Spectacles and suspense in equal measure are coming to Sacramento stages this January, providing a perfect reason to escape another night of staying at home cocooned in a swaddle of blankets. No matter one’s theatrical tastes, this month has something for everyone — from “I Remember You” for the hopeless romantic or “Misery” for those romantic for hopelessness.
“The Lion King”
The Broadway sensation that has wowed more than 120 million people worldwide returns to Sacramento this January. A winner of multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this show brings the Disney story to life in a new and vibrant way, thanks to Tony-winning director Julie Taymor, a talented cast of performers and the musical mastery of Tim Rice and Elton John.
Venue: SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, 1301 L St., Sacramento
Dates: Jan. 7-25
Cost: $45-207
Tickets: Broadway Sacramento
“Legally Blonde”
A musical adaptation of the novel and film of the same name, Legally Blond follows the perky, fashion-savvy Elle Woods, who finds herself dumped by her boyfriend Warner. Looking to prove she’s more than the dumb blonde sorority girl stereotype, Woods follows Warner to Harvard Law. Though she struggles to fit in, Woods eventually defies expectations while still staying true to her bright pink personality.
Venue: Jean Henderson Performing Arts Center, 607 Pena Dr., Davis
Dates: Jan. 9 through Feb. 1
Cost: $22
Tickets: Davis Musical Theatre Company
“California Suite”
Chautauqua’s start to 2026 features “California Suite,” a comedy by the prolific playwright Neil Simon. The play is a set of four mini-plays all set in the same Beverly Hills hotel. Each of the play’s acts features different characters going through personal problems ranging from divorcees disputing custody to friends navigating unexpected mishaps during a trip. The show blends classic Simon humor with sincerity sure to resonate with audiences.
Venue: La Sierra Community Center at 5325 Engle Rd., #110, Carmichael
Dates: Jan. 9 through Feb. 1
Cost: $21 – $23
Tickets: https://secure.boxofficeavenue.com
“Misery”
A classic in the Stephen King canon comes to The Sofia with a stage adaptation sure to secure show-goers to the edges of their seats. After novelist Paul Sheldon is pulled from the wreckage of a horrible car crash by superfan Annie Wilkes, a glimmer of salvation quickly fizzles to a dying ember of hope. Wilkes discovers Sheldon’s unsubmitted manuscript, and she demands a rewrite that meets her standards before she’ll let Sheldon go. Filled with suspense and intrigue with a sprinkling of dark humor, this show is one not to miss this year.
Venue: The Sofia, Home of B Street Theatre, 2700 Capitol Ave., Sacramento
Dates: Jan. 21 through Feb. 15
Cost: $33-37
Tickets: The Sofia
“I Remember You”
What does love look like after years apart?
The next show to come to the Ooley Theatre explores, in a lighthearted but honest way, what feelings arise when a love from long ago walks back into your life. Though the play may make for a great date night (or a nice solo outing), don’t expect a saccharine show that stays surface-level. “I Remember You” gets real and truthful, and asks “how much do we really change as we grow older, and do we really change at all?”
Venue: The Ooley Theatre, 2007 28th St., Sacramento
Dates: Jan. 22 through Feb. 15
Cost: $23
Tickets: The Ooley Theatre
“The Sound Inside”
An unexpected and intense bond arises when isolated creative writing professor Bella Baird begins mentoring the brilliant but enigmatic student Christopher. Their lives and the stories they tell begin to tangle, and Bella eventually makes a surprising request that both she and Christopher are unsure can be fulfilled. Riveting and suspenseful, Adam Rapp’s play explores the limits of what one person can ask of another.
Venue: Capital Stage, 2215 J St., Sacramento
Dates: Jan. 28 through Mar. 1
Cost: $51-76
Tickets:https://capstage.my.salesforce-sites.com
This story was funded by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento. Following our journalism code of ethics and protocols, the city had no editorial influence over this story and no city official reviewed this story before it was published. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, CapRadio, Hmong Daily News, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review and Sacramento Observer. Sign up for our “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.
By Odin Rasco
