review

Utah Theatre Log 3/19-4/12/26 (Finding Neverland, Bright Star, Hallmarked, Father of the Bride) (Rachel’s Theatre Log 261)

| Rachel's Reviews

Hi theater friends! I hope you are doing well and enjoying lots of local theatre wherever you might be. Over the last month I’ve reviewed a lot of theatre and been to a number of shows as a patron. For those shows I post a log with a few brief thoughts of my experience. So here goes:

Bright Star- On Pitch Performing Arts, Layton

The OPPA organization in Layton is what I refer to as a learning company. This means it is a place for people to try their hand at community theatre without the pressure of many of the other companies in Utah, which often have professional quality standards (most of the performers having BFAs in musical theatre or similar credentials.) I appreciate there are places like OPPA that are true homes for amateurs to fall in love with theatre.

Recently I saw their production of Bright Star and it was far from perfect, but I still enjoyed it. As you all know I love this show, but I actually hadn’t seen it since last August so I was happy to be back in this world. I saw the MF cast and the highlight was Silas Hagelberg as Billy. I also thought director Claire Phillips used the ensemble well creating as much movement and dance as possible on the small stage. Bright Star is playing through April 25th and tickets can be purchased here.

Hallmarked- Hale Center Theatre, Sandy

I was able to see Hallmarked again at Hale Center Theatre to get ready for my interview with the creators Michael D Fox and Cameron, Dawn and Quinn Dietlein. I’ve reviewed it 2 other times on this site so I’ll just link to those reviews. It’s delightful and playing through June 5th. Tickets can be purchased here.

Finding Neverland- Centerpoint Legacy Theater, Centerville

I first saw Finding Neverland at Hale Center Theatre last year and enjoyed it much more than I was expecting. As a result, I was looking forward to seeing it at Centerpoint this year, and I liked it maybe even more so than the Hale production. This is definitely an underrated little musical with heart and some beautiful music.

The most impressive aspect of the Centerpoint production was the use of projections to create the imaginative world of JM Barrie. I am normally not a projection girl because it is often a substitute for artistic vision- most of the time using AI, and I much prefer real hand made sets. In the case of this Finding Neverland, however, it’s lighting and painted backdrops projected to expand the stage and make a visual statement. I was so taken with it I am seeing the show again this week with the other cast (it’s been a few weeks since I saw this production so I will write about it again this week.)

The cast I saw (MWF) is all excellent with Ben Lowell putting in great work as JM Barrie and Sylvia Davies. The only thing I wasn’t a fan of is they have Barrie and Davies actually kiss in the “What You Mean to Me” sequence when he is still technically married. This doesn’t feel true to the characters nor their journeys (Sylvia would never want to be seen as a homewrecker.) Other than that I loved it. “When Your Feet Don’t Touch the Ground” and “We’re All Made of Stars” are other highlights.

Centerpoint is one of the most outstanding community theaters in the country in my opinion and Finding Neverland is no exception. It is playing through April 23rd and tickets can be purchased here.

Father of the Bride- Parker Theater, Salt Lake

I’m a big fan of every film version of Father of the Bride including the much maligned recent 2022 version with Andy Garcia and Gloria Estefan. I talk about that one here with my friend Marisa. Before that film we ranked all 4 franchise films on my podcast.

Anyway, when I heard Parker Theater was putting on the Father of the Bride play I got excited assuming I’d love it as much as the films. Well, it might have been a victim of high expectations because I left feeling a little disappointed. They are all very talented at the Parker so I can’t really fault them in their execution. I just found this play to be rather dry and not nearly as funny as I hoped- particularly the first act.

This production is directed by David Weekes, and he has created a beautiful 1950s home for the Banks home with little details like the hallways and outside being decorated despite not being the main focus of very much action. The attention to detail at the Parker is always great. It was just a little dry for me particularly Act 1 but that’s simply my experience. You might have more laughs from it. I did love that they have wedding cake you can get at concessions- I love how they have on theme snacks at all of their shows. Michael Hohl is good as Mr Banks and Emma Widfelt and Brock Harris have nice chemistry as our engaged couple planning their wedding.

