Cinnabar Theater

what a gem! i don’t often go to local theatre but the GF asked me to go to a one woman play. I’ve driven by the Cinnabar often over the years but never gone… my loss! this is a perfect small, local theatre that has charm and the warm feel we remember from past times…
I have to say that being asked to a one woman play that is entitled, «bad dates» doesn’t really resonate well as i thought it might just be a rant of man bashing, but trying to keep an open mind n heart, i was pleasantly surprised at the portrayal of this middle aged single mother’s life in new york. yes, it was from a woman’s perspective… duh! and her obsession w shoes, clothing n bling… but she balanced her performance well and i really enjoyed the show…
i would say that the rustic charm, open beam ceiling, and intimate limited seating all add to why i will come back to other performances… i do appreciate that they have great sound and excellent production tech gear… so sue me i’m a geek!
looking forward to the next production!

How can there only be 7 reviews for one of the best cultural spots in town? Cinnabar is just a little jewel — offering not only fantastic dramas all year, but musical events, and a fantastic summer camp for kids! My kids are now in the Young Rep, and just LOVE to attend. The staff and directors and counselors are TOP NOTCH, and I am very picky when it comes to places my kids can hang out. Love Love Love this place! Check out their website and get some culture!

This was my first theater experience at the Cinnabar. Their driveway entrance is right off Petaluma Blvd but if you blink you miss it. Drive up the driveway and the parking lot opens up. I hear that you should get there early for parking. We had no trouble and we saw Mice & Men on a Friday night. Then again, we got there in plenty of time.
The staff was professional and friendly. We had a friend who came with us hoping to get a last minute ticket to a sold out show and he just made it in. The acoustics were great. It gets a little stuffy in the back rows. The actors are fantastic; it was really easy to get lost in their character and forget you’re watching at a theater.
I really would go back and watch more from this theater. This production I saw was high quality and we had a great experience all around.

This review is solely about the «host» guy! We walk in, and the man who greeted us (if that’s what you want to call it) was super rude. We were treated like 5 year olds! We got yelled at for talking in the bathroom. And were told that because we were late, we would have to sit in the aisle. He handed us one butt pad! When were were a group of three. That’s why this place got a 2 star rating! He is the first person you see when you walk in the door, didn’t make any of us feel welcome! However the show was lovely! We watched Annie, and the kids did a great job! Wish the whole experience could have been lovely so we would feel like coming back!

Amazing community theater! The Young Rep program rocks; I can say that from personal experience. Everyone there is always friendly and accommodating, and like my second home! They have fabulous staff and and a great season every year. It is the place to go for top of the notch theater. Hope to see you there!

The best little theater in town. Cinnabar offers high-​rate acting in Petaluma. Worth the price and a visit to see great talent.

Was amazed at the youth production of ‘Into the Woods’…really difficult show for any age… all that Sondheim music and words. These kids were brilliant. They didn’t miss a beat. Gorgeous costumes and set. The Baker’s Wife, Amanda, was about as good as I’ve ever seen, even with adults. Highly recommend this show.

WHAT PRICE ILLUSION?
Cinnabar Theater’s latest production of Arthur Miller’s THE PRICE, directed by Sheri Lee Miller, is a brilliant rendition of a timely, perfectly penned, heart thumping theatrical masterpiece. The themes of the play are many: family relationships, self delusion, regret, guilt, loss and love. It is a dramatic meditation on the price paid for illusions created in order to live with the choices one makes. Miller’s script is so profound, so multi-​faceted and so difficult, that it could easily go wrong in the hands of unskilled artists. Fortunately, for North Bay theater goers lucky enough to catch one of the only eight performances of THE PRICE, this is far from the case.
Leading a stellar cast is veteran actor Charles Siebert as Solomon Gregory, a ninety something year old antique dealer who has come to asses the value of the Franz estate inherited by two brothers, Victor and Walter. He arrives hacking and wheezing at the attic of the New York brownstone filled with furniture, radios, musical instruments and personal memorabilia. Siebert’s portrayal of Sol is extraordinary, exhibiting all of the multi-​levels of nuance that Miller has endowed upon this complex character — humor, wit, charm, irascibility and ageless wisdom. Once Mr. Siebert enters the stage it is hard to take one’s eyes off of him. Siebert’s performance alone would be ample reason for seeing the production.
Not far behind him though are the other three members of the ensemble: Samson Hood as Victor Franz (a career Police officer who is professionally paralyzed, unable to retire or move on out of fear and inertia); John Shillington, at his very best, as Victor’s brother Walter (a broken, financially successful doctor who regrets sacrificing his personal life for material success); and Madelyn Ashe as Victor’s longing, dissatisfied and frustrated wife, Esther. Each actor, perfectly cast by director Sheri Lee Miller, brings a profound honesty and deeply expressed passion to his/​her respective character as the family uncovers misunderstandings, lies and illusions about their mutual past. It has been 28 years since the brothers saw one another and the price we see them pay for that time apart is dear indeed.
A special note of praise is given to director Sheri Lee Miller for her outstanding work bringing this monumental project to life. In the two plus hours of dramatic interaction, there is not one single moment when the mind wanders or wishes it was somewhere else. In fact, when the metaphorical curtain falls it seems like mere moments, as well as whole lifetimes, have passed. Ms. Miller uses no tricks, bells or whistles to accomplish this feat — just good, clear, specific, moment to moment action. It is a study in how to trust the play — a fellow director’s highest praise for a job well done.
Also worth noting is the evocative set by David Lear which realistically and symbolically transports us to the Fraz family’s brownstone attic representing the closeted inner lives of the characters; Lisa Eldredge for her spot on costumes and Wayne Hovey for lighting.
THE PRICE is one play you do not want to miss this season (if you can still get a ticket that is). Together, actors, director, designers and Cinnabar Theater itself have created an evening of drama worth every minute and every penny you will spend. THE PRICE is well worth the price and that’s no illusion.

Cinnabar Theater productions never cease to amaze me — ingeniously the intimate theater is transformed, enabling me to journey off to places where my senses are delighted by the magic created. I always walk away with my spirits uplifted, new found wisdom to cherish or thought provoking questions to ponder.

Thanks for your community theater/​operas. Always a hoot. Unless it’s a tragedy.