writing

‘Come From Away’ lands with real heart at Stage Door (Review)

| Rachel's Reviews

I always like to allow for a diversity of opinion on any musical or play. I know I certainly have my share of unpopular opinions about a variety of shows as does any theatre fan or critic. That said, I must admit I would have a hard time understanding someone who doesn’t like or appreciate the musical Come From Away. It’s such a well crafted piece chronicling the best of humanity during one of our hardest times. I know I certainly love it and was delighted to get the chance to see it at the opening night of the new production at The Stage Door Theatre while on my St George trip.

This is also the first time I have been able to see Come From Away on the regional level. While I do not want this review to be a cataloging of what MTI approved let me share a few quick thoughts on the adaptation as a whole. There are 2 big changes from the Broadway version. First, they have approved a larger cast option. In this case, it is 18 actors but can be as many as 20 named roles where on Broadway it has 12 actors in the cast. In general, I’m a big fan of this change as the more people participating in community theatre the better. Also, it adds to the feeling of the chaos the folks in Gander might have felt with a more crowded stage.

The other big adaptation is they have allowed all the parts to be played by non-Black actors. This mostly impacts Bob, Kevin J and Hannah and the ‘others’ roles they play. At Stage Door they did have a person of color as Bob (Maika Naivalu) but there is an adaptation for every role companies can do on the MTI website that has been approved by the Come From Away writers. While I understand this “allow(s) for greater casting flexibility” it does also take away a layer of meaning from the conflict the characters are experiencing; thereby, robbing it of some of its power. It’s also a show based on real Gander residents and passengers so swapping out race feels a little weird but that is what they have approved so let’s move on to talking about the actual production.

My favorite part of what director Kelly Thomas has accomplished at Stage Door is the wonderful cast of actors and the chemistry they all have together on stage. This is vital to the story working because each actor plays so many parts that a natural repertoire needs to exist between the talent. With such a warm environment any flubs or imperfections by the cast actually adds to the sense of community in the story instead of detracting. I also like that they had these roles differentiated with hats and jackets that makes it easy to keep track of which character is talking when.

If you are new to Come From Away it tells the story of when on September 11th, 2001 a group of 38 commercial flights were redirected to emergency land in Gander, Newfoundland in Canada. The residents were then asked to feed, house and help 7000 passengers get through this experience until the airplanes could be approved for flight again. As is so often the case, it is in the times of crisis that the best of humanity comes out in the people of Gander and the passengers which makes this such a wonderful musical to watch.

All the actors are lovely in their roles at Stage Door but my favorites are Dean Jones as the mayor Claude (he probably had the best accent of the group), Makayla Klumpp as Beulah, and Diane and Nick/Doug played by couple in real life Rachael and Richard Rose. I always love their relationship in the story because it shows how something beautiful can come out of a dark time and having a real life couple only adds to their chemistry together. Mattea Denney is a younger-looking Bonnie than I have typically seen, but I really enjoy the bubbly energy she brings to the character. She’s not just the pestering animal lady here but sweet and concerned mother worried about all the life on the planes.

The set by Joshua Scott is also great with a backdrop that captures the warm feeling of what the Gander airport might have looked like in 2001 without feeling too commercial or corporate. I also really like how the large cast was used to make normally solo songs more of a group experience. This is particularly true with “Me and the Sky” where Mikalene Ipson’s Beverley is joined by the other women in the cast all wearing the American Airlines scarves (costumes designed by Tonya Christensen and Tawny Betts.)

There are times when the live music is missed particularly with the rapidity of the quippy banter and songs, but I realize that is not a possibility for a small community production. They just need to keep working on being in sync with the backtrack recording and not talking or singing over each other. I would also be careful, particularly with Ali, that accents and other characteristics don’t verge into caricature, which for the most part they don’t but it’s something to keep working on.

While Come From Away does have some mature language I’d still recommend it at Stage Door as a family experience. It’s a story with big heart and great songs all put on with skill and acumen by the talented cast and crew. Even though it is set in Canada I actually think it would be a great show to celebrate the US 250th birthday. After all, it even has a speech from the US President at the time and a moment of silence for the 9/11 victims. Tickets are affordable and available here. It is playing through July 11th.