A lot of it comes down to personal humor taste so your mileage may vary. It is playing at the Parker until May 2nd and tickets can be purchased here.

So there you have it! What have you been watching and have you seen any of these shows? Let me know! Happy theatre watching

Bright Star has music by Edie Brickell and Steve Martin with a book by Martin and lyrics by Brickell. It first premiered on Broadway in 2016. Hallmarked is written and composed by Michael Fox with Cameron, Dawn and Quinn Dietlein. This is the world premiere and Sally Dietlein is the producer with Alex Marshall and Quinn as the music directors. Finding Neverland features music by Scott Frankel, Gary Barlow, Eliot Kennedy with lyrics by Michael Korie, Barlow and Kennedy and a book by Knee and Graham. Father of the Bride is written by Caroline Francke based on the novel by Edward Streeter. It was made into a film in 1950, 1991, and 2022 with the first 2 getting sequels.

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.

Arsenic and Old Lace is an old favorite at the Empress for a reason (Review)

| Rachel's Reviews

Recently I did a podcast episode with my friend Jacks about community theater and in it I gave recommendations of 5 plays I said are ‘surefire hits for community theater.’

One of those 5 plays I mentioned in the episode is Arsenic and Old Lace. It’s such a funny play and one I never tire of seeing especially if the 2 aunts are well cast it’s hard to not have a good time with it. And fortunately the production at The Empress does cast well and continues this tradition of being a fun time at the theater.

I saw the Arsenic Cast (they did 2 shows the Saturday I attended which is very impressive for a volunteer cast. Well done!) which features Rose Lagos as Abby and Diana Sorensen as Martha Brewster. At first I was a little concerned that these actors didn’t seem much older than Marc Reading who plays Mortimer. I might have gone with white haired wigs for them just to make them look a little older but I grew used to it quite quickly and both actresses pull off the naivete of the characters quite well. They are convincing as completely believing they are in the right to be murdering which is hilarious and crazy (of course.)

Reading dials up the manic-nature of Mortimer to an 11 and his comic timing is very funny. I particularly enjoyed his expressions when Adrian Young as Officer O’Hara drowns on and on about his play. One of my favorite parts of Arsenic and Old Lace is all of the jabs at critics the playwright Joseph Kesselring throws in. “Mortimer hates the theatre,” says one of the aunts. “He was so happy writing about real estate and then they just made him take this terrible night position.” It’s ironic now because most anyone would do anything to be a theatre critic in New York City as a full time career but my things have changed since this was written back in 1939.

I do find the Jonathan Brewster/Dr Einstein element of this play to be the less funny/compelling part of the story. Although, when Mortimer finds the additional body in the window sill it is very humorous indeed. Mike Brown and Ryan Munsey do what they can with the characters respectively and it is still an enjoyable comedy.

The production at The Empress is directed by Carleigh-Jo Naylor who I’ve usually seen at MadKing Productions and she brings some of that indie spirit over. Like I said, particularly with Mortimer the madcap antics are dialed up to 11 in a true screwball comedy that’s a lot of fun.

The set by James Naylor is simple but effective with the unique 2nd story at the Empress being the perfect place for JD Robison’s Teddy to blow his bugle horn. Arsenic and Old Lace does have 2 intermissions which can make it feel on the long side but I don’t mind it since I’m laughing throughout. It is playing at The Empress until April 18th and tickets can be purchased here.

Arsenic and Old Lace was written by Joseph Kesselring in 1939 and first premiered in 1941. The popular Frank Capra directed film with Cary Grant and stars Josephine Hull and Jean Adair as Abby and Martha respectively premiered in 1944.

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.

