For someone that sees as much theatre as I do one can crave more experimental and fresh approaches to the artform. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy a production of The Music Man or A Christmas Carol as the next person but it’s exciting to see something that feels innovative and new. Such was my experience at the Meanwhile Park venue in Sugarhouse with their new one act short plays Vacation and Red Devil.

Meanwhile Park is a place I had heard about but had never been invited to review until now. It’s a wonderful concept started by Jeff Paris after the pandemic (began in 2021) and the entire production takes place in a Salt Lake City backyard. The stage is a cement patio with all the lighting and other effects that one needs and they have a small group of chairs for the audience to enjoy the shows.

They truly think of everything even giving snack boxes, custom-made cocktails and bug spray wipes to make your experience comfortable. This intimacy and charm is part of why I think it would make for such a fun date night.

As far as the actual plays this is the first year they’ve done 2 one act plays that were selected as part of the Meanwhile Park Playwright Prize. Evidently there were over 170 submissions for consideration, which is kind of amazing for something out of someone’s backyard.

The first act show is called Vacation and it’s a dark two-hander where a gay couple Barrett (Alexis Baigue) and James (Dan Beecher) have taken their frustrations with each other out in very funny and violent ways. Even though this is a dark comedy it is about a relationship so again brings me back to my great date night idea. Something like Meanwhile Park could easily be a gimmick but the acting and the material are entertaining. I’m not excusing anything because of the environment it is presented in.

The second act show is called Red Devil and it’s more of a bittersweet comedy about 3 women getting treatment for breast cancer. Rose (Vicki Pugmire) and Val (Reb Fleming) are our older patients who are shocked when a young girl named Emmie (Laura Elise Chapman) comes in for treatment and has a completely different way of looking at the world. Chapman gives the most compelling performance here embodying Emmie with equal parts bubbliness and loneliness. Writer Andrea Berting writes the character well also when she could have easily been nothing but a dopey influencer. Red Devil might be too light and frothy for some given it deals with cancer but I enjoyed it. Again it balances just the right tone for date night.

With the intermission the night at Meanwhile Park will take you around 80 minutes which is perfect for this cozy, charming experience. They are rapidly selling out as there aren’t that many chairs so sign up today! It plays through July 20th and if you get to see it let me know what you think.

Vacation is written by Nathan Johnson and directed by Jason Bowcutt. Red Devil is written by Andrea Berting and directed by Teresa Sanderson.

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.

As a film and theatre critic I am well aware many readers want strong definitive opinions on everything. The world of Rottentomatoes has turned everything into either liking or hating whatever it is I’m critiquing. I recently experienced this with my & Juliet review which I was decidedly mixed on and yet I’m asked ‘why did you hate the show?’ Sigh. Believe me when I hate something you know! Anyway, I bring this up because I was very mixed on Hale Center Theatre’s new production of Footloose. There’s a lot to love in it but some choices that didn’t work for me and given Hale is charging $69 for each ticket it’s worth giving a well-rounded review.

Given its Utah roots most of us know the basic story of Footloose (the 1984 film was filmed here in Utah!) It’s one of those movies that is probably remembered for being more bubble-gum storytelling than it actually deserves. I watched it last year for my podcast and it goes to some darker places beyond just kids fighting town council for the ability to dance. If you haven’t seen it in a while I recommend giving it a rewatch. It’s a good film about parenting, religion, tradition, and of course the frustrations of being a teenager.

As far as the Broadway adaptation it’s pretty good in translating the script of the film to the stage and unlike projects like Pretty Woman they were able to get all of the key songs from the movie for the musical. Hale favorite director Dave Tinney has created some really fun sequences especially “Holding Out for a Hero.” I won’t spoil it for you but it had me grinning from ear-to-ear.

I am not sure if it is backlash from the obstructive stage elements of Beauty and the Beast but I have noticed Hale being a lot more careful about how they have been using their Young Living Stage. Most of the stages brought in and out are flat without any barriers that block audience view. The only exception in this show is the bridge setpiece but it was done in a way that won’t obstruct anyone. Scenic designer for Footloose is Jenn Taylor with lighting design from Jaron Kent Hermansen (he also did the video/projection design which is full of Utah imagery and a nice nod to the Utah legacy of this piece.)

