Sense and Sensibility at Parker Theatre

Last night I spent a delightful evening in Regency England with Parker Theatre's original adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. The death of their father leaves Elinor and Marianne Dashwood (Jasmine Hohl and Isabelle Purdie, respectively) in reduced circumstances so they have no other option but to seek advantageous marriages. The sensible and reserved Elinor silently pines for Edward Ferrars (Truman Schipper), who is expected to marry well by his mother, while the passionate Marianne is swept up, literally, in a romance with the dashing John Willoughby (Spencer Hohl), who needs a wealthy wife after he is cut off by his family for his indiscretions. Both sisters ultimately find happiness when they balance reason with emotion. Elinor finally reveals her feelings to Edward when he is free to propose and Marianne finds the value in real love, rather than impetuous infatuation, with Colonel Brandon (Jordan Palmer). I didn't especially like the adaptation I saw at the Utah Shakespeare Festival several years ago because it made too many changes to the source material but, even though this version also takes a few liberties, I think it remains true to the spirit of the novel and I really enjoyed it. I especially loved the addition of several scenes that show the juxtaposition between Colonel Brandon and Willoughby more fully. I was impressed with the entire cast but the standout for me was Hohl because her Elinor has a very dramatic transformation and the scene where she finally reveals her heartbreak over Edward's engagement to Lucy Steele (Maryn Tueller) is incredibly charged and gave me goosebumps. A lot of the performances are informed by the characterizations in 1995 movie and I laughed out loud at Brian Douros as the overly exuberant Sir John Middleton, Rowena Greenwood as the busybody Mrs. Jennings, Nick Mathews as the disdainful Mr. Palmer, Daniel Summerstay as the clueless John Dashwood (the way the servants continually ignore him is a funny running bit), and Josh Augenstein as the obnoxious Robert Ferrars (his dancing at the ball is absolutely hilarious). I love the way this show is staged with large moving panels that are configured and reconfigured to become various locations and set pieces that are brought on and off stage very efficiently by the ensemble who are costumed as servants. The projections are atmospheric and immersive but they are very muted and I wish that they had been more vibrant. Finally, the period costumes are beautiful (I love the Regency silhouette) with lots of opulent and embellished fabrics (my favorite costume was a gown worn by Elinor with with a row of embroidered flowers down the front of the skirt). Jane Austen is always a good idea so I highly recommend getting a ticket to this show (go here). It runs on Fridays and Saturdays through March 7.

Beetlejuice Jr. at the Empress Theatre

I went to see Beetlejuice Jr. at the Empress Theatre last night and I was so impressed by this clever and energetic production. Beetlejuice (Brittain Heywood) is a lonely demon who is tired of being invisible but, in order to be seen, he needs someone who is alive to say his name three times. He enlists the help of Barbara and Adam Maitland (Mary Layton and Donnie Hankammer), a recently deceased but very mild-mannered couple, and convinces them to haunt their former house which is now owned by Charles Deetz (Carson Hardle) and his daughter Lydia (Gweny Adams). However, Lydia, who is still mourning the recent loss of her mother, is herself quite strange and unusual so she is able to see the Maitlands and Beetlejuice. Chaos ensues when Lydia uses the Maitlands to stop her father from replacing her mother with her life coach Delia (Alice Lopez), when she tricks Beetlejuice in order to get to the Netherworld to find her mother, and when Beetlejuice uses her to bring him back to life. What I loved most about seeing the Broadway touring production of this show is the dazzling special effects and the elaborate sets. I was not expecting the same over-the-top production design at a small community theatre but I was very pleasantly surprised by how well the staging, choreography, costumes, and lighting design enhance the minimal set and immerse the audience is this quirky world. The lighting is particularly effective in the Netherworld scenes and all of the iconic costumes are fantastic. There are even a few fun effects used in the show (I loved the appearance of a sandworm and a shrinker). The talented young cast is also a highlight. The leads are all incredibly confident with tremendous stage presence and this really sells all of their performances, especially Heywood's spirited and entertaining renditions of "The Whole 'Being Dead' Thing," "Say My Name," and "That Beautiful Sound" as well as Adams's emotional versions of "Dead Mom" and "Home" (my favorite songs in the show). The members of the large ensemble do a great job with the dynamic choreography and they are so much fun to watch because they all have wide smiles on their faces and are clearly having a great time performing! Their energy is infectious and I thoroughly enjoyed all of the big musical numbers! This is a great show for the whole family with a surprisingly poignant message about self-acceptance and I highly recommend getting a ticket (go here). It runs at the Empress Theatre on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through February 7.

Note:  The Empress Theatre very graciously provided me with tickets so I was once again able to bring my sister to this show. She loved it and is becoming more and more impressed with this theatre!

