The Sactown Weekend Update for Oct. 25-27
Performances by four great local groups—the Sacramento Ballet, Sacramento Choral Society, Capital Stage and Sacramento Theatre Company—and one out-of-town, out-of-this-world dance troupe Momix (which is performing at the Mondavi Center) make up this weekend’s list of must-dos around the Sacramento region.
The Firebird (Friday through Sunday)
The Sacramento Ballet opens its 59th season with The Firebird, a fairy-tale ballet set to music based on Russian folk melodies. Two other Russia-related works will also be performed: Rubies, a jazzy piece by the Saint Petersburg-born choreographer George Balanchine, co-founder of the New York City Ballet, and The Rite of Spring by Russian composer Igor Stravinsky, which honors the 100th anniversary of the seminal ballet’s debut in Paris in 1913. $19-$70. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m. Community Center Theater. 1301 L St. 808-5181. sacballet.org
Macbeth (Friday through Sunday)
Something wicked this way comes to Capital Stage during the opening weekend of its presentation of Macbeth, the company’s first adaptation of a Shakespearean play. The production will present a modernized, post-apocalyptic take on the relationship between Macbeth, the ambitious Scottish general who wants to be king, and his ruthless wife (played Drama Desk Award-nominated Sacramento actress, Janice Stevens), who encourages him to seek power through any means necessary, including murder. $24-$35. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m. Capital Stage. 2215 J St. 995-5464. capstage.org
Pride and Prejudice (Friday through Sunday)
This weekend brings the final performances of Sacramento Theatre Company’s stage adaptation of the classic Jane Austen novel Pride and Prejudice, the first show in its 2013-2014 season of “Adventure, Rhythm and Romance.” The production—which centers on the courtship of the smart and strong-willed Elizabeth Bennet and the wealthy and aloof Mr. Darcy—coincides with the 200th anniversary of the book’s debut in 1813. $38. Friday at 8 p.m. Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m. Sacramento Theatre Company’s Mainstage. 1419 H St. 443-6722. sactheatre.org
Sacramento Choral Society (Saturday)
The Sacramento Choral Society begins its 18th season this Saturday with one of its “Stained Glass” concerts, in which the choir performs in the region’s historic churches and cathedrals. This evening’s program, which will be performed in the recently restored sanctuary of Fremont Presbyterian Church, will feature classic choral works, such as Joseph Haydn’s 18th-century Missa Cellensis mass, as well as a modern composition, Cecilia McDowall’s ethereal Ave Maris Stella, which premiered in 2001. Following the concert will be a reception with conductor Donald Kendrick and the performers, including organist Ryan Enright. $25 ($35 for reserved seats). 8 p.m. Fremont Presbyterian Church. 5770 Carlson Dr. 536-9065. sacramentochoral.com
Momix (Saturday and Sunday)
Coming to the Mondavi Center for shows on Saturday and Sunday is Momix, a company boasting athletic, acrobatic “dancer-illusionist” performers, mind-bending choreography, and pioneering artistic director Moses Pendleton, who co-founded the innovative Pilobolus Dance Theatre and choreographed the closing ceremony for the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. This evening will feature its newest program, entitled “Botanica,” which explores the natural world and its four seasons, portraying dreamlike landscapes and creatures with puppetry, light effects, large-scale props and ethereal music, including birdsongs and works by Vivaldi. Tickets start at $25. Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 3 p.m. Mondavi Center's Jackson Hall. Mrak Hall Dr. and Old Davis Rd. Davis. 530-754-2787. mondaviarts.org
