Ordinary Days: Utah Repertory Theater Company

I entered Sugar Space at 616 Wilmington Avenue in Salt Lake City expecting an ordinarily charming, eccentric, entertaining show from Utah Repertory Theater Company.  What I received in Ordinary Days was so much more.

We are introduced to the characters on a chaotic New York City street, which is hard to imagine with only four cast members and a piano as accompaniment, but the pandemonium was real.  Inspirational quotes are shared (both in delivery and on flyers handed to audience members) through the refreshingly, adorably optimistic Warren (Thomas Kulkus), having the audience in giggle fits from the first moment we see the expression on his face.   There is a delicate balance in the use of breaking the fourth wall in theater, which this cast utilizes with perfection.  They interact to let us know they are telling us their story, yet pull back to the art of story-telling at precisely the right moments.

For those who have been to an Off-Broadway show in New York City, they know the intimate setting and feel of only those tiny theaters where the performers are practically in your lap, the set pieces that become a wall or a car or a coffee shop so imaginatively flawlessly, and the feeling at the end of the show that you are part of something bigger than when you entered.   Sugar Space was the perfect venue to create that exact sort of feeling for Salt Lake audiences - a larger venue simply would not do. 

Audiences will have an innate knowledge that these four characters are destined to intertwine into each others' lives by the show's conclusion.  I have already mentioned Warren (Thomas Kulkus).  We have Deb (Brighton Hertford), the ever-agonizing intellectual graduate-school hipster.  Next is Jason (Matthew Wade), the sparkly-eyed man in love.  Finally, is Claire (Mandi Barrus), a charismatic woman with an initially awesomely Ingrid Michaelson-style sound, obviously trying to let go of something to make room for a man she knows loves her.

As each character shares with us bits of their ordinary days in their ordinary lives, we see how truly humorous and devastating even the smallest of daily events can be.  In each of their stories, we can clearly see our own lives - from the ever-present twinkle in Wade's eye as Jason, to the angst of a lost school assignment, to the extreme desire for human connection.    

One of the songs presents the concept that we keep things as mementos as proof that our past life was real.  My mind spiraled out of control thinking of all of the ways my past seems a distant, fictional creation that I truly might not believe if there weren't tangible evidence.  I think of my life in Ohio growing up - the barn, the My Little Ponies, the gymnastics t-shirts galore...all things that seem so far removed, yet I can open one box and an entire world is there before me of which I never want to let go. 

Just as you might feel as if you will succumb to the aching of nostalgia, Warren and Deb's interactions have us again grinning ear-to-ear.  The one exception to this is Claire's number, "I'll Be Here."  I publicly proclaim to the world that I have never cried at a movie.  Even crazier, I had never cried at a theater production, unless I was performing on stage.  Friends, I had tears rolling down my cheek (just the left one) to the point that I could not believe Barrus was able to complete her performance without breaking down.  The sniffles echoing through the audience let me know I was not alone.

About twenty minutes into Utah Rep's Ordinary Days, I quit taking notes.  Each performer had such fine-tuned nuances, such intricately enunciated lyrics, that I wanted to drink in every moment undistracted and let my mind take me away to their world in New York City.  Each performer sings their soul with such honesty and character that you almost forget there are notes written on a page instead of a tune you've somehow always known.

I have always tried to put into words what a crazy miracle life can be.  What if I had moved to a different neighborhood?  What if I hadn't met up with a heartbroken friend one night for improv comedy?  What if a dear friend hadn't reached out to me to attend this production?  I don't have answers.  I don't want answers.  What I do know is that Adam Gwon presents us with a brief glimpse into how the lives of four people changed forever because of several "fortuitous coincidences."  Which leads me to wonder - is our life full of an endless stream of "coincidences," or "miracles," or both?

If you have a chance, any chance at all, I suggest you eliminate one "What if?" from your life and see this production.  So often I share that a show is for a particular target audience.  Ordinary Days, however, will resonate with everyone.  Everyone.  You will see yourself in its honest compilation of ordinary events that add up to create a legacy for each or our lives. 

Some performances have sold out, so you will want to make sure to get your tickets as soon as possible here.   Take a date, take a best friend, take yourself.  You can find more information on Utah Rep's website or on the Facebook Event.   The show is only 75 minutes, which is just long enough to fully develop each story, while leaving you wanting more.  The rating would be PG-13 for some language only.  Remaining available performances dates are as follows:
Saturday, July 25, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 26, 3 p.m.

Cast and Production List
Director: Chase Ramsey
Music Director:Jeanne McGuire
Claire: Mandi Barrus
Deb: Brighton Hertford
Jason: Matthew Wade
Warren: Thomas Kulkus

Noises Off: Midvale Arts Council

Noises Off, by Michael Frayn, is an absolutely wacky show-within-a-show where nothing happens, yet everything happens.

In act one, the characters are learning their lines and blocking for an actual production.  Act two leads us backstage to see the antics of the performers as they make their entrances and exits.  The closing act shows us the absolute deterioration of the performances on stage due to the crazy mishaps off stage. 

There are shows that make you think and shows that make you laugh.  I love the opportunity to sit back with a smile plastered across my face as my brain goes on vacation.  All of the performances were perfectly flawed to fit the absurd antics of the characters designed to be larger-than-life.   