See How They Run at CPT

I played Miss Skillon in See How They Run when I was in high school so I always love seeing a performance of this hilarious play. I went to a production at CPT last night with my sisters and it was so much fun and incredibly nostalgic. The action takes place in the vicarage of a village called Merton-cum-Middlewick during World War II. Clive (Dylan Padilla), an American soldier stationed in England, visits his old friend Penelope (Jordan Clark) who is now married to the Rev. Lionel Toop (Scott Butler). Ida (Jenni Cooper), her cockney maid who loves American movies, is flustered by his arrival but Miss Skillon (Holly Reid), a meddling spinster who is in love with Rev. Toop, is convinced that Penelope is having an affair with him.  Penelope suggests that Clive wear the Rev. Toop's second best suit and clerical collar so that they can dodge army regulations and see a play together.  Mayhem ensues when Miss Skillon sees something that she shouldn't and imbibes too much cooking sherry, when Penelope's sedate uncle the Bishop of Lax (Randon Jensen) arrives unexpectedly, when the mild-mannered Rev. Arthur Humphries  (David Johnson) arrives early for the service on Sunday, and when an escaped German POW (Blake London) attacks Rev. Toop in order to steal his clothes. The action is incredibly fast-paced and you almost can't catch your breath in between fits of laughter at the absurd goings-on! At one point, there are five men in clerical garb chasing each other through the garden and into the house and it is so funny when they jump over a prostrate Miss Skillon but it is even funnier when they continue to jump over her even when she is no longer there (I was always afraid that they wouldn't jump in time when I was the one laying on the floor). There are also some amusing scenes involving several characters who hide in a cupboard, including an inebriated Miss Skillon (these were my favorite scenes to play because I always tried to come up with funny poses to get the other actors to break character), multiple cases of mistaken identity, a misplaced uniform, and a bumbling inspector (Zar Hayes) who accidentally apprehends the German POW. The entire cast is outstanding and they do a great job with all of the madcap physical comedy.  Butler, Jensen, and Reid are especially fun to watch as their characters become more and more exasperated, outraged, and outrageous, respectively. I loved the elaborate set, especially the doors leading out to the garden with views of the church and the aforementioned cupboard, as well as the period costumes.  Seeing this show brought back so many wonderful memories (I am surprised by how many of Miss Skillon's lines I remembered) and I loved every minute! I highly recommend getting a ticket (go here) to a performance on the Mountain America Main Stage through February 26.

A Beautiful Noise at the Eccles

Last night I went to the Broadway touring production of A Beautiful Noise at the Eccles Theatre and, even though I am only a casual fan of Neil Diamond, I really loved it! This is a jukebox musical based on the life and music of Neil Diamond and it uses the framing device of having the present day Neil (Robert Westenberg), who has retired from performing, attend a therapy session at the behest of his wife. He struggles to talk about himself so his doctor (Lisa Renee Pitts) brings out her second-hand copy of The Complete Lyrics of Neil Diamond and has him react to some of his lyrics in order to get him to open up ("A Beautiful Noise"). His songs prompt him to relive key moments from his life as the younger Neil (Nick Fradiani) performs them, including his work as a songwriter for other artists ("I'm a Believer"), his early days as a performer ("Solitary Man" and "Cracklin' Rosie"), his battle with depression ("Song Sung Blue"), his guilt over an affair ("Cherry, Cherry" and "September Morn'"), the end of his first marriage ("Love on the Rocks"), the pressure for him to continue writing hits ("Hello" and "Sweet Caroline"), his life on the road ("Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show"), the price of fame on his relationships ("Play Me" and "Forever in Blue Jeans"), and the end of his second marriage ("You Don't Bring Me Flowers"). He is forced to reconcile the trauma of a lonely childhood as the son of immigrants ("Brooklyn Roads," "America," and "Shilo") and accept that his diagnosis with Parkinson's disease has ended his career ("I am...I  Said") before he is able to express gratitude for his extraordinary life ("Holly Holy"). I really enjoyed the structure because, just like with The Four Seasons in Jersey Boys, Diamond's music was informed by what was happening in his life at the time (both musicals were produced by Bob Gaudio) so it is very effective in driving the narrative forward. The music is amazing and elicited a lot of audience participation, particularly during "Sweet Caroline."  I love the songs "Love on the Rocks" and "Holly Holy" but I was surprised by how many other songs I remembered and I had to try really hard not to sing along. The staging is very clever because the ensemble performs as a group called The Noise who appear as background singers and dancers for the young Neil and as the noise inside the present day Neil's head. The way that both of the Neils interact with each other is very powerful, especially during a highly emotional performance of "I Am... I Said," and so is the interaction between Jaye (Tiffany Tatreau) and Marcia (Mary Page Nance) during "Forever in Blue Jeans" because it is as if the first wife is warning the second one about what will eventually happen. Fradiani is amazing in the lead role because, even though he sounds so much like Neil Diamond that it is almost uncanny, he is still able to differentiate his performance enough that it is not merely a rote impersonation. He has tremendous charisma as a performer and you cannot take your eyes off him during the big production numbers in Act II (the sequins may also have something to do with it) but I think his simple acoustic version of "Solitary Man" with just him on the guitar is even more compelling. This is a thoroughly entertaining show and a must-see for fans of Neil Diamond! There are five more performances at the Eccles Theatre (go here for tickets) and I highly recommend it.

