review

‘4/20/99 A STORY OF COLUMBINE’ REMINDS US OF A CHILLING DAY IN RECENT AMERICAN HISTORY (REVIEW)

| Rachel's Reviews

Most of the time as a theatregoer and critic I look at a piece through a lens of entertainment. If I’m watching a musical I ask myself how engaged I was with the music and dance elements? If it’s a straight play how engrossed am I with the story and performances? However, there are times when an experience at a theatre takes on more of an educational role helping us to engage with historical events and social issues on a more visceral and artistic level. Such is the experience at the recent performance of 4/20/99: A Story of Columbine at the Regent Black Box at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake. It is a grueling experience but powerful and worth experiencing and remembering a violent day of American history.

In this play writer and director Autumn Marie Cazier takes us to the days before the Columbine High School Massacre as perpetrated by teens Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris. Evidently these 2 made the Columbine Tapes before their decision to stage a mass shooting at their high school and which much of their dialogue in the play is based off of. These events are particularly poignant to me because I graduated from high school in 1999 (I was attending community college for my senior year) so I was the same age as the Klebold and Harris and vividly remember seeing the events play out on the news.

The most impressive aspect of 4/20/99 is the performances from the mostly young cast. Ryan Munsey and Andrew Myers are realistically chilling as Klebold and Harris. The way they talk about blowing up their classmates as some kind of dare in a movie (Natural Born Killers is a particular favorite) is chilling and unforgettable. Anell Gathercole is also excellent a Robyn Anderson who is making understandable decisions for a simple teenage girl not realizing they will have disastrous consequences. We as the audience know what horrible mistakes she’s naively making and can only watch in horror.

The actual events of the massacre play out in Act 2 and Cazier uses sound (sound technician Ian Bengyzen) to take you to the high school and that moment as well as making sure the emphasis is on the victims with photos and words in memoriam for each of them. For the most part these scenes are played out without much artistic license with one exception. In a portion of the tapes Dylan talks about a halcyon girl who will welcome him into the afterlife. At one point he dances with this girl and because everything else is so grounded and real I found it confusing and strange. It just didn’t fit tonally with the rest of the play in my opinion.

I also worry the play loses some of its efficacy when it becomes too much of a trauma dump. Perhaps such issue-oriented violent plays would be better as one acts or smaller skits? It’s a lot to take in such anger and hatred especially from teens. It would also be nice if such performances were more action-oriented. What I mean by that is we as the audience are put through a traumatic experience and surely the creators must have something specific they want us to do with that trauma? They present a bunch of statistics for violent crime but what’s their hopeful solution? A lot of things have been attempted to help with gun crime over the years but to no avail. A specific call to action could help transform the play from something upsetting to empowering.

That said, if you get a chance to see 4/20/99: A Story of Columbine I recommend it. It’s brutal but also a searing and extremely well acted reminder of what two bitter hearts can do to others if left unchecked. The human heart is truly capable of some horrible actions and that is terrifying and humbling. The play’s run has finished at the Regent but you can find out more about future productions 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. Please take a look here.

‘PRAYER FOR THE FRENCH REPUBLIC’ AT PTC CANT RECOVER FROM A BLOATED SCRIPT (REVIEW)

| Rachel's Reviews

When I was setting up this site I was very thoughtful about the scoring ruberic I would use. At first I considered the smile and frown worthy system I have for movie reviews (for that site), however since I review so much community theater giving anyone a frown didn’t feel right. What I came up with instead was ‘go see it’ and ‘not for me’ and the latter is how I feel about today’s play. Prayer for the French Republic is not a bad play and will probably resonate with many theatregoers. Indeed much about the production at Pioneer Theatre Company is praiseworthy and handsomely mounted but it is definitely not for me. It might be for you, and I celebrate that but let’s talk about why the experience was not as edifying as I might have hoped.

To begin with I do admire PTC artistic director Karen Azenberg’s ambition for adding such a fresh and difficult to market play into their season. The length and topics discussed are not going to be for the average casual theatregoer and that’s what keeps people coming back to PTC time and again. It may not have paid off for me but I do appreciate big swings and that’s what they took. She also directed the production which was effective in spite of its many moving pieces.

The cast is all uniformly strong with Salt Lake royalty Jayne Luke stealing every scene she is in as the 1944 section of the script. I just saw her in Arsenic and Old Lace and it was delightful to see a totally different type of character from such a talented actress. I also enjoyed Kim Taff as 2016 daughter Elodie Benhamou. She has a monologue to open Act 2 which while it goes on far too long was delivered with a dry sense of humor. None of the actors attempt a French accent which I found surprising but I guess that was the case with the Broadway play as well.

