When they first announced that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic Broadway musical The Phantom of the Opera would be available for high schools to put on I was skeptical. I doubted whether teenagers could pull off the opera required in numbers like “Think of Me” and “Prima Donna” nor did I think high schools would be able to mount the sets and props required for it to work. Now I have seen 3 productions over the years and I am delighted to be wrong. All of them have been outstanding including the latest put on by Ziegfeld Arts. It truly was an unforgettable night of theatre.

My seatmates told me they only had 5 weeks to put on this show, which I’m not sure why it was so limited but holy cow! I do not know how director Kristin Parry made this all work so seamlessly. I really have very few notes that could be improved. I saw the Opera cast, and I wish I had time to see the other one because it’s hard to believe there’s a whole different group of teens doing this material. Kayleigh Eagle should submit for the Jimmy Awards with that voice. She didn’t miss a note the entire night but she also invested us all in emotional journey of Christine especially when she is grieving in “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” and feeling sympathy for the Phantom at the ending.

I can’t explain it but there is a little bit of a nerdy energy to Landon Fugal’s portrayal of The Phantom (I’ve always thought that was the case especially with his confidence in his terrible opera and portraying himself as Don Juan.) They put a lot of scar makeup on him and it was starting to fall off by the end but he soldiered on and did a terrific job. The rest of the cast is excellent and the crew managed the set transitions very well. The costumes (including all the opera gowns) by Karly Van Komen would be at home in any permanent production.

The only major item they could work on is the lighting sometimes provides a glare on the screen which obfuscates the projections making it look like a white background or rainbow colored background. If we are going to all the effort to design projections as part of our sets than we want to make sure we can see them clearly. Unfortunately tonight is the last night of this The Phantom of the Opera (the Opera cast was crying as they took their vows and it honestly made me tear up. What a cool experience to be part of!) but I will definitely be on the look for more Arts Academy shows at the Ziegfeld in the future. It’s been a while since I have been at this venue but happy to be asked back. One can find out more about them here.

The Phantom of the Opera has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe with a book by Stilgoe and Webber based on the classic novel by Gaston Leroux. It first premiered in London in 1986 and then on Broadway in 1988.

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 any chance I have to support teens in the arts whether it be a youth production or at a high school it is a privilege to see emerging talents blossom. This weekend I had the joy of seeing the teens at Liahona Preparatory Academy in their latest production of Children of Eden and they once again knocked daunting material out of the park. What director Jordan Long pulls off with these talented teens is always outstanding and this was no exception.

First of all it should be clarified that this was not Children of Eden Jr. No it is the full adult version with 33 songs! They could easily have done the teen version and nobody would have questioned it so it’s pretty impressive they took on the complete version. It also has an absolutely massive cast with most of the actors taking on multiple roles (the first act is the Adam/Eve story and the second act is Noah.) I was very excited to see this musical because the last time I saw it was when BYU did it way back in 2009! It’s such a daunting show that it’s not tried often. Plus, not every company wants to take on such overtly Christian material (Stephen Schwartz says it’s not a Biblical musical in the director’s notes but I think that’s kind of ridiculous. Just because it is also a father story doesn’t mean it’s also not Biblical.)

I love the fact the ensemble at Liahona is so large and involved in the production. The choreography by Joleah Long is varied from contemporary to tap and so many of the students get to have solos and play named characters. The Storytellers were particularly impressive along with Brigham Ker as Father and James Fox and Lily Bennion as Adam/Noah and Eve/Mama Noah respectively. The set for act 1 is kept on the simple side (set design Brian and Canon Hadfeild) but then the ark in act 2 is large and impressive. The most awe-inspiring scenes of the night are the rain sequences on the ark with Yonah (Katira Davis) singing “Stranger in the Rain” and Japeth (Ryker Trumble) and Yonah singing “In Whatever Time We Have.”

The only major thing I would change about the night is I wasn’t crazy about the backtrack they were using. It sounded synthesized and electronic. I guess I prefer something with a little more of a traditional orchestral sound. It’s also a long show and there will probably be some who wish they had done the Jr version! But I was very impressed with the students and Jordan Long for continuing to push his teens with bold ambitious projects. I will always be first in line to see what they are working on! There is one more night to see Children of Eden at Liahona and tickets can be purchased here.

