Hi theatre friends! I hope you are doing well. I have a few recent shows to update you all on. For those new to my site for shows I attend as a patron I do brief logs letting you know what I think and for those I see as a critic I do a full detailed review. Make sure you are following me on instagram to get my out of theater reactions to everything I see both film and theatre. Lately I have been finding most companies want me to do full reviews which is a complete honor so down the road I may have to come up with a different system for logging these patron thoughts but for now it’s working well enough (I also have no deadline for the logged review which for a full comped review I try and get them out within 48 hours.)

So here goes a few things I’ve seen recently:

Macbeth- Parker Theatre, Salt Lake

It was very interesting to get to see Macbeth at Parker Theatre so soon after seeing it at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. I enjoyed both productions and would recommend them both for different reasons. They both tried different strategies to make Shakespeare more entertaining. With USF they portrayed Hecate, which is an element usually left out but it gave the production a rockstar appeal and was fresh and exciting. With Parker they focus on the soldier element and we even see some fight choreography (Spencer Hohl) between Macbeth, MacDuff, Malcom and others. Interestingly both start with a funeral and the Macbeth’s losing a child. This does a lot to ground the characters and with Parker a child actor appears as their Ghost Daughter (Eloise Hohl.) It is fascinating they only had one Macduff child an older daughter played by Emme Hatch.

As much as I enjoyed the rockstar element of Hecate at USF I feel I got to know the Macbeths a little better in the Parker production. They felt like a bit of an afterthought at USF. I also think Lucas Charon is perfectly cast in the lead role. Everything about his appearance, energy and performance is just what I envision for the character of Macbeth. We also get the sense of grieving and loss from McKenna Walwyn’s performance as Lady Macbeth. The sound (Spencer Hohl), lighting (James B Parker) and other elements are always a standout at Parker and this is no exception. Others have written more about the adaptation and it not being to their liking. I saw no major problems with the script. The production is directed by Brinton Wilkins and it plays through August 30th. Tickets can be purchased here. (Also I’ll be sad to have no Shakespeare next year at Parker 😦

Daddy Long Legs- Centerpoint Legacy Theatre, Centerville

I’ve already given my thoughts about this production of Daddy Long Legs at Centerpoint but I did get to see the TThS cast and I adored it just as much as the MWF cast, perhaps even more! This cast has Mackenzie Turner as Jerusha and Jacob Coates as Jervis. They both feel like teenagers (don’t know how old they are but just how they felt on stage) which is a fun choice for these characters who are supposed to be college-aged. I also really liked both of their nerdy energy they bring to the roles. It feels obvious from the first letters that they belong together just by their expressions and excitement for life.

All of the strengths of the MWF cast are still here. I love how director Liz Christensen starts with Jervis back facing us and then in the second act she changes so the chair is facing towards us. It’s symbolic of his growth as a character but also his relationship with Jerusha changing from a man in the shadows. I appreciate the decision to not have him pin up the letters. It helps him seem more grounded and likable as a character. The only thing I think is weird is the decision to have oil painting projections in the background. Nobody in the play is a painter and art or paintings are never talked about. I think a projection of letters and writing would make more sense.

But I adore this musical and this is a wonderful production. I wish I had time to see it again. If you can get out to Centerpoint it’s well worth your time. Daddy Long Legs is playing until Sept 2nd but only a few tickets are left and can be purchased here.

Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical- Disney Plus

Lastly a few quick thoughts about the proshot for Frozen that has recently appeared on Disney Plus. While the title ‘hit Broadway’ isn’t very accurate as this is filmed in London West End, it’s still an excellent recording of this show based on the beloved animated film. The cast is wonderful led by Samantha Barks as Elsa and Laura Dawkes as Anna.

Next to The Lion King, Frozen is probably the most visually impressive of the Disney Theatricals. The quick dress changes and the timing of the lighting effects are very impressive and fun to watch. Plus, watching them on the proshot one gets to get up close and personal with what is happening (the first time I saw Frozen my view was obfuscated which was a bummer. In some ways a proshot can be an improvement!)

Frozen does drag at times but that’s another benefit of watching from home. You can enjoy as much or as little of it as you want while folding laundry or doing any other thing. This musical is perfect for that kind of watch. If you want to see my ranking of all the Disney theatricals click here. Definitely give this Frozen a shot!

So there you have it! My latest update. What have you been watching? Let me know in the comments!

Macbeth is written by William Shakespeare. Daddy Long Legs has music and lyrics by Paul Gordon and a book by John Caird based on the novel by Jean Webster. Frozen: the Musical has music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez with a book by Jennifer Lee

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.