The set by Bryce Cutler is also very impressive with them creating a kind of black box on stage with black curtains surrounding an apartment framed in by a white box with lighted walls going way high into skies. They also used the middle of the stage to swap out different apartments creating the 1944 vs 2016 settings including at different points a bedroom, a full kitchen and more.

My problem with Prayer for the French Republic comes down to Joshua Harmon’s script. It’s not just that it is 3 hours with 2 intermissions (I enjoyed The Lehman Trilogy at PTC last year that’s also long with 3 acts.) The problem is the flipping back and forth between the 2 eras makes it difficult to invest fully in the narratives of the characters. This is especially a shame with the 1944 section because the perspective of a post-Holocaust Jewish family is interesting and one I haven’t seen much of in theatre or film. I have felt the same way in other split time narratives like The Joy Luck Club (book and film) where the modern section feels so much less compelling than the older one. Why does it seem like modern characters spend most of their time in these narratives complaining? This is exemplified by Elodie’s monologue which while funny did become ponderous after a while.

The whole play feels bloated and to use a pedestrian term frankly boring. Particularly the modern characters aren’t sharing authentic experiences but are speechifying to each other and to the audience, which again, becomes tedious and bland. I know it was a very successful play on Broadway and has a lot of fans but at least in this iteration it did not work for me, and I left feeling more tired than intrigued. Others mileage on Prayer for the French Republic may vary so if it sounds intriguing check it out. It is playing at PTC until Nov 9th and tickets can be purchased 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. Please take a look here.

‘SECRETS OF SLEEPY HOLLOW’ AT THE HIVE IS A NEW TAKE ON A CLASSIC GHOST STORY (REVIEW)

| Rachel's Reviews

As a patron of the arts and critic I am always rooting for local original productions and hopeful they will be great experiences I can champion. However, I was a little nervous going into Secrets of Sleepy Hollow at The Hive Collaborative in Provo. I love the Disney animated classic based on Washington Irving’s short story from 1820 but I really disliked a musical version I saw last year at WVPAC. I wondered if the actual story just isn’t for me and it has to be Disneyfied for me to enjoy it or if it was just the musical? Well, I saw the version at The Hive and while it is not perfect I enjoyed it much more than the previous one.

This straight play called Secrets of Sleepy Hollow is adapted by Mahonri Stewart and directed by Jason Purdie in the small intimate space of The Hive. My favorite aspect of the production was the use of thin muslin panels when lit to create silhouettes to tell the ghostly sections. There are 3 panels so the storytelling could go across the stage in shadows and that was a lot of fun. I particularly enjoyed Act II more as the action started to build momentum and the plot became more focused and easier to follow.

The cast is very talented with Joel Ackerman bringing a charm to Ichabod and Darci Ramirez a quiet strength as Alice Hudson. My friend didn’t like the ‘silly girls’ of Guenevere and Gertrude Goosen played by Christina Craven and Alisha Laidlaw respectively, but I actually thought they were nice comic relief and were very convincing in their accents.

Perhaps because I am not as familiar with the Irving story as some, but I do think Stewart could work on making particularly Act 1 a little tighter with a clear story arc for Ichabod. I wasn’t really sure what his goals were as a character. There’s one moment where he talks about loving food, but we don’t get the building greed or superstitious nature of the animated short. I realize this is not the short but what that does well is it builds his character bit-by-bit until him getting spooked in our big finale makes complete sense. There’s honestly a lot happening plot-wise for a small cast. A part of me actually wondered if it would be better starting at the beginning of Act II and making it a one act?

Nevertheless, there is a lot to enjoy in Secrets of Sleepy Hollow. The production establishes a spooky atmosphere and mood, and I really did love the silhouette effects used throughout. If you are open to something a little more experimental than head over to The Hive for a ghostly good time at the theater! I actually think it could make a good date night because a lot of different relationships are portrayed. The play runs until Nov 2 and you can purchase tickets here.

Also I was on KSL’s Fan Effect program talking about Sleepy Hollow with my friend KellieAnn Halvorsen and Ackerman. You can listen to it 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. Please take a look here.

UTAH THEATRE LOG 10/9-10/11 (MY FAIR LADY, PERSUASION, CLUE: THE MUSICAL) (RACHEL’S THEATRE LOG 61)

| Rachel's Reviews

I truly had a magical week of theatre this week and will be logging and reviewing more of the productions over the next few days. If you want to read my reviews of the movies I saw click here. Meanwhile here are some logs for 3 local shows:

MY FAIR LADY- HALE CENTER THEATRE OREM, OREM

Seeing My Fair Lady at Hale Center Theatre Orem was a bit of a bittersweet experience because even though it was highly entertaining it is probably the last show I will see at this location. They will have their A Christmas Carol which is not part of the season pass and then will be moving over to their new location in Pleasant Grove called The Ruth. I am very happy for them but I will miss the intimacy and unique nature of the theater in Orem.

