcon’s Eye Theatre is bringing the Gospel of Matthew to Folsom this month with the classic 70s musical “Godspell,” a joyous and vibrant reimagining of the story of Jesus. An energetic ensemble of non-biblical characters join J-town himself to bring parables to life with games, inventive storytelling and generous doses of humor. The score is eclectic, jumping from pop to folk and even Vaudeville as the story moves toward its affecting conclusion.
Venue: Harris Center Stage One, 10 College Pkwy., Folsom
Dates: April 17-26
Cost: $20-49
Tickets: Harris Center | Godspell
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“Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express”
Sutter Street Theatre’s production comes back for a limited time to satiate the demand from theatergoers. Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of one of Agatha Christie’s all-time best mysteries brings intrigue and suspense aplenty, with a dose of humor to keep the pace up. A midnight murder on a snow-stopped train leads Detective Hercule Poirot to try to find the killer aboard — but every passenger could be a suspect.
Venue: Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter St., Folsom
Dates: April 17-26
Cost: $21-30
Tickets: Tix – Ticket Sales
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Considered a masterpiece of literary realism, “Hedda Gabler” was first staged in 1891. It is the story of the titular Hedda, the daughter of a general trapped in a marriage and life she does not want. Returning from her honeymoon, Hedda begins to crave the sinister thrill of manipulating the lives of those around her.
Venue: Big Idea Theatre, 1616 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento
Dates: April 24 through May 16
Cost: $15-20
Tickets: Ludus – Big Idea Theatre
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Benjamin Franklin may have been an eminent statesman, writer and publisher, but was he any good as a father? William Franklin has had a hard life, stuck in his dad’s shadow — hard not to be, when the man leaves a trail of scientific advancement and political development in his wake. The decades-long relationship between William and Benjamin is explored to hilarious effect in this new comedy coming to The Sofia at the end of the month.
Venue: The Sofia, 2700 Capitol Ave., Sacramento
Dates: April 29 through May 24
Cost: $33-37
Tickets: FRANKLINLAND – The Sofia Home of B Street!
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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 Capital Public Radio, 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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