Come From Away has music, lyrics and book by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. It first premiered on Broadway in 2017 and it lasted 1669 performances and 25 previews.

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

Outstanding acting is reason to see New World’s The Seagull (Review)

| Rachel's Reviews

One of my favorite parts of being a theatre patron is the variety of experiences I get to have. I love a big grand musical like I saw on Thursday with Hale Center Theatre’s My Fair Lady, but I also love the experience I had Saturday night at a small black box production of The Seagull put on by New World Shakespeare Company. While a long Anton Checkhov play won’t be for everyone I’d recommend seeking out this production for the insanely high quality acting alone but also for the immersive and memorable experience you will be treated to.

This is my second time seeing The Seagull and I was struck like the last time with the humor it has. One expects a Russian treatise like this to be dark and solemn and it has those moments but it also has quite a bit of humor. This makes the characters feel more real and human.

If you are new to the material, The Seagull follows a group of artists who seemingly have nothing in common but the desire to create things. Irina (Amber Heinrich) is given number one listing on the call sheet but it is a true ensemble piece. She is an actor who prioritizes her career over relationships including her son Konstantin (Jackson Eastmond) who she gives patronizing affection to. Konstantin is in love with a young actress named Nina (Kate Potter) who then is in love with writer Boris (Zach Reynolds.) And that’s only the start. There are a lot of characters in this play and they are all superbly acted at New World. Since they did the adaptation I do wonder why they didn’t trim it down a little bit as every character didn’t feel necessary but they are very well performed.

The production elements are simple in the black box space with a few props and a backdrop for each of the 4 acts (set design by Blayne Wiley.) Director Shea Potter smartly doesn’t complicate things but let’s his strong cast shine.

As far as downsides to The Seagull it is a long sit at 3 hours. Sitting on those office chairs for that long is pretty brutal so I would recommend bringing a cushion if you can remember. Either way you have to be ready for a long, slow moving drama. The characters aren’t super likable and it can be on the depressing side.

Fortunately you have almost a month to see this play so there’s no excuse to miss it. It is playing until June 27th and worthy of your time for the acting alone. Tickets to New World Shakespeare can be purchased here.

The Seagull is a play written by Anton Chekhov. This adaptation was done by Elise C Hansen. It was first performed in 1896 in Russia.

My patrons keep me honest and able to see and review as much as I do. Make sure you check out the patreon for perks, exclusive reviews and to be part of our monthly events and watch alongs. If you value honest criticism check it out. Find out more here.

Utah Theatre Log 5/7-5/17 (Barefoot in the Park, Spitfire Grill, Pride and Prejudice, Ordinary Days, Much Ado About Nothing, Tuck Everlasting) (Rachel’s Theatre Log 278)

| Rachel's Reviews

Hi theatre friends! I hope you are doing well. Those new to my site may not realize the purpose behind these occasional theatre logs. Well, not every show I see is something I am viewing as part of my work as a critic. Some productions I am supporting as a patron for a variety of reasons. Nevertheless, I still like to leave a few paragraphs here on what I saw and how I felt about it but it is nowhere near the detail in my full reviews. This week I had a particularly large amount of patron shows because I was hesitant to commit to a review with unsure travel plans of a friend (that didn’t end up materializing.) In some ways it’s nice to do these logs because I can relax and enjoy. Plus I don’t have to worry about seeing something at the end of the run. In fact, all 6 of the shows I’m talking about in this post have finished their runs. Congrats to all involved. I do always give my out of theater reactions to film and theatre on my instagram unless I’m embargoed so make sure you are following me there.

Also I would be willing to do full reviews of all of these if the companies are interested. Just email me at rachelsreviews65@gmail.com

Barefoot in the Park- Parker Theatre, Salt Lake

I love when my favorite companies stretch themselves and surprise me with unexpected concerts and theatricals. Such was the case with Parker Theatre and their new Directors Studio which they put on in their black box space next door to the main theater and had running for just 2 weekends. Their first production in this new series was the wonderful Barefoot in the Park and I’m so glad I got a chance to see it.

