Saturday, December 31, 2011

2012 Season Sneak Peek | Arcadia

Here at Big Idea, we can't wait to start our amazing 2012 season!  So to hold us over until the new year, we a sharing a sneak peek of the first show in our season: Tom Stoppard's ARCADIA.

Josephine Longo (Thomasina Coverly) and Joshua Glenn Robertson (Septimus Hodge)
For more images, visit our Facebook gallery.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

A Big Year for Sacramento Theater & Big Idea | SN&R

The Sacramento theater community took 2011 by storm, yielding an impressive amount of noteworthy performances and productions from all around town.

A BIG thank you to Sacramento News & Review for their kind mentions of Big Idea, our wonderful season and the following talented company members:


"...[Big Idea] really know[s] how to stretch and take risks"- SN&R

We're excited to see what 2012 brings!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Thursday, December 1, 2011

2012 Season Announcement!

Big Idea Theatre announces an exciting line-up for the 2012 Season!

Scandalous Fundraiser for Big Idea | The Eight

Big Idea presents a special one-night-only fundraising event!

Sex, lies and antlers....

Accusations, rumors and all-out attacks are flying fast and furious around Santa's toyshop this holiday season.  What's the true story behind Rudolph's unlikely rise to fame? Does Mrs. Claus have a serious drinking problem?  Can St. Nick himself really be guilty of sexual harassment... against one of the reindeer?  And with all this going on, how can the spirit of Christmas be saved?  Go behind the tinsel and hear the truth about Santa straight from the eight reindeer who know him best.  When a doe says "No," she means "No Way, Sucka!"


*This show contains adult content.*

$20 in advance, $25 at the door
8:30 PM - Wine + Hors d'oeurves
9:30 PM - Performance

Sacramento Temporary Contemporary Gallery
1616 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento, CA. 95816

www.bigideatheatre.com for tickets.


Thursday, November 10, 2011

Press Pass | Twelfth Night

With an original adaptation by company member and director Brian Harrower, Big Idea's Twelfth Night is anything but the same old Shakespeare!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

A Look Back | The Pillowman

Big Idea's production of The Pillowman took Sacramento by storm!  Here's a brief look back on what still has everyone talking.

 

Photos by Terri Brindisi
For more images, visit our Facebook gallery.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Press Pass | The Pillowman

Big Idea's production of Martin McDonagh's The Pillowman takes Sacramento by storm and everyone is talking about it! Check out these rave reviews with the latest Press Pass.

 Jim Carnes celebrates "knockout" and "outstanding" performances in the Sacramento Bee's section of Living Here:

SN&R features the overwhelming praises of Patti Roberts for The Pillowman and Big Idea's ability to "prove themselves a company willing to push the envelope...":

William Ratliff and Sacramento Press share the thrills and chills of the amazing opening night performance.  With a standing ovation, The Pillowman is off and running!


Sacramentan freelance journalist Maxwell Mckee joins the conversation, crediting a strong production to the "talented cast of creepy characters...":

Monday, September 26, 2011

Elly Award Winners | Big Idea Theatre

Big Idea is thrilled to have received 6 Elly Awards for its 2010-2011 season.  We couldn't be prouder!




 

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Trailer | The Pillowman

With echoes of Stoppard, Kafka, and the Brothers Grimm, THE PILLOWMAN centers on a writer in an unnamed totalitarian state who is being interrogated about the gruesome content of his short stories and their similarities to a series of child murders in his town. The result is an urgent work of theatrical bravura and an unflinching examination of the very nature and purpose of art.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Big Smiles from Big Idea | Race for the Arts

Big Idea made its second annual appearance today at the Race for the Arts fundraising event in Land Park.  A big thank you to our company racers: Beth Edwards, Scott Divine and Jessica Berkey!