The true genius of Noises Off is found in the set design.  Wow.  In between each act, the crew and cast take apart the set and reconstruct it to show the backstage/on stage dynamic.  You can see what a feat Midvale has produced in this 15-second hyperlapse video.  

Midvale Arts has also been doing an entertaining campaign with their Instagram account, which I suggest you follow here.  Each day, a different cast or crew member takes over the instagram to show you what a day in their life is like, as well as their character's view from on stage.  Talk about getting the inside scoop! 

I don't have anything eloquent to say except that this show is exactly what you need to cure the winter blues.  I found myself with my hands on my face, watching with disbelief at the "I can't believe this is happening" moments in the third act.  Each move is something straight out of America's Funniest Home Videos.  You will end the night breathless from laughter and feeling like you got a great workout simply from watching the actors and actresses command the zaniness on stage.  

You have three chances left to see this show: 7:30pm March 5, 6, and 7 at Midvale Performing Arts Center (695 W. Center Street, Midvale).
Ticket prices are $7 for general admission, $5 for seniors and children, family passes are available for $25 (one household.) Group discounts are available by contacting Producer, Stephanie Johnson.

Cast List:
Director: Aaron Sparks
Producer: Stephanie Johnson

Dotty/Clackett: Carrie Simper

Lloyd: Chris Kucera

Gary/Roger: Scott Millet

Brooke/Vicki: McKenzie Stanworth

Poppy: Megan Smyth

Frederick/Phillip: Madman Madriaga

Belinda/Flavia: Nichole Keddington

Tim: Mark Hanson

Selsdon: Dain Percifield

The Last Five Years: Utah Repertory Theater Company

Every story is told from the point of view of the person sharing the story.  Utah Repertory Theater Company shares with us a musical masterpiece of composer Jason Robert Brown in The Last Five Years.  Audiences experience a love story, told alternately through the eyes of Jamie and Cathy, Jamie recalling from the beginning of the relationship, Cathy from the end, and meeting in the middle.   

Utah Rep's website sums up our characters best: "Jamie Wellerstein (Rhett Richins) is a young, talented up-and-coming Jewish novelist who falls in love with Cathy Hiatt (Erin Royall Carlson), a struggling actress and shiksa goddess."   Audiences spend the next hour and a half with the talents of Richins and Carlson alone on stage, as directed by John Sweeney.

Rhett Richins' nuances as Jamie Wellerstein were natural, convincing, and often hilarious.  He conveyed every nuance of an emotion through one simple look, one pronunciation.  I loved the way he wove accents in and out of his singing as he talked about his Jewish mother and an old clock maker named Schmuel.  Actors are often directed that every movement has a purpose, which Richins personifies as he tells a story in each look, movement, and musical note. 

Erin Royall Carlson as Cathy Hiatt evoked a strong stoicism and warped sense of humor that being a theater professional requires.  We see such weight on her shoulders as she begins the show at the end of her story and relationship, with each scene seemingly lifting off another emotional brick to unveil the light, energetic, radiant Cathy that Jamie fell in love with. 

Live orchestrations grant these two performers the ability to interpret the lyrics and musicality with emotion and depth, helping transfer those feelings to the audience.  Music director, Anne Puzey, created a remarkable atmosphere with her ensemble of talented musicians.  Composer Jason Robert Brown is known for intricate work, and these musicians created a feeling of intricacy that could have shared the story even if the songs had no lyrics.   

The set, lighting, and sound were all very simply designed as we focused on a three-point turning set piece in the middle of the stage, with side pieces and use of shadows to direct or focus to a certain character or scene.  I agree with these decisions strongly, as this story is about two people and their relationship, stripped bare of the world around them.  

Watching the decisions of Jamie and Cathy, my heart wrenched with the agony of my own choices and where they were leading my life and the life of my relationships.  Cathy and Jamie made these seemingly insignificant choices that became more and more substantial until their relationship was ruined.  We can choose our path, but we cannot choose our consequences.  I became keenly aware of how important each moment is.  When Jamie asks Cathy if she will share her life with him for the next ten minutes, then ten more minutes, I thought about how many times the present ten minutes would not leave my friend or husband to ask me for another ten minutes. Jamie gifts Cathy a watch at one point, saying, "You get to be happy...I give you unlimited time."  Watching The Last Five Years stress the importance of time and its correlation with happiness drives home the invaluable importance of every moment.  It's in the moments that life is made or broken.

As a passionate theater-goer, yet not someone who researches beyond plot-points to the intricate nuances of a show before I attend, I can confidently say that The Last Five Years can be confusing even if you know there are two timelines that meet in the middle.  Perhaps a talkback session would have explained the answer to our questions, but my companion and I both had a difficult time understanding why there would be a Jamie scene where he is singing to Cathy and she is present, then the next Jamie scene where he is singing to Cathy, she is not present.  We didn't notice a correlation between his temperament or the stage of their relationship and her presence or lack thereof.  The one correlation we found was between her presence/his presence and costume changes.  For such a minimalistic production, the elaborate costume changes seemed a bit much.  Yes, it did help tell the story and create clear "this is a different scene" moments, but I would have liked to see both characters on stage at all times (which I know is more exhausting than a marathon for performers), with simple costume changes, like the addition of a jacket, a change of shoes, a scarf, etc.  This would have fit the overall minimalistic feel for me.  I also wondered if perhaps the age in the lyrics could have been changed to more accurately reflect the age of the performers. 