Forever Plaid at The Ruth

Last night I went to see Forever Plaid at The Ruth and it is both heartwarming and incredibly entertaining.  On February 9, 1961, Smudge (Chase Petersen), Jinx (Andrew Walker), Sparky (Isaac Moss), and Frankie (Carter McEwan), the members of a four-part harmony group called Forever Plaid, are killed on their way to their very first paying gig at the Airport Hilton cocktail lounge.  However, they are given the opportunity to come back and perform the show they never got to do in life.  Their setlist is incredibly nostalgic (the older gentleman sitting next to me knew the words to every single song) and includes "Three Coins in the Fountain," "Gotta Be This or That," "Moments to Remember," "Crazy 'Bout Ya Baby," "No, Not Much," "Perfidia," "Cry," "Catch a Falling Star," "Heart and Soul," "Scotland the Brave," "Shangri-La," "Rags to Riches," and "Love is a Many Splendored Thing."  My favorite numbers were "Sixteen Tons" which is hilarious and "Lady of Spain" because they recreate all of the famous acts from the Ed Sullivan Show in three minutes (I laughed out loud when one of them pretends to be a seal balancing a ball on his nose).  I also really loved a medley of songs highlighting what they are able to perform at your private function (they even handed out business cards to members of the audience).  The four of them harmonize beautifully and their vocal performance is definitely the highlight of the show but, in between the musical numbers, there is a lot of funny banter about meeting in their high school's audio-visual club, practicing in the back room of a plumbing supply store, and dealing with their individual idiosyncrasies (the show is interrupted by a nose bleed at one point). The elaborate, and often amusing, choreography is a lot of fun to watch and I especially loved the use of plungers in "Crazy 'Bout Ya Baby" and Sparky's flamboyant kicks in "Perfidia."  The minimal set is dominated by light panels, in a checkerboard pattern on the floor and in circles of different sizes on the backdrop, which change color throughout the show (I loved the plaid pattern on the floor during "Scotland the Brave").  There is also a large platform for the piano (played by Anne Puzey) and bass (played by Mathieu Foley) as well as smaller ones used for solo performances.  The costumes include white dinner jackets during Act I and then they are ceremonially awarded the plaid tuxedos that they were to have worn during their original concert in Act II.  This is a feel-good show that is sure to put a smile on your face and I recommend getting a ticket (go here) to one of the performances in the Lindsay Legacy Theatre through March 28.

Note:  Forever Plaid was the first show I saw at the brand new Hale Theatre.

Peter Pan Goes Wrong at HCT

Last night I had my first theatre trip of 2026 to see Peter Pan Goes Wrong at HCT and I definitely picked a good show to start the year with because it is absolutely hilarious! The Cornley Drama Society is back and, this time, Chris (Roger Dunbar) is directing the family classic Peter Pan with a significantly larger budget due to a generous donation. He is also playing Mr. Darling and Captain Hook with Robert (Taylor Seth Hall) as Nana, the Shadow, and a Pirate, Max (Doug Wadley) as Michael Darling and the Crocodile, Sandra (Corinne Adair) as Wendy Darling, Dennis (Ethan Freestone) as John Darling, Annie (Jillian Joy) as Mrs. Darling, Liza the Maid, and Tinkerbell, Jonathan (Davey Morrison) as Peter Pan, Lucy (Ali Bennett) as the Lost Boy Tootles, and Francis (Alex B. King) as the Narrator. Trevor (Langi Tuifua) is back as a Stagehand and he is assisted by Gill (Chad Brown). Mayhem ensues because Chris gets flustered whenever Captain Hook is booed by the audience, Sandra and Jonathan are dating but Max (who was only cast because his uncle made the large donation) has a crush on her and wants to play Peter Pan so he can kiss her, Annie must play two characters in the same scene and doesn't have enough time to change costumes, Dennis can't remember his lines so he has them read to him through large headphones that beep when used, Lucy suffers from stage fright and must be forced on stage, and Trevor must go on as Peter Pan (with script in hand) when Jonathan is injured in a flying mishap. However, after everyone else is incapacitated, it is up to Lucy to finish the show! The entire cast is fantastic and they are brilliant with the physical comedy, especially when Peter Pan spins upside down while flying, when Wendy, John, and Michael have to pretend to fly, when the Shadow's costume catches fire and Gill has to extinguish it, when Nana gets stuck in the doggy door, when Tinkerbell is electrocuted by her light-up costume (which requires an extension cord), when Lucy is injured by a falling tree, and when the Narrator's chair malfunctions. My favorite performances were from Wadley because his facial expressions are so fun to watch, especially when Max's crush on Sandra is accidentally revealed by a hot mic backstage, and from Freestone because his monotone delivery is a hoot when he repeats all of the stage directions (and other miscellaneous comments said by his prompter backstage) along with his lines. The set is so good because it falls apart so spectacularly, most notably the bunk beds that collapse while the children are in them, the pirate ship that rocks back and forth, and the turntable that spins out of control while the cast holds on for dear life! I don't think I stopped laughing all night and I can't think of a better show to see to get rid of the winter blues (go here for tickets). It runs on the Sorenson Legacy Jewel Box Stage through May 9.