Children of Eden features music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by John Caird based on the Biblical book of Genesis. It first premiered at the West End in 1991 but has shockingly never been in New York- not on or Off-Broadway.

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 theatre lover friends. I hope that you are doing well. The beginning of the year is always slow theatre-wise because of the changeover from holiday to other shows but I do have 2 performances to report on. Both of these were technically comped but I a choosing to just do the logs for various reasons. This upcoming weekend I have several teen shows I will be seeing so that should be a blast to write about. Anyway, here’s some thoughts on 2 recent shows I saw

The Last Five Years- Hart Theatre Company, Salt Lake

The main reason I am not doing a full review of The Last Five Years at Hart Theatre Company is frankly they never gave me a program. Pretty hard to write a review without a program! I’m a big fan of The Last Five Years, particularly the songs, so I attended the production with a lot of excitement. While it does have much good about it, particularly Rebecca Lichfield as Cathy, it didn’t quite come together for me as an interpretation of this musical. It’s certainly not awful but also a weaker version of this material than I have previously seen.

My biggest gripe with the production is Diego Rodriguez as Jamie. He lacked the swagger and confidence one needs for the character. Ideally we should dislike Jamie because he cheats on Cathy but we should also find him oddly compelling especially because he starts the musical young and in love.

That brings me to my other major gripe is the direction by Morag Shepherd forgoes the tradition of having Jamie and Cathy not interacting on stage until the wedding (if you don’t know they are telling flip sides of their love story.) Maybe I’m too attached to the way I’ve always seen it but having them touch, exchange clothing, be on a bed together etc takes away from the building tension and the importance of the “The Next Ten Minutes.” I guess you could say it’s a new take on the material but it didn’t really work for me.

Fortunately, like I said, I did like Lichfield and the musical itself is fantastic so there’s that to enjoy. It’s currently playing at the Regent Black Box at Eccles. The Last Five Years is currently playing until the 18th and tickets can be purchased here.

Now over to Heritage Theatre in Perry, Utah. Instead of a traditional musical or play they are doing a revue full of Rodgers and Hammerstein songs. This is all directed by Kaylee Nelson who also did the scenic design, choreography and props for this production (she is certainly busy!)

The production is more like a recital full of songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein. It has a small cast of only 5 but by the end of we get 33 songs from a variety of shows to enjoy. I appreciate they even include songs from lesser-known Rodgers and Hammerstein shows like Flower Drum Song. It’s also nice to enjoy the more dated songs from something like The King and I without the more outdated elements.

Some highlights are “The Gentleman is a Dope,” “I Enjoy Being a Girl,” “This Nearly was Mine,” and “Don’t Marry Me,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” and “I’m Goona Wash that Man Right Out of My Hair.” It’s by no means a professional production at Heritage but it is a charming amateur show and one I had a good time watching. It is playing through January 17th and tickets can be purchased here.

Please let me know what you have been watching in live theatre in 2026 so far. “Some Enchanted Evening” contains songs with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein with a concept by Jeffrey B Moss. The Last Five Years has music and lyrics and book by Jason Robert Brown

These logged shows I usually 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.

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a great Christmas holiday and are enjoying the beginning of the new year. Make sure you check out my Best of the year post here but also I did an end of the year podcast for Onstage Blog here:

I do have a couple of shows in the final weeks of December to log (not full reviews just a few quick thoughts to shows I attended as a patron)

The Nutcracker- Ballet West, Salt Lake

I am not that much of a ballet person but Ballet West is one of the best ballet companies in the world and I will usually try and and at least see The Nutcracker during each holiday season. If you didn’t know Ballet West rendition of this ballet was the first full-length production in the United States- first in San Francisco in 1944 and then moving to Utah in 1950 with choreography by William Christensen. It just shows what a legacy of the arts we have in Utah that we had the first Nutcracker in the whole country!

The spectacle is incredible with beautiful sets and costumes throughout. The night I attended Dr Drosselmeyer was performed by Dominic Ballard with Loren Walton as the Nutcracker Prince and Lexi McCloud and David Huffmire as the Snow Queen and King respectively. Katlyn Addison and Adrian Fry really stand out as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier. My favorite section is the presentation of the Kingdom of Sweets to the royalty. I like the variety of the music and dancing in that sequence. If you want to introduce your family to ballet you can’t go wrong with Ballet West. They are world-class. More information can be found here.

