One of the joys of being a supporter of community theatre is the unexpected and raw moments of live performance. This is why I feel sorry for my friends that only participate in the world of film (which I also love) because there is something so unfiltered and real about live performance. It’s incredible. I had a terrific example of how wild things can get this weekend at the Creekside Theatre Festival and it is an experience I won’t soon forget.

The day started out with a little one act play called Box-Car Children at the inside theatre in the Black Box at the Liahona Preparatory Academy theatre. I was intrigued to see this production because it is an adaptation of the popular novels by Gerturde Chandler Warner penned by local playwright Melissa Leilani Larson. I have fond memories of not only reading the Box-Car books as a child but recreating the scenes in my playtime with my friends and sister (there is nothing better than pretending to be a self-sustaining orphan when you’re an independent little kid!) My Dad also has good memories with the books so he joined me for the show.

This one act would be a great way to introduce kids to a more manageable play and to the experience of a black box theatre. It is also starring a lovely group of child actors including Gavin Ward as Henry and Taebria Bybee as Jess. Some of the adult actors were a little over-the-top in their villainy but it’s for kids so I am more forgiving on that kind of thing. The set by Cannon Hadfield is really cute recreating the classic boxcar in miniature for the small black box stage and the puppet of the dog Watch made of fabric scraps is adorable.

Blake Barlow directs Box-Car Children with warmth and a soft touch that is perfect for an introductory play for children. Unfortunately has now finished its run but I’m sure it will be workshopped so keep an eye out for it.

My review of Henry V at Creekside will be a little different than I typically do. It is more about the experience I had than the play itself but they all merge together, which once again is part of the joy of live performance. Henry V is at the outdoor venue portion of Creekside Theatre Festival at Heritage Park. The night I attended Mother Nature decided to throw a wind storm the likes I’ve rarely seen in Utah. It’s too bad they weren’t doing The Wizard of Oz because it would have fit right in with the plot!

The actors in this production are not microphoned, and I sat up close but the wind was so loud it did prove challenging to hear the dialogue (they did their best. This was truly bizarre conditions nobody could plan for.) Even with the challenges I appreciated the performances especially by Jarod Lewis as Henry and Anton Moss as Dauphin and Macmorris. But honestly I was just blown away by their stick-to-itive-ness and bravery to not give up once they had started the performance. It was thrilling to be apart of.

I am grateful for a kind stranger who loaned me a blanket as I was woefully ill-prepared for a freezing cold windy night (just the other night I had been roasting outside at Murray Amphitheater so you never know!). When Henry gives his big St Crispin’s Day speech towards the end of the play there was a sense of victory in all of us that we had gotten to that point as both a cast and audience given the crazy conditions. Like I said it was unforgettable!

I can tell the play is directed well by Jon Liddiard (who was there in the audience watching this crazy course of events play out) but I really can’t wax poetic about the costumes or other elements. I’m sure it’s all outstanding but in this night it was all about persevering when nature wanted us to stop! We will not be thwarted in our Shakespeare! I give a huge applause to the incredible cast and strongly encourage anyone to see this production. You won’t regret it (but bring an extra blanket just to be safe!) It is playing through June 30th and tickets can be purchased here.

Note- they did offer to comp those in attendance tickets and reschedule. I’m just so booked I won’t be able to make it but I will be seeing their Into the Woods on Friday to close out the festival

If you enjoy my writing and would like me to review your production I’d love to. I also have a patreon which is a great way to support my shorter logs for shows I don’t get to review. I have some really fun perks like bonus episodes, patron polls and monthly Q&As with actors, directors and writers. Please take a look here.