Note:  I would also highly recommend Frozen which continues on the Young Living Centre Stage through February 14 (go here for tickets).

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at the SCERA Center for the Performing Arts

Last night I went to see The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at the SCERA Center for the Arts and now I can say that I have seen just about every Christmas-themed show this holiday season (A Christmas Story, A Christmas Carol, White Christmas, and Elf The Musical). I had never seen this musical before and I thought it was really cute with great performances from its young cast! The Herdman kids, including Ralph (Symon Livingston), Imogene (Summer Olenik), Leroy (Tristan Bush), Claude (Jackson Seaver), Ollie (Desmond Tolman), and Gladys (Scout Olenik), have the reputation of being the worst kids in the world. Their father left them and their mother works several jobs so they are on their own most of the time and lie, swear, smoke, steal, and bully the other kids at school. The one place the other kids feel safe is at church because the Herdmans never attend. This changes when Charlie Bradley (Lewis Anderson) tells them that they serve snacks during Sunday School. The Herdmans show up looking for food on the day of auditions for the annual Christmas Pageant and Grace Bradley (Natalie Merrill), who has reluctantly taken over as director for the injured Helen Armstrong (Angela Bradford), allows them to participate. The Herdmans force the other kids to let them take the lead roles but, when they disrupt the rehearsals, Reverend Hopkins (Steve Winters) decides to cancel the pageant. Grace has a change of heart when she and her family deliver a Christmas basket from the church members to the Herdmans and she sees how much they appreciate it so the pageant goes forward. Ralph, as Joseph, and Imogene, as Mary, treat the baby Jesus with love and tenderness, Gladys, as the Angel, announces the birth with real fanfare, and Leroy, Claude, and Ollie, as the Wise Men, bring the baby Jesus real gifts of food from their Christmas basket instead of useless gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The church members are very moved by the more realistic portrayal of the Christmas story and declare it to be the best Christmas Pageant ever! I really loved the messages about acceptance, charity, and the true meaning of Christmas and the songs are a lot of fun, especially "Take My Lunch" as Charlie finally stands up to the Herdmans at school,"Problem" when Helen tells Grace that she is ruining her show, "My Mother Said" (to the tune of "Carol of the Bells") as Beth (Zoe Morris), Alice (Virginia Seaver), and Ivy (Olivia Bradford) argue over which of their mothers has the correct opinion about the way the pageant should be run, and "Die Herod Die!" when the Herdmans react with compassion to the harsh realities faced by the Holy Family. Everyone in the cast does an outstanding job, especially the young actors who play the Herdmans, but I really loved Anderson because he has a lovely voice as Charlie and Bradford because she is hilarious as the overbearing Helen. The stage is configured as a church with beautiful stained glass windows and simple set pieces for the lunchroom, the Bradley home, and the hospital are brought on and off stage by the ensemble. My favorite costumes are those worn by the kids during the pageant (the Wise Men are especially fun). This is absolutely delightful and I definitely recommend it but there are only two more opportunities to see it and tickets are going fast (go here).

Note:  This was my final show of 2025.  This year I was able to see 85 theatre productions and my favorites were the Broadway touring productions of Suffs and Life of Pi at the Eccles Theatre, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, Macbeth at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and Twelve Angry Men at HCT.

