Hi everyone! Since I got home from Texas I’ve been busy but trying to heal from this non-bronchitis that’s been morphed from the allergies that I had on the trip (this is one of those viruses that is sticking around forever!) Nevertheless, I have had the chance to see 2 shows and I love the chance to give both productions a shoutout (Plus I saw the new production at the new theatre at Pioneer Theatre Company but that gets its own post.)

NEWSIES- DRAPER HISTORIC THEATRE, DRAPER

One of the most reliable local theatres of late has been right here in Draper at Draper Historic Theatre. I recently saw Annie there that was delightful and last year I was blown away by their Jekyll and Hyde (I’ll never forget that show.) Their latest production is the very popular Newsies and it was once again a very well done piece of community theatre. This production is particularly fun because my sister and niece were in town so they got to see it with me.

I’m always so impressed at Draper Historic how well they use the little space with such large casts and this was no exception. They also use projections and flexible sets (scaffolding for this show) to make the stage as versatile as possible.

Of course, Newsies has a special place in my nostalgic heart with a score by Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book from Harvey Fierstein. I think most of the changes they made for the movie are to its benefit and the cast at Draper is totally up for the challenge. Jared Gaskill isn’t the strongest singer I’ve ever heard for Jack but what he lacks in polish he makes up for in sincerity and charisma. He also has terrific chemistry with Tearza Foyston. The rest of the cast is excellent and there is a tremendous community spirit about the whole production which is what you want in this kind of community theatre. There were flaws particularly in the microphones but nothing that hindered my enjoyment. It was also fun to see one of my favorite local couples in the cast with Dylan and Sophie Manzanares playing Davey and Spot Conlon.

Newsies at Draper Historic finished today with a sold out run (congrats!) but I recommend checking out their very reasonable season tickets. Next up they have Legally Blonde which I can’t wait for! You can purchase tickets here.

SEUSSICAL: THE MUSICAL- CENTERPOINT LEGACY, CENTERVILLE

It’s interesting because Seussical: The Musical is a show that is done all the time in Utah but somehow I’ve never actually seen it! I had listened to the music and most of my friends aren’t high on it so I just hadn’t seen it until this week. It was part of my season pass for Centerpoint Legacy in Centerville so I decided to finally check it off of my list.

Now that I have seen it I can see why it isn’t a favorite of many of my friends. If you are a story person (which I am) it doesn’t weave the Seussian elements together into a very coherent story. It’s a bit of a mess in that regard and it has so many characters and subplots that it can feel less than satisfying. It does, however, give lots of opportunity for creativity in productions and has a large cast so lots in the community can participate, which I am sure is why it is so popular.

Centerpoint always does an incredible job with their material and this is no exception. Director Kristin Pettingill Callor has brought out the best in her cast by using the entire stage and helping the actors be as dynamic in the roles as possible. There is particularly a sequence using fluorescent light that was very inventive and eye-catching.

I particularly enjoyed Dan Call as Horton and Emily Henwood as Gertrude who I think has the best song of the musical with “Notice Me Horton” and “Alone in the Universe.” The costumes by Stephanie Colyar are also first rate managing to capture so many different worlds and characters.

The only thing I didn’t love in this production was the AI-looking projections they had as part of the background. Everything else was so lush and colorful so to have that flat AI look wasn’t my favorite. I would have rather just a plain painted background personally.

If you like Seussical you definitely should check out this production at Centerpoint. It plays through April 17th and you can purchase tickets here.

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