One special treat for Footloose is Hale had a live band which I don’t think I’ve seen from them. Live music adds to the rock-n-roll quality of the entire experience (feels less like karaoke with it.) In general I enjoyed the cast in the TThS group with Bryndal Braithwaite subbing in for Ariel (she’s usually MWF cast) and Weston Wright stealing the show as Willard. My favorite song of the show is “Mamma Says” and Wright’s performance along with Afton Wilson’s choreography made sure it did not disappoint.

I hate to single out individual performers in community theater but sometimes a critic has to be honest with their experience. Ren Cottam did not work for me in the lead role as Ren McCormack. Maybe he was having an off night but he was stiff and felt too old for the role. He was frequently out of breath and seemed to struggle with the choreography, which is a problem when the show is literally about dancing. Since he is in almost every scene it was a major barrier in me fully embracing the production. I’m actually kind of curious to see if the MWF Ren would win me fully over but that was definitely my experience with this Ren. I am also curious to see if the MWF cast has better chemistry because Braithwaite would be in that cast regularly (got to be easier to have chemistry with someone you are regularly acting with.)

All that said, Footloose is a show for teens that isn’t afraid to tackle some tough issues and it could lead to some quality discussions for families. There is also enough spectacle from Hale with details like full size automobiles brought on stage and other details I won’t spoil. The live band adds a lot to the environment, and there really is much fun to be had with this production. If it sounds like something you’d enjoy than I’d recommend it even with its flaws.

Footloose: the Musical has a stage adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie based on the original screenplay by Pitchford. The music is by Tom Snow with lyrics by Dean Pitchford and additional music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins and Jim Steinman

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.

Nothing makes me happier than seeing children get inspired by theatre. It brings me back to my childhood when I was first introduced to Phantom of the Opera, Shakespeare, and West Side Story. This is why even though I have my issues with Matilda I’m always going to be excited to support and cheer on any company that sets out to do it. Deep down I know this performance will be a catalyst for dozens of young people to become excited about musical theatre and that’s key to the preservation of the artform. The latest staging of Matilda comes through a collaboration between Kaysville City Musical and Hopbox Theatre at Davis High School in Kaysville. While this isn’t the flashiest version of Matilda I’ve seen, it’s entertaining and worthy of your time.

As with any performance associated with Hopebox they have a Hopebox recipient who is facing cancer and the performances fundraise to help this recipient. This is a wonderful mission, but I appreciate that Hopebox doesn’t lean on the mission. In fact, they use it as a catalyst to make passionate and wonderful theatre. I wondered if the loss of their intimate space would hurt their appeal but director Amy Turner has brought that heart and soul to the larger Davis High auditorium and one can’t help but be touched by the community spirit the cast and crew bring to the entire proceedings.

I saw the Teal Cast, and they are all very good with their roles. I was particularly impressed with Benjamin Stevens as Bruce. The song “Bruce” was a real highlight. I also love “The Smell of Rebellion,” and they do a great job with that here. Matilda is played with plucky determination by Avenley Sidwell and Tyler Bell is a very sarcastic Trunchbull. The rest of the cast is large and the choreography by Kelsey and Kayley Turner is a lot of fun.

The main critique I’d offer for the company is to work on enunciation. The microphones they are using muffle the sound quite a bit and if I was less familiar with the show I might have struggled to know what the actors were saying or singing. Also the production is simpler than I expected. I have seen both Kaysville and Hopebox put up such outstanding work I assumed the two of them collaborating would dazzle (like Kaysville’s Secret Garden was stunning, and Hopebox’s Oliver blew me away.) Instead it’s on the modern simpler side. Most of the set design is colored lighting with sets for Miss Honey and the Wormwood’s houses/Trunchbull’s office but something like the Chokey is more basic in its portrayal. Not bad just simpler than I was expecting.