A Christmas Carol at HCT 2025

I was only planning on seeing one version of A Christmas Carol this year but, when I was offered a ticket to HCT's production as a thank you for being a loyal subscriber, I couldn't pass up the opportunity and I went to a matinee yesterday afternoon. I am really happy that I ended up going because this show has been one of my favorite Christmas traditions for a long time (almost 30 years) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. One of the things I really love about this adaptation is the inclusion of music sung by an octet (Brett Myers, Cannon Hadfield, Ryan Withers, Michael Von Forell, Hanna Schneck, Corinne Brown, Luana Parkes, and April Kerr) and other characters. My favorite songs are "Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella" by Fezziwig (Mark Brocksmith) and his party guests, "Greensleeves" by Belle (Koryn Sobel), and "Wassail, Wassail" by Fred (Josh Durfey) and his party guests. I like seeing actors reprise roles year after year, such as David Weeks who has been portraying Ebenezer Scrooge for 21 years, but I also like seeing new additions to the cast, including incredibly sensitive performances from Alex DeBirk as Bob Cratchit, Adrien Swenson as Mrs. Cratchit, and Dylan Hamilton Wright as Marley's Ghost. Because I have seen this show so many times, I eagerly anticipate all of my favorite scenes and lines of dialogue (I always joke that I could stand in for any role) but this year there are some additions and changes that I found very moving. I particularly loved the expanded role of Charles Dickens (Josh Durfey) who acts as the narrator because he adds more depth to Scrooge's transformation, the dramatic entrance of the Ghost of Christmas Present (Aioleoge Lesa) with lighting effects and the use of a scrim because it is very festive, and an interaction between Fred and Bob Cratchit and his family on the streets of London shown to Scrooge by the Ghost of Christmas Present because it is so touching. Finally, I am always impressed by the elaborate sets, especially the attention to detail with the ledgers and papers in Scrooge's counting house, the opulent fabrics and furnishings in his bed chamber, the beautiful Christmas decorations for Fred's party, and all of the items on the shelves in the rag and bottle shop, and I loved seeing all of the new (and gorgeous) period costumes. It was a lovely performance and, whether you have been going for years or will be experiencing it for the first time, I highly recommend getting a ticket (go here). It runs on the Sorenson Legacy Jewel Box Stage through December 27 with best availability for the matinees.

Note:  I would also recommend Frozen which continues on the Young Living Centre Stage through February 14 (go here for tickets).

Elf The Musical at Draper Historic Theatre

When my nephew was really young he absolutely loved the movie Elf so my sister and I decided to take him and our niece to see Elf The Musical at PTC. He was really fidgety before the show and we were prepared to leave if he got too disruptive but, once it started, he was completely enthralled. It was so much fun to watch him react to what was happening on stage and it is one of my favorite memories of him when he was little. He still really loves the movie so I thought it would be fun to take him to see the musical at the Draper Historic Theatre last night. I was really impressed with their version of The Addams Family so I thought we would both enjoy this. We did not. It seems harsh to be critical of a production at a community theatre because everyone involved is doing their best but I was really disappointed since I had talked it up to my nephew after my previous experience. I actually really loved the costumes, especially the ones worn by Santa and by the elves at the North Pole in the opening number, as well as the projections used for the backdrops, particularly those for Buddy's journey from the North Pole to NYC and for Santa's sleigh lifting off from Central Park. I also really liked Sebastian Long, as Michael, because he is the best actor in the whole show and his performances of "I'd Believe In You" and "There Is a Santa Claus" with Kellie Seiler, as Emily, were the highlights for me. My favorite numbers were "Happy All The Time" and "Sparklejollytwinklejingley" because the choreography is fun but many in the ensemble are either very expressionless and mechanical or so over the top that they pull focus from the scene (more on that later). My biggest issue was with the two leads, Gabriel Velez as Buddy and Sydney Trauba as Jovie. In every production I have seen of this musical, Buddy has always been portrayed with an innocent wide-eyed wonder and exuberance that is very heartwarming. Velez is obnoxious and I really disliked all of his screaming (so did my nephew who immediately commented on it during the drive home). He is supposed to be a naive fish out of water in NYC so the six-seven reference is out of character and used for a cheap laugh.  Trauba is extremely lifeless as Jovie (I found it difficult to distinguish her from the ensemble in many numbers) and she is not a strong singer (she struggled in "Never Fall in Love (With an Elf)"). Finally, a member of the ensemble had his fly down during "The Story of Buddy" and it was really noticeable (I heard lots of laughter from the audience). There were multiple opportunities for him to discreetly deal with this wardrobe malfunction as he was only a background character in the scene but he didn't and it is too bad because it distracted from the number. Sigh! I feel like a cotton-headed ninny muggins for my response to this production but I always try to be honest and would definitely not recommend it.

Note:  I have now seen a really good production and a bad one at this theatre. Clearly, I need to see one more for the tie-breaker!

