On The Town: May 3, 2026

on the town

WHERE BOOKS, BREWS MERGE

THEATRE BEHIND THE SCENES: MEET KEVIN GRUWELL

Meet Choreographer Kevin Gruwell

Kevin Gruwell is an award-winning choreographer who trains dancers for theater stages in Solano County and surrounding communities.

Q: Have you always been a dancer?

A: Oh yeah. I was the kid on the dance floor at my parent’s parties, quinceañeras, weddings – I’d be on the floor all night. When I was younger before theater, I joined the ballet folklorico group at my church so dancing has always been in my blood.

Q: What was the first show you were ever in?

A: “Bugsy Malone” when I was in seventh or eighth grade. I got to play two parts because my character “died” – we shot each other with Silly String –so I got to come back and do all the ensemble numbers. I recognized quickly that the dance part appealed to me and it was a different social setting than a bunch of boys playing soccer, which I had been into previously.

Q: How did you get into choreography?

A: When I was doing Solano Youth Theatre as a teenager the first show where I was asked to come up with some moves of my own was “Grease.” I was playing Danny Zuko and it was double cast so when I wasn’t playing Danny I was in the ensemble. We were doing “Summer Nights” and all the T-Birds were around and the choreographer asked what felt good to me. That was the first time I remember actu-

ally creating movement or even thinking about it that way. I created moves that were appropriate for the part, appropriate for the show and that were fun to do.

That’s still how I choreograph. I want it to be fun.

Q: Did you go to school?

A: I’m studio trained. I danced with Dance Direction with Lisa Clark in Suisun City for many years. When Missouri Street Theatre first opened its doors they had a thing called Company where you had to take voice, dancing and acting. It was super crucial to me and how I became serious about theater, dance and training. So I didn’t go to school for dance or even theater, but I still train. Any time I go to New York I take classes. I’ve been lucky to work with wonderful people and I try to absorb as much as I can from fellow performers, directors, choreographers and dance captains. I’m a sponge for skills and info.

Q: Do you have a choreography process?

A: I let the music do the talking first. I put on the music and just think “what does this feel like? Is this rock or more pop?” That’s the most authentic creation form for me. In theater, story is important so then I focus on what the lyricist is trying to convey in the song. What’s the message? How does it push the story forward? That will often change my vision for a number whether it’s romantic or angry and will dictate next steps. And then finally, who am I working

on the town

with? Sometimes I have a super advanced group that I can throw in things that I wouldn’t if it was a youth production. I challenge them to meet my vision. I love to see people grow and go on that journey with me.

Q: I’m no expert, but I understand that in theater, after opening night the show

belongs to the cast, right?

A: Why do you ask that? What have you heard? (laughs)

Q: What? Nothing! It’s just a question! (laughs)

A. Well, the general consensus in theater is that the show is essentially done at tech week and then the show is set. I can’t lie to you though and anyone who has

Publishers: Foy S. McNaughton, T. Burt McNaughton

Editor: Todd R. Hansen

Contributing Writers: Amy Maginnis-Honey, Todd R. Hansen

Project Manager: Nancy Meadows

danced with me will tell you, it doesn’t end on opening night for me. But if I make any changes, it’s not from ego or because I think I could do it better if it didn’t turn out the way I thought it should. It’s because it will make it cleaner or more comfortable or safer for the dancers. It’s because it will make the show a better experience for them as performers. People want to grow and get better. That was a longwinded answer to say I break that rule all the time. (laughs)

Q: What shows are you most proud of and what are dream shows you’d like to choreograph?

A: “SIX” was a dream come true because I got to work with a group of young people I have known for years who wanted nothing more than to kill it. I love the rock musicals.

“The Rocky Horror Show” and “Jesus Christ Superstar” are so fun to create movements for. As for dream shows, I would love to get my hands on “West Side Story,” “In the Heights,” “Chicago” and “Cabaret.”

Q: What is the best part of doing what you do?

A: Getting to step back and see the complete product from start to finish. What really motivates me is how the cast ends up feeling and reacting after the show, especially those who struggled. I refer to myself as a teaching artist and that is what fuels me.

Fairfield freelance accidental local historian Tony Wade is the author of eight books. Reach Wade at toeknee weighed@gmail.com.

This THINGS TO DO week

7 p.m. Saturday

The Sun Kings Unplugged Downtown Theatre, 1035 Texas St. www.downtowntheatre. com/box-office.

I Suisun City

7 p.m. Friday

I Vacaville

5 p.m. Thursday

Town Square

Thursdays: 2 Track’n Town Square Place, 11 Town Square. https://downtown vacaville.com/events-indowntown-vacaville.