Utah Theatre Log 10/6-10/21 (Bright Star, Mousetrap, Great Expectations, Ballet Hispanico, The Shining) (Rachel’s Theatre Log 204)

| Rachel's Reviews

Hi theatre friends! I have a bunch of shows to update you on that I saw as a patron not as a critic. If you are new to my site I do full theatre reviews for shows I am invited to review as a critic and then do these shorter logs for the rest of the shows I see on my own dime. If you are interested in me reviewing your production email me at rachelsreviews65@gmail.com or message me on instagram.

Bright Star- Sandy Arts Guild, Sandy

I wasn’t able to review Bright Star at Sandy Arts Guild opening night but my friend Jen did it for me and she did a great job. Make sure to check out her review here. Everyone knows this is a show I love and I think the Alice Murphy played by Ashley Shamy was strong and both leads worked best as the older versions of the character. I also was intrigued by the fairly sparse set choices Director Dave Hansen used. For example, the train sequence was just Papa Dobbs with projections behind him. Margot’s bookstore was a cash register and a projection of a bookstore. This is unusual of Sandy Arts Guild who usually have such lush sets so I felt it was an intentional minimalist choice. This show finished its run on October 18th but next up for SAG is The Importance of Being Earnest this January. More information here

The Mousetrap- Lehi Arts Council, Lehi

I love the small pocket theater Lehi Arts Council uses during the school year. I much prefer it to the large auditorium they use in the summer, although I certainly understand why they want the larger capacity for those shows. Still, they rarely miss in their small theatre and their recent production of The Mousetrap is no exception. I’m honestly not the biggest mystery person especially Agatha Christie but this play is so legendary and I had fun with its surprises and reveals. It’s nice to check this classic play off of my blind spot list.

This production was directed by Denise Gull and Kassidy Rackham and they have brought the best out of their cast with them leaning into the campy elements of their characters (which is how I prefer mysteries if I’m going to watch them.) The whole cast does a great job with their accents and they work well together as an ensemble. This show has finished its run but look out for She Loves Me (one of my favorites) coming up next.

Ballet Hispanico- Utah Presents at Kingsbury Hall, Salt Lake

I am not a ballet person. Outside of The Nutcracker it’s just not an artform I love even though I appreciate the talent involved. However, I like to shake things up from time-to-time, and I love what they are doing over at Utah Presents. Every couple of weeks they have a special guest with a unique artistic expression or cultural viewpoint. Last month I saw jazz musician Arturo Sandoval and this month I saw the Ballet Hispanico. The latter was more contemporary than I was expecting and they had 3 acts as part of their performance. I must admit it was not my taste but it certainly is well done and if you enjoy modern dance you’d probably love it. More information about Utah Presents can be found here.

Great Expectations- BYU, Provo

When I heard BYU was doing Great Expectations I was immediately intrigued as it is one of my favorite classic novels and it has so many weird aspects it seems perfect for theatrical college students! Unfortunately this production didn’t work for me. I admire much of what they are trying to do. The acting is all on point and the use of the black box space is inventive. The costumes by Dennis Wright are particularly impressive especially Miss Havisham’s wedding dress and her moldy cake (set designers Milinda weeks and Whitney Layton.) Maybe I was just fatigued from a long day/weekend but the adaptation felt laboriously slow and belabored the least interesting aspects of the novel. It takes forever for Pip to even meet Miss Havisham and Isabella. The first Act was close to 90 minutes so I must admit I left at intermission (I never do this if I’m reviewing a show and rarely as a patron.) I felt I had gotten the gist of the show and was worried I’d hit Holy War football traffic if I stayed through Act 2. I am very excited that they also have She Loves Me coming up next which I love! Great Expectations is directed by Alexandra Mackenzie Johns and is playing through November 1st. Tickets can be purchased here.

The Shining- Utah Opera, Salt Lake

Like ballet, I haven’t seen many operas in my day. Of the ones I have seen almost all have been Mozart with a couple other classics like Traviata and Carmen. Aside from Phantom of the Opera, to my memory I have never seen a modern opera in English- that is I hadn’t until this Sunday when I saw Utah Opera’s production of The Shining. This is, of course, based on the Stephen King novel which the movie strays far away from as great as it might be.