White Christmas at Hopebox Theatre

Last night I went to see White Christmas at Hopebox Theatre and it was really nostalgic for me because the movie was one of my mom's favorites and we would always watch it this time of year! It is very heartwarming and I had a big smile on my face the whole time! Former soldiers Bob Wallace (Justin Lee) and Phil Davis (Jeff Erickson) have become popular Broadway stars after serving in World War II. When they meet the Haynes Sisters, Betty (Katherine Tietjen) and Judy (Sidney Brown), Phil tricks Bob into following them to Vermont, where they will be performing at the Columbia Inn over the Christmas holiday, because he and Judy want Bob and Betty to get together. When they arrive, they discover that their former commanding officer, General Waverly (Roland Tietjen), owns the Columbia Inn and that he is having financial difficulties due to the lack of snow. Wallace and Davis decide to bring their show to the Columbia Inn and invite the soldiers from their company to a performance on Christmas Eve. A busybody receptionist (Donna Bell) and a precocious granddaughter (Brooklyn Head) think they should be in show business, an overwrought stage manager (Scott Ostermiller) feuds with a taciturn employee (Daniel Pittam) of the inn, and misunderstandings cause love to go awry but the show and both couples eventually come together for a finale featuring the song "White Christmas." This is full of lots of big song and dance numbers and I was so impressed with the cast because they do a wonderful job! I especially loved the spectacular tap dancing in "Happy Holiday/ Let Yourself Go" and "I Love a Piano," the hilarious choreography in "Blue Skies" as the stage manager interrupts the rehearsal multiple times, and the lovely performance from Erickson and Brown in "The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing" (this was especially impressive because Brown had a major wardrobe malfunction and she didn't miss a beat even during the lifts). I also loved the number "Sisters," both when Tietjen and Brown perform it in Act I and when Lee and Erickson reprise it in Act II (they are hilarious), "Let Me Sing and I'm Happy," both when Bell belts it out in Act I and when Head steals the show with it in Act II, and "Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me/ How Deep Is the Ocean?" because it is such a tender moment between Tietjen and Lee (who sing it beautifully). Of course, the big moment comes when the cast (with help from the audience) sings a stirring rendition of "White Christmas" and the falling snow (on stage and in the audience) makes it absolutely magical! The set features a large curtain, used for scenes in various nightclubs, as well as backdrops for the barn, where the show is rehearsed and performed, and the lobby of the Columbia Inn. I was impressed with how quickly various set pieces are moved on and off stage by the ensemble and I loved the winter wonderland painted on the walls surrounding the theater. Finally, the costumes are fantastic! My favorites were the iconic blue dresses (and fans) and red velvet dresses worn by the Haynes sisters during "Sisters" and "White Christmas," respectively. This show is sure to put a smile on your face but it is also an incredibly worthwhile cause because, as part of the mission of the Hopebox Theatre,  all of the proceeds of every production go to support someone in the community who is battling cancer (go here to meet Julie Newton, the recipient for this show). I highly encourage everyone to get tickets (go here) for this touching show which continues through December 27.

Noises Off at PTC

The first time I saw Noises Off, it was a production at PTC nearly twenty years ago. I have since seen it multiple times (including two productions this year at CPT and Parker Theatre) but I love it and was thrilled to see a new version at PTC last night! It is an absolutely hilarious farce featuring a play-within-a-play called Nothing On starring Dotty Otley (Linda Mugleston) as Mrs. Clackett, Gary Lejeune (Rhett Guter) as Roger Templemain, Brooke Ashton (Olivia Kaufmann) as Vicki, Frederick Fellowes (Terence Archie) as Philip Brent and the Sheikh, Belinda Blair (Sarah Marie Joyce) as Flavia Brent, and Selsdon Mowbray (David Manis) as the Burglar. Lloyd Dallas (Robert Mammana) is the director, Tim Allgood (Kilty Reidy) is the stage manager, and Poppy Norton-Taylor (Avneet Kaur Sanhu) is the assistant stage manager (there is an amusing playbill for Nothing On inside the playbill for this show). Act I takes place during a disastrous dress rehearsal (or is is the technical?) involving the wrong props, a malfunctioning set, missed cues, an actor questioning his character's motivation, an increasingly exasperated director, and a sleep-deprived stage manager. Act II takes place backstage while the show is on tour and features the deteriorating relationships between the actors which results in mayhem as they fight with each other and attempt to sabotage each other's performances. Act III takes place at the end of the run during which Dotty has a complete meltdown on stage and Frederick has an accident backstage causing the rest of the cast to improvise while Brooke performs her lines and blocking as normal. This is such a funny play and this production is one of the best I've seen because I don't think I stopped laughing! There is not a weak link in the cast because they all have brilliant comedic timing and give outstanding physical performances at a frenetic pace, especially in extended sequences involving a lost contact lens, an ax, several bouquets of flowers, a mop and bucket, a telephone cord, sardines on the ground, and several understudies for the same character going on at once. However, I was particularly impressed with Archie, because he spends a good amount of time running around with his pants around his ankles and he becomes progressively more and more injured as the play goes on, and Guter, because he hops up the stairs backstage with his feet tied together and falls down the stairs on stage spectacularly! The two-story pastel-colored set is fantastic and the sheer number of doors (which are frequently slammed very dramatically) is impressive. I also loved the large window because it allows the audience to see what is happening on stage during Act II and backstage during Act III (which adds to the chaotic humor). I had a lot of fun watching this and highly recommend it to anyone who needs a laugh (and who doesn't?) this holiday season! It runs at PTC through December 20 (with matinees on Saturdays) and tickets may be purchased here.