At the end of the day Matilda is about the kids and their introduction to musical theatre. While I do have my issues on the musical’s book, I can’t deny kids get a story which focuses on their independent worth and value. It also can be quite funny with its over-the-top villain and ridiculous parental figures in Mrs and Mr Wormwood (Larisa Stewart and Drew Anderson respectively. ) They are all terrific here, and I’m sure the other Silver cast is equally strong.

If you want to learn more of my thoughts on Matilda (and Annie) check out this episode of my podcast.)

With it being at Davis High School this production has a shorter run than the typical month Hopebox shows receive. So get the family together and have a good time at Matilda. It’s not a perfect show but there’s still plenty here to entertain and inspire families. It plays through July 15th and tickets can be purchased here.

Matilda features music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly based on the Roald Dahl novel of the same name.

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.

Hi friends! I hope you are all having a wonderful 4th of July and enjoying some local performances wherever you might be! Since I started chronicling my musical theatre patron journey I have given a mid-year best of the year analysis along with one at the end of the year. This year I did it a little later than previous years going all the way through June. I ended up with 105 shows seen, which is pretty good considering that’s 180 days in that time period. Out of 105 shows I whittled things down to a top 10, and I only have one show for each venue profiled. I would like to give an honorable mention to Grease Jr at Hopebox which was the best youth theatre I have seen this year (I have loved every chance I’ve gotten to review youth theatre, and I hope I have done so in a way that has been positive and encouraging for the teens.) I would also like to give an honorable mention to Cats at Centerpoint. In particular Jessica Andrus and her amazing Grizabella. She should be on Broadway.

Anyway, let’s go over the top 10

10. You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Silver Hair Edition)- Covey Center for the Arts, Provo

I really respect they opened this musical to me in a whole new way. This senior citizen cast was not only talented but they gave the script a humanity I hadn’t seen before.

9. Dogfight- Sentinel Theatre, American Fork

I must admit this material is a little darker than I usually prefer but what a ballsy bold introductory musical for Sentinel. The quality of the acting/singing was outstanding as were all the other aspects.  Alison Gordon as Rose gave a particularly devastating performance. Now I can’t wait for their Bright Star!

8. Beautiful– Pioneer Theatre Company, Salt Lake City

When I first heard PTC was doing Beautiful I didn’t have high hopes for it. Especially considering it is almost 3 hours it sounded quite boring and derivative. Fortunately it turned out to be one of the best jukebox musicals I’ve seen diving into deeper themes than expected and having so many songs not only the ones Carol King wrote. Underrated show well portrayed by PTC (also was a crazy weather day the night I saw it so that was memorable)

7. A Tale of Two Cities– Ogden Musical Theatre, Ogden

Being unfamiliar with the musical A Tale of Two Cities (I have read the book of course but didn’t know any of the songs of the musical) I was a little anxious going to a concert as my first experience with the show. I didn’t need to be because of the quality of the singing and how everything was staged. I said at the time it could have been at Lincoln Center and I stand by that.

6. The Wizard of Oz– Heritage Theatre, Perry

This year everyone seems to be doing The Wizard of Oz which makes sense given Wicked fever that is sweeping the land. Some of my favorite parts of this production were Hayley Bell playing the Wicked Witch (especially when she broke character when Toto was just too cute.) Also the incredible staging of “Jitterbug” with black light and fluorescent costumes. They even had an animatronic Oz puppet made out of shipping crates. Very inventive!

5. Bat Boy– SLAC, Salt Lake

Bat Boy is a show I hadn’t even heard of before I started to hear some buzz about the production at SLAC, and I was so impressed with it. The show does have some horror elements which might be too much for some but I really enjoyed it. The acting and singing at SLAC was great and the atmosphere they created drew me in to the story. I’d say it is a hidden gem

4. 12 Angry Men– Hale Centre Theatre, Sandy

Hale Center Theatre in Sandy has had a wonderful 2025. I loved their Little Women and saw it twice and Finding Neverland was outstanding, but I have to give the best of their season to 12 Angry Men. What an acting masterclass for all involved especially Paul Cartwright and David D’Agostini as the problematic Jurors 3 and 10 respectively. They also created atmosphere very well and I hope Hale feels encouraged to do more grown-up plays like this in their Jewel Box theater.

