Sierra Rep presents Spelling Bee

Can you spell H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S? Sierra Repertory Theatre presents a group of six young spellers and special audience participants in the musical comedy, The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, held at the East Sonora stage October 24 – November 23. Tickets are available at www.sierrarep.org or by calling the Box Office at 209-532-3120.

The Tony-award winning show is all about the characters, a group of overachieving pre-teens who gather to compete in a rural spelling bee final at Putnam Valley Middle School. There’s Marcy, an All-American hockey player who speaks six languages and sleeps three hours per night. Olive, a newcomer to competitive spelling, has a father who can’t be at the bee because he’s working late. Don’t forget William Barfée, who has only one working nostril and a touchy personality. That’s just for starters. 

 Photo by Colette Sauls

Sierra Rep presents Chris Van Cleave in Concert

Sierra Rep 2015 Season Single Tickets Now On Sale

General public and group tickets for Sierra Repertory Theatre’s 2015 season are now on sale. The season includes the popular Broadway musical Mary Poppins, a to be announced musical featuring four rock n’ roll legends, spring comedy Unnecessary Farce, classic favorite The Music Man, Shakespeare’s Macbeth, country tribute Always, Patsy Cline, homage to musical theatre The Drowsy Chaperone, and a brand new adaptation of A Christmas Carol.

Ticket prices range from $28 to $35, with senior, student and child rates available. Premium seating will be available for $10 extra per ticket for Mary Poppins, The Music Man and A Christmas Carol. Shows in 2015 play Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., with Thursday performance times varying between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. For more information or for a detailed performance schedule, visit www.sierrarep.org or call the Sierra Rep Box Office at 209-532-3120. 

Sierra Rep "All My Sons" - touches the human spirit - by Shari Schweigler

If you are familiar with the work of playwright Arthur Miller, you will not want to miss Sierra Rep’s latest production, “All My Sons.”  If you do not know Miller, you have a perfect opportunity to sample the work of one of the greatest writers America has produced.  When you leave the theater after this show, you will realize that you have been touched by something deep in the human spirit. You will have understood the way we grapple with tough choices that strain our personal integrity.

It is 1947, and we meet the Keller family in a lushly green Midwestern backyard.  A phenomenally realistic set immediately draws us in --- the homey bungalow seen from the rear, a wide back porch, a swing under a tree, a rose-covered trellis, stone-encircled flower beds, and tree branches that extend from the wings, lit in a way that gives depth and dimension to every scene.  When the lights first go down, we hear a strong wind, and when they come back up, a sapling has been broken in two.  

 Photo Rich Miller

Pump Boys and Dinettes returns to SRT for fourth time with reimagined look

The Double Cupp Diner sits on the side of the road “somewhere between Frog Level and Smyrna, NC.” But from June 13 to July 27 the diner – the setting of Pump Boys and Dinettes – will relocate to East Sonora as Sierra Repertory Theatre stages another rendition of this popular musical.

It’s the fourth time Sierra Rep has done this down-home show, and director Brian Swasey (who directed last summer’s RESPECT: A Musical Journey Of Women) promises to deliver everything Pump Boys is known for: memorable characters, toe-tapping music and fun.

'Church Basement Ladies' a Second Helping - funny and moving

Sierra repertory's Church Basement Ladies - The sequel 'A Second Helping', is witty, moving and just plain fun.

There is no need to have seen the first performance of Church Basement Ladies to thoroughly enjoy this clever sequel.

The sequel brings back the characters of Karin, Vivian and Mavis, all local ladies with different views on life, love, and home, yet brought together as the ladies of the local Lutheran Church where they are more than just the basement kitchen ladies, they are the glue that binds the congregation together and creates an unbreakable sisterhood.

Sierra Rep Sound of Music auditions

Sierra Rep Sound of Music Auditions and Workshop Set for End of Month

Sierra Repertory Theatre will hold auditions for all youth parts for its summer production of The Sound of Music on Tuesday, April 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. No sign up is necessary. Director Scott Viets will also partner with Sierra Rep Jr. and Education Director Ralph Krumins to lead a special pre-audition workshop the day before.