7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday

Majesty Ballet: ‘Peter

Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre, 1010 Ulatis Drive.

Seventh Day Slumber

Journey Downtown, 308 Main St. https://journeydowntown.

therelliktavern.com.

6 p.m. Thursday

Singo

The Rellik, 726 First St. https://therelliktavern.com.

4:30 p.m. Friday

Clark Chimp

The Rellik, 726 First St. https://therelliktavern.com.

8:30 p.m. Friday

Funk Shui

The Rellik, 726 First St. https://therelliktavern.com.

First Street Taphouse, 440 First St. www.mareislandbrewing

2 p.m. Sunday, 8 p.m. Friday and

B.D.E. S. Hall, 140 W. J St. https://beniciatheatregroup.org.

3 p.m. Sunday

For the End of Time

Benicia Community Congregational Church, 1305 W. Second St. www.visitbenicia.org/events.

4 p.m. Sunday

The 360s

The Rellik, 726 First St. https://

4:30 p.m. Saturday

Doug Houser

The Rellik, 726 First St. https://therelliktavern.com.

8:30 p.m. Saturday

Fishcake

The Rellik, 726 First St. https://therelliktavern.com.

I Vallejo

11 a.m. Sunday

Oakland Jazz Choir 330 Virginia St. https:// empresstheatre.org/event/ oakland-jazz-choir.

Noon Sunday

Dos Four

Vino Godfather, 1005 Walnut Ave. www.vinogodfather.com.

3 p.m. Sunday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Bay Area Stage: ‘Misery’

Bay Area Stage, 515 Broadway St. www.bayareastage.org.

3 p.m. Sunday

VOENA: Voices of Freedom

St. Peter’s Chapel, 1185 Walnut Ave., Mare Island. www.voena. org/concerts.

6:30 p.m. Thursday

David M’ore

Empress Theatre, 330 Virginia St. www.empresstheatre.org.

Empress Theatre, 330 Virginia St. www.empresstheatre.org.

1 p.m. Saturday

Sixteen Scandals

Vino Godfather, 1005 Walnut Ave. https://events.vino godfather.com.

7 p.m. Saturday

Alvon Johnson 4th Corner Speakeasy, 431 Georgia St. https://4thcorners peakeasy.com.

GOSEE

‘Mother

Earth,’ ‘Blue Skies No Candy’

‘Mother Earth” takes center stage at the Solano Town Center Gallery through June 21.

It features the amazing watercolor painting of of Spotlight Artist Vineeta Dhillon.

You can meet her at the reception and poetry reading, 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday (May 9), at the gallery inside Solano Town Center, 1350 Travis Blvd.

Rodriguez High School student Gianna Parand took home the “People’s Choice Award” for her creation, “The Privilege of Beauty.” It remains on display at the gallery.

This month’s Pop-Up 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 23 at Sunset Cellars, 4495 Suisun Valley Road. They will con tinue, at different locations, on the fourth Saturday of each month through October.

Her latest collection invites viewers into a thoughtful and expressive visual landscape, where color, form and narrative come together in a deeply personal body of figurative paintings and assemblage.

Wallace-Cohen started her art career as Donna Herrick in the 1960s on a houseboat in Sausalito. It was a popular area at the time for rock bands and she designed rock posters in the psychedelic Haight Ashbury-style, including for the Grateful Dead, and worked the lightshows at the S.F. Whisky A Go-Go.

You can view the posters at https://donna wallacecohen.weebly. com/posters.html.

The gallery is at 110 Pintado St., on Mare Island. It’s open noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. The reception for “Blue Skies No Candy” is May 10.

HThe Fairfield-Suisun Visual Arts Association has a new member’s show at Common Grounds Coffeehouse, located in the Solano Town Center.

The Gallery is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Fairfield Arts, 710 Jackson St., features the work of mixed media, acrylic paintings and jewelry artwork of Saul Foresberg.

Fairfield Arts continues to sponsor the downtown Fairfield third Friday Art Walks, supporting local artists. The next one is 5 to 8 p.m. May 15.

“At the Table” continues at the Vacaville Art League gallery through June 20. It focuses on the celebration of food.

The gallery, 718 E. Monte Vista Ave., is open noon to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

Vallejo’s Mare Island Art Studios presents “Blue Skies No Candy,” a solo exhibition of new work by Donna Wallace-Cohen.

Benicia Plein Air Gallery, 307 First St., is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Benicia Plein Air Gallery Paint Out 2026 is May 29 through June 6.

For details, visit www.beniciapleinair. com/2026_benicia_plein_air_paint-out.

Gallery 621 is home to contemporary art in Benicia. It’s at 920 First St., Suite 203. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

For more information, visit https:// gallery621.com.

