Theater roundup: Performing arts shows Feb. 5-11
Reviews are by Donald Munro; NR = not reviewed. For performance information, see calendar listings on Page 17.
OPENING
Pecos Bill and Slue Foot Sue Meet the Dirty Dan Gang: The town of Prairie Dog is the setting for this Wild West comedy at the Tulare Encore Theatre Company. (Opens Friday, Feb. 5)
Dogfight: Visalia Players open this poignant musical set in the Vietnam War era. (Opens Friday, Feb. 5)
Hairspray: Playhouse Merced sings “Good Morning, Baltimore” in the popular musical. (Opens Friday, Feb. 5)
ONGOING
9 to 5: The popular 1980 movie got a 2009 Broadway musical makeover, and the Good Company Players production at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater is anchored by strong performances by Alison Allwine, Emily Pessano and Abigail Nolte as they turn the tables on their sexist boss. Julie Lucido’s brisk directorial choices liven the proceedings, but the show is never able to transform its vintage slapstick revenge storyline into anything more than mild amusement. It isn’t sure whether to embrace its dated premise or make a wry comment on it. Through March 13.
Lullaby of Broadway: Reedley’s River City Theatre Company presents a musical revue featuring favorite songs. Closes Saturday, Feb. 6. (NR)
Moonlight and Magnolias: The “mostly true story” about rewriting the screenplay of “Gone With the Wind” in five hilarious days continues its Good Company Players run at the 2nd Space Theatre. The goofy premise works for a while, thanks to Denise Graziani’s whip-fast direction and solid performances from Gordon Moore as screenwriter Ben Hecht and Eric Estep as director Victor Fleming. But the one-note hilarity is hard to sustain because of the wobbly script, and Henry Montelongo offered a too-blustery performance on opening night. Through Feb. 21.
Ten Nights in a Bar Room: Porterville Barn Theater presents a 19th-century temperance melodrama demonizing the use of alcohol. Closes Saturday, Feb. 6. (NR)
Vuelos and Necromancin’ Around: CURTAIN 5 TheatreGROUP presents two playwriting winners from Roosevelt School of the Arts at the Fresno Soap Co. Closes Sunday, Feb. 7. (NR)
NEXT WEEK’S OPENINGS
This is NOT the Tony Bennett Concert: Fresno State’s Contemporary Dance Ensemble performs. (Opens Friday, Feb. 12)
The Producers: The national tour of the Mel Brooks musical returns to the Saroyan Theatre. (Opens Tuesday, Feb. 9)
This story was originally published February 3, 2016 at 4:04 PM with the headline "Theater roundup: Performing arts shows Feb. 5-11."