B Street Theatre cancels shows as transformer blows | The Sacramento Bee

Sacramento’s B Street Theatre canceled its Friday night performances after a blown transformer knocked out power just hours before actors were to take the stage.

Bill Blake, B Street’s managing director, said he heard a “loud explosion sound” about 2 p.m. at the theater, 2711 B St. By 3:30 p.m., power was out at the company’s 200-seat hall and a smaller 100-seat space as theater staff scrambled to notify patrons and actors that performances of John Patrick Shanley’s “Outside Mullingar” and Norm Foster’s “The Ladies Foursome” would be canceled.

“We’re going to give them the opportunity to come back anytime they want,” Blake said.

Despite the power failure, B Street’s doors remained open Friday night for a makeshift meet-and-greet reception with cast and staff, including refreshments and a putting contest inspired by “The Ladies Foursome.”

Blake said the theater was optimistic that power would be restored in time for the weekend’s performances. The theater can be reached at (916) 443-5300.