Big smiles from Big Idea Theatre: Gregory Smith, Justin Munoz, Shannon Mahoney (Top);
Benjamin T. Ismail, Kat Wolinski (Bottom)
Photo © Sacramento Bee

Monday, August 22, 2011

ELLY Nomination Snapshots | Big Idea Theatre

Big Idea Theatre is thrilled by the overwhelming number of Elly Nominations awarded in the 2010 - 2011 season!  We couldn't be more appreciative of the artistic talent contributed by our fantastic company members and other collaborating Sacramento area theatre professionals.

The nominations for the 2010 season kick off with Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel, a poignant memory play that tells the tale of the five unmarried Mundy sisters and the summer of 1936 that changes their lives forever.  Dancing at Lughnasa takes home four nominations: Best Overall Drama, Best Direction (Shannon Mahoney), Best Set Design (Brian Harrower) and Best Supporting Actress (Jessica Chisum).
Photos by Lixxim Photography
The Underpants by Steve Martin focused on a sexually frustrated hausfrau and her bevy of besotted suitors and earned seven nominations: Best Overall Comedy, Best Set Design (Brian Watson), Best Leading Actress (Joelle Wirth), Best Supporting Actress (Kelly Yvonne Raines), Best Supporting Actor (Jouni Kirjola), Best Supporting Actor (Joshua Glenn Robertson) and Best Supporting Actor (Justin Munoz).
Photos by Lucas Blair Photography
Big Idea's 2011 season made quite a splash with Compleat Female Stage Beauty by Jeffrey Hatcher, a timeless, humorous, and heartbreaking examination of the effects of gender.  Compleat celebrates seven nominations: Best Overall Drama, Best Direction (Brian Harrower), Best Costume Design (Katrina Wolinski), Best Leading Actor (Benjamin T. Ismail), Best Leading Actress (Kristine David), Best Supporting Actress (Carrie Joyner) and Best Supporting Actress (Josephine Longo).
Photos by Lixxim Photography
David Auburn's Tony Award-winning Proof explored the fine line between genius and madness.  Big Idea's passionate, intimate and powerful drama about family and frailty snagged a nomination for Best Leading Actress (Jessica Berkey).
Photos by Lixxim Photography
William Shakespeare's Measure for Measure played with the duality of mankind and showcased the talents of seven actors cast as both hero and villain, comedian and tragedian.  This "Vienna Gone Wild" tale netted a nomination for Best Supporting Actress (Gina Williams).
Photos by Isaac Trumbo and Kirk Blackinton

Big Idea patrons travelled through the looking glass to Wonderland for the 2011 Little BIT players production of Alice in Wonderland, adapted by Warren Harrison.  Alice enjoys two nominations: Best Lead Young People's Play Actress (Andrea Kersten) and Best Supporting Young People's Play Actor (Gregory Smith).

Photos by Wade Lucas
The 2010 - 2011 Elly nominations are rounded out by David Rabe's intense linguistic roller coaster through Hollywood, Hurlyburly.  This edgy piece earned four nominations: Best Direction (Katie Chapman), Best Supporting Actor (Rick Eldredge), Best Supporting Actor (Dan Featherston) and Best Supporting Actress (Alexandra Ralph Evans).
Photos by Isaac Trumbo and Katie Chapman
Congratulations go out to the 56 other Sacramento Area theatres on their well-deserved nominations!  Click here for a complete list of nominees on SARTA's website.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Press Pass | Wonder of the World

Sacramento can't get enough of Wonder of the World!  
Don't miss your chance to catch this "must-see" production.

The View from the Seats | Patron Chat

"(It was) one of the funniest shows I have ever seen, ever." - Albert M.

"WOW for WOTW! 
A sparkling, brilliant, hysterical production written by a Pulitzer Prize winning author and performed by a polished, flawless, professional cast.  And the directing is wonderful." - John H.


"Wonder of the World was AWESOME! So much fun, can't wait to come see it again.  I was laughing so hard in the helicopter ride scene!" - Aja F. 