Some of you may question whether to see the live theater production or the movie that is hitting wide-release in theaters.  My suggestion is you must see both.  There is beautiful story-telling in the movie, however, live theater has an electricity in the air that makes the experience undeniably more real.  The raw vibrancy of a person standing in front of you shedding real tears and real sweat while singing their heart out to you, to tell you a story, cannot be recreated on film.

If you have a heart, it will break watching Utah Rep's performance of The Last Five Years - it will break with joy, mourning, inspiration, and appreciation of the beautiful work of art in front of you.  You will see scenes from your own relationships played out before you, giving you the cherished feelings of each loving moment while your gut wrenches with pangs from loss.  Should you choose to use your time at The Last Five Years, that time will be incredibly well spent.  As Jamie sings, "Take a breath.  Take a step.  Take a chance." 


The Last Five Years runs at various times, with varying admission prices, until March 15 at Sugar Space Studio Theater in Sugarhouse, then March 20-22 at the Ziegfeld Theatre in Ogden.  Please refer to the website for more information.  Please also note that the movie version of this production is rated PG-13 for language and adult themes, which echoes the stage production. 

Image from Utahrep.org

*Disclaimer*  I've heard it said, and fully agree, "Reviewers don't write about theater, they write about themselves at the theater." 

Empress Theatre: Into the Woods

I recently reviewed Into the Woods at the Empress Theatre for Front Row Reviewers Utah.

We all know the stories of Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel - complete with their evil nemeses.  But what happens when you flip these fairy tales on their heads?  Into the Woods happens, that's what.  Lucky for you, Nancy Jensen is directing a lovely production for audiences to see this inside-out tale at The Empress Theatre.

If you'd like to read more, please do so here. 

Narrator: Nathan Unck
Cinderella: Valerie Packer
Jack: Skye Davis
Jack's Mother: Jamie Crane
Baker: Brett Johnson
Baker's Wife: Sarah Johnson
Cinderella's Stepmother: Kimberly Wicker
Florinda: Sunny Watts
Lucinda: Melissa Head
Cinderella's Father: Perry Whitehair
Little Red: Alexis Shaw
Witch: Diane Nebeker
Cinderella's Mother/Giant: Christin Saling
Mysterious Man: Steve Hedman
Wolf/Rapunzel's Prince: Geoffrey Gregory
Cinderella's Prince: Chris Kennedy

Photo Courtesy of Empress Theatre

Into the Woods: The Empress Theatre

We all know the stories of Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel - complete with their evil nemeses.  But what happens when you flip these fairy tales on their heads?  Into the Woods happens, that's what.  Lucky for you, Nancy Jensen is directing a lovely production for audiences to see this inside-out tale at The Empress Theatre.

The opening number introduces us to all of the main characters (except the charming princes, who bound in just in time for some great comic relief) and introduces us their plights from wanting a child to wanting to escape to wanting money.  Jensen created a wonderful vision in this 3/4 of a theater-in-the-square.  

What I loved most about the show was the actors' dedication to their characters and roles.  I did not see a single person break character, even in light of other mistakes.  This is community theater, which means you enter with a certain reservation of expectations.  In this show, in spite of some actors being strong or weak in certain areas, everyone was quite good overall!  Trust me, I say that with a huge sigh of relief.  

I particularly enjoyed Cinderella's lovely soprano as she enchantingly sang to her origami birds, the youthful vigor of our actual teenager Little Red, and the over-the-top prancing of the charming princes.  

Our Narrator, Nathan Unck, truly helped us feel as if he were telling us a story that he was more than amused with.  He was excited to share the successes and plunders of each scene, wrapping us in to what part of the story he created for us next.  I've seen Unck perform before and this was my favorite role for him.  

Cinderella's Mother is a role that often gets left in the shadows, but Christin Saling performed with love and compassion while dressed in a beautiful gown.  I only wish that half the audience weren't missing out on her stunning face because of a tree branch blocking her.  

Skye Davis is a mature adult, yet used this adorable Pinocchio-esque character voice to successfully portray the youthful, adolescent Jack.  At first I thought it may grow old, but by the end of the show he had me chuckling every time he opened his mouth.  

As far as improvements, The Empress needs a new lighting and sound system.  They work so hard with what they have, however, I've not seen a show in recent memory, other than Addams Family, where the dark lighting and hard-to-adjust spotlights work (in reading my show notes, I mentioned the troublesome lighting four different times).  Often times actors were out of the spots and difficult to see.  The sound is spotty, so they accommodate through only mic'ing those who "need" it or are main roles.  The problem with this is that our ears have to readjust every time we switch from one to the other, or preventing us from hearing certain singing over the minus tracks.  I do prefer having to adjust my ears over the screeching and popping that occurs with some of the mics.  I truly feel the Empress could have much more community support with these technical issues resolved.  The historic theater and the talent deserve as much.     

The two biggest laughs of the evening came from our charming princes and Little Red's Granny.  During the reprise of "Agony," sung by Rapunzel's Prince, Geoffrey Greogry) and Cinderella's Prince (Christopher Kennedy).  Those two hammed it up, the lyrics hammed it up, and we ate it up entirely!  Thank you, men, for making us laugh.  Speaking of...another big big laugh of our came from reading the bio of Rapunzel's Prince/The Wolf, where he mentions he is single, ladies...again apparently.   Granny (Chalese Craig) was performed in a way I have never yet scene this typical "throw away character" played.  She was fierce - you just have to see her for yourself.   

