One Fun Monster of a Show!!
Little Shop of Horrors (Book and Lyrics by: Howard Ashman, Music by: Alan Menken) will take the 24th Street Theatre stage July 6 – 29th! 
The last time this man-eating musical was produced by RSP, as a main-stage Broadway show, was in the year 2000, and now it is time for this hilarious show to eat its way into the hearts of RSP audiences.
Little Shop of Horrors is a 1982 off-Broadway musical comedy about a nerdy florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood. The musical was based on the low-budget 1960 black comedy The Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Roger Corman. The musical score, composed by Menken in the style of 1960's rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown, included several show-stoppers including "Skid Row (Downtown)," "Somewhere That's Green," and "Suddenly Seymour," as well as the title song. For RSP’s production a stellar cast has been assembled by Director Bob Baxter, which include Tristan Rumary (Curley in Oklahoma and cast member of the 2007 revival of Smokey Joe’s Café) as Seymour, Amber Jean Moore (Velma in Chicago) as Audrey, and Kevin
Caravelho (Toby in Sweeney Todd) as Orin the Dentist. The rest of the talented cast includes Bob Baxter (Mr. Mushnik), Daryl Clark (the Voice of Audrey II), Chase Freeman (Audrey II Puppeteer), Natasha Greer (Crystal), Robin Hushbeck (Ronnette), Megan Sandoval (Chiffon), and of course Audrey II (a new series of dynamic puppets, created by RSP resident musical director and puppet master, Christopher Cook) also co-stars in this hilarious production. The musical was also made into a film in 1986, directed by Frank Oz.
Leaves the audience... feeling just like Audrey II between victims - ravenous for more." (The New York Times)
"This horticultural horror will have you screaming with laughter..." (New York Post)
"Giddy, irresistible entertainment..." (Women's Wear Daily)
Little Shop of Horrors will perform Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. July 6 – 29th! Get your tickets now at www.runawaystage.com or call the box office at (916) 207-1226.
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RSP and Stage Nine Theatre in Folsom Present Steel Magnolias starring RSP favorites
Stage Nine Theater in
Folsom and Runaway Stage Productions have collaborated to re-stage the very popular 2005 RSP production of Steel Magnolias. Director, Bob Baxter has re-assembled three of the original cast members from the 2005 production and brought in some RSP favorites to round out the cast. The production stars six women, three of which, Kathleen Flint (M’Lynn), Peggy Huntsman (Clariee) and Karen Day (Truvy) will be returning from the original 2005 cast. Joining them are RSP favorites Lauren Miller (Annelle), Katie Veale (Shelby) and Mary Young (Ouiser). Lauren Miller and Mary Young both worked together this past year in the hit production of The Full Monty at RSP, and Katie Veale was recently seen on stage as Laurey in Oklahoma.Steel Magnolias, by Robert Harling, is a 1987 off-Broadway play, made into a successful movie in 1989. Based on the author's experience with the death of his sister, Steel Magnolias is a comedy-drama about the bond among a group of southern women in northwest Louisiana.
The action centers around Truvy's beauty parlor 
and some women who regularly gather there. The drama begins on the morning of Shelby's wedding to Jackson and covers events over the next year, including Shelby's decision to have a child despite having Type 1 diabetes and the complications that result from the decision. We also get a glimpse of the unlikely friendship between Claire and Ouiser; Annelle's transformation from a shy, anxious newcomer in town, to a partying woman, then to a religious fundamentalist; and Truvy's relationships with the men in her family. Although the main storyline involves Shelby, her mother, and Shelby's medical battles, the underlying group-friendship among all six women is prominent throughout the drama.
The new production will take place at the intimate Stage Nine Theatre in Folsom, July 13th – August 19th Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sunday’s at 4 p.m. for tickets please visit stageninefolsom.com or call 916.353.1001.
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During a rain storm, a cheerful young woman named Penelope arrives at the castle, seeking shelter from the rain and a place for her to rest her swollen ankle. The Queen doesn’t like visitors, but is convinced to let her stay until her ankle heals. Penelope mentions, in passing, that she is a princess – but, the Queen doesn’t believe her.
Richard and Penelope soon fall in love but, Queen Anastasia is determined to prove the girl is not a real princess and sets up an impossible test. Penelope must sleep on a bed of twenty mattresses set on top of a tiny pea. If she doesn’t feel the pea under the mattresses, that will prove she’s really not a true princess.