3. Emma– Sandy Arts Guild, Sandy

Everyone knows I am a huge Jane Austen nut, and love most adaptations of her work, but Emma at Sandy Arts Guild really took things to a new level. I loved basically everything about it including the casting, costumes, acting and wonderful script. I even had the adapter (and director) Laura Bedore Lerwill on my podcast. It was fantastic!

2. An American in Paris– The Ruth, Pleasant Grove

I really loved Cinderella at The Ruth but I have to give my top spot for this new venue to An American in Paris. What an achievement in especially choreography and dance! Both casts were exquisite but Rylee Rogers took things to a new level as Lise. I’ve seen this show on Broadway and this took my breath away. It still has a few more weeks if you haven’t seen it I hope you do.

1. The Sound of Music– Centerpoint Legacy Theatre, Centerville

I’ve said many times The Sound of Music is one of the rare cases where I actually prefer the movie over the stage musical. I particularly think the songs they cut for the movie are real slogs in the musical. Well, even with all that the production at Centerpoint blew me away. They made so many bold choices like the background artwork featuring mountains the entire show and then when they are fleeing they literally climbed over the set. What was especially impactful was using clips from Germany 1930s in between scenes including a haunting clip of Hitler speaking to a crowd before the big concert scene. It contextualized the show in a powerful way that I’ll never forget. Incredible!

So there you have it. That’s the best I’ve seen in 2025 so far. What about you? Have you seen any of these shows? I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for supporting what I’m doing and the arts in your community. God bless!

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.

At this point it’s not big secret that I do not have much love for the classic Stephen Sondheim musical Into the Woods. We all have our unpopular opinions and while I admire the bold ambition of the subversive nature of what Sondheim tries to do I don’t think he pulls that second act off. You can learn more about my feelings on the show here:

That said, Into the Woods is a show done enough that I am going to end up seeing it a couple times a year as a professional theatre critic. As such, I need to be able to look at an individual production and determine whether it is a good example of the show and one its many fans will enjoy. I recently had this opportunity with Creekside Theatre Festival’s production of Into the Woods. It’s perhaps most special for its setting but definitely worthy of your time if you like this musical.

When I say special setting what I mean is this production takes place in the woods! It’s at the Heritage Park Ampitheater in Cedar Hills and this stage is literally surrounded by trees. And this isn’t just window dressing. Director David Walker has the cast going out amongst the trees when they are looking for Jack or trying to find the giant. It’s a very immersive experience!

They keep everything on the actual stage really simple with almost no additional props outside of the Milky White puppet and the other items for the spell. The cast is all solid with David Peterson being the standout as the Baker. He elevates the part through both his excellent singing and acting making a character who can be one-note more nuanced and tender. I also really enjoy Cinderella’s Prince played by Kyle Burch. He has the swagger needed for the role and is very funny with Rapunzel’s Prince (Jared Wilkinson) in the best song of the show ‘Agony.’

I must admit I felt that Tiffany Nutter was a little low energy as The Witch the night I saw it but the vocals are there so maybe it was just an off night? All the costumes and makeup are excellent particularly for the Cinderella characters, and I had no problem hearing and understanding all the dialogue which can be challenging in outdoor amphitheaters.

You do want to make sure to bring a chair or blanket to sit on and some layers to get warm if it ends up being a chilly evening. I’d also recommend some bug spray especially if you are sitting on the grass. Into the Woods is playing through July 2nd and tickets can be purchased here. If I was reviewing just my personal taste I’d give it a Mixed Bag but for this show and its fans I’d say go see it.

Into the Woods has music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim with a book by James Lapine.

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.

Hi everyone! I hope you are all doing well and enjoying some quality community theatre in your area. Recently most of my trips to the theatre have been for full reviews (if you are new to the site I do full reviews for shows I’m attending as a critic and shorter log for ones I pay for as a patron.) This is great as I enjoy the more in-depth reviews quite a bit. If you would like me to review your show please email me at rachelsreviews65@gmail.com. Also make sure you are following me on instagram for my out of theater reactions to all films and theatre I see.