Artists from Benicia High and Liberty High schools will showcase their works through May 20 at the Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Art Gallery, inside the Benicia library, 150 E. L. St. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

For more information, visit www.benicia library.org/about/gallery.

ilton Garden Inn in Fair eld is w el l- kn ow n fo r it s award-winni ng Mot her’s Day, Easter and Thanksgivi ng Day bu ffet s an d ex ce ll en t ba nquet faci li ti es, howe ve r, they a lso serve brea kfast, lunch an d dinner i n thei r ne wl y renovated restaurant.

Exec ut ive Chef Peter Garci a, who has been w it h the proper ty for 20 ye ar s, c onti nu es t o oversee the cu li na ry program, preparing specia lized dishes for

both l ar ge -sca le e vent s and in di vi du al g ue sts. T he re st au ra nt a nd bar featu re a diverse menu emphasizing local produce when ava ilable. Weekly hi ghligh ts i nc l ude w ee kl y specials, Taco T ue sdays and Prime Rib specia ls every Friday and Sat urday n ig ht.

Stop i n for brea kfast, lunch or dinner a nd enjoy one of Chef Peter’s specia ls. Re servat ions ca n be made for those specia l occa sion celebrations.

2200 Gateway Cour t, Fair field 707- 426- 6900

COVER STORY

Where brews,

books merge

AMY MAGINNIS-HONEY AMAGINNIS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

How about an ale with that autobiography? Would you like to read “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” while enjoying some lager?

‘I like to enjoy a beer and talk about books.’

—Kate Stewart

Book clubs are finding news places to meet, away from homes and libraries. One example is Books ’N Brews @ True Symmetry Brewing in Suisun City. Meetings are the last Thursday of the month at 315 Marina Center.

Feliz Moreno, from the Suisun City Library, helms the group when it comes to themes with unique ideas like a green focus in March. It’s up to group members how they choose to employ the suggestion.

Rebecca Silva wasn’t able to attend the meeting with the red and pink theme. She was able to use the same book for March as the author had a green square on her shirt in a photo.

“We are not picky,” she said. Moreno’s predecessor launched the group before moving to a post at the Dixon library.

The brewpub setting offers a super laid back atmosphere, which makes for a comfortable environment, she said.

“People can participate as much as they want,” Moreno said. “They can drink, they don’t have to drink.”

Between 10 and 15 people show up each month.

“I think these guys would meet whether I came or not,” she said.

Rebecca Silva joined a few years ago when her sister was looking for a group to join.

“I told her I would go with her the first time,” she said. “I could read a book and that’s where we are at.”

Books

From Page 6

She loves the open concept so much it inspired her to get a library card recently.

The social aspect plays a key role, too. The group often gathers away from the book club setting.

Kate Stewart joined in 2022. She was very active physically, then got injured.

“I found myself reading a lot at home,” she said. She went to the library website and discovered Books ’N Brews. “I like to enjoy a beer and talk about books,” she added.

The open-ended themes are fun and open up a discussion that crosses many topics. She reads more diverse books now. One month’s theme had her pick up a book from Karin Slaughter, who writes mysteries and thrillers.

“I never read horror or thriller,” Stewart said. She is more open to that genre now.

She is one of a handful of teachers, or retired educators, that are in the group. Stewart teaches at the David Weir Preparatory Academy.

“It’s nice to get different ideas from a diverse group of people,” she said.

Lynn Herring belongs to five other book clubs. She taught at Armijo High School 28 years. They meet in different places.

“One kind of leads to another,” she said. “It’s kind of like an addiction.”

All meet monthly. Herring has back-toback clubs on the last Thursday and the last Friday of each month. One gathers

when it “happens to fit in everyone’s schedule,” she said.

She gravitates toward mysteries and is open to other genres.

Her students used to have a silent reading time. One day, Herring approached a student reading a book and asked the young woman her thoughts on the book. She didn’t like it.

“Another one to cross of my list,” Herring thought to herself.

Herring noted books today are geared toward entertainment and away from heavier topics.

“Every once and a while, I’ll read what I think is literature,” she said.

She reads about five books a month and rarely reads a book more than once. A sense of deja vu often surfaces as someone shares about a book they read, one that Herring is familiar with.

“The conversations start up and you remember that character, that scene,” she said.

Moreno, who started working at the library during Covid, said it was hard to convince people to come back to the library. Some felt intimidated, she said, noting they also thought the library was “stuffy.”

She launched a book club at Village 360. It was the first one offsite, Moreno said.

“Now, it’s a trend,” she said.

Moreno recently attended a coworker’s book club at a Vallejo library. There were kid-sized chairs. She suggested the coworker consider another venue.