Not only is this play hilarious and easy to relate with (who hasn’t had that rough first apartment whether married or single?) but it also gives lots of great moments for actors to shine. I particularly love the part of Corie’s Mother played here with great humor by April Fossen. They get a ton of mileage off of the many stairs up to this awful apartment but it never fails to make me laugh especially with the mother character. This production was really fun because real like couple Kennedy and Dallin Bradford played the main couple Corie and Paul. They have terrific chemistry together and it’s easy to see why they each get frustrated with each other.

I also appreciate the work director Shawnda Moss and scenic designer Bradley Moss put into Corie and Paul’s apartment even putting in a skyline area in the back for the scenes on the roof. For a side bonus project it was nice to see. I loved Barefoot in the Park and look forward to their next director’s studio shows of The Frog Prince and The Rats. Tickets can be purchased here.

The Spitfire Grill- Ideal Playhouse, Heber

I already did a full review of The Spitfire Grill at Ideal Playhouse in Heber, but I did see it a second time so I wanted to make note of it. What a beautiful show and production. All the singing was top rate and the story is touching with haunting songs. I just wish I had more reach and could have filled up that theater. Even so, I’m grateful to them for putting it on and so glad I got to see it twice. I hope maybe a few more companies will be inspired to do this very underrated show. Look out for great performances at Ideal. They have lots of concerts and other fun activities going on this summer. Can find out more information here

Pride and Prejudice- Bluffdale Arts, Bluffdale

I love any chance I get to see Pride and Prejudice on film or theatre. This includes the recent production from Bluffdale Arts which not only took place at City Hall (I love theater in non-traditional locations) but it was a new to me adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic story.

This version is by Kate Hamill and it definitely leans into the silly of the story. I’m not sure what is part of the adaptation and what is from director Kelsha Peterson but we had multiple cross dressing characters with antics and other slapstick comedy. This was particularly funny with Brady Fox playing Mr Bingley and Mary Bennet. This take on the classic novel will be too much for some people but I really enjoyed it. Having the same actor play both Mr Collins and Wickham was also brilliant.

Katherine Stople played Lizzy and Nathaniel Noyes as Darcy and they had a fun dynamic together. I was also impressed with Melinda Fox as both Lydia and Miss Bingley. Such different characters to portray! I even got a rose to end off the night. Next up at Bluffdale Arts is The Nerd in June (and I think that’s their free shows in the park so keep an eye out for that annual event)

Much Ado About Nothing- West Valley Arts Academy, West Valley

-Like I said, I love when companies provide an unexpected bonus production, staged reading or concert for us to enjoy. Such was the case with West Valley Arts and their staging of Much Ado About Nothing. This is my favorite Shakespeare play and it was so much fun to see it put on by WVA’s Theatre 360 which is their adult theatre students. They all did a great job and it was a riot to watch.

They didn’t have a director listed on the program but whoever it was did a good job keeping the action moving up and down the aisles and throughout the entire stage (which isn’t always the case at WVA.) Particularly in the famous gulling scenes the sets and props move with Beatrice and Benedict amplifying the humor in the scene as their hiding places become more ridiculous.

Beatrice was played with a lot of snark by Madison Archibald and Chad Henwood has a self-deprecating nature for Benedict. Siri Reilly and Koda Smith were also very cute as Hero and Claudio respectively. There were times one could tell we were watching students but that’s all part of the charm of such a night. Next up for WVA is their production of Xanadu. More information is here.

Tuck Everlasting- Lehi Arts Council, Lehi

Over the years I have seen the musical for Tuck Everlasting a few times and never fallen in love with it. While it has nice moments, particularly the ballet in Act 2, I always found it a bit on the dry side. Fortunately a version I saw at Lehi Arts might have finally opened up this show to me and made me a convert to the beautiful storytelling. It was a wonderful experience.

Directed by Kurt Elison used his talented group of performers to tell the story of Winnie and the Tuck family with humanity and heart along with some beautiful set design by Garrett Roblyer. In the small space at Lehi Arts they really surrounded the audience with the Tuck’s forest and carnival. They even had cotton candy to purchase during intermission (I’m such a sucker for a themed concession at a show!)

I didn’t know if they could pull off the ballet in that small space but it somehow worked with a wonderful group of featured dancers. Adaline Strong is dynamic and warm as Winnie with a terrific singing voice and Allison Books is maternal and yet very sad as Mae Tuck. I still think the show is overlong (did we really need to give the yellow suited man his own song for example?) But this time I was quite taken with the show and would see Tuck Everlasting again if given the chance.. They have Frozen coming up next at Lehi Arts and more information can be found here.