Into the Woods is at the peak of popularity due to the recent cinematic release.  If you and your little ones enjoy the film, I highly recommend venturing to the empress to take in the live production.  They won't disappoint you and I promise you will leave with a smile on your face.  

Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office now through January 31 for $10.  For more information, visit The Empress Theatre's website here.  

Entire Cast List:   Narrator: Nathan Unck
Cinderella: Valerie Packer
Jack: Skye Davis
Jack's Mother: Jamie Crane
Baker: Brett Johnson
Baker's Wife: Sarah Johnson
Cinderella's Stepmother: Kimberly Wicker
Florinda: Sunny Watts
Lucinda: Melissa Head
Cinderella's Father: Perry Whitehair
Little Red: Alexis Shaw
Granny: Chalese Craig
Witch: Diane Nebeker
Cinderella's Mother/Giant: Christin Saling
Mysterious Man: Steve Hedman
Wolf/Rapunzel's Prince: Geoffrey Gregory
Cinderella's Prince: Chris Kennedy

Bare: Utah Repertory Theater Company

In your life, in what situations would you use the term "bare?"  Of what meaning do you think?

The first thought that comes to mind is "naked."  A step further leads you to think of feeling exposed/vulnerable, then perhaps to a burden you bare, or even to bare a testimony.

Utah Repertory Theater Company has taken a huge stride in the equality movement through bringing Bare: A Pop Opera (musical), to Salt Lake City.  In fact, Utah Rep is giving 15% of ticket sales proceeds to OUTreach Resource Centers, "a non-profit collection of youth resource centers dedicated to transforming communities and saving lives through programs designed to promote positive outcomes for youth experiencing homelessness, family rejection or victimization."

Bare, straight from Utah Rep's website, "is a coming-of-age story of a group of high school seniors at a co-ed Catholic boarding school, with each struggling to define themselves in the face of their relationships, sexuality, and religion. As they search to come to terms with who they are — and who the world thinks they should be — they seek answers from their church, their friends, and ultimately, from within themselves. Bare examines the consequences of baring your soul — or hiding it — from those who matter most."

Instead of sharing with you the specifics of the plot, I want to share with you the feeling of the show.  Go back to my earlier question about "bare" situations in your life.  How did you feel: Declaring your first love?  Graduating from high school?  Moving away from home?  Falling in love?  Losing someone you love?  Keeping a secret that could change someone's life?  Finding or losing your love for God? Realizing someone you trusted was wrong?  You were vulnerable, exposed, and bare.  We have all been through at least one of these situations, which means we all know exactly what the feelings and struggles of the characters in this story.  

Utah Rep and director Johnny Hebda, pulled off quite a feat over the past few months, gathering a cast combined of experienced actors and actors the actual age of the characters.  I worried at first that this material is not appropriate for teenagers.  Not even close to appropriate.  But watching the story, I realized that these are exactly the trials real teenagers and young adults are experiencing. 

My first thought upon entering the new Sugar Space facility was in regards to how drastically improved the venue is since my last visit.  Several months ago, I was rubbed the wrong way about the bare-bones of the set structure, lack of temperature control, and location.  Audience members will be relieved to know that all of these issues have been resolved and many additions have been made.  

You will notice 5 LCD screens that will delight you throughout the show with text messages, face book posts, instagram feed, and photos.  Mostly used during scene transitions, this feature keeps the audience absorbed in the world of Bare while keeping us all in stitches with laughter.  Surrounding you on the walls are 24 posters of the cast members' characters,leading your eyes to the stage with rows of lockers, dual staircases, and a church backdrop, immediately warping you back in time to grade school days.  Utah Rep's lighting and sound systems never missed a beat (although the sound tech did miss a few cues in the rapid one-off solos of the 24 cast members).   

When the cast enters, we are thrown back to the days of Catholic school uniforms and mass.  I quickly picked up on the flattering and meaningful costume details of Nancy Susan Cannon.  The senior class members are dressed differently than the underclassman, with great detail on the crests of their sweaters, matching skirts, personalized shoes, and hairstyles.  I see the same simultaneous uniqueness and uniformity I saw in my Catholic-school friends growing up.  One of the costuming/prop decisions that made me smile was for Peter (John Patrick McKenna), the lead character struggling with his sexuality, to have a purple backpack.  

In the opening number, there is an eerie vocal line sung simultaneously with a choral piece by Jonathan Scott McBride as the priest- this monotonous, deep Latin curse.  I'm sure it wasn't actually a curse, but it sets a tone immediately that while things may seem perfect, there is something dark lurking beneath.  Writing of music brings me to one of the production qualities I always love about Utah Rep is the use of a live band.  Our music director for this show is the brilliant Anne Puzey.  The physical placement of the band in proximity to the audience was perfect to be able to see them as part of the show, yet not overpower the vocalists who are precisely on par in their singing and their character portrayal as actors.  

In the first ten minutes of the show, we see Claire (Shalee Schmidt), the mother of Peter, balance humor and heartbreak to convey a complex feeling of distress, confusion, love and acceptance regarding the truths she knows about her son, but will not yet admit.  Continuing with the "truths we know" theme, the characters all seem to be sure of God's existence, yet constantly ask, "Is God listening?"  We see each struggle more with asking why God isn't responding than asking if God exists.  This strikes me as a theme of underlying, constant hope that there is more out there in something greater than ourselves.  

Enter Jason (Brock Dalgleish) in the locker room kissing Peter.  Jason is a muscular man's man, always a step ahead of letting himself feel in anticipation of what others might think.  A quote from the priest in the second half sums up Jason's actions in the first, "Don't question too much and you'll get along fine."  The problem is, no one can accept ignorance for long.  We all start questioning eventually.  For Jason, however, there are no answers and he is lead to a world full of fear of the unknown.  If not for Dalgleish's portrayal of the carefree, then conflicted Jason, I don't know if I would have understood the importance the show needs us to see of never accepting a world at face-value.  

Back to Peter.  He looks the conventional fresh-faced innocent type, yet has no problem accepting his life is not conventional.  He recognizes love and knows love is more important than fear of a "what if."  McKenna makes a heroic return to the Utah stage with his powerful tenor and silent turned siren character.  

Peter is not the only one in love with Jason - the ever popular, promiscuous Ivy (Emilie Starr) is too.  What I love about Starr is how comfortable she makes audiences feel when she is on stage.  She has a calming presence in that you are never worried about her making a mistake.  I don't worry about most actors, truthfully, but she truly puts me at ease.  If you watch her throat when she sings, you don't even see strain - a true gift of talent and training. 

To add to this weird love triangle, making it more of a square(?), we have Matt (Thomas Kulkus) who is in love with Ivy.  Kulkus is utterly convincing as the doe-eyed, puppy-dog faced (in a good way!) longing teenager.  Matt intrigues me because of his devotion to a girl who won't return the favor and his devotion to the secrets of Jason and Peter.  He sees he is losing Ivy to Jason , yet holds on to something that could destroy Jason's reputation.  When provoked the tables may turn, yet Kulkus portrays this character in such a way that you do not see any true intention of malice.  You see a hurt young man who seems to understand how important it is that we be authentic to our choices.  

Jason has yet another love - his sister Nadia (Katie Evans).  She is the only character who seems the full 360 degrees of what he is experiencing.  Evans plays off of Dalgleish in the most adoring, unconditionally loving, tormenting relationship that only a brother and sister could share.  The pair does not shy away from physical affection, be that a hug or a punch.  Nadia's burden to bare is her insecurity about being fat.  Her song about the burdens and dreams that will never be because of her size are thoughts that crippled me as an adolescent, obese girl.  I watched Evans' Nadia wanting to hug her and tell her that she can take control of her life and things do get better, yet even if Nadia were a real person, I know that telling a teenager those things means nothing until they experience it themselves.  

In a show so concerned with love, we see only one truly unconditionally loving character in quite the unexpected place.  Sister Chantelle (Yoah Guerrero) delivers two of the most poignant lines themes in the show: 1. God don't make no trash 2. He is just as God wants him to be.  Guerrero can SANG!  Her voice never quit, but there were a few parts where the tricky vocal runs caused some breathlessness and strained facial expressions, but as soon as she got a breath in - Bam!  Big note.  Not only can Sister Chantelle deliver love and vocal majesty, she is hilariously the true comic relief of the show which may or may not (go see it!) include a guest appearance as the Virgin Mary.

Other stand-out performances shared with us were that Carolyn Crow as Kyra, Jennifer McKay as Diane, and the entire "ensemble."  Crow has a light of a presence on stage that grows brighter and brighter.  Her face is always illuminated in expression and feeling.  McKay is just adorable in an absolutely beautiful and talented way.  She pulls your eyes towards her almost every time she is on stage with her dedicated, natural character decisions.  The ensemble kept the energy high through their choices to not let their characters drop, having purpose in their movements, and singing to fill the room whether an angelic tone or rock.  I also want to point out the professionalism of a very young cast - I heard zero back-stage noise, all scene changes were prompt, and everyone appeared to make their cues.  

As with all things wonderful, there were a few aspects that could have used improvements.  The score is vocally quite a challenge and at parts, mostly the lighter-sounding runs, the pitch fell wayward.   Not often, mind you, but it happened several times from several characters.  There was also a rap solo that, although the lyric and vocal energy was high, just didn't have enough energy by way of facial expression and bold movement.  Look as confident as you sound because the scene is great.  To all on stage, I also share that you should not be fidgeting with your hair and costumes unless your character is.  Audiences are distracted by watching those constantly swiping hair out of faces (so much of this happened) or pulling skirts/pants down/up.  If you don't act uncomfortable, we won't be uncomfortable.  My final fix is for the facility itself.  The ladies restroom stall doors can be "locked" but opened with a slight push.  Which I unfortunately found out when someone thought I might be a little lonely in my stall at intermission.  

Bare is, most of all, about love, conveying the power of a lyric most are familiar with from the musical Les Miserables, "To love another person is to see the face of God."  Bare teaches us to love, to hope, to know that God creates each of us with purpose.  

Please see Bare.*  Please remember what you felt at your most vulnerable, that rawness, that fear, that wonderment.  Look at each person you pass today knowing they have felt those things too and love them a little more out of understanding if nothing else.  You can find details about the show, which runs through January 31, here.  