Fortunately this production of My Fair Lady is an excellent one for them to go out on. I saw the MWF cast and on pretty much every level it delivers on a wonderful take on this classic material. What impressed me the most is how the humor in the script was highlighted and brought to the forefront. M. Chase Grant in particular as Henry Higgins gives the funniest take I’ve ever seen for the role and helped make the character more endearing and the romance more palatable (an element of this musical I typically don’t enjoy.)

Ashley Gardner Carlson is fantastic as Eliza Doolittle and again she brought out the humor in the role with songs like “Without You” and “Show Me.” This production is directed by Rodger Sorensen with beautiful costumes by Dennis Wright. I particularly loved the Ascot scene using grays and purples in contrast to the usual white and black. My only real critique would be they could have changed out the individual settings a little more. I understand the space makes set changes tough but keeping it the flowered street whether they are inside or outside for even the Embassy Ball was a little underwhelming. But other than that it is a great version of My Fair Lady I highly recommend. It is playing at HCTO until Nov 23rd and you can purchase tickets here.

My Fair Lady is of course the classic musical with lyrics and book by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe.

PERSUASION- SNOW COLLEGE THEATRE, EPHRAIM

As soon as I saw that Snow College was putting on Melissa Leilani Larson’s adaptation of Persuasion I knew I had to see it despite the college being a nearly 2 hour drive in Ephraim. Larson is my favorite local playwright and was one of the first interviews I ever did when I had just started out my channel back in 2016. Even as I was driving down in heavy traffic I began to think ‘is this going to be worth it.’ Well, once seated any doubts I had were put to the side by a wonderful production of one of my favorite Jane Austen novels (I saw a production of this adaptation via a live stream during the pandemic so it was meaningful to see it live on stage this time.)

The art direction of the piece (director Jenn Chandler) is simple with an abstract background that could become everything from Kellynch Hall to the beaches in Lyme. Persuasion is a particularly difficult novel to adapt because much of the action either happens off stage before we meet the lead couple or within their minds. What Larson has done to fix this is the brilliant choice of having 2 couples play Anne and Wentworth. This way we see the couple’s first and second chance at love.

The whole cast of students at Snow College are excellent with Chloe Hannah and Shayla Florence playing Anne, and Joshua Peterson and Landon Bulloch as Wentworth. It may help I am so well versed in the story that I wasn’t confused by two versions of the characters but it is so widely known that most who buy tickets are probably aware of the basic plot. Of all the performers, however, Ruby Bagley really stole the show as Mary Musgrove. She is probably the funniest character in the novel and Bagley has terrific comedic timing.

Some of the other performers could be a little too exuberant and big for the regency setting and relative stillness of the backdrop but Persuasion was still a very entertaining night of theater. It can still be seen until the 15th and tickets can be purchased here.

CLUE: THE MUSICAL- HERITAGE THEATRE, PERRY

When I saw Heritage Theatre in Perry was putting on Clue: The Musical I was intrigued. I have seen the play based on the game/movie but didn’t even know the musical was a thing. So despite the over an hour drive to get to Perry I made my way up to see the show and I’m so glad I did. Heritage Theatre is a community theater in the best sense of the word and this is an ambitious but well executed mystery experience.

What impressed me the most about Clue: The Musical is the interactive elements. I’m normally not the biggest fan of improv but you’d never know there are 216 different outcomes to this musical! It all feels very scripted. The songs aren’t especially memorable but they work as transitions from one scene and clue to the next. Directors Bree and Derek Hendricks have seemingly thought of everything with a game board projected on the wall and a live band to play the musical cues. I also loved the set design by Derek and Jess Tarbet. Each of the rooms of the iconic game are created on a turntable that moves from one setpiece to the next. They even have playing pieces for each character in each of the rooms which I thought was quite clever.

The performers are all having a ton of fun but Sam Bakker is probably my favorite as Mrs White. I think we really lucked out to have her as our murderer (not a spoiler since every performance will be different.) I’m actually not that big of a mystery person but this is just a fun experience. It’s not the polish you’ll find at something like HCTO but that’s part of the charm. If you are anywhere near Perry I’d highly recommend seeing Clue: The Musical. It is playing until Oct 26th and you can purchase tickets here.

Clue: The Musical has a book by Peter Depietro, lyrics by Tom Chiodo, and Music by Galen Blum, Waynde Barker and Vinnie Martucci.