Thursday, August 11, 2011

The Temp - August Opening Party | Neighborhood Favorites

Looking for an extra treat this evening?  Get to the Big Idea Theatre early for tonight's opening performance of Wonder of the World and stop by the Sacramento Temporary Contemporary for a glass of wine before the show.
The Temp | Opening Party
Thursday, 8/11/11 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM


Waiting for the Bus | Jeffrey DeVore
*with selected works by Christopher DeVore
Waiting for the bus - Courtesy of The Temp
This showcase features pieces representative of the artist's last nine years in Sacramento and are a focus on the different cities from his past and present.  They also examine the human elements that bind us all, the world over...




Jeffrey studied painting at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, receiving a B.A. in 1993.  Hi earliest influences include Matisse, Cezanne, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Picasso and Stuart Davis.  He credits these influences in being instrumental in defining his style.


As a child, Jeffrey moved from Los Angeles to Tokyo and to London.  He completed 3 years of schooling in Paris before moving to New York.  After 9 years in New York and 9 years in New Mexico, Jeffrey moved to Sacramento, California in 2003.


Jeffrey is especially interested in movement and the distortion of movement.  "Movement seems more real to me when it is the suggestion of movement in the lift of a heel, the turn of the head, the wind in the trees, or a bicycle passing by.  Often I will flatten perspective to gain contrast or depth, straying outside the parameter of real or reality."


Jeffrey speaks with Charles Johnson on his show at the Temporary Contemporary in this two-part podcast:
Interview - Part One
Interview - Part Two

Additional artists featured include Cherie Hacker, Susan Ballenger, Christine Finnie, Linda Grebmeier, Laurie Hopkins, Laureen Landau (from the estate of), Varya McMillan, Jane Mikacich, Lisa Neal and Erin Wapple.  

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Trailer | Wonder of the World

Nothing will prepare you for the dirty little secret Cass discovers in her husband's sweater drawer. It is so shocking, our heroine flees in a frantic search for the life she thinks she missed out on. It's a wild ride over Niagara Falls in a barrel of laughs as Cass embarks on a journey of self-discovery that has her crossing paths with a blithely suicidal alcoholic, a lonely tour-boat captain, and a pair of bickering private detectives, culminating in one of the most bizarre therapy sessions of all time.



Wonder of the World
By David Lindsay-Abaire

August 11 - September 3, 2011

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

VegFest 2.0 | Neighborhood Favorites

Looking for something crisp and savory this weekend? Join the Big Idea Theatre and DPBP in the celebration of VegFest 2.0, happening this Saturday, August 13th!

What is VegFest 2.0?

VegFest is a celebration of raw, vegan, and vegetarian cuisines featuring vendors, demonstrations, handouts, recipes, health & nutrition information, and (of course) fun! It was born from an idea about how to incorporate more fruits and vegetables in our meals in simple, easy and everyday ideas. Come down, bring the family, and take home knowledge to enhance your summertime cuisine. This is the second VegFest for Sacramento. January's event was a huge success with 24 vendors and over 1100 attendees. Now with the bountiful summertime fruits and vegetables, it is the perfect time for VegFest 2.0.

Admission is only $2 and only $1 with a donation of a non-perishable food item to benefit our local Sacramento Area Food Banks.

For more information call: (916) 923-6200 or (916) 929-9900 
Or visit: http://www.sacvegfest.com/
Hosted by: Del Paso Boulevard Partnership


Saturday, August 13th
11AM - 6PM

@ Artisan Building | 1901 Del Paso Boulevard & The Greens Hotel | 1700 Del Paso Boulevard


  • Trader Joe's
  • Michael Marks "Your Produce Man"
  • Lydia's Organics
  • The Green Boheme
  • Sugar Plum Vegan
  • The Cultured Kitchen
  • Two Moms Catering
  • Loving Hut Vegan Cafe
  • Del Rio Botanical
  • Angel Chocolates
  • Fry's Vegetarian Foods
  • Never Felt Better Vegan Shop
  • Azna Gluten Free
  • NACHEEZ
  • Top Dawg Restaurant
  • DavePops
  • NuSkin Biophotonic Scan
  • TreeWool
  • Live Food Academy
  • Raw and Local/Tina Bailey
  • Author Janice Stanger, Ph. D.
  • Raw Sacramento
  • Sacramento Vegan Society
  • V-Dog
  • Sacramento Vegetarian Society
  • Pacific Smart Foods
  • A Brighter Image
  • Treewool
  • FARM USA
  • Shakeology
  • SacYoga.com
  • Happy Cow.net
  • Atlas Oils
  • Chocolate Conspiracy
  • Sacred Chocolates
  • Wonder Wormin' 
  • and more!