A warm and funny tale – for the whole family. Performances every Saturday at 12 Noon and 2:00 p.m. July 14, 21 and 28. All tickets $5. For reservations, see us at the web: www.runawaystage.com or call 916.207.1226
AUDITIONS FOR OUR NEXT MAIN STAGE BROADWAY SHOW!
Runaway Stage Productions is holding Auditions for our upcoming production of Jesus Christ Superstar, Sunday and Monday, July 8th and 9th at 7 p.m. at the 24th Street Theatre, 2791 24th Street in Sacramento. 
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Directed by Bob Baxter
Choreographed by Pamela Lourentzos
Vocal and Musical Direction by Christopher Cook
Costume Design by Lillian Baxter
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, the first masterpiece from the legendary writing team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber as relevant and as timeless as ever in a magnificent new production.
With a score of amazing songs "I Don't Know How To Love Him," "Hosanna," "Everything's Alright," "What's The Buzz," "Superstar," "Heaven On Their Mind" and a stunning visual design, this is truly a superstar for the ages.
Jesus Christ Superstar, a two-act rock opera, gave opera a radical facelift through its use of vibrant rock music for a solemn topic. Andrew Lloyd 
Webber (music) and Tim Rice (lyrics) created a new kind of Jesus, a prophet / rock star whose appeal stems as much from the crowd’s energy as from his own inspirational message. The album of songs, released a year before the first stage production of the play, created a market for the dramatic version, which opened to sold-out audiences who were already familiar with its songs. The play is a baroque fusion of styles, rock rhythm with ballad narrative, dramatic characterization with rollicking choreography, and operatic star performances that together paradoxically succeed in communicating a humble theme of love and acceptance. Sacred themes are fused with ancient political history and modern sensibilities into an entirely new form of theater art. To some critics the mixture was balanced, taut, and spectacularly successful, but to others, it was a travesty. Leaving out the Resurrection was considered both blasphemous and brilliant, bringing picketers to the streets to protest the play, while critics raved its genius. Jesus is portrayed as having human qualities, doubts, and faults, yet his crucifixion becomes all the more poignant for it. The play was unique in its genesis as well, having begun its life as a record, thus putting initial emphasis on musicality over plot and staging. The first Broadway musical to have started in this way, it remains an innovative work of drama and music that has weathered well, with a production nearly always taking place somewhere in the world. Synopsis
The Last Seven Days in the Life of Jesus of Nazareth
ACT I
Judas can see that things are going badly awry and that all the good work Jesus has done will soon be swept away. The situation is volatile and the authorities are beginning to focus their attentions on Jesus' activities. The Apostles are quizzing Jesus on his plans - they're keen to know what lies in store for them all. Judas watches on in silence until Mary Magdalene arrives. He doesn't understand why Jesus wastes his time on a woman like her. Mary Magdalene tries to calm Jesus with an expensive ointment and tells him not to get worried. Judas snatches the ointment from her and accuses her of wasting resources which would be better served helping the poor. Jesus retorts by saying that there will always be poverty in the world and that they will never be able to help everyone. Meanwhile, Ciaiphas and the Priests discuss the problems caused by the mob following Jesus. They don't understand how he has managed to inspire people and believes that Jesus poses a very serious threat to their authority and the fragile relationship they have with the occupying force from Rome. A mass of people surround Jesus as he triumphantly arrives in Jerusalem. The crowd tells Jesus that they love and believe in him. Simon tries to convince Jesus that he has the power to motivate the crowds to rebel against the Romans. Waking at the dead of night, Pilate recounts a dream which has been troubling him for many months. The dream focuses on a charismatic man. Pilate finds himself in a room full of people baying for this man's blood. The dream ends with an image of millions of people mourning the man's death and leaving Pilate with the blame. Traders, moneylenders and pimps are plying their trade in The Temple - money can buy anything there. Jesus bursts in and cries out that the Temple should be a house of prayer and drives everyone out of the building. Exhausted and despairing, Jesus collapses and dreams that he is surrounded by the poor, the sick and the needy - in the dream Jesus finds that there are too many people for him to help. With Jesus asleep in her arms, Mary contemplates her relationship with this man. She has never experienced love in her life before and she realises that her entire world has been turned upside down by Jesus. The Priests need to know where they can find Jesus away from the crowds. Judas tells them that he will be alone in the Garden of Gethsemane on Thursday night. Judas knows that his betrayal will be remembered for all time but he still clings to his belief that what he is doing is for the best.