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 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 9/30-10/7 (SOMETHING ROTTEN, ALICE BY HEART, JEKYLL AND HYDE) (RACHEL’S THEATRE LOG 59)

| Rachel's Reviews

Hey everyone! I hope you are having a great week. Its been a fun time for me because I started a new part-time job last week, which is always an exciting if overwhelming experience. Plus, at Hallmarkies Podcast we are gearing up for the start of Christmas season coming up on Oct 18th, so life is as crazy as you’d imagine it being. Fortunately I still have time to see a lot of great theatre. Some I will do full reviews for as a critic and others are just the short logs as a patron. Here’s what’s been happening on the stage:

SOMETHING ROTTEN- EMPRESS THEATRE, MAGNA

First up there’s a new production of Something Rotten over at the Empress Theatre in Magna. This is such a charming little community theatre that almost always knocks the productions out of the park and this is another great example of doing that. Something Rotten may be my favorite comedic musical and even though I’ve seen it many times I haven’t gotten sick of it like I have other shows in the genre. It’s just that funny.

What was interesting about this production directed by Kylee Larsen is how stripped down and simple it is. For example in “A Musical” the musical theatre easter eggs were stripped down to just the music and dance without the visual cues I usually see. In contrast, at the recent production at Music Theatre West they had the entire ensemble wearing different costumes from musicals for the scene. This takes the opposite approach and I found it quite refreshing. It helps also that Caden Terry gave my favorite performance of the night as Nostradamus. He has terrific comic timing and sold the song well.

The rest of the cast is up for the challenge of the piece and there were very few technical gaffes during the matinee that I attended. The only persistent problem is they could turn up the microphone on Shakespeare (Bradley Barker) who was a lot of fun in the role but at times the music was overpowering his vocals. This is probably the only production I’ve ever seen where someone is credited as “Egg Creator.” It’s Ashley Loewer and she did a great job making the costumes for “Make an Omelette.” They have both cracked egg outfits and omlettes and both are very funny. Like I said, it’s just a funny show, and I hope I never get tired of seeing it. Something Rotten is playing at The Empress until Oct 19th and tickets can be purchased here.

ALICE BY HEART- WEBER STATE ARTS, OGDEN

I love seeing college productions especially if they are doing something new and experimental. The energy of the students is just infectious and inspiring. This is why I jumped at the chance to review Alice by Heart for UTBA this month. What I didn’t know then was that this review would end up being my last review for the site as I am moving on to other opportunities. I’m proud of the work I have done for them and grateful for everything I learned along the way.

In a way Alice by Heart was the perfect show for this moment because it’s a show all about saying goodbye to the people and things we love. The creative team (music by Duncan Sheik, lyrics by Steven Sater and a book by Sater and Jessie Nelson) have moved Lewis Carroll’s iconic story to a 1941 bomb shelter and Wonderland is an escape from the horrors of war.

While there are definite problems with this material the creativity of the students was so much fun to watch. I particularly loved the giant Jabberwocky puppet they created. You can read my full review here. Alice by Heart runs until Oct 12th and tickets can be purchased here.

JEKYLL & HYDE- HOPEBOX THEATRE, KAYSVILLE

I honestly think Hopebox Theatre in Kaysville is one of the more underrated company’s in this area. They not only have a wonderful mission of helping support those fighting cancer but they have never missed for me in a production. Even if I don’t love the show I always leave thinking they did a fantastic job with it. Such is the case with their new production of Jekyll & Hyde.

I saw the Silver Cast on Monday 10/7 and they are all really strong. Dugan Brunker is particularly great at the Hyde part of the title character. He could almost be Batman with that low gravely voice. Chelsea Campbell is another standout as Lucy really nailing her signature song “Someone Like You.”

The set is very impressive for the small space. I love how director Sadie Day uses practical effects as opposed to the digital AI projections which are all the rage in community theaters these days. The backgrounds have a charcoal quality to them and the way the set folded out to Jekyll’s lab was brilliant. The costumes by Torrey Woolsey were also stunning with layers to each look, even minor characters.

There are also some really creative choices like when they do “A New Life (Reprise)” different couples dance as Lucy imagines the kind of love and life she could perhaps have some day. It’s also a pretty racy interpretation (for Utah at least.) “Bring on the Men” doesn’t shy away from the sultry elements but that’s true to the story so I really enjoyed it. It’s nice when conservative companies take a little bit of risk and honor the stories they are telling.

I will always recommend seeing a show at Hopebox and Jekyll and Hyde is no different. It’s a sexy, exciting, good time at the theatre playing until Oct 26th. You can purchase tickets here.

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 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.

‘LITTLE WOMEN: THE MUSICAL’ AT IDEAL PLAYHOUSE ASTONISHES (REVIEW)

| Rachel's Reviews

The novel Little Women by Louisa May Alcott will always have a special place in my heart. It was the first big book I ever read. The first book I was proud of for finishing at around 8 or 9. I think as the oldest daughter in a family which would come to include 4 girls and having an independent streak like Jo I easily connected with it and have loved almost all adaptations of this material I’ve seen film or stage (we don’t talk about the modern version from 2018…) I’ve seen Little Women: The Musical many times over the years and really enjoyed it each time. The latest version is at the Ideal Playhouse in Heber and it’s a production worth your time and effort.