Monday, August 8, 2011

Del Paso Boulevard Partnership Promo | Wonder of the World

Old North Sacramento has a weekend full of food, arts and entertainment and you don't want to miss it!  Catch the Big Idea Theatre in this weekend's promo video (time stamp 2:43) showcasing opening weekend of Wonder of the World, courtesy of the Del Paso Boulevard Partnership!


Photos by: Lixxim Photography
Watch the promo video below for the full schedule of events, including neighborhood favorites Supper ClubThe TempEnotria, The Greens Hotel and many more!



Haven't picked up your tickets for this weekend yet?  Don't worry, you can still find them here.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Are you going to eat that aspic? | Wonder of the World

When we started our read through for Wonder of the World, one of the first questions out of a cast member's mouth was: "Aspic?  What's an aspic?"

For those of us who haven't tried or heard of this international cuisine before, an aspic is a dish in which the ingredients are set into a gelatin made from a meat stock or consommé.  Almost any kind of food can be set into aspics - most commonly meat, fruit or veggies.  Typically, aspics are served on a cold or chilled plate to avoid melting the gelatin before eating.  Not a meat-eater?  Gelatin mixes can be supplemented for a vegetarian-friendly dish.

Image from http://www.ifood.tv/network/cold_fish_aspic
Where on earth did this idea come from?  

Historically, meat jellies were made long before fruit or vegetable jellies.  The earliest know recipe hails from the 14th century in  Le Vandier or Le Vandier De Taillevent, a recipe collection largely credited to Guillaume Tirel.  


Aspics also turned out to be a great way to hold and store meat, as it would prevent them from spoiling by keeping out air and bacteria from the cooked meat.

Although eaten worldwide for centuries in countries like Poland, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary,  Nepal, Sweden and Finland, Aspics finally gained popularity in the North America in the 1950s when meat aspic became a popular dinner staple.  

Most recently, aspics made an appearance in the Julie/Julia project by Julie Powell.  She documents her recipe trials and tribulations with the first edition of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" by Julia Child, including make three different types of aspics.  Didn't read the book or catch the movie (Julie & Julia with Meryl Streep and Amy Adams)?  Check out the original blog entry for an amusing aspic anecdote.

Are you thinking that the word "gross" doesn't even begin to describe an aspic?  Don't worry - Kirk, our Artistic Director, agrees with you!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Cheap Thrills | Sacramento Magazine

Big Idea makes another appearance in Sacramento Magazine for Thrifty Thursdays! Grab the August 2011 issue and turn to page 102 to see how you can save on your next night out for "cutting-edge" theatre.  


Take advantage of our Thrifty Thursday discount by purchasing your tickets for Big Idea's upcoming zany comedy Wonder of the World on Thursday, 8/11/11 or 8/18/11.  

Online tickets available at BigIdeaTheatre.com!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Behind the Scenes | Wonder of the World

A fun behind the scenes look at publicity images for Big Idea's upcoming zany comedy: Wonder of the World.  



Eugene Gavryush from Lixxim Photography helps us bring our publicity imagery to life and is always up for anything!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Press Pass | King of Shadows

With a fantastic opening weekend for this Sacramento premiere, Big Idea's production of King of Shadows by Roberto Aguirre-Sargasa proves it is a must see!


Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Homeless Youth Facts | King of Shadows

Information is power.  Homelessness is not only a global issue, but a local one, affecting our community right here in Sacramento.

Here are some basic facts about Homeless Youth: