Entertainment briefs: 'Steel Magnolias' comes to Modesto
'Magnolias' blooms at Stage 3
"Steel Magnolias," Robert Harling's wisecracking and wise comedy set in a small-town beauty parlor, opens April 18 at Stage 3 Theatre Company in Sonora. The story follows the town's colorfully eccentric characters, including salon owner Truvy ("I have a strict philosophy ... there is no such thing as natural beauty."), Annelle (who isn't quite sure if she is married or not) and curmudgeonly Ouiser ("I'm not crazy, I've just been in a bad mood for 40 years."). When one of the women risks a dangerous pregnancy, the sudden realization of their own mortality affects the others but draws on their underlying strength and love. Guest director is Modesto's Michael Lynch, who said in a release, "This has been one of most joyous and creative productions I have been involved with for many years. My cast, all seasoned and of professional quality, have worked diligently and enthusiastically to make this collaboration the kind of theater that makes true art.". The cast includes Lillian McLeod, Susan Michael, Susannah Allatt, Roxanne Bonjean, Catherine Gordon, Lindsay Pierce and John Bell. "Steel Magnolias" will run through May 18. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $12-$18. Stage 3 is at 208 S. Green St. Call 536-1778 or visit www.stage3.org.
Benefit concert
Acclaimed cellist Michael Reynolds will perform Sunday at the Gallo Center for the Arts as part of the Salida Performing Arts Foundation's Celebrating Children and Music program. Reynolds won accolades with the Muir String Quartet, of which he was a founding member in 1979. He is a professor at Boston University and artistic director of the Classics for Kids Foundation, which provides matching grants for string instruments and mentoring services. Also performing Sunday will be the Salida Union Elementary School District Youth Ensemble, the Sisk Elementary School Percussion Ensemble and the Sisk Knights Children's Choir. The event includes a silent auction from 1:30 to 4 p.m., the concert at 2 and a reception with Reynolds at 3. Tickets are $20-$50, available through the Gallo Center box office, 1000 I St., Modesto, 338-2100, www.galloarts.org. Proceeds will benefit music programs in Salida schools. To learn more, call 380-6231 or e-mail kcspina@gmail.com.
What fools, what fun
The Modesto High theater department's production of the Shakespeare comedy "A Midsummer Night's Dream" concludes its run this weekend in the school auditorium, First and H streets. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $7 and available at the door starting an hour before curtain.
Go, Wildcats!
The East High Wildcats are ready to hit the stage at Turlock Community Theatre. Turlock Youth Performing Arts presents "Disney's High School Musical" today through Sunday. Showtimes are 7 p.m. today and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $6-$20; call 668-1169.
Vocal music program
The Modesto Junior College Masterworks Chorus and Chamber Choir will perform with Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra on Saturday at Modesto Christian Reformed Church. The concert will include Schubert's "Miriam's Song of Triumph," a cantata for chorus and orchestra, with guest soloist Brenna Loya. Also featured will be "Five Hebrew Love Songs" by contemporary American composer Eric Whitacre, Anton Bruckner's motet "Locus Iste" and selections from Brahms' "Love Song Waltzes." The concert is at 7:30 p.m.; the church is at 2620 College Ave. Tickets, available at the door, are $5 general, $3 students and seniors. Visit virtual.mjc.edu/ S!NG or call 575-6081.
MJC faculty/staff show
Modesto Junior College music faculty and staff members will perform instrumental and vocal pieces Sunday at 3 p.m. in the college's east campus recital hall. The program will feature "Il Contrasto de' Cinque Sensi," by Barbara Strozzi, performed by Cherrie Llewellyn, soprano; Anastasia Legatos, soprano; Letitia Senechal, alto; Jeshua Franklin, tenor; and Daniel Keller, bass. Anne Martin, viola, and David Chapman, guitar, will perform "Café 1930," by Astor Piazzolla, and Martin, accompanied by Yan Yan Chan on piano, will perform "Trauermusik" by Paul Hindemith. Chan will play Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise Brillante, Op. 22, by Chopin. Chapman will perform "Trois Morceaux Espagnols" by Emilio Pujol. David Dow will play his original electronic music composition "Paradigm" on synthesizer. Gary Fair, clarinet, will play Sonatina for Clarinet Solo, Op. 27, by Miklós Rózsa, and he and Chan will perform Sonata for Clarinet & Piano by Francis Poulenc. Tickets are $12 general, $10 students and seniors, available at the door. All proceeds will provide scholarships for MJC music students. MJC is at 435 College Ave. Call 575-6081.
This story was originally published April 11, 2008 at 9:10 AM with the headline "Entertainment briefs: 'Steel Magnolias' comes to Modesto."