Hey everyone! I hope you are doing well. I have been beyond busy attending movie screenings almost every night as well as everything to watch for Hallmarkies Podcast during this time of year. This has obviously limited my theater time but I do have a couple shows to report on (and I should have a few more the next couple of weeks.)

A CHRISTMAS CAROL- PARKER THEATRE, SALT LAKE

Last year I saw A Christmas Carol 4 times including twice at Parker Theatre. It takes a lot to see a show I see so frequently twice but that just goes to show how much I enjoyed this production. You can read my review of last year’s production for UTBA here. Naturally having liked it so much last year I made sure to go opening night this year and once again it was completely outstanding. In fact, it was so good I had Scott Savage on Theatre Tuesdays to talk about it (he reviewed it this year for UTBA) and to talk about the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It was a great listen:

There are so many things I love about this production of A Christmas Carol but let me share a few of my favorite aspects. First, the script expands on the novel in effective ways like introducing us to Jacob Marley and crafting an authentic moment between Scrooge and Fred at the end of show. The projections and lighting are also outstanding and create atmosphere that keeps the story from feeling stale. I also love that the Parker has themed concessions to go along with all of their shows:

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The little details make for a great theatrical experience #theater #utahtheatre

♬ Promosi – Satria Petir

I’ve set a goal to see every iteration of A Christmas Carol in the valley I can this holiday season but suffice it to say the Parker has set the bar high and it will be tough to beat. You can purchase tickets to A Christmas Carol at Parker through Dec 23 here.

ELF: THE MUSICAL- HALE CENTER THEATRE, SANDY

It’s always interesting to see the evolution of shows- how some shows remain popular year in and year out (The Music Man for instance) and others strike hot for a few years and aren’t seen as much after that. Elf: The Musical would be an example of the latter. It seemed like a few years ago everyone was doing this adaptation of the 2003 film starring Will Ferrell and now only one theatre is doing it, Hale Center Theater in Sandy. It’s probably just as well because I think it is a pretty forgettable adaptation with mostly bland set of festive songs to accompany the story.

Fortunately the production at Hale rises above these mundane elements to create something charming for the whole family. The spectacle is where Hale shines and Elf is no exception with wonderful scenic design by Kacey Udy and lighting from Jaron Kent Hermansen (it feels like a winter wonderfland.)

I also really enjoyed David Paul Smith, who is a former teacher of mine, as Buddy and Kelly Coombs as Jovie. They are favorite performers of mine and have worked together in the past so they have lovely chemistry. Josh Richardson also makes for an edgy modern Santa Claus. If you are looking for something festive and jolly to do with the family they will all have a great time with Elf: The Musical at Hale Sandy. You can purchase tickets to Elf: The Musical through Jan 6 here.

SHE LOVES ME- HERITAGE THEATRE, PERRY

Anyone who follows me knows how much I love the story of Parfumerie. This is a play that has been turned into one wonderful iteration after another. I love The Shop Around the Corner, The Good Old Summertime and You’ve Got Mail but probably most of all I love the musical She Loves Me. I like it so much I drove the hour it takes to get to Heritage Theatre to make sure to see their latest production of this wonderful musical.

When you see a production at Heritage one has to keep in mind it is a community theater with amateur performers who are learning and growing. You cannot expect the same level that is anticipated at Hale or even something like Hopebox. In the end the rough nature of the productions become part of the charm of the experience and that is the case with She Loves Me. In fact, I would say it is the best show I’ve ever seen from them but I’m sure that opinion is helped by the fact it’s a musical I just love.

What makes it work so well is the chemistry between the 2 leads with Ashlee Giblette shining as Amalia Balash and Gary Robertson having a swagger that sells the Georg Nowack character (he was obviously less experienced as a performer but the smile and endearing nature made him endearing to watch on stage.) I also thought Hannah Smith was excellent as Ilona Ritter- maybe the best singer of the entire cast.

The sets by W. Derek Hendricks helped set the scene of the Maraczek store and the costumes by Megan Merkley helped immerse the audience in the story and the choreography is a lot of fun. She Loves Me might not be the first musical that comes to mind when we think of the holidays but there are several holiday songs and the entire show ends on Christmas day. It’s a delight and I highly recommend seeing it at Heritage and supporting their charming community theatre whenever you can. You can purchase tickets to She Loves Me through Dec 16 here.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL- HALE CENTER THEATRE OREM, OREM

Finally, I was able to see A Christmas Carol at Hale Center Theatre Orem and review it for UTBA. It is a very unique version done through extensive narration and I am very excited to see them shake things up and try something new with a classic story. You can read my review here. Tickets for A Christmas Carol at HCTO can be purchased through Dec 23 here.

So there you have it. What have you been seeing? I hope you are supporting your local community theaters and other arts programs during this festive time of the year. Merry Christmas!