Best 2014-2015 College Productions In Sacramento

The Daily Meal Staff|Oct. 20, 2014 7:00 am EST

Sacramento colleges and universities draw aspiring thespians from around the country, and their talents are reflected on the boards in college productions in the region. Both nuanced performances and rollicking entertainment are anticipated in local school theater during the 2014-2015 seasons. These are a few of the top choices from the list of comedies, dramas, children's theater and other performances offered by talented collegians and directors.

"Water by the Spoonful"
California State University, Sacramento
Playwrights' Theatre, Shasta Hall
6000 J St.
Sacramento CA 95819
(916) 278-6368
www.csus.edu

Dates: Nov. 12-23, 2014

This is the second play in Quiara Alegria Hudes' trilogy that began with "Elliot, A Soldier's Fugue." As with the first play, the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama is built around young veteran Elliot Ortiz and his struggle to live life after fighting death in the Iraq war. Roberto Pomo directs the Sac State production of this tight and riveting play, which considers the true meaning of survival in a world of addiction, wrenching memories, family conflict and the cyber universe.

"Rumors"
Sierra College — Dietrich Theatre
5000 Rocklin Road
Rocklin, CA 95677
(916) 660-8036
www.sierracollege.edu

Dates: Oct. 24 – Nov. 2, 2014

This comedic romp comes from the inspired mind of playwright Neil Simon, whose legion of work includes "Brighton Beach Memoirs," "Barefoot in the Park" and "The Odd Couple." Theatre Arts students from Sierra College set the stage for hilarity, when a well-to-do New York politician with a minor gunshot wound puts his party guests in a very awkward position. Miscommunication, confusion and verbal slapstick will make for a fun experience in the college's Dietrich Theatre.

"Young Frankenstein, The Musical"
American River College
4700 College Oak Drive
Sacramento, CA 95841
(916) 484-8234
www.arc.losrios.edu

Dates: Now through Oct. 26, 2014

Make time to catch the final days of this Mel Brooks' extravaganza at ARC before it finishes its run. The storyline of young Dr. Frankenstein, grandson of the famous scientist and monster-maker, and his escapades in and out of the lab would be very funny on its own. But turn it into a musical, and the comedic level goes off the charts. The characters, dialogue and songs are sublime entertainment, and it will be hard to get the vision of a mad scientist and his monster doing a soft-shoe song and dance routine to "Puttin' on the Ritz."

"Avenue Q"
California State University, Sacramento
University Theatre, Shasta Hall
6000 J St.
Sacramento CA 95819
(916) 278-6368
www.csus.edu

Dates: April 8-19, 2015

This Tony Award-winning musical is for adults only, although the puppet cast members may make it appear otherwise at first. The play is bawdy, hysterically funny and sure to hit home for some, as adult people and puppets come to realize that life is not as their parents had promised it would be.

"The Little Mermaid"
Sacramento City College
Little Theatre
3835 Freeport Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95822
(916) 558-2174
www.citytheatre.net/index.html

Dates: Now through Nov. 9, 2014

Family members of all ages will appreciate this Storytime Theater musical, based on the classic children's book by Hans Christian Andersen. The stage version contains more songs and is naturally somewhat different from the animated film, and kids love watching the story of Princess Ariel come to life right before their eyes. The performance takes place in the new Little Theatre in the Performing Arts Center on the campus of the college. Admission prices are very reasonable and kids two and under can get in at no charge.

Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers animals and community issues. She has volunteered and worked for many organizations helping animals and people.
Her work can be found at Examiner.com.