A Christmas Carol- Hale Center Theatre, Sandy

Next up I saw A Christmas Carol at Hale Center Theatre in Sandy. I love Hale and even though it was my 5th viewing of A Christmas Carol this season I loved getting to see the production there with my Mom and sister. This is a classic staging of the Dickens story but it’s elevated with wonderful music and visual effects one expects with Hale. This is directed by John J Sweeney and David Weekes brings a sarcastic light-hearted take on Scrooge and the story. I particularly enjoyed what I call ‘crazy Scrooge’ when he gets all excited at the end.

Alex DeBirk was a sweet Bob Cratchit and Aioleoge Lesa stood out as our boisterous Ghost of Christmas Present. Like I said, the visual effect add a lot with Jacob Marley’s face giving a jump scare at the door and his chair getting literally elevated above the stage. Moments like that could only come at a place like Hale Center Theatre. Hale has a very promising 2026 coming up including an entirely new stage! More information can be found here.

Pride and Prejudice- Centerpoint Legacy Theatre, CEnterville

I’ve already logged Centerpoint‘s production of Pride & Prejudice here on the site but I had the chance to see the other cast before it closed on Dec 30th. The production sold out immediately so I felt quite lucky when tickets became available. My Dad, sister and niece ended up joining me and they all enjoyed it as much as I did. I love the way director Brighton Sloan worked in the projections into the black box space. It creates an immersive experience that is so much fun for fans of the material.

The TThS cast was all excellent but Andy Conlin as Bingley, Jordan Palmer as Mr Collins, Jessica Rampton as Mrs Bennett and Laurel Morgan as Mary Bennett especially stood out. I think I might have preferred the other Darcy and Lizzie better but I still really enjoyed Lily Hilden and Garrett Stephenson in those roles. It was just a wonderful production and I’m so glad I got to see it a second time. Centerpoint is a terrific bargain and their upcoming season is not to be missed. More information can be found here.

So that’s the last logs of 2025. Happy New Year and let’s hope we have loads of great theatre and the arts to enjoy in 2026.

The Nutcracker has music by Tchaikovsky and was first performed by Ballet West in the United States in 1944 with choroegraphy by Willam Christensen. A Christmas Carol is based on the novella by Charles Dickens with a book adaptation by Melany M and Richard G Wilkins with original musical score by Barlow Bradford. Pride & Prejudice is based on the novel by Jane Austen with an adaptation by Melissa Leilani Larson.

These logged shows I usually 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.

I also did a podcast ep on Rachel’s Reviews specific to the best of Utah theatre you should check out

I always love a chance to get to see something new at the theatre. Of course, I adore the classics as well but original material is always a treat. It’s also fun to see how a work evolves and changes as it goes through various iterations. The latest new show for me is Star of Wonder, a new holiday show at West Valley Arts. Naturally I love holiday shows but this is a touching story about grief, healing and the true message of Christmas.

This musical is written by local Utah playwright James Conlee and he does the music, book and lyrics (along with using many traditional Christmas carols.) He tells the story of the famous World War 1 Christmas truce where both sides of the battle stopped fighting and exchanged Christmas pleasantries together for a moment. I’ve heard of this story and even seen the excellent film Joyeux Noel about it but what was creative about this treatment is it focuses not on the event but on the PTSD of the soldiers who participated.

In Act 1 the friendships between the soldiers is built up all leading to the truce at the end and then Act 2 is the most reluctant Jack and his survivor’s guilt in returning from the war. Will Buhler gives a powerful performance as Jack with Kaden Conrad, Jake Oaklyn and Setu Lealagota as the other soldiers. They all have a nice chemistry together and feel believable as friends.

The production is kept simple by director Bruce Craven so we really can focus on the soldiers and their struggle. The costumes including convincing soldier uniforms are done well by Kris West and the lighting by Kai Sadowski captures the mirky war setting well in Act 1.

There are times the narrative drags a little in Star of Wonder, and they could probably cut at least one of the traditional carols out but I still enjoyed it. It’s nice to see something around the holidays that focuses on the religious tradition of it all and the healing that can come from hope and increased faith. I’m certainly glad I attended and it was a nice reminder of what really matters in this busy time of year. Unfortunately Star of Wonder finishes tonight but they always have interesting stuff at WVA so they are worth checking out and supporting. Find out more here.