I don’t know enough about opera to give a nuanced critique but I really enjoyed seeing this different take on the story. The singing all seemed great to my untrained ear and the use of projections is effective in creating an eerie tone with the ghosts. In fact, I don’t think they needed the ensemble scenes, which felt randomly placed and less scary than the projected ghosts. It probably does help having some familiarity with the story, so we can anticipate certain scenes like the busting through the door or the little boys premonitions. Overall, The Shining in operettic form was a fresh and unique experience I’m glad I was able to see. This production had stage directing and concept designer Geoffrey McDonald with projections by David Murakami. It has finished its run but they have Beethoven’s Fidelio next and more information is here.

So there you have it. Have you seen any of these shows? I’d love to hear your thoughts. What have you been watching at the theater? Let me know in the comments. Thanks to all the talented artists who shared their gifts with me.

Bright Star has music by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell with lyrics by Brickell and a book by Martin. It first premiered on Broadway in 2016. The Mousetrap is written by Agatha Christie and first premiered on the West End in 1952 where it has achieved over 30,000 performances and still running. Great Expectations is adapted by Neil Bartlett based on the novel by Charles Dickens. The Shining opera has music by Paul Moravek and a libretto by Mark Campbell based on the novel by Stephen King. It first premiered in 2016.

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.

Utah Theatre Log 7/1/25-7/20/25 (Mean Girls Jr, Catch Me if You Can) (Rachel’s Theatre Log 166)

| Rachel's Reviews

Hi friends! I hope you are doing well and enjoying local theatre wherever you might be. July has certainly proven to be a busy month for me as both a film and theatre critic. No rest for the weary here (I figure if my main problem is seeing too many movies and plays I’m doing things right in life 🙂 ). Anyway we’ve had some really fun episodes of OnStage Blog Podcast including Ranking the 11 Most Produced High School Musicals. We had my friend Tanner Tate on who is the music director for Mean Girls Jr that I am going to talk about in this very post!

If you are new to my site I have 2 forms of reactions to theatre. One is a traditional detailed review that I provide for companies that request it of me. These are comped tickets and I usually try and post them within a couple of days of my seeing the show. Then there are what I call logs like this post where I am attending as a patron and they are just a few quick thoughts of the production but not the detailed review I would give as an actual theatre critic. I’m very gratified that more companies are requesting me to do full reviews, which is a complete honor and privilege. So much that I may have to come up with a different system for the patron logs but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. Either way make sure you are following me on instagram because I post my out of theater reactions to both movies and theatre I see there.

Mean Girls Jr – Draper Historic Theatre, Draper

It was kind of perfect the week I had a podcast on teen musicals I would see a wonderful teen musical. I always especially like teen productions where they get to play teenage characters. It just adds to the authenticity and it seems like the teens have more fun with it. This was my first time seeing Mean Girls Jr but these teens did an incredible job with it (my thoughts on the national tour of Mean Girls here.) In fact I am just amazed that they have enough teens to double cast over 30 roles and for them all to be so outstanding! Sometimes I think there’s something in the water here in Utah because the high school theatre is so excellent.

I was able to attend the Grool cast and was particularly impressed with Lily Henstrom as Cady Heron in our lead. She has the appropriate awkwardness mixed with sarcasm that works for the role. I also really liked Elle Stotts and Paige Hillstead as Karen Smith and Gretchen Wieners respectively. Stotts in particular has a wonderful comedic timing as the ditzy Karen that repeatedly made me laugh.

This production is directed by Laura Lewis and the real feat is how her and choreographer Ariel Grace Tegan involves so many youth on that small DHT stage. They use a lot of projections at DHT but they do a good job with them and it doesn’t feel like a substitution for creativity from the teens. All the other technical aspects are well done and the afternoon matinee I went to went off without any major problems. Mean Girls Jr is playing through July 26th but many showings are sold out. Get your tickets while you still can here.