Anyway, I have 2 shows to log today but let me know what you have seen and if you’ve been to these shows anywhere.

BIG FISH- KENSINGTON THEATRE, SOUTH JORDAN

Big Fish is one of those shows I’ve had on my bucket list for some time. It’s been put on a number of times locally but for whatever reason I always missed it. This is one of the many reasons I was thrilled to see it on the Kensington schedule this year. Now I have seen and I couldn’t be more impressed with the production Kensington put on. They are definitely the most underrated theater in the area and this was no exception.

The story of Big Fish honestly was a little muddled for my taste. I hadn’t seen the movie in a long time or read the book so perhaps that would help if it fresher on my mind. The closest I can think to compare it to is The Fantasticks which I also find narratively rambling and weak so maybe it’s just me?

Fortunately at Kensington director Toni Butler has seemingly thought of everything and she manages to make something special out of a flawed show. It especially impressed me how many different settings, costume styles, props and visual elements are required for the story. They also have a full live orchestra led by Michelle Willis. The cast is also uniformly strong with Tanner Tate playing the many different sides of Edward Bloom convincingly. Jack Sheehan is equally good as Edward’s stubborn son who is tired of Edward’s tall tales. That father/son dynamic is something anyone who has a Dad can relate with. Big Fish is also a sweet and endearing love story, so you know I’m going to be a fan of that. Unfortunately I saw Big Fish on its closing night but keep an eye on Kensington. They are an outstanding community theatre in this area and one can find out more information on them here.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT- TIMPANOGOS COMMUNITY THEATRE, AMERICAN FORK

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT- TIMPANOGOS COMMUNITY THEATRE, AMERICAN FORK UT

In contrast to Big Fish I have seen Joseph multiple times so I was a little less enthusiastic about seeing the production at Timpanogos Community Theatre but they are so outstanding and I heard such good thing I decided I needed to give it a shot. In the end, I’m so glad I did because this is perhaps the best production of Joseph I’ve ever seen.

One of the unique things about this musical is it allows for company’s to put their own creative stamp on the material. I’ve seen everything from Taylor Swift being brought in to the story, to boy bands and everything in between. What I like about what director Chip Brown has done is they give the production its own creative touches without going too far. Set designer Caleb Wallengren has given everything a Vegas/Western appeal with Canaan Roadhouse, Beans and Hebrews, and “Welcome to Egypt” signs. The actors are also allowed to improv with lines like a reference to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and signs about Julia Regan (IYKYK). This keeps things fresh without being stupid.

It’s also really nice how much community participation is within the show- all ages and ability levels are allowed in the large ensemble and I always love seeing that in community theatre. The cast is across the board excellent with Austin Simcox nailing all of the Joseph songs and Brandy Taylor as an enthusiastic narrator. Like I said, you could not ask for more in a community production of Joseph. The show is playing through July 1st and tickets can be purchased here.

Big Fish has music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa with a book by John August based on the novels by August and Daniel Wallace. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics and book by Tim Rice based on the story of Joseph from the Bible.

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.

As much as I love a good comedy at the theatre it can be the hardest genre to keep exciting and new especially if it’s a play or musical I’ve seen repeatedly. It stands to reason most of us can only laugh at the same joke a few times and then it starts to become more tedious. This is how I was beginning to feel with The Play That Goes Wrong. Particularly the last time I saw it things just didn’t land right with it being in a theatre-in-the-round setup (a lot of the jokes require a wall for the payoff so theatre-in-the-round doesn’t really work.) Anyway, I was a little nervous when my entire family wanted to see the new production of The Play That Goes Wrong over at The Ruth but I went with them, and we all had a great time.

