This Weekend's Top Picks
A ukulele concert (featuring selections by everyone from Handel to David Bowie), two Broadway musicals (one beginning and one ending) and an Elk Grove gardening festival make up our eclectic list of ways to spend your weekend.
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain
Known for its unusual genre-mixing performances—concerts often include pop hits by the likes of David Bowie and Stevie Wonder as well as selections by composers such as Handel and Saint-Saëns—the London-based orchestra will once again expertly blend classical works with modern songs this Friday night at the Mondavi Center. The Ukes will also invite members of the audience to join in for a play-along rendition of its Relentlessly in C based on composer Terry Riley’s seminal In C. $25-$75. Friday at 8 p.m. Mondavi Center's Jackson Hall. 9399 Old Davis Rd. Davis. 530-754-2787. mondaviarts.org
Billy Elliot
This weekend, take in one of the final four Sacramento performances of this blockbuster musical, which is based on the popular 2000 film of the same name and depicts the journey of an 11-year-old working-class boy who stumbles upon a ballet class, discovers a love for dance, and decides to secretly train to audition for The Royal Ballet School despite discouragement from those around him. Featuring a score by Elton John, Billy Elliot earned 10 Tony Awards, including best musical, in 2009. $24-$86. Friday at 8 p.m. Saturday at 2 & 8 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m. Community Center Theater. 1301 L St. 557-1999. calmt.com
42nd Street
Debuting this weekend is Runaway Stage’s production of 42nd Street, which follows a naïve, up-and-coming chorus girl who is pushed into the limelight to star in a major Broadway production after its aging leading lady gets injured during a performance. The Tony Award-winning musical features such classic showtunes as “We’re in the Money” and “Lullaby of Broadway.” $19-$25. Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday 2 p.m. 24th Street Theatre. 2791 24th St. 207-1226. runawaystage.com
Elk Grove Greener Gardens Festival and Garden Tour
How does your garden grow? On Saturday, get some tips from regional green thumbs at this educational festival featuring a lineup of workshops led by landscape architects, arborists and groups like the Sacramento County Master Gardeners. Topics to be covered include composting, growing an edible landscape and rain harvesting. Plus, check out the eco-friendly, water-conserving landscaping principles at work during a self-guided driving tour of Elk Grove. Free. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Miwok Park. 9344 Village Tree Dr. Elk Grove. 524-1435. elkgrovegreenergardens.org
