“Dial Tones” impresses and inspires

PROVO — Often, when I walk into a small theatre to see a new work, written and directed by local artists, I have two thoughts. I hope that this will be the show to remind me that there are talented artists living all around me who can put real effort and thought into new work. [...]

A little, happy production of “Little Happy Secrets”

CEDAR CITY — I’ll start by stating my prejudices. I am lucky to count the playwright, Melissa Leilani Larson as a friend. Beyond that, I am a great admirer of her work. Further still, Little Happy Secrets has been dear to me since I first listened to it on iTunes more than a year ago. [...]

“Black Comedy” Lights Up the Stage at Pioneer

SALT LAKE CITY — Black Comedy begins in total darkness—and then the lights go out.

The Nerd: Old-Fashioned Comedy at an Old-Fashioned Theatre

MAGNA — Attending a performance at The Empress Theatre in Magna is a treat.  The town is really not as far as you might think, and there is a sense of nostalgia entering the old theatre.  Once inside, the people and performances really remind you of what community theatre is supposed to be.  It is [...]

Not Your Mother’s “Oklahoma!”

OREM – Ho-hum. Another opening of another Oklahoma! Curly ambles down the auditorium’s aisles and onto the stage rhapsodizing about “a bright, golden haze on the meadow”—

Peter Pan twinkles at BYU

PROVO — BYU is currently presenting Peter Pan, a musical based on the play by James M. Barrie.  Since 1904, audiences have been enjoying the story of the boy who would never grow up.

“Menagerie” should be savored and enjoyed

SALT LAKE CITY — March 26, 2011 marks the 100th anniversary of Tennessee Williams’ birth.  Salt Lake Community College’s The Grand Theatre is commemorating this by presenting The Glass Menagerie, Williams’ first major success.  The play is said to be based loosely on Williams’ life with the main characters being based on himself, his mother [...]

“The Foreigner” Doesn’t Fail to Entertain

OREM — The Foreigner at the Hale Center Theatre Orem, like many shows in this venue, is a delightful production. I had a few expectations for the piece given my familiarity with it, and I was pleased when these expectations were met and even exceeded at points.

Desert Star could do more with “Back FROM the Future”

MURRAY — Teenage everyman Marvin McFlea had a crush on Miley Cyrus. His course of action was obvious: Steal a time machine, go back in time, and make your dad a superstar musician. Then surely you will be dating her in the future! There must be easier ways to get a Hollywood floozy to fall [...]

“Emperor’s New Clothes” Reigns Supreme

SALT LAKE CITY — Japanese lanterns, cherry blossoms and brightly colored floors and walls welcomed the audience into the small, surround seating at the Children’s Theater in Salt Lake. The theater also came with the buzz of surround sound as children excitedly chattered in their seats. Surprisingly, however, the audience quieted down as the director [...]