Interview: Natasha Hause and Michael Laun on Their New Project, Diamond Stage Company
Two of Sacramento’s most visible theatre professionals have come back to the local theatre community after a brief absence. Michael Laun and Natasha Hause were integral to the staging of numerous successful pieces at the former Sacramento Theatre Company. After STC’s dissolution, they both enjoyed success with Sierra Repertory Theatre in last fall’s production of The Graduate. Now, they’re putting their names back in the spotlight in a joint venture: a fresh and dazzling new project, Diamond Stage Company. Natasha and Michael spoke to BroadwayWorld about their new theatre company and their plans for the future.
Interview: Natasha Hause Seduces in THE GRADUATE at Sierra Rep
The Graduate, a novel-turned-cult classic film and play, is an award-winning coming-of-age story about a young man who, feeling adrift after college, seeks connection with an older woman. It’s a story that has aged well, with themes that are collectively engaging. Finding one’s purpose, uncertainty, and lust are combined with loyalty and love to create a timeless piece of Americana. Who better to infuse the iconic work with Mrs. Robinson’s signature sex appeal than a Sacramento theatre icon? Sultry, smoky, and sophisticated are what Natasha Hause breathes into Sierra Rep’s Mrs. Robinson, bringing high society to the historic Fallon House Theatre and breathless entertainment to her audiences. The four-time BroadwayWorld Award-winning actress and director spoke to us about her coveted role, plans beyond Mrs. Robinson, and her secrets of seduction.
Review: PREDICTOR Foretells a Hit at Capital Stage
“Who made that?” is the question we didn’t know we needed the answer to. In Jennifer Blackmer’s new play, Predictor, we learn that it’s one of the most important questions in the struggle for female equality. Throughout history, men have taken credit for women’s accomplishments. Things such as wireless communication (created by Hedy Lamarr), a cure for leprosy (Alice Ball), disposable diapers (Marion Donovan), and even the game Monopoly (Elizabeth Magie Phillips) were all invented by women whose names were lost in the annals of history until recently. Thankfully, due to the diligence of Blackmer, we also now know the name Meg Crane, who changed the course of women’s lives forever with her invention: the home pregnancy test.
Review: Come Aboard for MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS at Sacramento Theatre Company
It’s the dawn of a titillating new season at Sacramento Theatre Company (STC) and this one may be the best yet! The 2022-2023 Season of Curiosity, Intrigue, and Suspense kicked off with previews of the adaptation of Agatha Christie’s famous whodunit, Murder on the Orient Express. Published in 1934 to rave reviews, the story has stood the test of time. Versions have been performed on stage, television, and, most recently, in a 2017 film featuring Kenneth Branagh.
BWW Review: JANIS STEVENS IS RIVETING AS KATHARINE HEPBURN at American Stage
In Rick Foster's play, Kate: The Unexamined Life of Katharine Hepburn at American Stage, actress Janis Stevens simply is Kate. She channeled the spirit of 92-year-old Katharine and wore her as easily as one puts on a sweater. From the warble in her speech to the essential tremor, wheelchair-bound in an attic of memories, on New Year's Eve 1999, Janis took us on a behind the scenes journey of an unlikely Hollywood star in the 1930s.
KATE: THE UNEXAMINED LIFE Opens Next Week at Walnut Street Theatre
Walnut Street Theatre's 2018-19 Independence Studio on 3 season continues with an intimate portrait of Katharine Hepburn inKATE THE UNEXAMINED LIFE. Written by Rick Foster and directed by Peter Sander, the production begins previews on March 5, opens March 7, and continues through April 7.
KATE Opens On March 7th At Walnut Street Theatre
Walnut Street Theatre's 2018-19 Independence Studio on 3 season continues with an intimate portrait of Katharine Hepburn in KATE THE UNEXAMINED LIFE. Written by Rick Foster and directed by Peter Sander, the production begins previews on March 5, opens March 7, and continues through April 7.
BWW Review: STEEL MAGNOLIAS Brings Laughter Through Tears at Sacramento Theatre Company
We hear a lot about women tearing each other down-working mom vs. stay-at-home mom, breastfeeding vs. bottle-feeding, the way other women dress or style their hair. Steel Magnolias is a lesson in the opposite-the power of positive female relationships. A celebration of strong women and set in a beauty parlor in 1980's Louisiana, the story centers around six women who share laughter, conflict, and unimaginable grief.
BWW Review: RICHARD III at TAM
It may not be among the most highly regarded of Shakespeare's plays. But 'Richard III' has proved to be a popular one. In recent times, big name actors have sought out the lead role and fans have flocked to see how Al Pacino, Kevin Spacey, Kenneth Branagh and Ian McKellen, for example, have embodied this fascinating, if repulsive, character.
Theater At Monmouth Presents ENCHANTED APRIL
Bask in the warmth and enchantment of Italy without leaving Maine during Theater at Monmouth's production of Enchanted April. Elizabeth Von Arnim's resplendent 1920s novel comes to life on stage in this Tony Award-nominated play by Matthew Barber. Enchanted April runs from Thursday July 19th, at 7:30 p.m. throughout the season including matinee and evening performances on both weekdays and weekends.
Theater At Monmouth Presents RICHARD III
William Shakespeare's stunning portrait of a Machiavellian genius and his murderous quest for absolute power, comes alive on Theater at Monmouth's stage July 12 at 7:30 p.m. through August 18 with matinee and evening performances on both weekdays and weekends throughout the summer. Crowned by means of shameless seduction, lies, and bloodshed, Richard Plantagenet makes the happy earth his hell as he carves a bloody swath through all that stand in his way. Shakespeare's "game of thrones" concludes the "War of the Roses" play cycle with one of literature's most ruthless, remorseless, and relentless characters.