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 theatre friends! I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season. The time has come for me to celebrate the best of theatre I saw in 2025 July-December in Utah (the only travel I did during that time was to TIFF but only saw movies there.) But I managed to see over 100 shows. Some of them I did full reviews for and others my shorter logs as only a patron. Make sure you take a look at my best of the first part of the year in local theatre. Still some of my favorites for the year in that post here.

Most Memorable Experience

Most Memorable Experience goes to Meanwhile Park. I saw 2 single act plays at this delightful theatre space on the patio behind the house of the owner. We were given drinks and the whole experience was special and unique.

Another memorable experience was at the Creekside Theatre Fest. For their production of Henry V a wind storm came in and was intense but the performers pushed forward. By the time we get to the famous “St Crispin’s Day Speech” we all felt like we had overcome something special together. It was a true victory!

Best National Tour

My favorite professional show I saw tour through Utah was without a doubt Some Like It Hot. This surprised me because I’m fairly lukewarm on the movie but loved this show. It reminded me of a Cole Porter type musical and I really liked the updates they made for the story.

Best Local Professional Theatre

There was so much great local professional theatre but if I had to pick one favorite I will go with Noises Off at Pioneer Theatre Company. In fairness I loved all 3 productions of Noises Off I saw this year so I think I just love this play but it is extremely funny and PTC did a great job with it. Their Dear Evan Hanson was also outstanding.

Best Semi-Professional Play

The best semi-professional play I saw is maybe a bit of a cheat but it was Dracula at Ogden Musical Theatre. Technically this is the same production they did last year so they’ve had a year to get things right but I truly was blown away by every aspect of this show. Everything from the makeup, to the wigs, the sets were incredible and I can see why they brought it back. I hope they make it an annual tradition. Honestly everything at OMT was outstanding including their Annie, which I also loved.

Best Semi-Professional Musical

Honestly everything I saw at Centerpoint Legacy was great including on their main and second stage. I saw most of the productions twice to see both casts I enjoyed them so much (and the prices are so reasonable I can afford to do so.) I wish they would let me do full reviews but maybe some day. I certainly will continue to have high praise if they keep up such wonderful shows. I think my favorite was Catch Me if You Can. I loved pretty much everything about this production. The cast, sets, choreography, costumes were all so well done.

I also saw their Daddy Long Legs 3 times I enjoyed it so much. It’s one of those shows I could never tire of and they did a great version of it.

Best Community Theatre Play

When I review a show at Heritage Theatre it’s almost an hours drive for me to get up there. Luckily they are always worth the effort for me to see what they have to offer. Such was the case with their wonderful production of The Play that Goes Wrong– a play I have seen many times before so it’s tough to impress me with it. However, I loved all of the choices they made in the small space. In fact, they made the space an asset for the production not a problem. The female actors were also all very good. If you are in the Perry area I highly recommend getting a season pass to Heritage.

Best Community Theatre Musical

There are so many amazing musicals I was blessed to attend at community theaters this year but the one that stands out the most was Little Shop of Horrors at St George Musical Theatre. Like at Heritage, SGMT has a limited space to work with but they made every inch count for Horrors. They truly thought of everything for this show including designing their own puppets for Audrey II. The cast was top tier and everything was directed well. You really could not ask for more from a production like this. Outstanding.

Other Accolades

Some other productions I loved. She Loves Me was perfection at BYU. Hunchback of Notre Dame was one of the best I’ve ever seen at West Valley Arts. Frozen and Sister Act were triumphs at Hale Center Theatre. The Phantom of the Opera at The Ruth was an outstanding production for youth and I loved The Scarlet Pimpernel at Hopebox.

So there you have it. The best of the second half of 2025 at the theatre I saw this year. Thanks to the incredible companies and talented individuals who gave me these great experiences. I love you all

These logged shows I usually 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.

When I went to review A Christmas Carol at The Ruth it was actually my 4th viewing of the story this season and my 3rd full review (look here and here). While it can be a challenge to find new ways to write engagingly about the same story it is always surprising how I can also find new insight with each production. This staging at The Ruth is the most traditional of the 4 but that has its own value and cultural relevance to ponder. They tried a couple of times to shake things up (see here) but this version adapted by Cody Hale is an important part of many audience-members celebration of Christmas and that has value. It’s also the version I have seen the most being a long time season ticket holder to HCTO (now The Ruth) since my college days. It’s comforting and very nostalgic.

