Mainstage

The Cripple of Inishmaan

The Nutcracker: A British Panto

by Martin McDonagh
Directed by Christine Nicholson

By Christine Nicholson & Luther Hanson
Directed by Luther Hanson

The Play

This dark comedy is set on a remote and insular Irish island, in the 1930’s, between the wars. Amidst poverty and small minded gossip, Billy, a young man who is different, odd, an outcast, lives a life of quiet desperation and relentless mockery. When news arrives that a Hollywood film crew is coming to the neighboring island, Billy takes a chance and risks everything to escape his miserable life for a fresh start. McDonagh is also known for his films, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and The Banshees of Inisherin.

The playwrights

Martin McDonagh is a British-Irish playwright and filmmaker known for his dark humor, complex characters, and intricate dialogue, exemplified by acclaimed plays like The Beauty Queen of Leenane and films such as In Bruges and The Banshees of Inisherin. Born in London to Irish parents, he has won an Academy Award for his short film Six Shooter and has received multiple BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Olivier Awards for his work, which often explores themes of violence and morality against a backdrop of rural Ireland.  

Performances

Oct. 3 – 19, 2025
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 pm
Sundays at 2:00 pm

Performance Location

Art Court Theatre in the Performing Arts Center (PAC160) at Sacramento City College

The Play

Christmas takes a wild turn for Clara when her uncle gifts her a nutcracker that springs to life. This irreverent retelling swaps sugarplums for sass, and is packed with parody songs, cheeky innuendo, and classic panto antics like “It’s behind you!”, our beloved Panto Horse, and CANDY! It’s a riotous blend of festive absurdity and adult humor.

Performances

Nov. 21 – Dec. 14, 2025
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 pm
Sundays at 2:00 pm

Performance Location

Art Court Theatre in the Performing Arts Center (PAC160) at Sacramento City College.

Auditions

Auditions: Further auditions TBA