Hi theatre friends! I hope you are doing well. I’ve had a busy last couple of weeks and have actually had the chance to rewatch several shows I loved along with a couple new productions. Here are my thoughts:

LEGALLY BLONDE- DRAPER HISTORIC, DRAPER

I previously saw the Fuschia cast of Legally Blonde at Draper Historic as part of my season pass and I enjoyed it so much they were kind enough to comp me a ticket to see the the other Magenta cast and I loved it all over again. I honestly don’t know what else you could ask for in a community theater production. Everything from the singing to the choreography to the wonderful cast chemistry all worked. They even had confetti drop when Elle gets into Harvard. They thought of everything!

Draper Historic is rapidly becoming one of my favorite local companies and how amazing to have them in my hometown. I’m not big into improv so I had dismissed them for years because of the improv company that performs there but ever since Jekyll and Hyde last year they have consistently impressed me with the quality of the singing and the gravitas of the productions. If you are considering getting a season pass to a company they would be high on my list of recommendations especially for the price.

Makayla Connor and Travis Wright were absolutely outstanding as Elle and Emmett. Also shoutout to Adrian Dayton who was hilarious as hot UPS man Kyle in both casts. To find out more about Draper Historic look here.

COMPANY- ZIEGFELD THEATRE, OGDEN

I was really excited going into review Company at Ziegfeld Theatre for UTBA. It’s my favorite Sondheim musical and outside of their Rent they have consistently impressed me as a theatre. Unfortunately the decisions they made in casting really hurt my overall enjoyment of the production. I was honestly probably a little nicer in the review than I should have been (it’s hard to know the line when reviewing community theater how tough to be.) There were some good things about it but the attempt to do the gender swap when I’ve since found out they did not have permission to do the gender swap revival did not work. Also their marketing of this production has left a bad taste in my mouth. I wish they had just done Company as written and cast in a way that’s consistent with the characters on paper. The talent was there and they could have done it (I love the gender swap revival btw). It’s a real shame and I think I will be taking a break from this company for a time. You can read my full review here.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST- PARKER THEATRE, SALT LAKE

The Importance of Being Earnest is a classic play written by the great Oscar Wilde. I love that the Parker Theatre has found a niche for itself in doing period pieces and after the downer (very well done) of Of Mice and Men it’s a wise choice to give their audience some laughs. As is always the case with the Parker the acting and entire production is as good as anything you’d see in an equity theater and I defy anyone to find a stronger regional theater working today.

Jonathan McBride brings a foppish fun to his performance as Algernon and Kristin Hafen is very funny as the flighty Cecily. The costumes by Rebecca Fenton were also sumptuous and detailed. Unfortunately this play is a little dry for me. Once the initial set up of the fake relations gets set up it doesn’t do much for me as far as story or great laughs. That said, I’d still recommend attending the show for the quality of the productions and it’s just one of those plays you have to see at least once in your theatre-going life so might as well support this terrific company while you do so! The Importance of Being Earnest is playing through June 22 at the Parker Theatre so you have lots of time. Get your tickets here.

NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812- PIONEER THEATRE COMPANY, SALT LAKE

I enjoyed seeing Natasha, Pierre… at Pioneer Theatre Company so much the first time for my review I decided to go a second time on the last night of its run. It’s interesting because I can see lots of flaws within this show. The story is melodramatic and the ending isn’t that satisfying but I still love it!

Kevin Earley is still the standout as Pierre but I appreciated Ali Ewoldt as Natasha more on this go-around. She has an emotional immaturity that allows her to make foolish decisions but she’s so sincere about those choices that it’s easy to empathize with her. We all make stupid choices as teenagers right?

Everything else I said in the review of Natasha, Pierre… is still great and I’m grateful to PTC for bringing this special production to Salt Lake for me to enjoy. I will treasure it always. This marked the end of PTC’s season but make sure to check out their exciting new season with 2 theaters here!

GWYNETH GOES SKIING- AWKWARD PRODUCTIONS, EGYPTIAN THEATER, PARK CITY

I first heard about Gwyneth Goes Skiing last year when it premiered in London and instantly I was intrigued. Not only did it sound hilarious (let’s be honest Gwyneth Paltrow’s whole persona with Goop and all gives much for the playwright to lampoon) but it also has a deep Utah connection with the accident and trial all happening right here. I don’t go up to Park City often but I absolutely had to attend the production at the Egyptian Theater as soon as I heard it was announced. Fortunately it did not disappoint.

Gwyneth Goes Skiing stars Linus Karp as Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Martin as optometrist Terry along with filmed cameos and audience participation throughout the show. I am not the biggest improv fan but Martin and Karp (who also wrote the piece) do a good job combining fresh jokes with the written material. I particularly think everything gets going in Act 2 when the trial begins. In fact, it might be stronger as a one act comedy but I suppose that would be less marketable. Either way the laughs never stop and I would definitely recommend it if it is coming by you. To learn more about Awkward Productions follow them here. You can also find out more about The Egyptian here.

So there you have it! Let me know what you have been watching on the stage and if you saw any of these performances what you thought.

With the exception of the 2nd viewing of Legally Blonde (and Company that was reviewed for UTBA), all of these logged shows I paid for out of pocket. If you would like me to be able to see and write about more shows please consider checking out patreon which has some really fun perks. More information here. Thank you