'Musical of Musicals' offers laughs in Folsom

If you want to start the New Year off with a kick, (a musical kick, that is), Sutter Street's "Musical of Musicals (The Musical)," is really four shows in one. "It's a hilarious comedy — it's a spoof on the Broadway musical," said Mike Jimena, of Sutter Street Theatre. "(It's a) really funny show with a top-notch cast."One story becomes five different musicals, each in the style of famous composers. "It's a simple melodrama plot — the landlord wants his rent; girl can't pay her rent; matron offers advice," said director Michael Coleman. Does a hero swoop in and save the day? The audience will love the show's conclusion, and love the nods to well-known composers, like Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber and others.Coleman compares the show to last season's hugely popular, "Forbidden Broadway.""Four actors play the same roles in each of the five sections, and we have a chorus of three to back them up," Coleman said. "We also have the wonderful Chris Schlagel returning to Sutter Street as an accompanist." When Schlagel isn't working with Sutter Street, he's involved with Sacramento's Music Circus and Cosmopolitan Cabaret."He is just top notch," Jimena said.Coleman said if audiences enjoy shows like "Oklahoma," "Hello Dolly," "Sweeney Todd," "Chicago," and the beloved "Phantom of the Opera," they will love this show."Anyone who knows the composers will recognize the sound of the music, and those who don't will get the jokes making fun of general theater," Coleman said.The musical, written by Joanne Bogart and Eric Rockwell, premiered off-Broadway almost a decade ago, and since then, has delighted audiences throughout the United States, as well as in London's West End.Sutter Street will re-create the show's clever antics with a cast of seasoned performers; Troy Thomas, Ryan Adame, Jenna Cook, Ashlie Chimero, Michael Coleman and Yuri Tajiri, who have graced Sutter Street and various local theater's stages in the past.In addition to the show's regular run at Sutter Street, the cast will perform a preview show on New Year's Eve, which promises a special evening for the audience."The New Year's Eve gala is a great chance to get a first look at the (show)," Coleman said. "And then to celebrate the birth of 2012 with the cast, crew, and staff of Sutter Street Theatre. It's a guaranteed good time for all."* * *KNOW AND GO:What: "Musical of Musicals (The Musical)"When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6–Feb. 5, with a special New Year's Preview at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31.Where: Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter St., FolsomTickets: $23 general, $21 seniors and $18 students with ID, and $15 children 12 and under. $35 New Years Eve Preview, includes after party with all the trimmings.Information: (916) 353-1001 or Sutterstreettheatre.com