Little Women: The Musical came to Broadway in 2005 and helped Sutton Foster receive a Tony Award nomination for playing Jo. It has music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, and book by Allan Knee. The production at Ideal is directed by Steve Anderson with music direction from Karyn Anderson.

One of the aspects that makes Ideal Playhouse so unique is the screens surrounding the viewer on all sides. I hope to see a concert or event film there soon because it adds a special element I’ve never seen before in a theatrical production. This was particularly neat in operatic tragedy numbers of this musical with the audience being surrounded by action and excitement. It is a cool way to differentiate the space from the many other local theatre companies.

They also have a terrific cast for this production with Ashley Bates as Jo, Lisa Blaser as Marmee and the great Michael McLean as Mr Lawrence. He mentioned on social media this is his first time playing a different character outside of his own material. I’ve seen McLean in The Forgotten Carols several times but it was super fun to see him stretch his acting wings here. I actually got to interview him during the pandemic and he is as friendly as you’d expect.

The highlights of Little Women: The Musical are the beautiful duet between Beth and Jo “Some Thing are Meant to Be.” It’s such a lovely song and performed with skill and chemistry at Ideal. I also love Marmee’s song “Days of Plenty.” The rest of the songs are fairly generic Broadway ballads and bops but certainly pleasant enough and well performed.

The costumes feel a little more Regency than mid-19th century but my favorite of the night was worn by Nicole Cable as Aunt March, and she is the costume designer for the production. All the other sets and transitions worked with the projections to create a warm and comforting atmosphere on stage.

There are times when the music overpowers the performers and there was a problem with the mics not being turned off when actors are off stage. You could hear little whispering off stage which can be distracting to what’s going on on stage.

Other than that, I really enjoyed Little Women: The Musical at Ideal Playhouse. If you are in and around Heber I recommend seeking it out. They also listened to my advise and lowered prices to under $30, which I appreciate. With children at just $14 this could be a great family activity especially young girls will love. Go out and watch something that’s astonishing! This show plays through Oct 12th and you can purchase tickets 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. Please take a look here.

THE ELEPHANT DAZZLES MORE THAN THE STORY AT ‘THE MAGICIAN’S ELEPHANT’ AT HCT (REVIEW)(RACHEL’S THEATRE LOG 54)

| Rachel's Reviews

One of the downsides of being a theatre critic that is not in New York or London is I do not get the chance to see many new productions. Often even a ‘new to me’ show by the time it arrives to Salt Lake already has baggage of expectations from their initial Broadway run. That’s why it is especially exciting when a company does get to premiere something new and fresh, and even if it is flawed I try to give some grace that the performance is part of the workshopping and testing phase. That’s why I have really appreciated the premieres Hale Center Theatre in Sandy has been doing over the last year or so. I’ve felt the company really pushing themselves and their audience which I find very admirable. And while their latest the US premiere of The Magician’s Elephant is probably my least favorite of their recent premieres I do appreciate the swing.

The Magician’s Elephant is a new musical based on the novel by Kate Di Camillo created by Nancy Harris and Marc Teitler. It was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company in England and this production is directed by Hale favorite Dave Tinney. I have not read the book or seen the Netflix film but the plot about a town who find themselves blessed with a magical elephant and all the adventures that go around with that.

The reason I am being rather vague about the plot is because I honestly found it to be the most confusing aspect of the whole experience. The musical suffers from a wandering protagonist. One scene it seems to be Peter (Hyrum Smith) a young man looking for his sister. Then another scene it seems to be Leo (Keith Evans) who wants to have a baby with his wife but then there is a villain countess, a woman who becomes wheelchair-bound by the elephant, Peter’s sister Adele (Hailey Burnham) gets her own arc, and many more. At one point the Count (Brett Myers) get a whole song and I had no idea who he was or what was happening. Unfortunately this muddled plot caused me and the audience around me to be disengaged. A lot of people were visibly nodding off and one young lady gave up pretense and put her head in her lap to sleep

That said, if you can stomach the weak book the visual delights are very impressive. In particular the elephant might be the most stunning puppet I’ve seen on stage since The Lion King on Broadway. What was particularly amazing is how much emotion they were able to get out of this giant puppet as he gets more frail as the magic is weakened. He slumps down and the sounds get more frail and desperate. I was shocked how absorbed I was in the elephant’s story despite being less than interested in the humans around him! They even have a pink light in the center that pulses to show the elephants heart beating at different levels depending on the scene. The puppeteers behind the elephant deserve the highest of praise (Benjamin Tate, Miranda Renee Smith, Jessica Zoe Bird, Josh Durfey)

I also love the lighting design by Jaron Kent Hermansen with the blues and greens and the way the team uses the stage to create visual interest and has the action happening on any different levels at the same time. The singing is also across-the-board excellent even if the songs aren’t particularly memorable. My favorite song of the show is probably one called “Real Magic” sung by Peter, Leo and more.