Catch Me if You Can- Centerpoint Legacy Theatre, Centerville

Next up we have one of my favorite companies Centerpoint Legacy with their production of the underrated Catch Me if You Can. I love this show and to be honest I’m not even that big a fan of the feature film. It’s mid-tier Spielberg if you ask me. This musical takes all the good of the movie and adds to it with catchy tunes, great spaces for choreography and a wonderful friendship story that warms the heart. It’s fantastic and they do an excellent job with it at Centerpoint.

I saw the TThS cast and they are all top-tier community theater performers. Derek Marsden and Colton Ward command the stage as Frank Abagnale Jr and Carl Hanratty respectively with the rest of the cast living up to their example. I especially loved all of the group choreography musical numbers like “Doctor’s Orders” and “Jet Set” (choreography by Jessica Merrill.) I also loved the 1960s style to the set and the combination of video projections from the time and real handmade sets (scenic and projection designer Joshua Roberts.) The costumes for the very large cast are outstanding as is always the case at Centerpoint from costume designer Tammis Robbins Boam. I defy anyone to find better costumes at any community theatre in the country. Catch Me if You Can is directed by Jim Christian and it simply makes for a great night of theatre and nobody can beat Centerpoint’s low ticket prices. It’s a no-brainer. It plays through August 19th and tickets can be purchased here.

Mean Girls Jr has music by Jeff Richmond and lyrics by Nell Benjamin with a book by Tina Fey based on the film script by Fey and the book Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman. Catch Me if You Can has music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman with a book by Terrence McNally based on the books Catch Me If You Can by Jeff Nathanson and Catch Me If You Can by Frank Abagnale Jr. and Stan Redding

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.

CHAC’s The Lightning Thief is as Electrifying a Production as Possible (Review)

| Rachel's Reviews

This last weekend I had the chance to see a new production of The Lightning Thief by the incredible Cottonwood Heights Arts Council and even though I find the material they had to work with weak they put on a very strong piece of community theatre.

Of course, The Lightning Thief is a musical based on the books by Rick Riordan and it tells the story of Percy Jackson the teen kid who much like Harry Potter finds out he is special and even goes to a special school (or camp) that helps instruct the half-blood children of the Greek Gods.

The biggest problem with this show is the book of the musical is very weak. The narrative is choppy without a clear focus and characters are introduced and then forgotten about and then brought back out of nowhere. The scenes have little cohesive flow to them and aside from Percy the character development is confusing and poor.

All that said, the team at CHAC did everything they could to make this flawed show engaging and artistically interesting. It was a big step up from the last production of this show I saw in basically every aspect- from the acting, to the directing, to the singing. If you are a fan of this musical (which I know especially young people and fans of the books are out there) then you will love this production.

What impressed me the most is the control of the story director Lauri Baird is able to bring to an ungainly script. I love how she makes every scene visually interesting with elements like puppetry, action and dance (members of the Aerobatics Circus Center perform.) This helps so much because even if I’m a bit lost on what is happening with poor Percy I can still be entertained with what is occurring on stage.

I also found Garrett Stephenson to be a strong lead as Percy with Kat Tietjen and Austinn Le relishing the chance to take on many over-the-top roles. They also have a live orchestra at CHAC (director Robert Bedont) so one really could not ask for more from a piece of community theatre. The choreography by Karllen Johnson is visually interesting and helped me understand the mythical characters that had previously been confusing.

Much like Footloose which I just reviewed at Hale Center Theatre, The Lightning Thief provides a lot of points of conversation for parents to talk with their teens. Plus like I said, this production is a way to introduce them to so many aspects of musical theatre including dance, instrumental music, puppetry and more. All this for under $15? It’s a no-brainer! It is playing through July 19th and tickets can be purchased here.

The Lightning Thief has music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki with a book by Joe Tracz based on the The Lightning Thief novel by Rick Riordan.

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.