The free workshop on Monday, March 31 for children ages 5 to 18 will feature theatre games and light singing and dance, all geared around The Sound of Music and preparation for auditions. Ages 5-9 will meet from 6 to 6:30 p.m. and ages 10 to 18 will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Participation in the workshop is not required to attend the official open call audition the following day. Sierra Rep will hold both the workshop and auditions at the East Sonora Rehearsal Annex located at 13891 Mono Way.

Sierra Repertory Theater turns 35!

Sierra Rep turns 35!

Break out the bubbly, Sierra Rep is turning 35!

The theatre started in 1979 as the dream of five friends – Dennis and Sara Jones, Doug Brennan, and Kathryn and David Kahn – who shared a love of the stage. All five met at the Fallon House Theatre in Columbia while working there as staff and students in the University of the Pacific’s summer stock program.

Today Sierra Rep plays a prominent role in the arts scene of the Central Sierra with a dedicated team of staff members, trustees, volunteers and donors. SRT continues to move forward, launching our first-ever education program and recently reaching a significant milestone: one million tickets sold!

Les Miserables coming to SRT

Sierra Repertory Theatre Presents

Les Miserables

WHEN: March 2 – May 4

WHERE: East Sonora Theatre, 13891 Mono Way, Sonora, CA 95370

PRICES: $26 to $32 General admission, Premium Seating available at extra charge

Child, group, senior & student discounts available

BOX OFFICE: (209) 532-3120

WEBSITE: www.sierrarep.org

Sierra Rep to offer Youth Theatre Workshop for ages 4-18

Sierra Repertory Theatre Jr. starts the new year with its first Youth Theatre Workshop, a month of live theatre exercises, games, songs and dances led by new Education Director Ralph Krumins (Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Jason and the Argonauts).

Classes begin January 7 and continue every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday through January 30, at which time participants will have the chance to put on their own performance. Ages 4-9 will meet from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., while ages 10-18 will meet from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sierra Rep will hold all rehearsals and performances at the rehearsal Annex next to the East Sonora Theatre.

Sierra Rep to offer Youth Theatre Workshop for ages 4-18

            

Sierra Repertory Theatre Jr. starts the new year with its first Youth Theatre Workshop, a month of live theatre exercises, games, songs and dances led by new Education Director Ralph Krumins (Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Jason and the Argonauts).

Classes begin January 7 and continue every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday through January 30, at which time participants will have the chance to put on their own performance. Ages 4-9 will meet from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., while ages 10-18 will meet from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sierra Rep will hold all rehearsals and performances at the rehearsal Annex next to the East Sonora Theatre.

Sierra Rep Begins Youth Program with Amazing Production of 'Jason and the Argonauts' by Shari Schweigler

“Wow!” and “Awesome” were the words young audience members used to summarize their experience of a December 14^th performance of “Jason and the Argonauts,” the inaugural production of Sierra Repertory Theatre’s new youth program. Though this production has closed, there’s a lot more “Wow” to look forward to, with workshops beginning in January for ages 4 to 18.

The classic Greek myth that tells the story of the Golden Fleece was done with original song and contemporary allusion. Ralph Krumins’ script and score brought to life the 3000-year-old tale by Appollonius Rhodius in an updated version for audience members, ages 4 to 104. 

Amid the action and excitement enhanced by music and well-lit backdrops, Krumins emphasized admirable ideas for young people to digest, such as how much more important it is for you to use your mind than a sword. One song about “brand new heroes” reminded us that the world always needs a new supply of the brave, the true, and the willing. Another made the point that you could still be a hero even when no one knows your name. 

Credit Dave and Dianne Photography.

Veterans see at no cost, 'It's a Wonderful Life' by Sierra Repertory theater

Sierra Rep would like to offer veterans free
tickets for the production of "It's A Wonderful
Life: A Radio Play" at the East Sonora theater
this Thanksgiving week.  This offer is good for:
Wednesday, November 27 - 2 p.m. performance
or
Saturday, November 30 – 8 p.m. performance

Each veteran can get up to 6 tickets by calling
the box office and asking for them with the offer
code "SERVICE" as in, thank you for your service.

The box office number is 209-532-3120.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Susan Reid for Sara Jones,  Managing Director of the Sierra Repertory Theater.

