Visit Sonoma and Napa County stages
Why is there so much live theater produced in the North Bay? How is it that every burg in the area seems to have its own theater company? It’s no surprise that you’ll find theater in cities like Napa (pop. 76,921) and Santa Rosa (pop. 178,127), but how does theater exist in communities like Yountville (pop. 3,436) and Monte Rio (pop.1,080)?
It could be an abundance of talent aching to be on stage. It could be (the sadly dwindling) availability of arts in our primary and secondary education systems. It could be an abundance of citizen patrons who understand the importance of supporting a vibrant performing arts community.
Whatever the reason(s), it’s somewhat of a curse for a critic who’s tasked with seeing everything. The blessing for a critic is that there’s so much variety in what is being produced. Wanna see a classic Broadway musical? Can do. How about an in-your-face examination of a societal problem? Check. What about a different take on an old chestnut? That’s possible. Shakespeare? Surely, you jest.
Napa County’s Valley Players and Sonoma County’s 6th Street Playhouse fit that bill for our readers.
The Valley Players are a vagabond company founded by a group of women 10 years ago with the intent of elevating underrepresented artists in theater, and as such prioritize promoting stories that highlight issues important to women over 40. But fear not, everyone’s welcome in and at their shows. They perform in various venues throughout Napa County.
6th Street Playhouse traces its roots back to 1972 and the Santa Rosa Players. It performs mostly mainstream musicals on its large stage, but sneaks theatrical outliers onto its smaller Monroe Stage. It’s fascinating when the audiences mix.
Both have loyal attendees, but would be very happy to welcome new visitors to their venues.
It’s frequently said by some that North Bay audiences don’t travel. Prove them wrong.
Go see a show. Somewhere.
Anywhere.