Honestly I feel a little torn on whether to recommend The Magician’s Elephant. On one hand the elephant is just that great it’s worth a ticket but on the other hand the ticket price at Hale is so high I wish the story around the spectacle was more engaging. I guess one might consider this a mixed review but I give them full credit for at least trying something new and ambitious. The Magician’s Elephant plays at the Young Living Centre Stage at Hale Center Theatre in Sandy until Oct 19th and you can purchase tickets here.

 If you’d like me to review more theatre and appreciate what I do please check out the patreon here. You will find the patreon has many benefits including watch alongs with writers and actors of TV and films and more. Please take a look.

UTAH THEATRE LOG 7/24-8/1 (WAIT UNTIL DARK, MATILDA, FRINGE, AIDA, THE LITTLE MERMAID) (RACHEL’S THEATRE LOG 43)

| Rachel's Reviews

Hi theatre friends! I’ve got another quick update for you. I’ve had such a busy July it has all flown by and I certainly packed it in in this last week. Phew!

Make sure you check out my latest episode of OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast. We had director Toni Butler on and asked the tough question- is Into the Woods overrated?

Most of the other shows I saw I reviewed for UTBA but there are a few others so here is the update.

WAIT UNTIL DARK- COVEY CENTER FOR THE ARTS, PROVO

First up is Wait Until Dark at Covey Center for the Arts in Provo. As soon as I heard they were putting this on in their black box I knew it was a brilliant choice and it was. I can’t think of a show more perfect for a black box than Wait Until Dark. The only challenge is the space is small with exits oddly situated so it made the big surprise ending a little challenging but it was still a ton of fun with great performances. I haven’t seen that many thrillers on stage but I feel confident in saying Wait Until Dark is the best one ever. It builds tension so well and it’s so easy to get invested in Susan and her story. So good. You can read my full review for utba here. Wait Until Dark plays until August 17th and you can purchase tickets here.

MATILDA- DRAPER HISTORIC THEATER, DRAPER

I technically have already given my quick thoughts on this production of Matilda but it was the other cast called the Revolting Cast. With the invitation of the lead Rosie Darling I came to see the other Miracle Cast and it was super cute. It basically gives you everything you want from Matilda. Rosie is adorable in the role and I’m amazed that both of them can learn all these lines and not miss a beat. I also thought both Trunchbull’s were excellent with Boston Anglesey playing that role in this cast. I’ve realized after seeing this show so much recently my favorite number is “The Smell of Rebellion.” We don’t get many dishy villain songs any more on Broadway or in the movies and I think that’s why I really enjoy that one. I also thought it was staged very well here and they use the small stage to its full effect getting the choreography to be effective despite limited space. The adults in the other cast were probably stronger on the whole but it was still a fun time if you like Matilda (which everyone knows I have my issues with but it’s fun enough). Draper Historic is quickly becoming one of my favorite local theaters and you will definitely want to get season tickets here.

GREAT SALT LAKE FRINGE FESTIVAL- 2 SHOWS

Previous to this year I had only seen 1 play at the Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival. This year I had the opportunity to see 2 and they both proved to be a lot of fun. If you didn’t know Fringe is a workshopping festival and a chance to see new plays and theatrical experiences as they get developed by local playwrights and companies. The 2 I reviewed for UTBA are Wonderland Awaits and Hark! and the thing that makes me the most excited about these productions is I learned about 2 companies I was previously unfamiliar with- Salt Lake Children’s Theatre and the Salt Monster Theatre Company. You can read my reviews for both here and here. Fringe ends Aug 4th and you can find more information here.

AIDA- OGDEN MUSICAL THEATRE, OGDEN

I am sure there must be some explanation for why Aida is rarely done. Until they put it on at Ogden Musical Theatre (a new company to me!) I hadn’t seen it since the new Hale Center Theatre put it on in 2017 in Sandy. That’s crazy when I think of shows with similar casting requirements like Sister Act or Hairspray that are done so much. Let’s not wait 7 years to see this again!

It’s a shame because I really do love this musical. It’s such a beautiful love story between Aida and Radames- doomed love story- but honest and authentic with gorgeous songs like “Elaborate Lives” and “Written in the Stars.” I also think it balances the melodrama out well with some humor especially from Amneris and “My Strongest Suit.” If there is a weakness to the show it is in the villain and his songs like “Another Pyramid” and “Like Father, Like Son.”

