Hi theatre friends! I have 3 shows to update you with logs on. This weekend I have 4 shows I am doing full reviews on so that will be intense but it’s a happy problem to have so much to review! If you are new to my site the logs are shorter reactions to shows I have paid for myself where the reviews are comped tickets from the company with a requested detailed review. More and more companies are asking me for full reviews which must mean I’m doing something right but I still will have logs from time-to-time.

EMMA- SANDY ARTS GUILD, SANDY

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a big Jane Austen fan. In fact, right now on my youtube channel I am doing Jane Austen Month where I am reviewing more of the movies based on Jane Austen’s wonderful novels. That said, I went into seeing Emma at Sandy Arts Guild with moderate expectations because I thought it was the musical adaptation. Despite my love for composer Paul Gordon I’m not a big fan of that adaptation despite having seen it from several strong companies including Utah Shakespeare Festival. Fortunately when I sat down in Theatre on the Mount in Sandy I discovered this isn’t the musical adaptation but a brand new version written by writer and director Laura Bedore Lerwill. Adapting Austen is no easy task and Lerwill has done a masterful job with this script and basically every other element was incredible in this production. I LOVED it! I kind of wish I wasn’t so scheduled because I’d go see it again I enjoyed it so much.

I could go on for weeks about Lerwill’s adaptation but one of my favorite elements is using letters as a narrative device throughout. Whether it is Robert Martin (Aidan Hughes) writing to Harriet (Rachel Johnson) or Emma (EmmaLee MacKay) writing to her sister Isabelle. The whole cast is absolutely excellent with terrific chemistry between MacKay’s Emma and Jim Dixon’s Mr Knightley.

The other production elements are very impressive with period accurate costumes from Chad McBride, millinery (hats/hairpieces) by Karen Chatterton, and a smart set that is easily changed from Emma’s home at Hartfield, to the Bates house to the Weston’s homes with ease. The old-fashioned dancing is a lot of fun (especially in the iconic scene where Emma and Mr Knightley dance for the first time.)

Sandy Arts Guild has been consistently outstanding with their productions (their Mamma Mia was one of my favorites of 2024) and they continue that trend with Emma. I can’t recommend it more highly. Emma is only playing until 2/15 so not much time to see it but tickets can be purchased here.

LITTLE WOMEN- HALE CENTER THEATRE, SANDY

I have already written my full review of Hale Center Theatre’s current production of Little Women but I wanted to see the MWF cast so I purchased a ticket to see it again (I love Little Women in almost any format including this musical.) Given I’ve already reviewed it this log will be brief. The biggest difference between this viewing and the previous one is that I was in the first row this time where last I was near the back. Being close up it helped me notice more details in the performances and especially in the background projections behind the actors. I could read the text better and it added a layer to my enjoyment.

It was also fun for me to see Josh Egbert as Professor Bhaer. We’ve had Josh on my podcast, and he is very talented. They really play up the nerdy aspects of the men in this production which I really enjoy. Of course that makes sense for Profressor Bhaer being he is a professor but I like the more nerdy takes on Laurie (Joshua Hyrum Smith), John Brooke (Alex DeBirk) and even Mr Laurence (Daniel Hess.)

Another treat for me in this cast is Amanda Crabb as Marmee. She was a voice teacher of mine for many years, and I appreciate the warmth she brought to the role and she nailed “Days of Plenty” which is one of my favorite songs of the show.

Little Women is playing at Hale Center Theatre until April 23 and either cast is excellent. Tickets can be purchased here.

THE MUPPET SCRIPT- DYNASTY TYPEWRITER, LIVE STREAM, LOS ANGELES

Now I just want to close out this log with a quick livestream recommendation. I don’t know about you but I’m a huge Muppets fan. I love the mix of humor, heart, and music the franchise has always provided. In fact, every year on my channel I have Muppet May which I will continue this year. Well any Muppets fans will love an event called The Muppet Script put on by a company called Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles. This is a cool opportunity to have the script from The Muppet Movie read and performed by a variety of actors including Nina West, Marc Evan Jackson and Bobby Moynihan.

I absolutely love The Muppet Movie but I have never heard the screenplay and it is very interesting to hear the direction given by Jerry Juhl and Jack Burns for the scenes. Plus the proceeds of the event go to help the recent LA Wildfire victims particularly those most poverty stricken. Some of the singing isn’t the best but it’s all for a good cause and definitely worth a watch for any Muppet fan.

Tickets to watch the livestream can be purchased here and I definitely recommend it!

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.