I Love Fair Oaks

Everything there is to love about living in Fair Oaks, CA Spotlight on local businesses, recreation, and activities in Fair Oaks, California. Love you live!

Theatre

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.

Boys of Summer Eagles Tribute Comes to Fair Oaks

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From left to right – Richard Berglund, Chris Turbis, Darrel Monson, David A. Williams, and Jimmy Williamson on drums. Chrysti Tovani Photography

We ended the 2018 summer concert series with the most anticipated Boys Of Summer Eagles tribute band at the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival in the historic Fair Oaks Village.

Chrysti Tovani Photography

Tickets were sold out! It was a full house.  I adore hanging out with fellow Fair Oakians! All these familiar faces and people I’ve come to know and love. Fair Oaks is indeed a beautiful town. The crown of the Sacramento Valley. =) For sure!

Chrysti Tovani Photography

I think the Eagles fans outnumbered most other bands that played at the Veterans Memorial Amphitheatre this summer.  Either that or they heard how great the Steelin’ Dan concert was and bought tickets to this one. This photo was taken just before all the dancing started. I got up and stood to the right of the stage to get some pictures. People were having a great time dancing to the classics.

two guys playing guitars
Chrysti Tovani Photography

Well, that was the last of our summer concerts. We’ll surely buy tickets for next year. See what’s on the calendar for the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival by visiting their website. You can even purchase your tickets online which is the best way to make sure you get in before they sell out.

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.