I Love Fair Oaks

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Entertainment

A Christmas Story Comes to Sacramento Memorial Auditorium

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This is a favorite holiday movie classic made into a Broadway Musical. It’s about a young boy, Ralphie, who is trying to figure out a way to convince the adults that the “Red Ryder air rifle” would make a wonderful Christmas gift. Every time he brings it up, he’s told, “You’ll put your eye out!”

Christopher Swan as The Old Man and the company of A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL presented by Broadway On Tour at Memorial Auditorium Nov. 8-17, 2019. Photo by Gary Emord Netzley.

I Love Fair Oaks was invited along with a group of Sacramento bloggers and social media influencers by Broadway on Tour to see A Christmas Story. We are part of a group headed by Julie Gallaher and Sacramento Top Ten, called Instayelpatweetasnap and dubbed Broadway Sacramento Ambassadors by Broadway Sacramento.

This is one of my favorite holiday stories of an era long gone. Kids even walked to school in the snow. I can’t even imagine kids today having a bb gun unsupervised.

We follow Ralphie through his outrageous antics leading up to Christmas.

The scenery was a fabulous snowy town decorated for Christmas. I enjoy the simplistic stage with the house set up like a dollhouse. Very cute!

What was really impressive about the show was how well the actors danced. They were hoofing it up on stage with the clickety-clack of the tap shoes. It was energetic and very entertaining. I’m surprised at how big the cast of child actors there were. All gave a superb performance.

Towards the end, there’s a scene where the audience is bathed in soft flowing lights, and you just can’t help feeling overwhelmed with joy. This is a beautiful show to kick off the holidays. Get your tickets!

A Christmas Story is playing at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium through November 17th, 2019.

The Community Center Theater is being renovated. It will open again in the fall of 2020, so all of the 2019 Broadway on Tour shows will be playing at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium.

Paperback Writer Concert in Fair Oaks

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The Beatles tribute band, Paperback Writer, was a hit at the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival. The concert began with songs from the early 1960s. The band dressed in dark suits with the Beatle hair cut, also known as the mop-top as they wore on the Ed Sullivan show.

A large audience came out to watch the concert. It was amazing! Many happy faces enjoying the show. Under the stars with a half-moon shining so bright. A gorgeous night! Perfect weather and great music! I think many of us are lost in nostalgia when we hear the Beatles songs. It brings me back to my childhood.

The second half of the Beatles experience took us on a journey through the Sgt. Pepper’s years. “When I’m 64, and Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”, and my favorite, “Hey Jude.”

Instead of lighters, people in the audience swayed to the music with their cell phones being used as lights. It was beautiful! I wished I had captured it. Thanks to the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival and Fair Oaks Brew Pub for bringing us another spectacular evening of entertainment.

chrysti tovani xoxo

Broadway Sacramento’s Aladdin Dazzles

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Inside the cave of wonders in the Broadway Musical production of Aladdin
Disney’s Aladdin ©Disney Photo by Deen van Meer

“You ain’t never had a friend like Meeeee!” This song has been dancing around in my head since we saw the live theatre production of Disney’s Aladdin on Thursday evening at the Sacramento Community Center Theatre. If you haven’t been to a Broadway Sacramento Musical, and this is your first, it is going to set the bar high on your expectations forever. I’ve heard that the Lion King is the best, but I haven’t seen it so for me, Aladdin is number one.

two people standing in front of the Aladdin backdrop at the Sacramento Community Center Theater
My son and me at the Sacramento Broadway Musical, Disney’s Aladdin.

The performance was breathtaking. I brought my son with me; he just turned 29 and had never been to a Broadway Musical. He expected it to be more about doing something thoughtful for his mom by coming out to a musical. But when it began, and the curtain opened, he gasped. “Oh my God! That’s a live orchestra!” I whispered back, “It’s a Broadway production.” As if he should know. But I run around with my group of blogger friends, and we do all sorts of fun things here in Sacramento and attend almost all of the Broadway Sacramento Musicals. My son is just discovering that his mom is cool!

I was tickled to see how much he was enjoying the show. Aladdin was his favorite Disney movie when he was a kid. He was beaming the whole time, clapping hard and whistling during the big applause. The entire audience was excited. The theatre was full too. When you are still as enthusiastic days later, it’s a pleasant experience.

HIGH QUALITY ENTERTAINMENT

I have never seen such an elaborate stage set. Swarovski Crystal beads and gold sparkling so bright. The scene where Aladdin and Jasmin sing, “A Whole New World,” while flying under the moon and stars on the magic carpet was beautiful. Yes, the carpet does fly.

Disney’s Aladdin ©Disney Photo by Deen van Meer

The genie is hilarious and even throws in some modern-day references and banters a bit with the audience. There are no dull moments in this show.

This traveling Broadway musical is one of the largest productions. It takes 20 trucks to carry the stage sets, lighting, equipment, and costumes. Almost 200 people are involved in delivering each performance of Aladdin, and this includes the actors, stage crew, musicians, hair stylists, makeup artists. And guess who gave me that information. My son! He was talking with some of the crew during intermission.

Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway

I’m hoping this will inspire him to see more plays. It meant a lot to me to have this experience with him, and hopefully, he’ll get to take his future son or daughter to see it one day.

BEFORE THE SHOW

young man at the Amourath 1819 located inside the Hyatt Regency Sacramento
Enjoying a cocktail at Amourtath 1819 before the show.

Before seeing a Broadway Musical, we like to meet for a drink at the Amourath 1819 located inside the Hyatt Regency Sacramento or Downtown & Wine. Both are classy and offer excellent service.

I AM GIVING AWAY SOME SWAG! ENTER TO WIN @ILOVEFAIROAKS INSTAGRAM

Thank you to SacramentoTop10 and Broadway Sacramento for inviting me to review the show and providing the prizes for me to give my audience. I’ll be doing a giveaway on the I Love Fair Oaks Instagram page. Enter to win some great Disney’s Aladdin swag. Contest ends June 3rd, 2019.

ALADDIN PLAYS THROUGH JUN 2, 2019

Get showtimes and ticket information at the Broadway Sacramento website. See what’s coming in 2020. Don’t forget to check out Music Circus at the Wells Fargo Pavillion.

Fair Oaks Theatre Festival

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Opening Night of Mary Poppins at Fair Oaks Theatre Festival – Photo by Chrysti Tovani

If Fair Oaks is considered the crown of the Sacramento Valley, the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival is one of the most incredible jewels. Enjoy fun, friendly, and affordable entertainment under the stars brought to you by outstanding volunteers and a fantastic ensemble of talented actors and performers.

I loved Mary Poppins at the Veterans Memorial Amphitheater. We are blessed to have our Theater group in Fair Oaks. We started with an ice cream and champagne social for opening night. Mary Poppins was the first movie my mom took me to see in a theater as a child and it was magical.

journey revisited band hosted by fair oaks brew pub and fair oaks theater festival may 26 2018 i love fair oaks 4
Journey Revisited at Fair Oaks Theatre Festival Summer 2018 – Photo by Chrysti Tovani

I had the pleasure of jamming to live music of the greatest bands in my lifetime. We kicked off the concert series with Journey Revisited – A Tribute to the Music of Journey. With songs like, Don’t Stop Believin’, Wheel in the Sky, Any Way You Want It; we had to dance!

Steelin’ Dan – The Music of Steely Dan at Fair Oaks Theatre Festival Summer 2018 – Photo by Chrysti Tovani

Next up was Steelin’ Dan – the Music of Steely Dan. With sophisticated rock and funky jazz sounds of Steely Dan, we danced under the stars to Reelin’ in the Years, Hey Nineteen, Dirty Work, Rikki Don’t Lose That Number and other classic hits. This band nailed it! Lead singer, Sandford Wragg, and the band conquered! One of the best performances of the summer! After the show, some of us walked over to Stockman’s in Fair Oaks Village and had a drink with the band. It was a fantastic night! If you get a chance to see Steelin’ Dan perform, do it! Visit the Steelin’ Dan website and find out where they’re playing next.

Boys of Summer – Eagles Tribute Band Summer of 2018 – Photo by Chrysti Tovani

Last of the concert series was Boys of Summer Eagles Tribute Band. They played to a sold-out crowd.

What’s playing at the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival in 2019?

  • June 14th to July 14th, 2019 is Gilligan’s Island
  • August 9th to September 8th, 2019 is Mama Mia

Every year from June through August/September there are plays, concerts, and comedy nights. Tickets are available for purchase online, and you can pick them up at the box office before the show. It’s best to buy tickets early because they sell out fast. You can sign up to know as soon as tickets go on sale.

Follow The Fair Oaks Theatre Festival on Facebook. During the year they partner with other community organizations to produce family-friendly events like Safe Halloween, Winnie the Pooh Christmas Show and a St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner.

Great Night with Steelin’ Dan at the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival

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Brad and I attended the Steelin’ Dan concert at the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival. This is one Tribute band you don’t want to miss! Sandford Wragg’s vocals and his stage presence will have you hooked. His performance of songs like Reelin’ in the Years was so on point. The whole band is fantastic! These are top notch musicians you’d expect to see at a stadium or large venue.

We were fortunate to have a chance to see them at the Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre and then hang out with them at Stockman’s after the show. I got to talk to Sanford, and he was friendly and humble. Poor guy was probably exhausted, but the fans were pumped about how great the concert was so he and the band stayed awhile and hung out with everybody who went over to the bar. I was too shy to ask to have a photo with him because I REALLY wanted one!  Oh well, I have the memories of a fun night!

Stockman’s bar in Fair Oaks Village, Fair Oaks, California

Steelin’ Dan performing at the 2018 Fair Oaks Theatre Festival.

Taco, beer and margaritas fest in the Village Park

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coca cola and street tacos
Chrysti Tovani Photography

Tacos from #ZintzuniCocinaMexicana at the Taco, beer and margaritas fest in the Village Park in Fair Oaks. Oh boy! We got lucky! We parked off of Sunrise and took a Lfyt to the Village. Then went to the first Taco truck because there wasn’t a big line. That was smart. And we had the best tacos. Then we got a table in front of the Fair Oaks Coffee House & Deli.