For a list of books clubs offered by the Solano County Library system, visit https:// solanolibrary.com.

mothers

Champagne Bu

Begin Your Experience:

Bread · Pastries and Muffin Section · Fresh Seasonal Fruits

· International and Domestic Cheese Display

· Build Your Own Salad and a Variety of Specialty Salads

Omelets Station:

Create Your Own Omelets, especially prepared to your liking

Entrees:

Chef Carved Baked Ham with Pineapple Dijon Glaze

· Herb Crusted Prime Rib with Au Jus & Creamed Horseradish

· Roasted Pork Loin with Marsala Mushroom Sauce

· Blackened Salmon with Lemon Caper Beurre Blanc

· Seafood Pasta with Lobster Sauce

Seafood Station:

Peel & Eat Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce · Smoked and Poached Salmon · Dill Cream Cheese & Capers

Accompanied by:

Au Gratin Potatoes · Saffron Rice Pilaf

· Seasonal Vegetable Medley

· Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

The Perfect Ending:

A Variety Elite Cakes & Pies

Includes One Mimosa

Bottomless Mimosas: $12.00 Per Person

Sales Tax and 18% Gratuity will be added charges. Reservations are suggested and may be made by calling 707.426.6900

GOSEE

On your toes for dance collaboration at SCC

DAILY REPUBLIC STAFF DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

The Solano Community College Dance department is hosting the inaugural Dance, Create, Collaborate Festival at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The concert, directed by Ginger Cain, will showcase the work of students, guests and SCC faculty choreographers. It will present dance pieces performed by SCC current and former dance students and guest performers, including the Vallejo High School Dance Program, Ballet Folklorico Netzahualcoyotl, and Las Positas College Dance Program.

Student choreographers include Harley Lespron and Jenna Mitchell, who are excited to bring their dances to the stage and were selected by Cain for the dance production class as well as guest choreographer Cherise Bryant Ortiz. The students enrolled in the dance production class have had the opportunity to work with these dance artists.

Fine Arts from Cornish College of the Arts, and a master’s from St. Mary’s College in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation.

She has a lifetime teaching credential in Dance from the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges. Cain has directed many dance production concerts at Solano College and College of San Mateo. She and her students from current and past years were invited to participate in dance concerts at Diablo Valley College, Contra Costa College and most recently Santa Rosa Junior College.

Cain had a hip-hop performance dance group, “Synergy,” that performed outside the school for five years. This group was invited to perform “Mission in

“This grant is an incredible opportunity to showcase artistic expression to our campus and the surrounded community,” Cain said. “With this funding, we can offer students a chance to showcase their talents and experience the joy of performance in a professionally supported environment.”

The grant will facilitate the festival’s comprehensive experience, including the use of a state-of-the-art theater with top-tier technicians, photographers, videographers, and lighting designers selected by Cain. It will also ensure that all cast members receive a professional digital and DVD recording of their performance, along with high-quality photographs.

“This was my first time having the opportunity to teach and bring my choreography to life and all of the students worked so hard to bring that vision to the stage,” Lespron said in a press release.

“They were dedicated, excited, focused, and one thing that stuck with me the most was how positive and fun the whole group was. I will never forget them or Ms. Ginger.”

Jenna Mitchell’s choreography is inspired by the themes of popular dystopian young adult novels like “The Hunger Games” and “The Maze Runner.”

She also designed the costumes for this dance, set to the song “Mad World.”

“The dancers are embodying the fight, success, and failures of these characters as they push through the situations thrown their way,” Mitchell said in a press release. “The entire experience at SCC was extremely fulfilling. I was able to create choreography and costume designs that I have not had the opportunity to make in a long time.”

Cain has been teaching in the classroom for more than 40 years. She has been a full-time professor at Solano Community College since 2001. She holds a bachelor’s degree in

The Mix,” with Micaya and others.

She has performed professionally in many genres of dance and has had many performance opportunities to dance the works of many famous dance choreographers, such as Donald McKayle, Bill Evans, Loretta Livingston, Blanche Brown, Angie Bunch, Tandy Beal, Berle Davis and others.

One of her favorite experiences was being a dancer in the Boulder Jazz Company, The Young Audiences of San Jose, San Jose Civic Light Opera and Peninsula Civic light Opera.

“I am grateful to share my talent and joy of dance with others,” Cain said in the press release. “I love working with so many folks in preparation to perform. Seeing the progress of my students from start to finish brings me a sense of accomplishment to see their success and sharing of lifetime memories.”

The SCC Dance festival is sponsored in part by an Institute for Teaching grant awarded to Cain from the California Teachers Association in July 2024.