*Content Advisory*  - This show would have a hard "R" rating if it were a movie.  Those sensitive to non-family friendly entertainment or easily offended should not see Bare.  However, if you have a close friend or family member who has struggled with accepting their sexuality, I think this show might help you understand a little more.    

Spring Awakening: Midvale Main Street Theatre

Winter is a dreary, lonely few months at the beginning of every year.  Sometimes we feel an ache, knowing there is more out there for us in the sunshine of spring.  Our senses are teased and titillated with the changing sights, smells, sounds, and sensations the change of seasons brings.  Take yourself back to the days of your adolescence around the time your body began to feel things it had never felt, your mind began to dream of things you didn't understand, and you started feeling desires to be in the companionship of a certain girl or boy in a way you didn't quite understand.  The winter of the body had turned into spring.

Spring Awakening, being produced at Midvale Main Street Theatre, is an aptly named rock musical based on the banned 1891 German play of the same title.  Child abuse, rape, suicide, incest, abortion, and homosexuality are all contributors to the banning of the play and the deep substance of the production.  Set in 19th-century Germany, one may think the time-period's approach to a sexual awakening of youth to be antiquated, but it is alarmingly frightening how true the show resonates with the youth of today.

For more of this review, please visit Front Row Reviewers.

Shrek: The Empress Theatre

I recently reviewed Shrek the Musical at the Empress Theatre for Front Row Reviewers Utah.

Have you ever wished that someone would get to know you before judging you? Have you ever wished you had a chance to show someone who you are inside?  Shrek the Musical at The Empress Theatre in Magna is one of those stories that everyone can relate to – the exterior is exuberant characters and jokes, while the interior shows us that the very best parts of us are those that make us different.

If you'd like to read more, please do so here.

Grace: Utah Repertory Theater Company

Grace is the story of, in the words of playwright Craig Wright, "A man who believes God is on his side coming face to face with the fact that that just isn't true.  Disastrous consequences ensue."  Throughout the performance, we clearly see how the male characters let their pasts define who they are and somehow feel restrictions - whether condemnation or elation, from a higher power, be that God or not.  We also see a theme of how we let man's damages leave their mark on us, viewing all the man-imposed standards of good as right.  But who is to say how God's true divinity in our lives really manifests?

Utah Repertory Theater Company's performance of Grace perfectly demonstrates everything that is wrong with Christianity in the character of Steve, performed with crazy-eyed furiosity by Johnny Hebda.   What are the two biggest things you think of when you think of Christianity gone wrong in the state of Utah?  Did pushy sales people and overzealous, relentlessly forced conversion tactics cross your mind?  I giggled a little when I wrote down, "Jesus freak," in my notes, only to have another character refer to him as that exact thing not even ten minutes later. 

In perfect contrast to Steve's warped view of his self-created divinity, Emilie Eileen Starr as Sara is a gentle example of what is truly divine through unconditional love.  Her motives are not purely based on trying to convert or sell something to anything that breathes.  Sara wants everyone to feel love in their lives, a theme a well-loved blockbuster musical has made familiar - "To love another person is to see the face of God."  She knows this and feels this.  Steve is as far removed from this reality as they come - only capable of loving those who believe exactly as he believes. 

Shortly after we are introduced to Steve and Sara, we meet elderly Karl, the exterminator at the apartment complex, played with crotchety vivaciousness by Jeffrey Owen.  I was shocked to see his photo and realize he is actually quite youthful.  His character brings humor, as well as that established feeling of an apartment complex with people from all walks of life - that history you want to feel well-rounded as a people. 

Jayc Stoddard as Sam, our scarred NASA employee, has a storyline that shows us how life can change in an instant, as well as his demeanor.  The audience sees how this gentle, loving, successful man before his accident, has turned into a scornful recluse.  His attitude often switches from viscious to remorseful in the snap of a finger, but the way Stoddard plays this character makes this make sense.  You see how he's let darkness into his life and always immediately realizes where there could be light.  Utah audiences need to know that Sam's exclamation of choice is the notorious "F word," which he begins to correct himself on throughout the show - another exemplification of how his life becomes more and more light through the influence of the good (Sara) around him. 

I previously mentioned the aging of Jeffrey Owen into elderly Karl. Kelly Donahue brings to life her wonderful makeup design. The scars on the face of Sam, the scene-by-scene spreading rashes of Steve, and the aging of Karl were all beautifully created.

Speaking of beautiful creations, the stage direction of the show really struck a chord with me.  Every actor occupies the same space on stage, representing several actual spaces.  In the Director's notes, we see this perfectly explained through one of Sara's lines, "We're here together.  The idea that we're not all in any way somehow here for each other but just somehow beside each other is just stupid."  We are all here together, occupying the same space.

Another creation in the stage direction I particularly enjoyed is the use of the "replay."  In life, we are always asking ourselves, "What if I could go back?"  But you can't go back in life, you can't change what has already happened.  The replays in this production demonstrate the inability to change the past.

In regards to the set and other technical aspects of the show, with a four-man show in a space that only seats 90, there isn't much required.  No microphones were used, which I always prefer, as the actors natural cantor and intonation is better than anything electronic and prevents the ridiculous feedback problems that plague Utah theater.  The background Christian music was a nice effect between scenes, as the scene changes felt long, but when you realize the actors were changing wardrobes, hair, and makeup within those 60-seconds, you quickly forgive the time.  I also loved the slight hum and sound of water running as background, making me feel as if I were near a coast in Florida - unfortunately I was duped because the show ended and I realized it was the hum of the utilities in the building, so I guess I can't give Utah Rep credit for that choice.