A Christmas Carol at Parker Theatre 2025

Last year I saw five productions of A Christmas Carol and, honestly, it turned into a chore to get through all of them. This year I decided that I only wanted to see one so that I could really enjoy it (I also wanted to have more time to spend with my family) and I picked Parker Theatre's version because it is my favorite (it is so atmospheric and dramatic). I had the chance to see it last night and I think I made the right decision because I loved every minute of it! This tells the familiar story of how Ebenezer Scrooge (Mark Knowles) is redeemed after the ghost of his partner Jacob Marley (Stuart Mitchell) arranges for him to be visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past (Helene Parker), Present (David Hansen), and Future (Helene Parker). However, there are many original elements specific to this particular production that make it my favorite. I love that Marley is shown haunting Scrooge at their counting house and other locations before he appears to him in his bed chamber because it is so foreboding. I love that many of the characters Scrooge interacts with in the present, such as a poor child singing carols (Eloise Hohl), his nephew Fred (Truman Schipper), and his clerk Bob Cratchit (Chris Last), appear to him as if in a dream when he interacts with characters from his past, including his younger self (Tristan Curtis), his sister Fan (Samara Douros), and his employer Mr. Fezziwig (Jim Dale), respectively, to soften his heart because it gives depth and meaning to his eventual redemption. I love the romantic dance between the young Ebenezer (Spencer Hohl) and Belle (Isabelle Purdie) because it provides a sharp contrast to the later scene when she releases him from their betrothal. I also love how Scrooge learns the truth by opening his coffin in the cemetery because it is incredibly dramatic (especially when chains emerge from the coffin to claim him). The sets are much more minimal than other productions I've seen (Scrooge's counting house and bed chamber are the most elaborate) but I love the use of scrims, projections, fog, and atmospheric lighting and sound design to create an otherworldly mood. It was fun to see many in the cast reprise the same roles from previous productions and, while I loved every performance, I was most impressed by Knowles, because his gradual transformation from the bitter old miser at the beginning of the show to the more lighthearted character we see at the end is brilliantly conveyed through facial expressions and body language, and by Hansen, because I found his sudden change from a jolly spirit who brings the joy of the season to Scrooge to one who accuses him of ignoring his fellow man to be absolutely devastating (especially since his delivery is very quiet). Seeing A Christmas Carol has always been an important tradition for me and I am so glad that I picked this production to celebrate the season this year! I highly recommend getting a ticket (go here) for one of the performances on Fridays and Saturdays (or on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday during the final week) through December 24.

'Twas the Night Before at the Eccles

I really enjoyed the Cirque du Soleil shows that I have seen (Mystere and Love in Las Vegas) so I was excited to see their first ever Christmas show, 'Twas the Night Before, last night at the Eccles Theatre. As expected, it is a dazzling spectacle that is sure to give you a big dose of Christmas cheer! Isabella (Elodie Sanna) and her Father (William Borges) always read "A Visit From Saint Nicholas" by Clement C. Moore together but this year she feels that she has outgrown the tradition and even rejects the bicycle he gives her as a present. Then a winter storm separates them and they are transported by mischievous elves into a magical world inspired by the poem and brought to life by whimsical aerialists, jugglers, and acrobats. They are eventually reunited by Santa Claus (Chris Aguirre Aceituno) and his reindeer with a new sense of joy and wonder for the holiday. The stage features a glittering backdrop of tinsel and lights with a large ramp (which I thought would be used more) connecting an upper level to the main level. The show also includes really fun remixes of traditional Christmas songs (my favorite was "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" performed by a cello during an aerial routine) with choreography that is perfectly in sync with the beat. The performances are nothing short of amazing and there were multiple times when I wondered how the cast members were able to execute such impressive stunts (the audience broke out into spontaneous applause in the middle of almost every number). The highlight for me was when a group, including Shih-Rong Huang, Yi-Fang Chen, Yu-Hui Teng, and Shih-Wei Huang, toss illuminated diabolos, or spinning tops on wires, across the stage and into the audience because it looks so cool (I have no idea how they were able to catch them on the wires). I also loved seeing an aerialist (Victoria Baudry-McPherson) spin on a rotating hotel cart, a group of reindeer (Aaron Blomme, Esteban Masco, David Tanner, Lucas Costa De Souza, Mohamed Conte, Changzheng Xu, and Shane William Minerich) jump and perform somersaults through impossibly high rings, and Isabella balance on a moving bicycle. This show is not quite as immersive as the ones I have seen in Las Vegas (which are performed in the round) but it is a lot of fun and it is perfect for families during this holiday season. It runs at the Eccles Theatre through December 14 with multiple shows on Saturdays and Sundays (go here for tickets).

