“Dancing at Lughnasa” opens this weekend at the Fair Oaks Performing Arts Center and runs through April 12. Photo courtesy of Fair Oaks Performing Arts Center

FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) – The Fair Oaks Performing Arts Center will open its spring production, “Dancing at Lughnasa,” March 27 at the Black Box Theatre. The play, written by Brian Friel and directed by Jenny Connors, invites audiences to travel back in time to 1936 rural Ireland, following the five Mundy sisters as they navigate love, loss, faith and freedom during a season of change.

Connors serves as the president, founder and artistic director of the Women’s Theatre Collective and as the executive director of Valkyrie Theatre Company, who are presenting the play in collaboration with the Fair Oaks Performing Arts Center.

“The collaboration between the Women's Theatre Collective and Valkyrie Theatre Company is a celebration of our community's artistic spirit,” said Cassie Blank, arts and entertainment associate for the Fair Oaks Performing Arts Center. “This partnership grew from a shared passion for storytelling and a commitment to bringing quality theater to Fair Oaks. Together, we're creating a vibrant platform where local talent can shine, enriching the cultural fabric of our community.”

According to its website, womenstheatrecollective.org, Women’s Theatre Collective shares a vision of a world safe for women and girls.

“Women's stories aren't chosen nearly as often as men's, in the theatre as well as TV and film,” Connors said. “When I choose a play to direct, I want to know that audiences leave with a deeper appreciation and respect for women.”

The play features a female-heavy ensemble cast, reflecting the collective’s initiative, with Alison Gilbreath as "Kate", Amy Caston as "Maggie", Rebecca Grayce as "Agnes", Katie Berger as "Rose" and Libby Plumb as "Chrissie". Additional cast members include James Gilbreath as "Father Jack", Jim La Ferriere as "Michael" and Kyle Kane as "Gerry". 

“They are a talented cast who bring the characters to life,” Connors said.

According to Connors, the play touches on relevant topics in our world today including advances in technology and how it displaces craftspeople and the cottage industry, which is something many industries are experiencing today with AI.

“It explores the clash between the nature of who people are and the rules society can hold us under,” Connors said. “But most of all, it's about sisterhood, love and how music connects us.  Themes that will always affect humanity.”

Connors also serves as the executive director of Valkyrie Theatre Company, in association with Women’s Theatre Collective, which brings theatre to the community through its workshops, school shows, directing mentorship programs and more. The company is holding two summer workshops in July, “Finding Nemo Kids” for 7- to 12-year-olds at the Orangevale Community Center, and “High School Musical” for 13- to 19-year-olds at the Fair Oaks Performing Arts Center. Registration opens in April for both workshops.

Since its opening last October, the Fair Oaks Performing Arts Center has set out to bring to high-quality, local theatre to the community following the closure of the Fair Oaks Theatre Festival in August, a devastating loss to many members of the theater community.

The center has generated significant revenue for the Arts and Entertainment division of the Fair Oaks Parks and Recreation district, generating $87,537.90 in ticket sales from October to December 2025, the division reported at its February meeting. Additionally, the revenue from art classes increased from $9,659 in 2024 to $29,336 in 2025. 

Members of the community can support the theatre by attending shows and enrolling in arts classes, and by following the center on social media @fairoaksperformingartscenter. For more information or to donate to the Fair Oaks Recreation Foundation, which funds the center’s arts programming, visit: www.forpd.org/152/Recreation-Foundation.  

“Attending Dancing at Lughnasa isn't just about watching a play; it's about experiencing a shared journey that connects us all through the power of storytelling,” Blank said. “This production is a must-see for anyone in our community! It offers a heartfelt glimpse into the lives of the Mundy sisters, filled with laughter, music and poignant moments that will resonate with everyone.”

“Dancing at Lughnasa” runs from March 27 through April 12 at the Fair Oaks Performing Arts Center, 7991 California Ave. Tickets are $32 general admission and $24 for students, seniors and veterans.

To purchase tickets, visit: fairoaksarts.vbotickets.com/event/dancing_at_lughnasa/181073