Grace is a show that will make you think.  There are no bright and happy musical numbers, no elaborate and colorful sets, but there are characters and themes that will encourage you to contemplate your situation in life and your choices for light and happiness therein.  I highly recommend this show, however, if you are even slightly offended by harsh language, I would suggest you stay away from this production.  For those who attend, you will be touched.

You can catch the final two performances of Grace for $15 at Sugar Space this Saturday May 10 at 2pm and 7:30pm.  You can purchase tickets here. 

Twelve Angry Jurors: Midvale Arts Council

"...You've listened to a long and complex case, murder in the first degree. Premeditated murder is the most serious charge tried in our criminal courts. You've listened to the testimony, you've had the law read to you and interpreted as it applies in this case, it's now your duty to sit down and try to separate the facts from the fancy. One man is dead, another man's life is at stake, if there's a reasonable doubt in your minds as to the guilt of the accused... then you must bring me a verdict of "Not Guilty". If, however, there's no reasonable doubt, then you must, in good conscience, find the accused "Guilty". However you decide, your verdict must be unanimous. In the event that you find the accused "Guilty", the bench will not entertain a recommendation for mercy. The death sentence is mandatory in this case. You're faced with a grave responsibility, thank you, gentlemen."

 And so the audience is introduced to what they will witness in the following hour plus a few minutes of deliberation amongst twelve jurors.  This show is adapted from Twelve Angry Men to accommodate the inclusion of both men and women.  I've seen both versions and it bothers me that angry men are seen as passionate, while angry women are more often seen as wenches.  Throughout this production, you see that in spite of the stubbornness and preconceived notions of the jurors, they are all somewhat open-minded to possibilities that life exists beyond their prejudices.  

To read the remainder of this review, go here. 

Photo Courtesy of www.midvalearts.com

Reviewing Shows vs Previewing Shows

More than reviewing shows in Utah, I love to preview them.  

Sometimes an outside set of eyes sees something that a person heavily involved in the show doesn't see after two months of daily rehearsals.

I've been asked to review several shows and I have a blast thinking that someone out there may value my opinion. 

However, I've also been asked to see a couple of shows a week or two before they open.  Why?  To share my feedback on what is or isn't working.  I love this so much more than reviewing.

Previewing a show is certainly more entertaining in it's own right, but not for value of the show.  I like to see how hard people are working and the human side of the actors.  Most of all, I like knowing that what I have to share with them can actually make a difference in the quality of the show.  We all love reviews when they are good.  What about when they are bad?  The worst feeling for me is when I have something negative to say about a show and I know it could have been fixed prior to the show opening.  How can you give constructive criticism when all of the construction is already finished?

I'm not an expert, let me be clear on that.  I think my lack of "being an expert" is just what makes my observations poignant.  How many people seeing community theater in Utah are experts?  How many people are folks who know a thing or two about theater and simply enjoy the show?  I have quite a lengthy list of experiences both on and off the stage for over 20 years and I have seen over 100 Broadway productions in New York City - this doesn't make me an expert, but it sure does give me an eye for a good performance. 

I love reviewing shows, however, if anyone out there ever wants another pair of eyes at any point in the rehearsal process, I'd love to come and give my two cents.  I love making a difference.

Photo courtesy of: http://www.centuryvillagecondoforsale.com/theater-and-entertainment/

 

Bonnie and Clyde: Utah Repertory Theater Company

I'm sure when you think of "musical," Bonnie and Clyde is not exactly the storyline that comes to mind.  But let me tell you what - Utah Repertory Theater's production of Bonnie and Clyde, as strange a concept as that is, sparked my interest in the actual historic events of Bonnie and Clyde to the extent that I spent several hours researching the story.

I wanted to know the truth or not-truth of these seemingly unbelievable events.  Was I ever surprised!  Creative liberties aside, the musical did a pretty good job conveying some of the parts about which I thought, "That couldn't be true."  Did you know Bonnie was a poet and predicted her own demise?  I found this all surprising because (I am guessing that most people of my generation and younger are in the same boat as me) I have never seen the classic film starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. 

For those not familiar with this infamous duo, we can sum up the story to say they were two 1930s southern outlaws in love, leading a murderous crime spree which ended in their gruesome deaths.

I had a little bit of difficulty finding Lehi Arts Center, where the production is housed, simply because my AppleMaps decided to take me on an adventure.  I showed up 6 minutes late, but Utah Rep caters towards Utah audiences who are preternaturally late, and I ended up being seated without being rude.

I immediately noticed the decor.  I absolutely fell in love with what they did with the space.  Each character is based off of an actual historical figure, which means we have photographs of the people involved.  The production company decided to recreate scenes and costumes to match existing photographs, then placed the actual character photo next to the cast member's photo.   To match this theme, at the conclusion of the show, they showed actual footage of the final ambush of Bonnie and Clyde.

The set is solid and perfect for the show, including a car they move on and off the stage through the set.  I'm not sure how the accomplished such a feat in the prohibitive venue, but it absolutely works thanks to the design of Steve Twede.  You will see the live accompaniment group off to the side, for which I say, "Kudos" to the director, Anjanette Mickelsen - she was paying very close attention to the actors on stage and spot-on with cues.