Recently a bunch of friends in my comments sections have been telling me to see the musical Ordinary Days. They said they thought I would like it so I was very excited when I heard that Kismet Productions was putting it on and I’d have a chance to see it. Fortunately I was able to fit it in closing night in the Mad King black box space and my friends are right. I did really enjoy Ordinary Days.

This is a one act musical that tells the story of 4 adults interacting on a seemingly ordinary day in New York City. It was directed by Karen-Christina Jones and she gets the best out of her 4 actors. I was especially impressed with Marina Altschiller-Gannon who plays Claire with a beautiful tamber to her voice. I also enjoyed Sarah Greenwell as Deb who is perhaps the most unlikable character of the piece as she gets more frustrated by the idealistic Warren and his love of the Met museum in New York.

While none of the songs stuck out as super memorable I liked the heart behind the show and the humanity in all the performances. One can’t help but think about the little moments of your own life as you watch this touching little musical. The piano player Emma Swanson is phenomenally talented! It’s a workout getting through this score. I’m not sure what Kismet has coming up next but more information can be found here.

So there you have it. The 6 shows I saw as a patron. Did you get to see any of these shows? Let me know what you thought in the comments. Thanks to all who performed for me!

Barefoot in the Park is a play by Neil Simon and was first performed on Broadway in 1963. The Spitfire Grill has music by James Valcq and lyrics by Fred Alley who also both wrote the book. It is based on the 1996 film of the same name. It had an Off-Broadway run in 2001. Pride and Prejudice as adapted by Kate Hamill is based on the novel by Jane Austen and was first performed in 2017 in upstate New York. Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy written by William Shakespeare around 1598. It was his 12th play after Richard II. Tuck Everlasting has music by Chris Miller and lyrics by Nathan Tysen with a book by Claudia Shear and Tim Federle. It is based on the novel by Natalie Babbitt and was first performed on Broadway in 2016. Ordinary Days has music and lyrics by Adam Gwon and it was performed Off Broadway in 2009.

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.

City Hall is turned into a theater with MCT’s ’12 Angry Jurors’ (REVIEW)

| Rachel's Reviews

Anyone who knows me and knows my theatre tastes knows I am a sucker for anything that feels unexpected and immersive. For example, I love when a company takes a space not intended for theatre and turns it into a performance space. I also love being surrounded by movement and action. Such is the cool experience being offered this weekend by Millcreek Community Theatre and their new production of 12 Angry Jurors. You wouldn’t believe it but the play is being put on at Millcreek City Hall in an office room set up as a mini-theater with lighting and seats on all 4 sides (this is a change from previous shows seen in this space, which I enjoyed very much. The only downside is it might not work for someone sensitive to bright lights but I got used to it and enjoyed the immersion. Anyway, you’d never guess walking into city hall office space you’d be treated to such a wonderful play but that’s what you get .

To begin with it’s very smart of MCT to pick 12 Angry Jurors for this type of experience. It not only is a straight play but it all takes place in one room so there’s no need to worry about set changes or other challenges different shows might bring up (their last show was Annie and it was fun but not as successful as this play.) I know a lot of companies are scared to put on straight plays but if they are well crafted like 12 Angry Jurors I really think they make a lot of sense.

Most will know the story of this play from the feature film with Henry Fonda. Indeed, 12 Angry Men is one of the finest closed-door films ever made. Sidney Lumet does such a brilliant job with that film creating atmosphere and tone and the legendary character actors are allowed to dive into their meaty roles with Lee J Cobb and Ed Begley as the racists jurors 3 and 10 respectively. In this adaptation they have made it 12 Angry Jurors and they have 6 females and 6 males making up our jury with Michael Hansen and Shauna Brand as 3 and 10 (these are the 2 most bombastic and controversial of the jurors so they stand out the most.) They are both excellent in their roles as is the entire cast. One would never expect to get such high caliber performances walking up to an office space at city hall! Unbelievable!