Daniel Hess was my Scrooge, and he does the more sarcastic take on the character (think the Alastair Sim film version.) While this is not accurate to the book, it’s a perfectly valid interpretation. He shines most towards the end of the story in what I call ‘Crazy Scrooge’ where he buys the turkey for Bob Cratchit (BJ Oldroyd) and prances around London in his pajamas.

At The Ruth the production is directed by David Morgan and the most effective directing choices were made with all 4 ghosts entrances into the story. I particularly enjoyed the near jump-scare they gave to Jacob Marley (Andrew Maddocks) for his introduction after Scrooge see’s him projected onto the door. I also really liked how Past (Channing Heiner) and Present (Jacob Baird) are brought in through the aisles making the experience feel as immersive as possible.

I must admit as fond as I am of this traditional adaptation I don’t really think the few songs are special or needed and would prefer they just stuck with the traditional carols throughout the piece. I particularly like a scene when the grieving Bob and family sing ‘What Child is This?’ at Tim’s grave. This is much better, for instance, than the weird song randomly given to Old Joe and the vagrants at the pawn shop.

As is always the case, the ensemble cast at The Ruth‘s A Christmas Carol is outstanding and the costumes by Lauri Baird are first rate. I did find the set design by Carter Thompson to be a little odd. Scrooge’s house is off-kelter with a triangle bookshelf and paintings hung askew. This gave the impression one might expect an edgy version of this story but it really is quite traditional and true to Dicken’s original intent.

Still, if you are looking for a way to celebration the holidays as a family one can’t go wrong with A Christmas Carol at The Ruth. This show is a beloved Utah County tradition for a reason and certainly worthy of your time and patronage. It is playing through December 27th and tickets can be purchased here.

This version of A Christmas Carol is of course based on the Charles Dickens novella and features music and lyrics by Cody Hale. It has been performed at The Ruth and at Hale Center Theatre Orem for many years.

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 fun things about reviewing theatre during the holidays is getting to see various productions of the same shows. I love comparing the approaches of different theatre companies and analyzing what they each do to standout. Recently I reviewed White Christmas: The Musical at Heritage Theater (that I loved) and today I’m going to talk about the production at Hopebox, which is also wonderful.

It’s honestly hard for a show at Hopebox to not standout and make an impression. They are an incredible organization that not only have a wonderful mission of supporting families battling cancer but they put on great shows while they are at it! I admire that they nearly always use their mission as a catalyst for greater shows not as an excuse for mediocrity.

The production of White Christmas is mostly a showcase for bright bubbly dance routines. They have a small space but choreographer Canada Johanson packs in as much ballroom and tapdance into the space as possible. The Irving Berlin songs we all love from the movie are catchy and fun with such classics as “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing,” “Snow,” and “Blue Skies.”

I saw the Teal cast at Hopebox and it’s super fun they have married in real life couple Dugan and Jessica Brunker playing Bob Wallace and Betty Haynes respectively. This obviously helps with the chemistry but I also enjoyed Bradley Barker as Phil Davis (such smart casting. He has natural Danny Kaye energy) and Elizabeth Fitzgerald as Judy Haynes. When both the women and then the men sing “Sisters” it’s a highlight of the night.

One aspect of White Christmas that makes it great for community theatre is it is a show that uses its ensemble well. Director Karllen Johnson has gotten the most out of her cast and I really enjoyed supporting performances from Drew Saddler playing stressed out manager Mike and Sydney Shaffer and Jennica Johnson as the ditzy Rita and Rhoda respectively.

It is true that the show is a little overlong and particularly the first half drags a bit but that is honestly true for the movie as well (at least they cut out the “Minstrel” number in the movie!) There are also times when the music overwhelms the singers and the sound mix could be better controlled. Hopebox has a section with a pole obstructing views (which we weren’t in) but I was surprised they put a wreath on that pole at one point; thereby, obstructing those patron’s view even more.

All that said, I really enjoyed White Christmas at Hopebox. If you like classic musicals with great dancing, music and romance you can’t go wrong with this show. My friend Emily and I loved it. It is everything you could want in a holiday show and is playing through December 27th. Tickets can be purchased here.

White Christmas has music and lyrics by Irving Berlin with a book by David Ives and Paul Blake based on the classic film from 1954. It first premiered on Broadway in 2008 and then again in 2009.

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.