We first meet Bonnie and Clyde as adorable youth (Abigail Parkinson and Kimball Bradford), one with a dream to be a star, the other with a dream of becoming an outlaw.   The introductory song transitions into seeing the duo in adulthood shortly before they meet each other. Cue the entrance of the absolutely mesmerizing Madeline Weinberger as Bonnie Parker.  Can I say she was sheer perfection?  She alone is worth the price of admission.  I could not find a flaw with anything - her acting, her singing, and her movement were all exact.  Everything about her performance lead me to wonder what on earth this talent is doing on a stage in Utah County instead of in New York City.  Johnny Hebda as Clyde is a talented man with a wide range in acting and a lovely voice, but the role, for me, simply was not a fit in vocal range and the rough-and-tumble persona required to convince the audience he is murderous outlaw Clyde Barrow.

Buck Barrow, Clyde's brother, is the next character we meet after he has busted out of jail.  Of course the ladies then burst into a musical number about how he needs to go back to jail.  This is the part of the show you will find yourself giggling and smiling the most, as the women are in a beauty shop and bossing this fugitive around...you just have to see it, it was great comic relief.  I think it was around this time that there was an absolutely hilarious scene where a deputy tries to seduce one of the women with his gun and she is falling for it.  However, this side-action upstaged the dialogue of the main characters to the extent that the entire audience was laughing and we couldn't even hear the conversational exchange.  I hope I didn't miss anything important.

Throughout the production we meet many more characters, all of whom are integral to the action and ultimate demise of Bonnie and Clyde.  All of the actors and actresses lived up to my expectations for what I have come to know of Utah Rep. I was impressed with Christopher Bradford's vocal manipulation to have this soulful, gravelly voice as the minister.  He later sings in a more classical musical theater style, both of which are impressive.  I also appreciated the character of Blanche Barrow, Buck's wife, portrayed by Michelle Moore the night I attended, but Twyla Wilson on others.  She has some sassy lines which surprise you from what you can tell is supposed to be the straight-man character.  

But can I tell you who really won my heart?  Dallin Major as Ted Hinton, a man who played a large part in the final ambush of our outlaws.  Major convincingly portrayed a love-struck lawman torn between what he knew about a young girl and the reality of the law in front of him and he did it all while singing the sweetest melodic tones your eardrums could ever wish to hear.  I hope my company for the evening is alright with me confessing on her behalf that she said emphatically after the show, "His voice changed my life!"

I have to give shout-outs to several of the ensemble members.  Kira Knorr has an absolutely angelic voice -  we heard her soprano as she was walking through the aisles next to us. Cara Baker as the bank teller may have only had a few lines, but she delivered them with great characterization and panache.  Few actors can develop a character like hers in such a brief moment.

Towards the end of the show, if you've absorbed the awesomeness of the cast recreation photos aformentioned, then you will notice what a brilliant job the costume designer did in recreating one of the Bonnie's actual outfits.  I seriously couldn't get enough of this- I kept looking at the stage, then looking at the poster on the wall, then looking at the stage.  Well done, Nancy Susan Cannon. 

One word of advice for Utah audiences - know the show you are going to see!  I cannot tell you how many times I have seen audience members walk out of a production because of an inappropriate word or joke or scene, and this show was no exception.  My question is, "Why were you there if there was what you consider to be questionable material?"  Bonnie and Clyde were outlaws in love - they slept together, they swore, they killed.  If you are not prepared to see a show that contains that kind of content, then this is not the show for you.  That being said, the show would be rated a soft PG-13 if it were a movie.  Utah Rep has a content advisory on their website for the show listing the possible offenses you can check out here if you are wondering.   Also, be advised there are simulated gunshots in this production and the are loud...very, very loud. 

If you are interested in seeing a different kind of musical that has never been produced in Utah and has only been produced nine times since closing on Broadway, then you definitely need to see Utah Repertory Theater's production of Bonnie and Clyde at the Lehi Arts Center.  You will be thrilled to find yourself in an intimate setting surrounded by a marvelous level of talent and absolutely enthralled with the story.  Be prepared to carve out some extra time for yourself to go home and do a little more digging on the truth of Bonnie and Clyde's lives, I know I absolutely couldn't resist.  In fact, if you are at all thinking about seeing this show, you will be making a huge mistake if you don't go.


Bonnie and Clyde plays January 17 – Feb 1 2014 at the Lehi Arts Center, 685 N. Center Street, Lehi with performances Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and matinees at 2:00 p.m.  The show runs approximately 2 hrs. and 45 min.  Tickets are $15-$18 and you can purchase them here.


Lead Cast and Production Team:
Madeline Weinberger - Bonnie Parker
Johnny Hebda - Clyde Barrow
Michelle Moore and Twyla Wilson - Blanche Barrow
Johnn Wilson - Buck Barrow
Dallin Major - Ted Hinton
Christopher Bradford - Preacher
Cara Baker - Bank Teller
Kimball Bradford - Young Clyde
Abigail Parkinson - Young Bonnie
Adam Cannon - Director
Anjanette Mickelsen - Music Director
Ashley Ramsey - Choreographer
JC Carter - Producer
Annie Brantley - Stage Manager
Nancy Susan Cannon - Custume Designer
Kelly Donahue - Makeup and Hair Designer
Steve Twede - Set Designer