“I am incredibly proud of Professor Ginger Cain and her vision for the ‘Dance, Create, Collaborate’ festival,” Dr. Kellie Butler, SCC’s superintendent-president, said in the press release. “This award highlights the vital role of dance as a form of expression that transcends language and fosters community. It’s exciting to see Solano Community College offer such transformative experiences for our students and beyond.”

Admission is free. There will be merchandise for sale with proceeds befitting the program.

Stay connected to SCC Dance by following these accounts on social media: SCC_Dance on Instagram and SCC Dance on Facebook.

For more information, call 707 864-7100 or visit www.solano collegetheatre.org/eventscalendar/ dance-create-collaborate-festival.

Cassandra Kamakeeaina, “Ms. Cassy,” will direct her students from Majesty Ballet in “Peter Pan and Wendy” at the Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre, 1010 Ulatis Drive.

In May 2022, the Majesty Ballet Theater Company made its debut as the new home performance company of the Royal School of Ballet, with the premier of the ballet “Peter Pan.”

Majesty Ballet Theater Company members are involved in community service projects, such as performing for memory care residents at Pacifica Senior Living Vacaville and, in mentoring young dancers at the Royal School of Ballet.

The ballet is set to John William’s adventurous film score from “Hook.”

Performances are 7 p.m. Friday (May 8) and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday (May 9).

Purchase tickets at www.majestyballet theater.com.

The Dixon Dance Studio plans its competition Team Showcase, 6 p.m. May 20, at the Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre, 1010 Ulatis Drive.

Purchase tickets at https://vpat.net/event/ dixon-dance-studio.

GOHEAR

Town Square Thursdays are back

An ama-zing lineup of musical per formances is on tap in May.

Vacaville Performing

Arts Theatre

1010 Ulatis Drive, Vacaville

Come Together: The Beatles Concert Experience

The Carole King & James Taylor Story drops by at 7:30 p.m. May 12.

The tribute show features passionate renditions of tunes such as “Fire and Rain” and “You’ve Got A Friend.”

Go on an incredible journey through the careers of the superstars brought to life by Phoebe Katis and Dan Clews, both well-established artists in

their own right.

The Solano Symphony Orchestra wraps up its season with its annual Pops Concert, 3 p.m. May 17.

Music director and conductor Maestro Semyon Lohss has led the Solano Symphony for more than three decades.

Come Together: The Beatles Concert Experience offer a tribute to the Fab Four.

This live musical performance recreates the look, sound and history of The Beatles, taking guests back

to witness the band’s phenomenal rise to pop stardom. Included is a special salute to John Lennon. More than 35 Beatles hits are included.

The performance is 7:30 p.m. May 29. Purchase advance tickets at www.vpat.net.

Journey Downtown

308 Main St., Vacaville

Y2K Reloaded: Seventh Day Slumber, 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

Hear the tunes of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers from Petty and the Heartshakers, 7 p.m. May 15.

There’s also the Cowtown Thrash Bash, 6:30 p.m. May 22.

For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit https://journey downtown.com.

See Music, Page 14

What are your neighbors reading?

These are the popular books at Solano County libraries.

Adults

• “Dear Debbie,” Freida McFadden

• “The Housemaid,” Freida

McFadden

• “The Correspondent,” Virginia Evans

• “Great Big Beautiful Life,” Emily Henry

• “Say You’ll Remember Me,” Abby Jiminez

• “My Husband’s Wife,” Alice Feeney

• “Wuthering Heights,” Emily Bronte

• “Heated Rivalry,” Rachel Reid

• “The Wedding People,” Alison Espach

• “Theo of Golden,” Allen Levi

Teens

• “Sunrise on the Reaping,” Suzanne Collins

• “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” Sarah J. Maas

• “Throne of Glass,” Sarah J. Maas

• “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” Suzanne Collins

• “Crown of Midnight,” Sarah J. Maas

• “The Assassin’s Blade,” Sarah J. Maas

• “Powerless,” Lauren Roberts

• “Heir of Fire,” Sarah J. Maas

• “Fearless,” Lauren Roberts

• “Kingdom of Ash,” Sarah J. Maas

Kids

• “Partypooper,” Jeff Kinney

• “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” J.K. Rowling

• “Big Nate: Code Red,” Lincoln Pierce

• “The Wild Robot,” Peter Brown

• “Big Jim Begins,” Dav Pikley

• “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” Jeff Kinney

• “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” J.K. Rowlings

• “Talons of Power,” Tui T. Sutherland

• “The Dragonet Prophecy,” Tui T. Sutherland

• “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” J.K. Rowling

GOSEE

The ‘Rumors’ are true; ‘Misery’ finds a home

The “Rumors” in Benicia are true. There is “Misery” in Vallejo.

