Dim the lights and open the curtain – its fall theater season once again at Elk Grove Unified!  The following high schools are presenting productions during the fall season:

Cosumnes Oaks High School’s theater students will perform “Death of a Salesman” on October 25-27 and November 1-3.  The popular play tells the endearing story of the struggles of Willy Loman, an aging, traveling salesman, during a major turning point in his life.  The play is a commentary on the insurmountable American dream and one family’s battle to stay together in spite of the pressures placed on them by social and economic strife.  Showtimes start at 6 p.m. on October 25 and November 1, 7 p.m. on October 26-27 and November 2-3 and a matinee performance starts at 2 p.m. on November 3.  Tickets are $8 general admission and $6 for senior citizens, children under 10 and students.  In addition to the aforementioned performances, the COHS Culinary Arts Institute will host a special dinner prior to the show on October 25 at 5 p.m.  Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children under 10.

Drama students at Elk Grove High School will present “I Hate Shakespeare,” the story of one rowdy audience member who cannot stand Shakespeare.  Through the play, the self-proclaimed Shakespeare “hater” stands up against all of Shakespeare’s creations and comes face to face with Hamlet himself.  Hamlet then leads the “hater” on a crazy journey through all of Shakespeare’s greatest works with a bit of a modern twist on each one.  Who says Jerry Springer never made an appearance in Othello?  Showtimes start at 7 p.m. on November 8-10.  The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under and seniors 60 and over.

Franklin High School’s Theater Company will present the classic tale by William Shakespeare, “The Taming of the Shrew,” as their fall production. The classic comedy will be presented in the era of cowboys in the1800's western style. This is a hilarious show and can be enjoyed by all audiences.  The original script has the main plot depicting the courtship of Petruchio, a gentleman of Verona, and Katherina, the headstrong, obdurate shrew. Initially, Katherina is an unwilling participant in the relationship, but Petruchio tempers her with various psychological torments—the "taming"—until she becomes a compliant and obedient bride. The subplot features a competition between the suitors of Katherina's more desirable sister, Bianca.  Showtimes begin at 7 p.m. on November 2-3 and 9-10, with matinees at 2 p.m. on November 3 and 10.  Tickets are $8 for general admission and $7 students with an ASB sticker, adults age 55 and older, children under 12 and matinee performances.

Theater students at Laguna Creek High School will present “American Voice Off Now” on September 28 and 29 at 7 p.m. on both nights.  The show combines the talent of 'American Idol' and 'The Voice', combined with the sophisticated humor of 'Dance Moms.’  All songs in the play are written by students and then interpreted, produced and sung by other students.  Tickets are $10 per person.

Monterey Trail High School’s drama department will present their rendition of “The Election,” a hilarious and timely satire on the contemporary political scene by Don Zolidis.  After an embattled student body president resigns in disgrace, Mark Davenport figures he will cruise to victory in the special election. His only opponent is nerdy Christy Martin – who wants to eliminate football.  Drama ensues when a mysterious Super PAC gives her an unlimited budget and things start to get ugly.  Mark must face total annihilation or accept the services of a slick professional campaign manager with questionable ethics and a million-dollar Super PAC of his own.  Showtimes start at 7 p.m. on September 28-29 and October 5-6.  Admission is $6 for students, seniors and children and $8 for general admission.

Pleasant Grove High School’s theater students will present “PGNL – Pleasant Grove Night Live” on November 1-3 and 8-10.  In the style of Saturday Night Live, Pleasant Grove Theater Productions will stage original comedy sketches and commercial parodies as well as a surprise guest host, musical guest and a live performance by Pleasant Grove’s very own Soul Purpose Dance Company. Showtimes start at 7 p.m. every night with a special matinee performance on November 10 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $10.

Theatre students at Sheldon High School will present their rendition of “The Miser, Paris Texas,” Moliere’s most popular and hilarious play.  “The Miser” is the famous French playwright’s great satire on materialism – a funny yet sophisticated story of cunning, guile and double dealing, not only by the penny-pinching tightwad himself, but also by his family and servants.  Sheldon’s production is set in modern day Paris, Texas on Harpagon’s large ranch.  The fast-paced production is filled with cowboys, big-haired belles, cowboy boots and hats, big belt buckles, line dancing and plenty of good music. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. November 1-3 and 9-10, with a matinee showing at 2 p.m. on November 10.  The cost is $10 general admission.

Valley High School Theater will present “A Raisin in the Sun,” by Lorraine Hansberry.  The famous play portrays a few weeks in the life of the Youngers, an African-American family living on the South Side of Chicago in the 1950s. When the play opens, the Youngers are about to receive an insurance check for $10,000. This money comes from the deceased Mr. Younger’s life insurance policy. Each of the adult members of the family has an idea as to what he or she would like to do with this money.  Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on October 26-27.  Tickets are $5 per person.

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