ACT II
Jesus gathers his twelve apostles together. He knows what lies ahead and asks his friends to remember him when they eat and drink. Looking around at their blank faces, Jesus becomes incensed and tells them that he must be mad to think that any of them will remember him after he dies. He turns on Peter telling him that he will deny ever having known him by the end of the night and then reveals that one of his apostles will betray him. Judas leaps up and confronts Jesus and an argument between the two men ensues. Jesus tells Judas to get on with what he has planned and Judas accuses Jesus of ruining everything that they have achieved together.
Left alone in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus ponders his fate, questioning whether he can go through with what he knows lies in store over the next three days. The soldiers arrive at the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss. The soldiers arrest Jesus and take him to Ciaiphas, the High Priest. Three onlookers all recognize Peter as one of the men who was with Jesus earlier. Each time he denies just as Jesus said he would. Jesus is brought before Pilate. However as Jesus comes from Galilee, Pilate does not feel that he comes under his jurisdiction and instructs the guards to take him to Herod. Herod has heard about the many miracles Jesus has performed and he wants Jesus to prove that he's divine by changing water into wine or walking across his swimming pool! Throughout Herod's tirade, Jesus sits in silence. Infuriated, King Herod throws Jesus out of his house. With Jesus locked in a cell, Mary and the apostles can see that everything they had hoped for has gone horribly wrong. They wish they could turn the clock back and start again. Attacked by guards, Jesus is left half dead. Judas laments what he has seen and realizes that he will be blamed for what has happened. He recognizes that he is part of some grand design and that God is propelling him towards his destiny and he is powerless to change anything. Filled with despair, Judas commits suicide. Jesus is once again brought before Pilate. A mob, led by the Priests, is screaming for Jesus to be crucified. Pilate believes that the man before him has done nothing wrong. He asks Jesus if he is the King of the Jews to which Jesus simply replies It's you that say I am. To appease the crowd, Pilate flogs Jesus 39 times. A delirious Jesus is taunted by an hallucination of Judas asking him how he could let everything get so out of hand and whether he really is who he says he is. Condemned by Pilate, Jesus is crucified. The apostles are left to comfort each other and ponder the impact that Jesus has had on their lives.
All roles are open and everyone is welcome!
For additional audition information please visit the website at runawaystage.com
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All parts open – Ages 16 years to Adult.
Talking Mirror – All knowing, all seeing Narrator of the story.
Snow White – Innocent young Princess
Evil Queen – Beautiful, but wicked.
William – Dashing young Prince
The Dwarf Brothers:
Randall
Wally
Og
Fidget
Summer Sizzles at RSP, Plan Your Holiday Celebration and Help RSP at the Same Time!!!
We will be running our very successful fireworks stand again this year!! Located near the corner of Fulton and Marconi (in the Gore’s Baby Store parking lot), this is one of our major fund-raisers to support our children’s programs (YMTW and Storybook Children’s Theatre). So celebrate the birthday of this great country and help out a worthy cause at the same time! Come on out to our fireworks stand and get your fireworks spectacular supplies to celebrate the 4th of July!
Many of our performers will be working the booth this year along with board members, some of the most talented pyrotechnic experts around and other wonderful RSP volunteers.
WIN! WIN! WIN!
Come on out to the fireworks booth and get your fireworks, bring the coupon in this article and be entered to win a pair of season tickets to our 2008 season of great shows! This offer is only available at the RSP fireworks stand located near the corner of Fulton and Marconi in Sacramento, so be sure to visit our fireworks standand bring this coupon to enter to win!!!
It's not too late to become an official "RSP Partner" for our 10th Anniversary Season!
Runaway Stage Productions is a non-profit Community Theatre Company who has been providing high quality theater entertainment for Ten Years in the Sacramento area. What began as a one-time only show in 1997 has turned into a year round operation, producing Broadway-style productions, Storybook Children's Theatre, delighting children of all ages, and Youth Musical Theater Wrokshops providing performing arts education for hundreds of area youth.RSP produces some of the highest quality theater in the Sacramento area as evidenced by increased attendance and multiple Elly nominations and Awards from the Sacramento Area Regional Theater Alliance (SARTA).