The Benicia Theatre Group wraps up its run of Neil Simon’s comedy, “Rumors,” on May 10.

The story? Four couples arrive at a lavish anniversary party only to discover their host has been mysteriously injured and his wife is nowhere to be found. What follows is a domino effect of misunderstandings, secrets and outrageous lies.

Clinton Vidal directs the show that delivers rapid-fire dialogue, physical comedy and a expertly orchestrated ensemble performance.

It stars Jennifer Rubio, Kyle Nash, Virgie Poole, Joshua Roberts, Andrew Norris, Ginger Burnett, Rob Smiley, Brittany Kamerschen, Linda Scaparotti and Chuck Schilling.

Performances are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at B.D.E.S. Portuguese Hall, 140 W. J St. (The historic building is not wheelchair accessible.)

Purchase tickets at beniciatheatre group.org.

Vallejo’s Bay Area Stage, 515 Broadway St., takes a look at the Stephen King novel, “Misery,” which was made into a movie in 1990.

Jeff Lowe directs the cast of Craig Rekdahl as Paul, Jenny Rastegar as Annie and Zack Bender as the Sheriff.

When famous novelist Paul Sheldon is rescued from a devastating car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, he thinks he’s been given a second chance at life. But Annie has plans of her own – and she’ll stop at nothing to get the ending she wants.

As Annie’s cheerful façade cracks, Paul realizes that escape may come at a

terrifying cost.

Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through May 17.

The company is holding auditions for “Little Shop of Horrors” at 7 p.m. May 23-25. Learn more at www.bayareastage.org.

Fairfield’s Downtown Theatre will host “Into the Woods Jr.” for five performances. The cast is comprised of Missouri Street Youth Theatre members.

The plot centers on a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse, and wind up changed forever.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. May 15, 2 and 7:30 p.m. May 16 and 2 and 6 p.m. May 17. All performances are at 1035 Texas St. Get tickets at https://ci.ovationtix. com/36251/production/1270098.

Lighthouse Theatre Arts brings a youth edition of “The Wizard of Oz” to the Vacav-

See Theater, Page 14

Recipe OF THE MONTH

Quick Lemonade Cookies

By Chef Stephanie Seaberg

It’s May, which means you are running in 10 di erent directions every weekend. If you’re not going to a pool party, you are rushing to a graduation party and everything in between. You are also probably going to show up with a dish to share, because you are a gracious guest, right? Well, don’t stress, because I’ve got you covered in the dessert department. If you haven’t tried a “Cake box cookie” recipe yet, then you are in for a treat. ese cookies require only a few ingredients and come out perfect every time. ey are chewy and lemony, but not too sweet. It reminds me of a lemon bar with half of the e ort. Your mom doesn’t want anything for Mother’s Day, but these cookies wouldn’t hurt.

You will need

15 ounce box lemon cake mix 1/2 C. vegetable oil 2 large eggs

Juice from 1 lemon Zest from one lemon 2 C. Powdered sugar

Putting it togethe r

Preheat the oven to 350°. In a medium size bowl, mix the lemon cake mix, vegetable oil, and two eggs until well incorporated Using a cookie scoop, place rounded little balls of dough on to a cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, depending on your oven. Allow the cookies to completely cool before frosting.

For the frosting, combine powdered sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice in a small bowl and mix with a whisk until it looks like a glaze If it’s too thick, add a small splash of water until it looks a little runny. Using a teaspoon, lightly drizzle glaze over each cookie. If you refrigerate them for a few minutes, the glaze will rm up

GO SEE A MOVIE: May brings ‘Top Gun,’ Trainspotting’ back

Hugh Jackman, Bryan Cranston and Julia Louis-Dreyfus team up to open the May movie releases with a comedy.

“The Sheep Detectives” is the story of a shepherd who reads detective novels to his sheep every night. When a mysterious incident disrupts life on the farm, the sheep realize they must become the detectives. The film is rated PG.

“Mortal Kombat II” stars Karl Urban as the fan favorite champion who is now joined by Johnny Cage himself. The two are pitted against one another in the ultimate, no-holds barred, gory battle to defeat the dark rule of Shao Kahn. The film is rated R.

Fans of Billie Eilish can catch her on the big screen in “Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour Movie,” which was filmed in 3D during her sold-out world tour. The film is rated PG-13.

Opening in limited release Friday are:

“Couples Weekend,” which tells the tale of two couples trapped in a cozy cabin during a blizzard. A mysterious cocktail strips away their inhibitions, resulting in chaos with a showdown of secrets, betrayals and rapidly shifting loyalties. The film is rated R.

