Summer Stages: BWW's Top Summer Theatre Picks - Sacramento/Northern California!

1) Music Circus presents The Little Mermaid July 10-22 at the Wells Fargo Pavilion

www.calmt.com 

I had the pleasure of seeing the original Broadway cast of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. While I greatly enjoyed the classic story and new songs, I had my criticisms of the cast and the way the show played out on stage. Thus, I am anxious to see all the changes made both in script and sets for the West Coast premiere of the musical. In addition to The Little Mermaid, Music Circus’ summer lineup includes a host of shows worth looking forward to including Grease, The Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof, and Crazy for You.

2) Cosmopolitan Cabaret presents Triple Espresso May 30 - July 22 at the Cosmopolitan Cabaret Theatre

www.calmt.com 

Earlier this year I visited the Cosmopolitan Cabaret for the first time to see the hilarious spoof on show business, Forbidden Broadway. Triple Espresso promises to offer just as much laughter and fun in the intimate and relaxed Cosmopolitan Cabaret venue.

3) Lamplighters presents The Mikado July 27 - August 26 at five different venues

http://www.lamplighters.org/

While Lamplighters are mainly based in the bay area, the company’s summer production of The Mikado will only be an hour away from Sacramento. The production will visit Walnut Creek, Napa, Mountain View, San Francisco and Livermore. Lamplighters is nationally known for its productions of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas, including the artists’ rarer works. The strong reputation alone makes the visit worthwhile to me, plus The Mikado holds a special place in my heart. My mother, who has performed with Sacramento Opera Chorus, Sierra Repertory Theatre, and Modesto Performing Arts, introduced me to the comedic musical, and her dream role (Katisha) can be found in the show.

4) YES Company presents Willy Wonka July 20-29 at the Gallo Center for the Arts 

http://www.galloarts.org/

Despite my reservations about Youth Entertainment Stage Company’s choice of show this summer, the company is known for putting on high-quality shows and giving youth like myself (official disclosure: I performed in the ensemble of the 2001 production of Music Man) the chance to experience professional theater. If nothing else, the ticket price finds its value in its support of these youth.

5) Runaway Stage Productions Presents The Full Monty July 6-29 at 24th Street Theatre

http://www.runawaystage.com/ 

The Fully Monty is not exactly my favorite show, but I’ve reviewed a few shows at Runaway now, all of which have been extremely high in quality. Despite the fact that they are limited as a community theatre, they put on shows that boast amazing casts, direction and choreography. This company drew me in from the start, and now I’m beginning to become more involved at a level outside of reviews of Runaway merely because good theatre deserves strong supporters and volunteers, and Runaway is far more than just good theatre.

A theater lover since childhood, Harmony Wheeler has done Marketing and Public Relations work for Sierra Repertory Theatre, Hillhouse Opera Company and other companies. She graduated with high honors from Biola University with her degree in Journalism and an emphasis in Public Relations. In addition to working for the Gallo Center for the Arts, MJM Entertainment Group, Biola University Marketing and Communications, 6th Street PR, and Zimbabwe Gecko Society, Wheeler has written for The Modesto Bee, The Chimes, Static MultiMedia, BullyPulpit.com, TUFW Alumnus Magazine, Christian Book Previews, The Christian Communicator, and Church Libraries Magazine. Her photos appear in The Dominican Dream, a book available for purchase through Biola University's Journalism Department. Her photography and video work can be found at http://photographybyharmonywheeler.shutterfly.com/. To learn more about Harmony Wheeler, or to contact her for work possibilities, visit www.harmonywheeler.com.

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