At OMT they have 2 terrific leads with Alexsys Campbell and Jordan Strong as Aida and Radames. I also loved Allie White as Amneris. Some of the other casting was more mixed in both singing and acting but if the 3 leads are good that goes a long way in this musical. The sets (Marilyn Montgomery) and costumes (Stephanie Petersen) (and headpieces!) were also very impressive. The whole thing is directed by Mark Daniels and it deserves a more full house. I was so bummed to see so many empty seats. It is worth the drive to Ogden to be reminded the power of true love. Aida is playing through Aug 10th and you can purchase tickets here.

THE LITTLE MERMAID- EMPRESS THEATRE, MAGNA

If you follow my social media you know my reaction to this production of The Little Mermaid at The Empress blew up a bit. It wasn’t my favorite and even though I didn’ tag anyone involved it got seen by a lot of people. I never mean to be discouraging but I do have to be honest in my opinions- and it is just that my opinions.

The good aspects of this production is I think the Sebastian was very strong. Setu Lealaogta doesn’t try and imitate the Sebastian from the movie but gives the character their own flair and personality and I appreciate the costumes, particularly his were more of an homage to the film rather than a direct copy. It was kind of like The Little Mermaid meets Vegas which is fun. They even had aerolists performers which is ambitious for a small theater like this.

The problems came in the direction of Ariel and Eric. The program said this was Marcus Michalek’s first time acting and he is more of a dancer so I will try and give him some grace (this is why programs are very helpful!) but it was not the strongest performance. And Hannah Burke as Ariel has a decent voice but it was so rarely allowed to come forward. I was truly baffled by the decision to have her portray Ariel as a meek and softspoken rebellious daughter of Triton. I was in the first row and there were times I could barely hear her and it wasn’t just microphone problems. It was an acting choice even for her dramatic moments like “Part of Your World.” It was really strange and did not work for me and if Ariel doesn’t work it’s hard to salvage the production. I don’t even blame Burke because when she was allowed to actually sing I could hear some talent there. I guess give them credit for trying something different but it needs to be executed better than this was. But again, it’s just my opinion and every company has their misses. I look forward to The Empress’ next production of Fiddler on the Roof. The Little Mermaid plays until August 10th and you can find out more about the entire company here.

What have you been seeing? I would love to know! Aside from the shows I reviewed for UTBA I paid for all of these logged shows out of pocket. I’d love to cover as many local shows as possible but I need your help to do so. If you’d like me to review more theatre and appreciate what I do please check out the patreon here

UTAH THEATRE LOG 6/26-7/7 (CHRISTMAS IN JULY, MUSIC MAN, NUTTY PROFESSOR, SEE HOW THEY RUN, ANASTASIA) (RACHEL’S THEATRE LOG 41)

| Rachel's Reviews

Hi theatre friends! I hope you are all doing well and surviving this crazy July heat. It’s been rough for me because the AC isn’t working in my car so some of these long drives to see a show are a test! If I show up a mess that is why. It hasn’t stopped me, however, from seeing a number of shows but most of them I’ve done full reviews for for UTBA. One week I did 3 reviews for them which is a lot even for me! If you’d like me to do a full review for your show I can do it right here on this site. Just send me an email to rachelsreviews65@gmail.com and I’d love to set it up! Also this is my first post using my new graphics! Thanks to Joan for making them. She is an incredible designer you should totally check out here.

So here’s my latest log:

ANASTASIA: THE MUSICAL- TIMPANOGOS COMMUNITY THEATRE, AMERICAN FORK

Most people know I am not a big fan of this adaptation of the animated film Anastasia. I think it is a very weak retelling of the story where they over-corrected from the problems of the animated movie and made it all super dull. Therefore, it is saying something when I give such high praise to a production like I did for what they did at Timpanogos. Everything from the costumes to the talent involved was top notch. I was especially impressed with Dylan Bradford as Gleb. That part is such a nothing role they wrote for the show replacing Rasputin from the movie and yet he brought so much to it. His voice is absolutely beautiful and he made me feel for a character I had previously cared less about. You can read my full review at UTBA here. This run is finished but they sold out the remaining shows which makes me very happy and keep an eye out for what they have next because it is always top-tier community theatre here.

SEE HOW THEY RUN- BLUFFDALE ARTS, BLUFFDALE

Next up I reviewed See How They Run at Bluffdale Arts for UTBA. This is one of my favorite plays and what’s fun about Bluffdale Arts is their summer plays are free in the park for anyone to enjoy. I love they do this as a gift for the community and See How They Run is so hilarious. It can’t be beat. I think it is so smart for arts councils to do the straight plays. They are so much simpler for them to execute and let the actors really get to hone their crafts, which is what they did here. It was such a fun night!