“Silent Friend,” which is set in a botanical garden within a medieval German university town. It centers on a majestic Ginkgo biloba tree that silently observes humans over the centuries. The film is not rated.

“The Python Hunt,” which centers on the snake hunt in hunt Florida. The film is not rated

May 12

“Labyrinth” opens in limited release and is the animated tale of a typical high school student who dreams of online stardom,

thing the Rebellion fought for, they enlist the aid of Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin and his young apprentice Grogu. The film is rated PG-13.

“I Love Boosters” is the story of a crew of professional shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It’s like a community service. With Don Cheadle, Lakeith Stanfield, Keke Palmer and Demi Moore. The film is rated R.

Opening in limited release are:

“Turner,” with Jean Reno and Dustin Hoffman in the tale of a man whose once-promising musical career over. With his mentor he meets a range of characters, including a composition student with whom he forges an unexpected connection. The film is rated R.

May 29

but struggles to capture attention. After an embarrassing video of her goes viral, she gets trapped in her smartphone and replaced by a charismatic alter ego.

May 13

“Top Gun” makes a return to the silver screen for its 40th anniversary. The story looks at the danger and excitement that awaits every pilot at the Navy’s prestigious fighter weapons school. Tom Cruise, the late Val Kilmer, Tom Skerritt, Anthony Edwards and Kelly McGillis, are featured. The film is rated PG.

May 15

“Is God Is” is the story of two sisters on an epic quest for revenge, confronting a charged family history that will push them to extraordinary lengths. The film is Aleshea Harris’ directorial debut and is based on Harris’ adaptation of her award-winning play of the same name. Vivica A. Fox, Janelle Monae and Sterling K. Brown are

featured. The film is rated R.

“In the Grey” follows a covert team of elite operatives who live in the global shadows. When a ruthless despot steals a billion-dollar fortune, the team is sent to steal it back. Henry Cavill, Guy Ritchie, Rosamund Pike and Jake Gyllenhaal star. The film is not rated.

“Obsession is about a hopeless romantic hoping to win his crush’s heart. He gets exactly what he asked for but soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price. The film is rated R.

“Driver’s Ed” is about a group of high school students who take their school’s driver’s education car for a road trip to help a senior reunite with his college-freshman girlfriend. With Molly Shannon. The film is rated R.

Opening in limited release are:

“Magic Hour,” the story of a couple who escape to the desert to navigate an unexpected and challenging new phase of their relationship. The film is not rated.

“LifeHack,” which centers on a guy and his three friends who

spend their time gaming and pranking online scammers with their hacking skills. Eager for a real challenge, they target a billionaire by exploiting his daughter overshared social media presence. They believe they’ve pulled off the perfect crime – until the daughter calls them with an ultimatum. The film is not rated.

May 22

“Passenger” centers on a young couple who witnesses a gruesome highway accident. They soon realize they did not leave the crash scene alone, as a demonic presence called the Passenger won’t stop until it claims them both and turns their van life adventure into a nightmare. The film is rated R.

“Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” with Pedro Pascal and his young apprentice. The evil Empire has fallen. The Imperial warlords remain scattered throughout the galaxy. As the New Republic works to protect every-

“Pressure” is set in the tense 72 hours before D-Day, and the fate of the free world hanging in the balance. The movie follows Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower and Capt. James Stagg as they face an impossible choice. Brendan Fraser stars. The film is rated R.

“The Breadwinner” is a family comedy that follows the misadventures of a man whose wife lands a once-in-a-lifetime deal on “Shark Tank” that takes her on a prolonged business trip. The lifelong breadwinner has to fend for his family as a first-time stay-at-home dad. With three young daughters and little experience handling their day-to-day needs, he finds out quickly that running the household is the toughest gig he’s ever had. Mandy Moore and Nate Bargatze star. The film is rated PG.

Opening in limited release are:

“The Currents,” which centers on an Argentinian designer visiting Switzerland to came an award for her work in the fashion indus-

OUT! on the town

1. Jean Kelly

Glitz & Glam Fashion Show

Wednesday Club of Suisun 4.15.26

2. Our lovely models! Front row, from left, Kimber Smith, JoAnn Banks, Penny Nail, Calise Garrick and Judy Leve. Back row, : Penny Fisher, Vicki Camarena, Carolyn Sowells, Princess Washington, Hannelore Baffico and Jean Kelly 1 2

From Page 12

try. She jumps into an icy river and survives. Back home in Buenos Aires a transformation has taken inside her. Left with a paralyzing fear of water, she finds it impossible to readjust to her former identity as a wife, mother and artist. The film is not rated.

