Hi everyone! The last 2 weeks have been a busy time for me as a theatre patron and critic. I’ve had the chance to see a number of shows that are new to me, which is always a fun experience. Here are my quick thoughts:

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF- HALE CENTRE THEATRE, SANDY

Amongst my theatre critic and patron friends I feel like I’m a lot more positive about Hale Theatre Sandy than most of them. They can be more style over substance and the tickets are overpriced (but they routinely sell out every performance so one can hardly blame them) but the spectacle almost always entertains and the quality of the performances is usually top notch. Their recent production of Fiddler on the Roof is no exception.

With their versatile moving stage Hale allows the audience to experience Fiddler in a unique way. The action is happening all around you which is particularly special in scenes like “The Dream” where Tevya and Golde’s beds are elevated above the audience with Fruma-Sarah and the other spirits flying around the theatre. It was so much fun. I suppose I can see some losing the gravitas of the musical with such spectacle but there are softer more subtley effective moments such as a beautiful ballet sequence for the “Chava Sequence.”

My only real qualm with this production is Josh Richardson was a little flat for me as Tevye. He wasn’t bad per say but was just missing that spark that makes Tevye such a charming and heartfelt character.

Still I think Fiddler on the Roof at Hale Sandy is well worth seeing. It is directed by Ryan Simmons with choreography by Lindsey Smith. Tickets can be purchased here (although it is mostly sold out!)

9 TO 5- HOPEBOX THEATRE, KAYSVILLE

Not only does Hopebox have a wonderful mission but their shows are almost always first rate with wonderful performances and production values. 9 to 5 was no exception. This was my first time seeing this show and I was impressed. You can tell Dolly Parton is behind the music and lyrics because it is loaded with her trademark sass and good songwriting. In some ways I think this actually improves upon the movie. It certainly feels more up to date. Chelsea West as DoraLee and Sal Duncan as Roz were my favorite of the cast I saw but the whole cast was strong. I also loved the bold production design and 70s inspired costumes. 9 to 5 has finished its run but you can purchase tickets to any Hopebox show here.

THE TAMING- WESTMINSTER COLLEGE, SALT LAKE

It’s always nice to go out of my comfort zone from time-to-time and that’s what I did with seeing The Taming at Westminster College. It didn’t completely come together and the ties to Shakespeare were more distracting than anything else. You can read my full review for UTBA here.

MJ: THE MUSICAL- ECCLES, SALT LAKE

Jukebox musicals are a definite mixed bag these days on Broadway. This is particularly true of the biographic variety as opposed to the Mamma Mia style. It’s also made particularly difficult when the subject is as problematic as Michael Jackson, which is why I was more forgiving of MJ: The Musical than I might have otherwise been. It’s basically an excuse to hear a lot of Michael’s most famous songs coupled with some terrific dancing. They couldn’t dig much deeper without it being a super dark musical so I think they did just about as good as they could do with the material they had to work with. It was a little long and boring but I enjoyed the singing and dancing. All the actors portraying Michael are excellent particularly Josiah Benson as young Michael. The side-plot with 2 reporters from MTV I could do without but this was entertaining enough especially if you’re a big Michael Jackson fan. To learn more about the MJ: The Musical national tour click here.

MY FAIR LADY- HERITAGE THEATRE, PERRY

I love any chance I get to go up to Perry and see what they are doing at the Heritage theater. It’s a charming little theater inside a an old church and there is always a wonderful community spirit. I reviewed their recent production of My Fair Lady for UTBA. You can read my review here. (It was outstanding). You still have a chance to see it if you act fast and get tickets here.

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING- HCTO, OREM

It’s always nice when I check off a classic show off of my musical theatre bucket-list and that’s what I was able to do with Hale Orem’s production of How to Succeed in Business… While I don’t know if I will jump at the chance to see this show again this is an excellent staging of this musical. Nick Garner is wonderful as the lead Finch and McKell Rae is very funny as Hedy LaRue. I also loved the 50s era costumes, bubbly dance choreography and the inventive lighting design with a wall of rectangular panels that changed colors as the scenes progressed. Unfortunately I was pretty meh on all the songs. Nothing really that memorable and the show is long and feels it. My favorite of the night is probably “The Brotherhood of Man” but they did the best they could with what they have to work with. You can see How to Succeed until April 13th and purchase your tickets here.

THE LITTLE MERMAID- BLUFFDALE ARTS, BLUFFDALE

If you have read my theatre content you know I’m not the biggest fan of the Broadway adaptation of The Little Mermaid but I can still judge it fairly if assigned the task. Fortunately reviewing the latest production from Bluffdale Arts proved to be a special experience. Their mission is to involve anyone who wants to and they aren’t kidding- they had over 200 people in the cast! It was a true community event. You can read my review for utba here.