FOLSOM — As families across the region look for a classic story brought to life on stage, Sutter Street Theatre is inviting audiences into a world of imagination with the opening of Alice in Wonderland, which begins its run this weekend in Historic Folsom. The production marks one of the first major openings of the theatre’s 2026 season and arrives at a moment of celebration for the community venue as it enters its 20th anniversary year.
Adapted for the stage by Kathryn Schultz Miller from the beloved story by Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland brings audiences into a whimsical dreamscape where logic is turned upside down and curiosity leads the way. Directed by Mike Jimena, the production follows Alice as she drifts into a dreamlike state and finds herself chasing a hurried White Rabbit into a strange and fantastical world. What follows is a series of encounters with some of literature’s most memorable characters, including the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, the Tweedles, a mysterious Caterpillar and the tyrannical Queen of Hearts.
The story unfolds as Alice navigates a Wonderland filled with illogical rules and nonsensical events, blurring the line between dream and reality as she searches for meaning in the chaos around her. The production leans into the playful and imaginative tone of the original tale, offering colorful scenes and imaginative storytelling that appeal to younger audiences while still capturing the timeless charm that has drawn generations to the story.
Rated G and designed as a family-friendly matinee experience, Alice in Wonderland runs Jan. 24 through Feb. 22, with performances held Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. The daytime schedule makes the production especially accessible for families with young children and those looking to introduce live theatre as a shared weekend activity.
The opening of Alice in Wonderland also signals the start of what is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious years in the theatre’s history. Sutter Street Theatre is marking two decades of live entertainment in Historic Folsom, a journey that began in 2006 when the company was founded as Stage 9 Theatre by Mike Jimena and Connie Mockenhaupt. While the theatre itself operates out of a building that dates back to 1897 and once served as a telephone hub, its transformation into a performance space has made it a cultural anchor in the heart of the city’s historic district.
That legacy was recently reinforced through broad recognition from theatre audiences across the region. Sutter Street Theatre earned multiple honors in the 2025 Broadway World Sacramento Awards, a fan-voted program that recognizes excellence in community and regional theatre. The theatre was named Favorite Local Theatre, while Little Women the Musical received Best Musical. Additional awards recognized Best Play for Our Town, Best Ensemble for Young Frankenstein, Best Dance Production for Guys & Dolls, and individual honors across direction, costume design, music direction and sound design.
The audience-driven recognition arrives as the theatre prepares to roll out a full slate of productions throughout 2026, combining musicals, comedies, mysteries and family favorites across the calendar year. The opening of Alice in Wonderland serves as a tone-setter for the season ahead, blending accessibility, imagination and community-focused storytelling.
Beyond its mainstage productions, Sutter Street Theatre continues to play an active role in arts education through its Academy programs and year-round classes, offering youth and teen workshops, improv instruction, musical theatre dance classes, visual arts opportunities and children’s theatre programs. These offerings reflect the theatre’s ongoing mission to nurture creativity, confidence and collaboration for performers of all ages.
Reservations for Alice in Wonderland are available through www.SutterStreetTheatre.com or by calling (916) 353-1001. As the curtain rises on this beloved classic, the production stands as both a celebration of timeless storytelling and a welcoming entry point into Sutter Street Theatre’s milestone anniversary season.
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