What I really appreciate most about this production at The Ruth is the hard work on the part of the actors to keep things fresh and new. Director Barta Heiner has clearly given her actors room to improvise and add their own dialogue to the chaos. Samuel Wright who played Chris/Inspector Carter is particularly gifted at this with the highlight of the night being an improvised line when an audience member shouted out and he replied “This isn’t Dora the Explorer. We aren’t asking for help from the audience.” I died laughing when he did that. There was another terrific moment of ad-libbing when Charles and Thomas are sword fighting and they started quoting Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. At one point one of them says ‘I have the high ground.’ I have never heard that in this play before and it was very funny.

This spirit of improvisation is such a smart approach for this material because I would bet I am not the only person who has seen this play before in the audience. It’s been done a lot in this area so finding a way to brighten things keeps the chaos from being oddly predictable. It really works!

I saw mostly the TTHS cast with Samuel Wright stepping in as Chris/Inspector Carter and Heather Shelley as Sandra/Florence. They do have a challenge of fitting everything for this play into such a small space (this is the smaller theater at The Ruth) but set designer Jason Baldwin manage to make it work (it’s probably the smallest second story setup I’ve seen for this play.)

I can see why some might say some of the scenes are a little rushed and not all the jokes land but most of them did. And like I said, there’s enough room for improvisation to keep things fresh and exciting.

At the end of the day with a comedy it all comes down to the jokes. Watching The Play that Goes Wrong with my family at The Ruth had me laughing throughout. One can’t ask much more than that. It is playing through August 16th so there’s still lots of time to see this hilarious play. Tickets can be purchased here.

The Play that Goes Wrong is a play written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields of Mischief Theatre Company.

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.

I love workshopping new plays and musicals. While I admit you often need to have your patient pants on as the company works out kinks and issues, it’s fun to see the potential in a new piece and be part of creatives trying something new. I wish more Broadway shows did their tryout in Utah. We have such a wonderful, seasoned group of theatre fans here that much like Shucked we could give a lot of helpful feedback for new shows. One venue that often hosts material being workshopped is the Hive Collaborative in Provo. I recently saw experimental piece on death there called Paperweight and this week I had the chance to see the farcical family comedy The Fork. While it is far from perfect, the bones are there for an entertaining comedy if they keep working on it.

If anyone knows me they know I love an old-school slapstick comedy. The broader the better. In play form there are some classics like See How They Run and the more modern The Play That Goes Wrong. There are times that writers Ken and Dennis Agle tap into that tradition in their script for The Fork. I particularly enjoyed the back and forth with a supposed dead body that has to be moved around in ridiculous fashion. I think they could have leaned into that spirit even more and gone wild with the antics (ala Lucky Stiff if they wanted musical inspiration.)

The story for The Fork centers around 2 brothers who are hoping to get a good review from a famed food critic (Ioane Camacho) who goes by the title of ‘The Fork’. When things go wrong for the critic the brothers scheme on how they can still get their good review and chaos results. Jacob Baird and Adam Hartshorn play the 2 brothers, and they have the feeling of a classic comedic duo that’s needed for material like this. I also enjoyed Esther Slaeker as The Fork’s assistant Eva. She gets the best song of the night entitled “The Woman Behind the Man.” Sydney Olsen is also funny as a business-card dispensing “life coach” named Janey.

I was also impressed with the set the Agle Brothers are able to create (Ken directing, Dennis tech director and props master.) It has the feel of a little Italian restaurant with a believable cooler door in the kitchen and even a Mama’s Boys sign greeting you as you enter the theater. The only complaint I have with the space is that it was very warm the night I attended which can add to a sense of fatigue in the slower portions.

I hate to say it but my advice for the show would be to seriously analyze whether it needs to be a musical at all. There are long stretches without songs and that’s when the comedy could build momentum to its full effect. Not every story needs to be a musical and I really wonder if this one does? There is a plot element to the story involving Puccini and his singing but you could always be a play with music and have just a couple songs without being a full-on musical. Plus, I don t think the music aspect of the story was a core part of the farce that is so effective.

Even so, The Fork is a fun time at the theater if you like broad comedy. It is playing through July 11th and tickets can be purchased here. Use code FORK50 t get 50% off. Take a risk and see something new!

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.

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

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