Despite the gender swaps director Jax Jessop has kept the events of the play in the 1950s and all of the actors have period appropriate costumes (costume design Eleanor Boam) and most of them are even smoking, which is a detail I don’t expect to see in local community theater. It honestly was about as close to Mad Men meets Utah as one could achieve in this space. I also like the added detail of having an actor, Connor Kraus, playing the accused watching what is happening as men and women debate his life. Again, it helped add to the immersive experience of the night.

Kiana Dipko is good with the less showy role as Juror 8 (the Henry Fonda role if you’ve seen the movie.) It’s important that you don’t overthink the legalese going on here because there are a barrage of behaviors that would call for a mistrial in real life. For example, a juror is absolutely not allowed to bring in a piece of evidence like 8 does with the knife. That all has to go through discovery and examination by the lawyers. You also aren’t allowed to threaten to kill fellow jurors or stage elaborate recreations of the trial in the juror box. None of this matters as a true depiction of a juror room would likely be extremely boring. I’m just saying you have to give yourself over to the piece and if you do it’s a very rewarding experience.

My only critiques of the show are with a couple moments that felt a little workman-like when I would have liked to see more build-up and emotion. Like when 8 shows the knife it’s supposed to be a big reveal and it felt a little bit like an afterthought. Also the jurors weren’t always sitting in their order which only matters for someone like myself taking notes but was a little confusing.

Still I highly recommend checking out 12 Angry Jurors at Millcreek Community Theatre. Unfortunately today is the last day to see it but if you can get out there you won’t be disappointed. Next up they have Romeo & Juliet in their show at Canyon Rim Park. For tickets to tonight’s show look here.

12 Angry Jurors is based off of the 1957 film by Reginald Rose which he adapted from the 1954 teleplay of the same name. the play premiered on the West End in 1964 but didn’t show on Broadway until 2004 where it ran for 328 performances

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.

‘YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN’ AT COVEY TAKES A FRESH LOOK AT CLASSIC BY GOING SENIOR

| Rachel's Reviews

Last year I saw a production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and was honestly underwhelmed with the material. It wasn’t bad but not as funny or endearing as I was expecting. I think I was anticipating a laugh riot similar to Spelling Bee (which of course was much later but a similar dynamic) and it’s just not that kind of show. Still I didn’t have a great desire to see it again but then Covey Center for the Arts in Provo announced they were doing a special revised version of the material and I was intrigued. The new production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown takes the show and makes slight alterations but has it cast with senior citizen actors giving the musical a whole new level of heart and soul. I really loved this production and I hope readers make time in their schedule to see it.

This season at The Covey they’ve been doing a terrific job of using the black box stage to its advantage. Whether it’s the creepy closeness of Woman in Black or the cramped apartment of Barefoot in the Park. Now for Charlie Brown director Heidi Mendez with scenic designer Robert Sealy have recreated the iconic Peanuts world to create an immersive experience. Of course they have Snoopy’s iconic red house but also a background box that turns from a mantlepiece to a sofa with ease. Jessica Moody has also recreated our team’s signature looks with adorable costumes.

The cast is drawn from some of Utah’s most well known theatre and screen stars with James Arlington leading things off as Charlie Brown. He is very endearing in the role and captures Charlie’s signature melancholy disposition as he tries to impress the red-headed girl and make friends. Peggy Matheson gets the best song of the night with “My New Philosophy” and Jayne Luke is hilarious as Snoopy (you can tell she is having a ball playing a dog at her age!)

Naturally as this show is about children much of the dialogue is about growing up so it’s an interesting experience to hear those kids-lines spoken by older actors. For example, when Charlie Brown says “I wonder if anyone would even notice if I got out of bed today.” That line rings different said by a senior citizen who is more likely to be under-visited and left alone. When Charlie see’s Snoopy getting more valentines than he did one can’t help but think of nursing home residents with little to no mail or signs of love from loved ones.

I honestly think one would have to be really cynical to not enjoy Covey’s You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. I did find the whole marketing push of it being a reunion to be a little confusing as the actors had never done it before but whatever. It’s so endearing and fun you can’t help but be charmed by the evening of fun. Plus, it’s not that long so you don’t go home fatigued. You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown plays through May 3rd and tickets can be purchased here. Take the whole family. You’ll have a blast!

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown has music and lyrics by Clark Gesner with a book by John Gordon and a 1999 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.