Sierra Stages’ new season begins with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

SIERRA STAGES IS A ON A ROLL. SINCE IT began only four years ago, the community theatre based in western Nevada County has presented 15 plays and musicals and has been recognized by the Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance with four Elly Awards and 23 Elly nominations (including Death of a Salesman, see photo). The annual Elly Awards honor outstanding community theatre in the Sacramento region.

Sierra Stages’ fifth season includes three fully-staged productions: Shakespeare’s popular and enduring comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream; the hilarious Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q; and the hit Off-Broadway revue Closer Than Ever.

This season the nonprofit is offering season passes as low as $40 for the three shows.

Sierra Stages performs at the Nevada Theatre in Nevada City and the Off Center Stage in Grass Valley, among other venues.

The 2013 Season opens with A Midsummer Night’s Dream, playing February 28- March 23 at the historic Nevada Theatre.

Gods mix with mortals, a feuding king and queen unleash magical practical jokes on one another, spells yield improbable love affairs and a band of comical tradesmen wander into an enchanted wood and are transformed in the most unlikely ways in Shakespeare’s most popular comedy.

Jac Royce directs, with set design by Mike Edwards, costume design by Sharon Olson and lighting design by Erin Beatie. The all-local cast includes Sam Haley-Hill, Robert Rossman, Marion Jeffery, Paul Hauck, Lyra Dominguez, Casey Burke, Conor Nolan, Tinley Ireland, Isaias Acosta, Brandon Johnson, Marcus Arellanes, Cathy Johnston, Chandler Leonard, Clara Knappen, Jackson Knappen, Tadja Enos and Jozi Gullickson.

From July 10-August 3, Sierra Stages presents the 2004 Broadway hit Avenue Q at the Nevada Theatre. Winner of the Tony Award “Triple Crown” for Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book, Avenue Q is part flesh (humans), part felt (puppets) and packed with heart (universal).

Completing the 2013 Season is the Off-Broadway classic Closer Than Ever at the Off Center Stage in Grass Valley, October 31-November, 23.

Closer Than Ever is an intimate musical about love, friendship, security and happiness—holding onto those essentials in a world that seems to spin faster every day.

The basic general admission season pass is priced at $55 (just over $18 per show). A new option is a special Preview Season Pass priced at only $40, which allows theatre goers to attend “Preview” performances of each production. Sierra Stages’ 2013 Season Passes may be purchased online at SierraStages.org or by calling Sierra Stages at 530-346-3210.