Go Under the Sea at Ideal’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ (Review)

| Rachel's Reviews

I love seeing new theatre companies grow and develop over the years and through various productions. I hope as a critic and influencer I can be a tool for these companies to get the word out and build loyal audiences. One of my favorite new companies is The Ideal Playhouse in Heber. The owners Steve and Karyn Anderson (director and music director respectively) are attempting to make a difference in their community renovating both the Ideal and The Avon theaters into special gathering places all of Heber can enjoy. Their latest production is Disney’s The Little Mermaid and it’s a fun experience or the whole family even if the adaptation by Disney isn’t my favorite.

If you want to hear more of my thoughts on The Little Mermaid in all its forms check out this episode of Talking Disney Classics Podcast I do with my friend Stanford:

Suffice it to say this adaptation doesn’t add much to the 1989 animated masterpiece. Still the stuff from the original film is good so there’s a lot to recommend in The Little Mermaid.

As far as Ideal’s production goes, they do all they can in a small space to help make it feel immersive and entertaining. I particularly like how they bring the bubbles and ocean into the audience with actual bubbles and projections all along the walls. Costume designer Kara Charlesworth does a great job making every piece feel special and eye-catching (especially Ursula’s dress who she is playing!)

I had Marissa Haines as my Ariel (the only part double cast with Lizzy Ricks) and she gives a polished but sweet performance that is excellent. Charlesworth has the swagger one needs for Ursula but the real scene stealing of the night is Caden Tomlinson as Chef Louis/Jetsam. He is hilarious as Louis and brought some much needed energy to a rather dry part of that musical.

The stage is small at Ideal so this limits them in some areas of the show. For example, they only have 3 daughters of Triton and the actors are not on the wheelies I have always seen in productions of The Little Mermaid. Also they should be careful that the actors aren’t poking out of the wings on the stage. Particularly Ursula and her dress could sometimes be seen when she’s supposed to be off stage.

My favorite part production-wise is during the final conflict Ursula appears in video on the screen and we see her get taken down in big bold fashion. That was a fun touch that makes the stage not feel so small. If you are looking for a nice way to introduce your family to musical theater The Little Mermaid at Ideal Playhouse is a great option. Especially your little girls will walk away singing like Ariel and wanting to be part of the grown up world as soon as possible! It is playing through July 26th and tickets can be purchased here. I give mixed to the musical but go and see it to the production.

The Little Mermaid has music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater with a book by Doug Wright based on the classic story by Hans Christian Andersen and the 1989 animated film

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.

UTAH THEATRE LOG 5/22-5/28/25 (TUCK EVERLASTING, ELVIS, NOISES OFF, THE WEDDING SINGER) (RACHEL’S THEATRE LOG 139)

| Rachel's Reviews

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.

IT’S A GOOD SHOW AT THE EMPRESS WITH ‘YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN’ (REVIEW)

| Rachel's Reviews

It’s interesting how a show can evolve over time for me as a patron and critic. When I first saw You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown I wasn’t that excited by it and found it kind of dull and lifeless. Then I saw it recently with the Silver Haired edition at the Covey and it really opened my mind up to the power of the show (and just in doing a show in a completely different way.) Now I have seen it a third time at The Empress and I’m growing to really love this show! I can see why I first found it to be boring because it doesn’t have a strong narrative but I appreciate it now for the series of sweet vignettes it is. If you want to check out this unique musical this production at The Empress seemingly thinks of everything and is a wonderful night of theatre for the whole family.

The most outstanding aspect of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at The Empress is them getting a 7 piece band for the show. That is extremely impressive for a community theatre production which only charges $20 a ticket. And the band led by conductor Amanda Robinson is good particularly saxophonist Spencer Leyva-Cardenas. It adds such a layer to the experience to have live music and I wish more local theaters would support local musicians like the Empress did.

