It Happened One Night

Ellie Andrews has just tied the knot with society aviator King Westley when she is whisked away to her father’s yacht and out of King’s clutches. Ellie jumps ship and eventually winds up on a bus headed back to her husband. Reluctantly she must accept the help of out-of- work reporter Peter Warne. Actually, Warne doesn’t give her any choice: either she sticks with him until he gets her back to her husband, or he’ll blow the whistle on Ellie to her father. Either way, Peter gets what (he thinks!) he wants …. a really juicy newspaper story.

  • Screenplay by Frank Capra and Robert Riskin
  • Adapted for the Stage by Deanne Farinha Eldridge
  • Original Short Story, The Night Bus, by Samuel Hopkins Adams

Performing June 19 – 28, 2026

  • June 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, and 28
  • Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30pm
  • Sundays at 2pm

Doors open 30 minutes to curtain

VENUE

The Ooley Theatre
2007 28th St.
Sacramento, CA 95818

TICKETS

  • $12 (in advance only) – under 12 years old
  • $16 (in advance only) – Seniors (60+), Students (12 to 18 or w/ID), SARTA, Military (w/ID)
  • $20 (in advance only) – General Admission
  • $22 (at the door) – All Tickets
  • Student Rush Tickets are available! Call (916) 207-4420 for questions and info!
Tickets On Sale Now!

CAST

The Cast (alphabetical by last name)

  • Denise Anderson as Man at Bus Station / Bus Attendants / Auto Camp Manager / Dorothy
  • Esther Bruno as Ellie Andrews
  • Haley DePage as Lady at the Bus Station / Bag Thief / Newspaper Boy / Telegraph Operator / Beatrice / Agnes  / Mary
  • Chad Eldridge as Staff on Mr. Andrews’ Ship / Hawker / Detective / “King” Westley
  • Wayne Kunert as Man at Bus Station / Oscar Shapeley /  Zeke  / Gas Station Attendant / Parson
  • Christine Lovette as Joe Gordon
  • Jason Markiewitz as Dispatcher and Reporter (Voiceovers)
  • Edward A. Nason as Mr. Andrews
  • Christopher Tan as Peter Warne

A huge thank you to Columbia Pictures / Sony Pictures Entertainment for their permission to present this adaptation of their screenplay for “IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT”.

CREW

    • Produced by Deanne Farinha Eldridge
    • Directed by Emma Eldridge
    • Stage Managed by Nicole Diamond-Payne
    • Costumes and Props by Tana Aivaz Colburn
    • Technical Director and Set Coordinator: Tom Colburn

Reviews

I’ve seen 8 local plays in the last eights weeks and “It Happened One Night” was one of the BEST.
-Anonymous
I recently viewed your latest play, “It Happened One Night” and can confidently say that it was the best produced play I have ever seen. Whether that says anything about my lack of knowledge in the subject is up to interpretation, but that still doesn’t negate that this was a wonderful experience. The character of Peter Warne is right up my alley, and Christopher Tan played the role perfectly. The dynamic between Tan’s Peter and Esther Bruno’s Ellen Andrews feels… well, human. Real, to quote the play. Also appreciate the dedication of those special people who played multiple roles, memorizing lines couldn’t have been easy. Especially for Wayne Kunert and Chad Eldridge, who had to play vastly different characters in between scenes. The play had a good pace and plenty of wit to keep the audience entertained. It was as close to perfect as I could think of for someone who hasn’t seen a proper play in 9 years. Well done, guys. Congratulations!
-Abdulwahab A.