Hi everyone! I hope you are doing well and enjoying some great local theatre wherever you might live. You might notice this is my first log in January. That is partly because I haven’t seen as many shows with Sundance keeping me busy but also because I am being asked to do full reviews by more companies, which makes me very happy. Not only do I admittedly love getting to see more theatre for less cost (I’m super poor!) but I get to write full reviews for some of my favorite companies. Thank you to anyone who supports what I’m trying to do here.

As things continue to evolve I may have to come up with a different strategy for my patron shows vs attending as a critic but I suppose a monthly log isn’t without value. Let me know if you have any ideas for what you would like to see from me.

RAGTIME- the ruth and nathan hale theater, pleasant Grove

First up I saw the new production of Ragtime at the new theater called The Ruth in Pleasant Grove. This used to be my beloved Hale Center Theater Orem but has now expanded into a massive new structure away from Orem. I was honestly a little hesitant to share this log because after posting what I thought was a relatively benign even positive reaction I received some pretty awful trolling. It is not my desire to hurt castmembers or companies with my logs even if I try to be constructive as any critic would do.

Anyway, here are my thoughts. First about the new complex. It is very grand and beautiful and I really appreciate they kept the intimacy of the HCTO stage as much as they could. It is not a spectacle theater like Hale Sandy (which I love but don’t need a duplicate.) I’m excited to see Cinderella in upcoming weeks to see what they can do with the space with something more fantastical of a setting. My main complaint with the new space is the chairs are very packed in and not as comfortable as I would hope for a new space.

As far as Ragtime, this was a bold show for them to pick as their first production and I admire them greatly for choosing it. I do have some issues with Ragtime in general. It feels a little overstuffed as a musical and some of the plots like everything with Evelyn Nesbit feel like a distraction from our core story of Coalhouse, Mother and Sarah. That said, The Ruth should be very proud of their production. The singing is excellent throughout with Brittany Sanders giving a commanding performance as Mother and Aria Love Jackson a moving portrayal of Sarah.

I appreciate the production didn’t rely on projections as is becoming so common these days. Everything felt real and lived in. The costumes by Dennis Wright are outstanding and the choreography by Joshua Whitehead for a large cast is terrific. The show is directed by Jennifer Hill Barlow and she makes some interesting choices. For example, “Till We Reach That Day” is more of an ensemble song than I have sometimes seen. Usually it is more of an anthem for Sarah’s Friend but making it more of a group number is an effective way to close out act 1.

Ragtime is double cast and playing until Feb 22nd, and it is definitely worthy of your time (if you take families it would be worthwhile to prepare kids for some intense scenes and themes but it could be very instructional and moving for them.) Tickets can be purchased for Ragtime here.

NOISES OFF- CENTERPOINT LEGACY THEATRE, CENTERVILLE

Next up, I saw the new production of Noises Off at Centerpoint Legacy. I am a huge fan of Centerpoint and think it is one of the biggest bang for your buck for theater in Northern Utah. Noises Off is a show I have seen the movie version but never the play so I was delighted to see it last night. (I actually interviewed Marilu Henner who played Belinda in the film here.) I know some people have to be convinced to see non-musicals but this Noises Off is honestly one of the best shows I’ve seen at Centerpoint and one of the funniest plays I’ve ever seen period. I was dying throughout and may even see it again to catch the other cast. That’s how much I enjoyed it.

I saw the MWF cast and they are all absolutely brilliant with Amelia Joan Bowles stealing the show as Vicki/Brooke. She is so good in that ditzy silly dual-role. I also loved Michael Reis as Garry/Roger but they are all great. I truly would put up this cast with any professional cast out there.

For Noises Off to work there has to be a brilliant set and they have one here by scenic designer Truxton Moulton. Not only does it have to work as a 2-story home with lots of doors that are constantly being open and shut but it also has to be flipped around to be a convincing back-side of the stage for act 2 (there are 3 acts for this show.) Director Jennifer Westfall keeps the manic pacing going and every aspect is coordinated perfectly to bring ultimate laughs.

I can’t recommend Noises Off at Centerpoint more completely. It does have some more adult themes but certainly should be fine for teens and up. Noises Off is playing until Feb 25th and tickets can be purchased here.

Noises Off is written by Michael Frayn (1982). Ragtime has music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and book by Terrence McNally (1998)

These logged shows I pay for out of pocket and I’d love to do that as much as possible. If you have a show you’d like me to take a look at and write a full review let me know. I also have my patreon which is a great way to support what I do and get some really fun perks. Find out more here.