February Arts Preview For Sacramento

February evokes thoughts of roses, boxes of chocolate and maybe a romantic night out with the one you love. Sure, dinner at your go-to take out place and action movie in the living room sounds like fun. But, if you'd like to do something a bit more special for that oh-so significant other, it may be time to add a little class to your date night. If you're still making plans for Valentine's Day, we've put together some of our favorite performances during the month of February to make planning your date night a little easier.

Cinderella
February 9 - 12
Sacramento Ballet
Sacramento Community Theater
1301 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 808-5181
www.sacballet.org

One of the most popular fairytales of our time, the story of Cinderella is coming to Sacramento in the
form of ballet just in time for Valentine's Day. Ron Cunningham's ballet hasn't been seen in Sacramento
since 1997 and Cinderella fans will love the characters. Performances run from February 9th to the 12th
and tickets start at $17. Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

Pirates of Penzance
February 10 – 19; February 24 - 26
Light Opera Theatre of Sacramento
24th Street Theatre
2791 24th St.
Sacramento, CA 95818
www.lightoperasac.org
and
Davis Veterans Memorial Center Theatre
203 E. Fourteenth St.
Davis, CA 95616
(916) 258-5687

Local performers will shine in the Sacramento and Davis performances of Pirates of Penzance. The story of a young man apprenticed to a group of pirates is both humorous and touching. Sacramento shows run from Friday, February 10th through Sunday, February 19th and Davis performances will be held of February 24th, 25th, and 26th. Tickets are $15 for students, children and seniors and are $20 for general admission.

Music of the Heart
February 11
Folsom Symphony
3 Stages of Folsom Lake College
10 College Parkway
Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 357-6718
www.folsomsymphony.com

On Saturday, February 11th at 7:30 p.m., Folsom Symphony will perform selections from some of the greatest love stories ever told. Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet Overture, Moonlight Sonata, and Violin Concert No. 1, are just a few of the romantic selections to be included. Internationally acclaimed pianist Natsuki Fukasawa is returning to Folsom for this performance.

Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi
February 24 & 26
Sacramento Community Center Theater
1301 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 737-1000

Conducted by Timm Rolek with the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Sacramento Opera Chorus, this psychological thriller is disturbing and horrifying. The opera is well known and beautifully performed in Italian with English subtitles. Tickets start at $36 and will be performed on February 24th
and 26th.

Sacramento Loves Beethoven!
February 18
Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra
Sacramento Community Center Theater
1301 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 732-9045
www.sacphil.org

Yes, Sacramento does love Beethoven. The Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates all things Beethoven and fans fill the theatre each year with this performance. This year, local musicians will add to the performance when this season's JAMMIES Classical Concerto Competition winner, Eunghee Cho performs the Concerto No 2 for Cello and Orchestra. Showtime is 8 p.m. on February 18th. A pre-concert talk, "Speaking of Music" will begin at 7 p.m.

Michelle Ventress is a freelance editor and writer who lives in Sacramento with her husband and their two dogs. When not writing, Michelle enjoys traveling, gardening and spending time with her family.