As the cost of producing quality theater continues to increase, we are seeking individuals and businesses who are supportive of the Arts and Arts Education in our community. Community support is VITAL to assure the continued presence of RSP in Sacramento!
Please consider becoming an RSP Partner or Sponsor by making a tax deductible donation. In return, you will receive numerous benefits as described on our website www.runawaystage.com.
Additionally, we offer advertising through our Playbills where you can reach over 10,000 potential customers!
Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at the 24th Street Theatre!!
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Don't Miss Out On Our 10th Anniversary Season - Become an Official "RSP Partner"!
New Patron Level and benefits Added This Year - Support The Finest in Community Theatre
As you know, Runaway Stage Productions is a non-profit Community Theatre Company who has been providing high quality theatre entertainment for eight years in the Sacramento area. What began as a one-time only show in 1997 has turned into a year round operation, producing Broadway-style productions, Storybook Children's Theater, delighting children of all ages and Youth Musical Theater Workshops providing performing arts education for hundreds of area youth.
RSP produces some of the highest quality theater in the Sacramento area as evidenced by increased performance attendance and multiple Elly nominations and Awards from the Sacramento Area Regional Theater Alliance (SARTA).
However, we are at a critical point in RSP history. The cost of producing quality theatre has increased dramatically over the last couple of years, and we are experiencing financial difficulty in delivering the superior theatrical productions our patrons enjoy and have afforded us recognition in the theatre community. RSP has relied solely on ticket sales and occasional individual donations to provide the necessary operational revenue. And in support of our #1 objective to provide the best possible live theatre entertainment that can be enjoyed by the entire community, we strive to keep our ticket prices affordable for our diverse patron base. Additionally, we continue to evaluate our budget management guidelines ensuring that we are operating at the most resourceful and efficient costs possible. However, we are still faced with the significant challenge to keep the "Stage Door" open at RSP.
How can you help? You can become an RSP "Partner" by making a tax deductible donation of $50.00 or more as described below. In return, we are offering complimentary tickets, recognition in our playbills, etc.
Moreover, we are seeking "Sponsors" to help underwrite our productions.
If you own or work for a business that is supportive of the Arts, please ask if they will help with a grant to cover some of the expenses of producing a Broadway Style Musical. The business or individual will receive full recognition in our playbills, banners, advertising, etc., giving them great visibility in the community. In an average season, RSP reaches over 10,000 people!
Thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you at the 24th Street Theatre!!
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Tell us What You Think!
RSP is looking for input from you, our friends and patrons, on what you think of RSP. Applying for grants and funding opportunities is always a difficult project, and RSP is always working on these endeavors, so we are looking to you, our friends and patrons, to help with some information. Funding organizations are always looking to see how a program impacts the people who access the services it provides, so we are asking you to share your thoughts. If you have had an experience that has touched you, or someone you know, please let us know. We are looking for any stories or thoughts you may have had about the work that RSP does. So whether you have seen a show that you thought was well done, or if you have been involved in our YMTWs or if you just would like to send a letter of support please feel free, we would love to hear from you. In addition, if there is something that you feel we could work on, or if there is a concern you have please also feel free to send that along with your thoughts. Please be sure to include your name and contact information along with your letter. We appreciate your support for our work and we hope that with your help we can achieve some additional funding and be able to continue to produce the best community theatre around.
Please send your comments to:
RSP Board of Directors (Comments)
5050 Laguna Blvd., Suite 112-410
Elk Grove, CA 95758
Or by e-mail to: boxoffice@runawaystage.com
Thank you!
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the only son of Queen Anastasia and King Frederick, is bored with his lonely life. He decides that what he needs is something to love . . . maybe a small pet. His companion, the Jester, suggests that he get married.
Get your special someone a night out at the theatre! RSP has gift certificates good for any denomination and are available by calling the box office at 916-207-1226 or send the box office an e-mail at boxoffice@runawaystage.com and request yours today! We accept all major credit cards and this is an easy way to show someone you care this holiday season. These gift certificates are good for any tickets to any of our great shows – Broadway Shows, Storybook Children’s Theatre Shows, Youth Musical Theatre Workshop Shows, or even a tuition for that special child who wants to join the next workshop, the possibilities are endless so don’t miss out on this easy way to give the gift of entertainment!