SRT Spitfire Grill to open 10-4-13

New musical serves up a heartwarming story of second chances

When Percy Talbot steps off the bus in tiny Gilead, Wisconsin, she’s a young woman with a single wish. After five years in prison, she’s determined to leave her troubled youth behind her and make a new home in this faded small town she knows only from a picture in a travel book. She lands a job at the local café, settles in and, just by being herself, brings her neighbors a long-needed lift.

            That’s the engaging setting for Sierra Rep’s production of The Spitifre Grill, a new musical that has won raves from coast to coast as a soulful story of second chances. It plays October 4-27 at the East Sonora stage.

            SRT Artistic Director Scott Viets is directing the show and is looking forward to bringing it to local audiences.

SRT presents - RESPECT - A Musical Journey of Women

For showtimes and ticket information visit http://www.sierrarep.com/

Sierra Rep presents - Respect - A Musical Journey of Women

 

For show times and ticket info visit  http://www.sierrarep.com/

SRT presents 'RESPECT: A Musical Journey of Women'

Hit revue celebrates women’s journey through popular music

From Betty Boop to Tina Turner and Lily Langtree to Cyndi Lauper, female pop stars and their music provide a vivid reflection of how much has changed for American women in the last 100 years. That’s the story celebrated in the hit musical revue RESPECT: A Musical Journey of Women, playing at Sierra Repertory Theatre’s East Sonora stage July 26 through September 1.

Four powerhouse performers and a live band draw from decades of Top 40 hits in this non-stop song-and-dance showcase of women’s challenges, opportunities and triumphs. An international hit, it has packed houses and brought audiences to their feet from coast to coast.

The exuberant song list stretches from period standards such as “Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” to pop fare like “Where the Boys Are” and “Bobbie’s Girl” through energized anthems like “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’,” “I Am Woman,” “I Will Survive” and “Girls Just Want To Have Fun.” A narrator puts the songs in context, so we experience them as a timeline and see how they punctuated turning points in women’s history. 

SRT presents 'RESPECT: A musical journey of Women'

Sierra Repertory Theatre Presents

RESPECT: A Musical Journey of Women

WHEN: July 26 – September 1

WHERE: East Sonora Theater, 13891 Mono Way Sonora, CA 95370

PRICES: $26 to $32 General admission; Child, group, senior & student discounts available

BOX OFFICE: (209) 532-3120

WEBSITE: www.sierrarep.org

“It's one heck of a fun ride... a must-see and must-hear musical that you will want to see more than once!” – BroadwayWorld

'Oklahoma' coming to the Fallon House

Oklahoma! – Rodgers & Hammerstein’s first masterpiece – sweeps onto the Fallon House stage this summer. Sierra Repertory Theatre is proud to present an outstanding cast in this finely crafted classic, a celebration of the American spirit of courage, independence and feisty good fun. It plays at the Fallon House theatre in Columbia State Historic Park from June 28 through August 18.

Set in the Western Territory just before Oklahoma became a state, the show was an instant smash when it debuted 70 years ago and set a new standard for the American musical.

“This show captures a spirit and time that is so appealing,” said SRT Producing Director Dennis Jones, who is directing the show. “It was a new beginning for the country, a joy about life – the future looked very bright. That’s what they were celebrating when they wrote this and that’s why it’s still so popular.”

 Photo by Rich Miller

OKLAHOMA! sweeps onto Fallon House Stage

Oklahoma! – Rodgers & Hammerstein’s first masterpiece – sweeps onto the Fallon House stage this summer. Sierra Repertory Theatre is proud to present an outstanding cast in this finely crafted classic, a celebration of the American spirit of courage, independence and feisty good fun. It plays at the Fallon House theatre in Columbia State Historic Park from June 28 through August 18.

Set in the Western Territory just before Oklahoma became a state, the show was an instant smash when it debuted 70 years ago and set a new standard for the American musical.

“This show captures a spirit and time that is so appealing,” said SRT Producing Director Dennis Jones, who is directing the show. “It was a new beginning for the country, a joy about life – the future looked very bright. That’s what they were celebrating when they wrote this and that’s why it’s still so popular.”

 Photo by Rich Miller