Even when they aren’t doing free shows they are very reasonable and have a ‘cast anyone’ approach which led to their 200+ The Little Mermaid this year I will never forget. They are definitely one of my favorite arts councils. You can find out more information here as they have Newsies coming up in August! You can read my review of See How They Run here

THE MUSIC MAN- KAYSVILLE CITY, KAYSVILLE

I’ve developed a fun little tradition the last few years of always seeing The Music Man on or around the July 4th holiday. It’s such a festive show with parades and 76 trombones and all it is perfect for this holiday and this year I was fortunate to see the huge community production from Kaysville City. I couldn’t believe at the July 4th 2:30 matinee the huge Davis High School auditorium was packed! Practically every seat sold!

And with good cause because it was a wonderful production of this classic show. This is one that has a lot of sentimental value to me even though I know quite a few folks who don’t care for it. David Simon plays the slick but nerdy version of Harold Hill I prefer (HCTO did one that was too goofy last year. I like the more used car salesman variety for Harold.) Megan Derrick is wonderful as Marian and Jessica Rampton steals any scene she is in as Eulalie Shinn. The many moving parts to this show are directed b Kristin Pettingill Callor and I loved the painted backgrounds by Cynthia Klumpp and Meish Roundy. Everything looked the peak of professionalism with period accurate costumes by Lauri Storey and Janell Roundy. There were some microphone issues but that’s to be expected in such a big auditorium. Other than that it’s a delight and reminds you to stop piling up those “empty yesterdays” and “make today worth remembering”. The Music Man is still playing until July 10th but tickets are going fast here.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR- HALE CENTER THEATRE, SANDY

Reviewing The Nutty Professor at Hale Center Theatre in Sandy was an interesting experience for me. I typically attend the theater alone and have never had a problem being by myself in a live performance or at the movies. Well, that changed at Hale not by any fault of them but because of the bizarre behavior of the man sitting next to me. There I was minding my own business when he reached over to me and said his daughter didn’t want to “cuddle with me so would I do it.” I was shocked at what I suppose was an attempt at humor but what a gross thing to say to a complete stranger. Anyway, I mention this because I was pretty proud I was able to pull myself together and write a pretty solid review for UTBA.

It’s a bummer because the experience was ruined by this idiot and it was a fun experience (my personal uncomfortability was not reflected in my review.) It was just hard to enjoy what I was seeing sitting next to a creep (who also kept rubbing his daughters back. The whole thing was just incredibly strange.) I know some of my friends deal with this kind of harassment a lot. I’ve been relatively sheltered from it I think because I’m not conventionally attractive so it keeps the creeps away but what a horrible thing to deal with and anyone who behaves this way should be ashamed of themselves. You aren’t funny or amusing. You’re just ruining the experience for other people.

But as far as the show it is probably the strongest premiere Hale has done in this little experimental season they’ve tried this year. Most of my friends seem pretty down on it but I’ve enjoyed the premieres flaws and all. This is of course based on the classic film starring Jerry Lewis and I adore Spencer Hohl who played the lead and it was so fun to see him act with his Mom, Jennifer Parker Hohl. I love when companies cast family. You can read the rest of my review here. The Nutty Professor plays through August 17th and you can purchase tickets here.

Experience gets a not for me. Show a go see it!

CHRISTMAS IN JULY CONCERT- DEER VALLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL, SNOW PARK OUTDOOR AMPITHEATER, PARK CITY

As the host of the Hallmarkies Podcast of course I am primed and ready to celebrate Christmas in July so when I saw they were doing a Utah Symphony concert up in Deer Valley I jumped at the chance to attend. The website promised a chance to “listen to classical holiday favorites” and unfortunately they didn’t really deliver on this promise. What instead we got is Vivaldi’s Winter, a summer piece and the Nutcracker for an entire act (I get that’s holiday themed but they couldn’t have done a medley?) It was just disappointing to only get 2 carols the entire night. We did have Santa but the whole thing was underwhelming and lots of kids were there that got rambunctious with the songs selected.

It’s still fun to listen to the beautiful music but I was just hoping for something more festive and also they didn’t deliver on transforming the space into “a winter paradise” or having “Christmas themed goodies” except for one cupcake with red sprinkles. The gift exchange was fun but it could have just all been better. I’d probably pass on this next year and wait for a different concert. If you want to participate in the music festivals you can find more information here.

So there you have it! What have you been watching? I’d love to hear about your experiences.

All of these logged shows not part of UTBA I pay for out of pocket. If you would like me to be able to see and write about more shows please consider checking out patreon which has some really fun perks like chances to meet Hallmark stars and more. More information here. Thank you