Director Emma Hallett has also assembled a talented cast. Often at The Empress there are a couple performers who are learning, which is fine (it’s amateur community theater after all!), however that isn’t the case with this Charlie Brown cast. Of the 11 in the main cast all hold their own in both the singing and choreography. Sonny Payne is innocent and sweet as Charlie Brown but Gweny Adams as Lucy Van Pelt is the biggest standout. I loved her in the crabbiness survey scenes and singing “Little Known Facts” with such confidence and humor.

The choreography by Gracie George and the direction takes advantage of the unusual shape of The Empress’ stage going into the audience and even interacting with the band on occasion asking for the conductors opinions on things, which is a lot of fun. The props such as Snoopy’s doghouse and Lucy’s psychiatrist booth are also just what you want for these iconic characters.

Most importantly they keep the energy moving at The Empress. I imagine the live band helps with that because it can feed off of the energy and pacing of the performers where an audio track cannot. You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown would be a great way to introduce little kids to live theatre. It will charm and entertain them and give a few topics for conversation on the drive home (like how should we treat people, and what do we do to tell others we love them etc.) It is playing through May 31st and definitely worth your time. Tickets can be purchased here.

You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown has music and lyrics by Clark Gesner with a book by John Gordon and a revision by Andrew Lippa.

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.

OMG YOU GUYS! ‘LEGALLY BLONDE’ IS GREAT AT HERITAGE (REVIEW)

| Rachel's Reviews

One of the slightly unfair parts of theatre criticism is there are just some shows I like better than others. I still try and be as objective as possible when looking at any piece of theatre or film but I’m still human and have my preferences. One of my favorites is definitely Legally Blonde: The Musical. Over the years there have been so many movies turned into Broadway musicals and outside of Hairspray, Legally Blonde is the best. I absolutely adore it and the new production at Heritage Theatre in Perry does Elle and her story proud. Definitely take the time to see it if you are anywhere nearby.

If you didn’t know Legally Blonde tells the story of Elle Woods- the fashion merchandising student who ends up at Harvard Law School to try and win back her boyfriend after she is dumped by him. At Heritage I saw the Rufus cast (the casts are the same except for the 3 leads Elle, Emmett and Paulette) with Janelle Wiser playing Elle, Tyler O’Bagy as Emmett and Casie Littlefield as Paulette. All 3 are a ton of fun in their roles and Wiser and O’Bagy have a nice chemistry as our lead couple. Wiser brings the warmth and bubbly energy one needs for Elle and she makes her easy to root for.

This production is directed by Mike and Lindy Combe and they have done a great job getting the most out of each of their castmembers. It’s not perfect but a charming piece of community theater. I think what I like most about Legally Blonde as a musical is how positive and truly funny it is. It makes it completely rewatchable. If I can find the time to drive up to Perry (over an hour drive for me) I may even come back and see the other cast.

One of the most impressive aspects of Legally Blonde at Heritage is the hand-painted sets by Jess Tarbet. The last few times I’ve seen this show it has been primarily projection sets which is fine but I love hand-painted sets. Maybe it’s nostalgia talking but it just adds to the creativity of a production. They even have an RV background for the scene when they get Rufus from Dewey and that is only in the show for a few minutes. I thought they would at least do a projection for that scene but they didn’t.

The costumes are mostly great by Amber Beecher especially on the Greek chorus in their various color-coordinated looks. The only exception is Elle’s bunny outfit either didn’t fit Wiser right or the fabric is too slippery because it kept getting lower and lower to the point I was worried she might have a wardrobe malfunction. She didn’t but that’s something they could work on for the next show.

There are also times the sound-mix wasn’t quite right and the music overwhelmed the actors but again that’s something they can keep working on throughout the run of the show. Other than that Legally Blonde: the Musical at Heritage is a charming piece of community theatre. It does have some mature content (pg13ish) but if you are in the area I definitely recommend giving this pink underdog of a show a chance. It is playing through May 10th and tickets can be purchased here.

Legally Blonde: the Musical has music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin with a book by Heather Hach. Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the MGM film (2001.)

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.