June 5

Morena Baccarin, Jared Leto, and Kristen Wiig, bring “Masters of the Universe” to theaters. Separated for 15 years, the Sword of Power leads Prince Adam back to Eternia where he discovers his home shattered under the fiendish rule of Skeletor. To save his family and his world, he must join forces with his closest allies and embrace his true destiny as He-Man – the

most powerful man in the universe. The film is not rated.

“Scary Movie 6” features Anna Faris, Cheri Oteri, Damon Wayans Jr., Shawn Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Chris Elliott and Marlon Wayans. Twenty-six years after outrunning a suspiciously familiar masked killer (“Ghostface”), the Core Four are back in the killer’s crosshairs and no horror movie IP is safe. Nothing is sacred. No trope survives. Every line gets crossed. The film is rated R.

“Power Ballad” is about a past-his-prime wedding singer who meets a fading boy-band star during a gig. The pair bond over music and a late-night jam session. Then, one turns the other’s song into a hit and the notes are sour.

Paul Rudd stars. The film is rated R.

Openiing in limited release are:

“Trainspotting,” which is back for its 30th anniversary.

Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle, and Jonny Lee Miller star in the flick, set in gritty, late 1980s Edin-

Music

From Page 9

Town Square

21 Town Square Plaza, Vacaville

Town Square Thursdays kicks off 5 p.m. Thursday with 2 Track’N. The music gets underway at 5 p.m. Admission is free. Concerts continue weekly through June 25.

Find the complete lineup at https://downtownvacaville.com/ events-in-downtown-vacaville.

Empress Theatre

330 Virginia St., Vacaville

David M’ore stops by 6:30 p.m. Thursday night. Born in Argentina and sharpened in the Los Angeles club scene, he’s built his reputation on gritty vocals, explosive guitar work, and a sound shaped by the spirit of Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore, Johnny Winter and Gary Moore.

community experience built around a simple belief: when artists are given a real stage, a real room, and a community that actually shows up, something different happens.

The night unfolds in three arcs: Identity, Expression, and Release.

Greg Rahn returns 6:30 p.m. May 14. Nzuri Soul stops by at 8 p.m. May 23. The Ariel Marin Disco Party is 8 p.m. May 30 with tunes from Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, the Bee Gees and more.

For more information. To purchase tickets in advance, visit https://empresstheatre.org.

Red Man’s Hall

431 Georgia St., Vallejo

burgh. It’s the story of a smart, funny and sickly heroin addict and his so-called friends – a bunch of losers, liars, psychos, thieves and junkies. Hilarious but harrowing, the film charts the disintegration of their friendship as they proceed, seemingly inevitably, toward selfdestruction. The film is rated R.

“Carolina Caroline,” the tale of a woman who runs away with a charismatic con to escape her life in a small Texas town. She transforms into a criminal icon and notorious bank robber, ultimately internalizing the central truth of every con: There’s no lie more convincing than the one you tell yourself. Kyra Sedgwick stars. The film is not rated.

“The Last Whale Singer,” an animated story about a teen humpback whale who must embrace his destiny after his parents died. His task is to share his mystical song to save the oceans from a terrible monster. The film is rated PG.

On May 8, it’s Boogie Nights Epic Friday Night Dance Party at 6 p.m. Ariel Marin headlines with help from James Earley and more.

4th Space performs at 6 p.m. Saturday. It’s a live music and

Theater

From Page 11

ille Performing Arts Center, 6 p.m. May 15 and 2 and 6 p.m. May 16. Join Dorothy on her adventure in Oz to discover confidence and friendship, meeting colorful characters along the way who ultimately lead her back to her heart’s true desire and the place she belongs most: home.

It features a large cast of children, 4 to 16. Get tickets at https://vpat.

May ends with the comedic melodrama, “Lily, the Virtuous Seamstress or She

Indie After Dark returns 7 p.m. Friday with music from Brian Travis and CJ Lawrence. Alvon Johnson offers a show in honor of mothers, who are admitted for free, 7 p.m. Saturday.

The month winds down with Blue Cinema , 7 p.m. May 16, Barrio Funk at 7 p.m. May 23 and Sizzle at 7 p.m. May 30.

For more information, visit https://4thcornerspeakeasy.com.

Was So Good, She Never Dropped a Stitch.”

It’s the Gaslighters Theatrical Company’s Fiesta Days show with performances at the Saturday Club, 125 W. Kendal St. Purchase tickets at https:// events.ticketleap.com/ tickets/gaslighterstheatrical/ the-scourge-of-vaca-valley-orwho-threw-stu-in-the-suisunslough-a-comedic-melo drama-1787779529#.

Performances are 2 and 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. May 24-25. Audience members are encouraged to cheer for the hero and boo at the villain.

The melodrama was penned by the late Alice McDonald, who lived in Vacaville.