Hi theatre friends! I hope you are doing well. I have some of my logs to update you on. For those new to my site the logs are shorter reviews of performances (mostly theatre) that I have seen as a patron not a critic. If a company is interested in a full review (as well as my social media posts) just let me know at rachelsreviews65@gmail.com.) If you would like to support what I’m doing and get some cool perks check out my patreon.

Meanwhile I have 4 shows to log for you today so let’s get started:

TUCK EVERLASTING- CENTERPOINT LEGACY, CENTERVILLE

Occasionally an incident from my life will impact how a work effects me. Such was the case at Tuck Everlasting at Centerpoint. On the drive up to the theater I witnessed a traffic accident, which is a sobering experience. And of course, a musical about life and death like Tuck Everlasting is going to hit home even more than it might otherwise do after such an experience.

If you didn’t know this musical tells the story of Winnie Foster (Penny Hodson) who one day running away from home meets the Tuck family who have been blessed (or cursed?) with eternal life. She is particularly taken with Jesse (Maxwell Sperry) and they form a strong bond with each other. The whole cast is fantastic at Centerpoint, and I was impressed with not only their various singing abilities but the amount of dance required including a beautiful Act 2 ballet called “The Story of Winnie Foster.” It is worth seeing this show for that ballet alone (and I’m normally not someone who is wowed by dance.)

The choreography by Aaron Ford is outstanding as is the direction by Danny Inkley and the stunning sets with a rotating stage and forest-painted fabric that stretches all the way up the ceiling by scenic designer Joshua Roberts. I do think Tuck Everlasting drags a bit, and I can see why it didn’t last long on Broadway (aside from the ballet does it need to be a musical?) However, this production at Centerpoint is worth your time- especially given their low price-points. It is playing until June 17th and tickets can be purchased here.

ELVIS CONCERT- TRAVIS ALLEN AT IDEAL PLAYHOUSE, HEBER

I don’t often review concerts on here as I am not a music critic, but I wanted to let you all know about what they are doing up at Ideal Playhouse in Heber. In addition to quarterly productions they have musical acts on a regular basis. They seem to specialize in cover bands of classic acts and other vintage performers. I was able to see Travis Allen there last week and it was a lot of fun. He is one of the top Elvis impersonators in the country, and he puts on a good show. I was very impressed with how long the set of songs is and how personal and entertaining he is. It was a little warm in the theater but other than that I had a great time. Definitely check out Ideal Playhouse for their upcoming shows.

NOISES OFF!- PARKER THEATRE, SALT LAKE CITY

I was a little nervous going into Noises Off! at Parker. Not because I didn’t think they would do a good job. I knew they would, but I had just seen it at Centerpoint and sometimes comedies don’t bear the same repetition as other genres. I shouldn’t have been worried because even though I loved what they did at Centerpoint this was equally entertaining at Parker if not more so. I have rarely laughed more than at this hilarious production.

It’s hard to know who to praise more for this success but director Jennifer Hohl has to be top of the list. There are so many moving targets to keep track of including little details like where a plate of sardines are left, or if a bag is hung or not hung on a hook. The whole setting is a play-within-a-play so they need both the set facing the audience and the back which is not to work. Not only that, but when they are behind the set we need to hear them and make it sound differently than those performing directly in front of us on the stage. The sound design is always top tier at Parker and that’s no exception for Noises Off! (sound designer Spencer Hohl.)

My favorite of the performers is Corinne Adair Myers as Brooke/Vicki. She nails every bit of comedic potential in that dumb blonde type character. But they are all really funny. It’s one of the best shows I’ve seen at Parker and that’s saying something. If you like The Play that Goes Wrong I bet you’ll like Noises Off! It is playing through June 28th and ticket can be purchased here.

THE WEDDING SINGER- DRAPER HISTORIC, DRAPER

I have actually already reviewed DHT’s production of The Wedding Singer. The full review can be found here. But I wanted to see the MWF “Poser” cast, so I went with my friend to the Memorial Day show and it was super fun. The big standout of this cast was the supporting performers. Tanner Larsen actually plays George in both casts, and he’s such a talented comedic performer. I also really enjoyed Spencer Bushman as Sammy and Ashlee Howell as Holly. I hope both of them will be considered for leads in future productions. They deserve it. Alyssa Edwards is also really funny as Grandma Rosie. I do feel the other cast is a little more unique and not trying to duplicate the performances in the movie, but this is still a charming show and would make for a great date night. The Wedding Singer is playing at DHT until May 31st and tickets can be purchased here.

Tuck Everlasting has music by Chris Miller and lyrics by Nathan Tysen and a book by Claudie Shear and Tim Federle based on the novel by Natalie Babbitt. Noises Off is a play by Michael Frayn. The Wedding Singer has music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin with a book by Beguelin and Tim Herlihy based on the film with script by Herlihy.

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.