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...":

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!

 

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.