Previewing summer theater season in Sacramento and the region

The summer theater season in and around Sacramento means plenty of Shakespeare and a solid share of musicals as well. Some of the interesting, less-seen shows scheduled include “Bells Are Ringing” by the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” at Music Circus and “Little Me” at the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival.

CALIFORNIA SHAKESPEARE THEATER

What: The acclaimed professional company in the East Bay begins its first year under new artistic director Eric Ting. This season’s four productions are William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” (May 25-June 19); August Wilson’s “Fences” (July 6-31); George Bernard Shaw’s “You Never Can Tell” (Aug. 10-Sept. 4); and Shakespeare’s “Othello” (Sept. 14-Oct. 9).

Where: Bruns Amphitheater, 100 California Shakespeare Theater Way, Orinda

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays

Information: $20-$72; 510-548-9666, www.calshakes.org

DAVIS SHAKESPEARE ENSEMBLE

What: The creative ensemble based in Davis presents two productions in rotating repertory. This year’s shows are Rostand’s classic romance “Cyrano De Bergerac” and the musical “Bells Are Ringing,” with book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and music by Jule Styne.

Where: Veterans Memorial Theatre, 203 E. 14th St., Davis

When: June 23-July 31; 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays

Information: $15-$25; 530-802-0998, www.shakespearedavis.org

FAIR OAKS THEATRE FESTIVAL

What: The festival hosts a variety of entertainment in its intimate outdoor venue. This year’s theater production is Neil Simon’s “Little Me,” directed by Bob Irvin with vocal direction by Tracy Martin Shearer, and music direction by Kirt Shearer.

Where: Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre, 7991 California Ave., Fair Oaks (Old Fair Oaks Village)

When: June 17-July 24; 8:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; no performance July 4

Information: $6-$18; 916-966-3683, www.fairoakstheatrefestival.com

LAKE TAHOE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

What: This festival is in its 44th year. The professional company lead by Charles Fee presents Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” and the popular musical “Forever Plaid” in rotating repertory.

Where: Sand Harbor in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park

When: July 8-Aug. 21; 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays

Information: $27-$99; 775-298-0154, www.laketahoeshakespeare.com

MAIN STREET THEATRE WORKS

What: The long-running community theater based in Jackson has two outdoor productions this summer, Nell Benjamin’s “The Explorers Club” and Luke Yankee’s “The Last Lifeboat.”

When: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; “The Explorers Club” (June 24-July 23), “The Last Lifeboat” (Aug. 12-Sept. 10)

Where: The Kennedy Mine Amphitheatre, 1127 North Main St., Jackson

Information: $12-$20; doors open 6:30 p.m.; picnics, chairs and jackets encouraged; mstw.org

MARIN SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

What: The professional company has three productions this summer: “The Taming,” by Lauren Gunderson (June 24-July 17), “Twelfth Night” (July 22-Aug. 21), “Othello” (Aug.26-Sept. 25).

When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays

Where: Forest Meadows Amphitheatre at Dominican University, 890 Belle Ave., San Rafael

Information: $12-$35; doors open one hour before show; picnics encouraged or Theatre Cafe snacks; chairs and jackets also encouraged; 415-499-4488, marinshakespeare.org

MUSIC CIRCUS

What: The local summer institution under the leadership of artistic director Glenn Casale and executive producer Scott Klier presents six musicals this season. “Legally Blonde” (June 14-19), “Hello, Dolly!” (June 28-July 3), “Seussical” (July 12-17), “Cabaret” (July 26-31), “Nice Work If You Can Get It” (Aug. 9-14), “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (Aug. 23-28).

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays

Where: Wells Fargo Pavilion, 1419 H St., Sacramento

Information: $45-$73; 916-557-1999, sacramentomusiccircus.com

SACRAMENTO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

What: The summer theater festival produced by City Theatre at Sacramento City College features “Love’s Labour’s Lost” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

When: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 6 p.m. Sundays; “Love’s Labour’s Lost” opens Friday, July 1, and plays July 2, 10, 15, 17, 23, 28 and 30. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” opens Friday, July 8, and plays July 9, 14, 16, 22, 24, 29 and 31. No performances Sunday, July 3, or Thursday, July 21.

Where: The William A. Carroll Amphitheatre in William Land Park, 3800 West Land Park Drive, Sacramento

Information: $15-$18, nonreserved seating, children 6-12 free; children under 6 not admitted; $2 parking; concessions available, picnics welcomed; www.sacramentoshakespeare.net

OREGON SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

What: The country’s largest and most prestigious professional repertory theater produces 12 shows a year in three theaters. Opening in June and running through mid-October in the outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre are “Hamlet,” “The Wiz” and “The Winter’s Tale.” Playing indoors at the Angus Bowmer Theatre through October are “Twelfth Night” and “Great Expectations.” “The River Bride” closes in the Bowmer on July 7. Continuing in the Thomas Theatre through October are “The Yeoman of the Guard,” “Roe” and “Vietgone.” Opening in July in the Thomas is “Richard II” and in the Bowmer is “Timon of Athens.” Backstage tours, educational programs and other events are scheduled as well.

When: In the summer 10 shows are in rotating repertory at the three theaters. Schedules vary. There are matinees and evening performances every day but Monday.

Where: Oregon Shakespeare Festival, 15 S. Pioneer St., Ashland, Ore.

Information: $10-$110; 800-219-8161, www.osfashland.org

This story was originally published May 19, 2016 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Previewing summer theater season in Sacramento and the region."