We strolled through the park and took photos. Watched people and listened to music.  I read an article in the Sac Bee awhile back about how some Sacramento area people (even as close as Citrus Heights) don’t know about the Village in Fair Oaks. How can that be possible?  It’s called Fair Oaks Village, Old Fair Oaks, or Historic Fair Oaks.

Fair Oaks is one of the best places to live in the Sacramento area. It’s called the Crown of the Sacramento Valley. It’s near the American River and there are bike and horse back riding trails. A beautiful community.

A gorgeous August day.

We had a great time.

dog at the street taco festival in fair oaks village
Chrysti Tovani Photography

Streets of Bakersfield in Fair Oaks

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If you haven’t been to a Fair Oaks Summer Concert in the park, you need to go! I thought it would be crowded but there were just the right amount of people and the parking wasn’t too bad. We arrived a little early and I got my keto friendly sandwich at the Fair Oaks Coffee House and Deli.

The village is small so one thing you can do to avoid looking for parking is to take a Lyft or Uber and get dropped off. I do that whenever I have to go downtown.

It’s a real family affair. There are food booths where you can buy pizza and snacks. There’s also ice cream and root beer floats. Kids can run around and play on the slides ans swings. There’s a designated dance floor if you want to get up and move your feet to the beat.  Good times!

Robby James and the streets of Bakersfield band on stage at concerts in the park fair oaks california

Robby James and the Streets of Bakersfield is a tribute band that performs a bakersfield sound with songs by Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and other classic country singer/songwriters. They put on a great show at the Fair Oaks concerts in the park in July 2018.

robby james and the streets of bakersfield concert in fair oaks july 2018

 

 

Broadway Sacramento Presents Disneys Newsies

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Broadway Sacramento Music Circus Newsies

I was treated by my dear friend, Julie Gallaher, of Get on the Map and Broadway Sacramento to the dress rehearsal performance of Disney's Newsies.

Newsies is based on the newsboys strike of 1899, when odds were against them, they banded together to fight the powerful publishers.

Dinner before the show?

You can get parking and dining information here.

We usually meet at Chando's for dinner and walk across the street to the theater. They have the best tacos! Check out their low carb menu.

You never know who you might run into.

We had great seats inside the theater. Sacramento Mayor, Daryl Steinberg, was seated near us. He's such a friendly laid back person. I spent the day with him in the green room and backstage when I was a photographer for TEDxSacramento a few years back. It was before he was our mayor. As you can see in the photo below, he's accessible and approachable. You'll get a friendly greeting if you see him out and about.

My favorite photo of the evening!

My friend, April, and her sister taking a selfie.

The printing press on stage was real! I loved the way they set up the props throughout the theater in the round. See the clotheslines.

Stay up to date with Broadway Sacramento and see what shows playing soon.

The theatre-in-the round Broadway At Music Circus experience just keeps getting better and better! Where else can you see some of Broadway’s most talented actors in such an intimate and casual setting? With even bigger savings and other great benefits, there’s no better way to experience Broadway At Music Circus than being a season ticketholder.

Fun Fact: $35 Under 35 Club

Did you know that Broadway Sacramento has a low price ticket program called the $35 for under 35? To Join:  You must be 18 – 35 years of age.  All you have to do is sign up and create a brief profile.

 

Broadway Sacramento Music Circus Summer of 2018 Singin In the Rain

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Can you believe it rained on that stage? Yes, it did! I have the song, “Moses supposes his toeses are roses” stuck in my head. LOL!

Tickets were sold out but I was invited by Julie Gallaher of Get on the Map and Broadway Sacramento as a guest to see the dress rehearsal. We’re so fortunate to have the level of arts and entertainment that we have in Sacramento.

Have you been to Broadway Sacramento? Fun, upbeat performances and don’t worry about crowds. They have enough concession stands all around with a good selection and variety of snacks. They even have Gunther’s ice cream. I’ve never had it, but it looks yummy.  Gunther’s is a local business in Sacramento! Lines move quickly because the show must be on time. So you’ll get a chance to move around at intermission, get some snacks and use the restroom.

You can find out what shows are coming up and get tickets on the Broadway Sacramento at Music Circus website.

#instayelpatweetasnap #broadwaysacramentoatmusiccircus #singinintherainMC18

Journey Revisited Recreating that Classic Journey Sound at Fair Oaks Theater Festival

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us waiting for the concert to begin

The kick off of the Summer Concert Series by the Fair Oaks Theater Festival at Veterans Memorial Veteran’s Memorial Amphitheatre.  We bought tickets to all of the concerts this summer! Starting with Journey Revisited.

This was our first time at the Amphitheatre in years! They have refreshments. You can buy beer and wine just make sure you bring cash or you’ll end up walking to the ATM up the street.

journey revisited band hosted by fair oaks brew pub and fair oaks theater festival may 26 2018 i love fair oaks 4

We were all feeling the music. It was a great show! I love tribute bands that put a lot of heart into the music they love so much. Next up, will be the Steelin’ Dan concert in August. Lovin’ Summer 2018!