Pride and Prejudice at CPT

Last night I went with both of my sisters to see Pride and Prejudice on the second stage at CPT and we absolutely loved it! The novel by Jane Austen is one of my all-time favorites and I love this particular adaptation by Melissa Leilani Larson so I was already looking forward to it and this production exceeded my expectations! When Mr. Bingley (Austinn Le), a single man in possession of a fortune, lets Netherfield Hall, Mrs. Bennett (Marinda Maxfield) immediately sets her sights on him as a possible husband for one of her five daughters. Bingley falls in love with the beautiful Jane (Kassandra Torres) but her sister Elizabeth (Elizabeth Moulton) takes an immediate dislike to his friend Mr. Darcy (Garrett Stephenson) because he is so aloof and disdainful. Elizabeth must overcome her prejudice and Mr. Darcy must overcome his pride for them to realize that they belong together. One of the things I love most about the novel is that the characters are so well delineated and everyone in the cast is incredibly well-suited to their role. I especially enjoyed how uptight Rylan Benson is as Mary (her facial expressions are hilarious), how overwrought Maxfield is as Mrs. Bennett, how smitten Le is as Bingley, and how imperious Hazel Rowe is as Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Moulton and Stephenson have tremendous chemistry (which is interesting because Stephenson is usually in the THS cast), especially in the proposal scene when they are sparring back and forth because it is very emotionally charged and during their kiss at the end because it is definitely swoon-worthy. However, Tyler Roberts steals the show as Mr. Collins and I don't think I stopped laughing during the scene when he dances with Elizabeth at the Netherfield Ball. This adaptation is so good because, while it doesn't include everything from the novel, it captures its essence without sacrificing key moments and the use of letters between characters to advance the narrative is particularly effective. I love how the letters are staged in this show because the sender pantomimes what is happening as the recipient reads it aloud (this is especially well done with the letter Mr. Darcy sends Elizabeth after the proposal). The Regency costumes are beautiful (I loved all of the embellished fabrics and trims used in the gowns) and the way the characters add layers to differentiate their looks for different events is very clever. Finally, the set is incredible with lots of elaborate details. It includes a fireplace flanked by book shelves with a spiral staircase leading to a balcony on one side and marble pillars with large windows in between and a nook with a piano forte on the other. Large screens behind the set and on either side of the thrust stage show images that change to denote the various locations (I especially loved the ones used for Pemberley) and period furniture pieces are reconfigured for different scenes. I had so much fun seeing this with my sisters (who are also big fans of Jane Austen) and I would highly recommend it but, unfortunately, the entire run is sold out (with good reason). 

Note: You can still see CPT's production of A Christmas Story on the main stage through December 16 (go here for tickets).

Frozen at HCT

I have been looking forward to Frozen at HCT ever since the 2025 season was announced over a year ago! I finally had the chance to see it at a matinee yesterday and it is absolutely amazing (I think it is better than the Broadway touring production). Much like the movie, the musical begins with a young Elsa (Penny Hodson) and a young Anna (Bentley Nuila) building a snowman together. When Elsa accidentally freezes Anna with her mysterious powers, King Agnarr (Brock Dalgleish) and Queen Iduna (Breearna Mandla) tell her that she must hide herself away from Anna and the rest of Arendelle. However, after the King and Queen are lost at sea, Elsa (Jessica Hudson) must open the doors of the castle once again for her coronation. She loses control of herself, with devastating consequences, when Anna (Kelly Coombs) requests permission to marry Hans of the Southern Isles (Jon Rose) and then flees Arendelle. Anna follows her, hoping to save Arendelle from the endless winter, and is aided by Kristoff (Ethan Kelso), an ice harvester, Sven (Brae Anderson), his reindeer, and Olaf (BJ Whimpey), the snowman built by Elsa and Anna as young girls. Elsa fears that she is a monster but it is her ability to love that ultimately saves Anna and Arendelle. I loved Hudson's performance because Elsa's songs, "Dangerous to Dream," "Let It Go," and "Monster," are my favorites from the show and she sings them with so much emotion! Coombs is a perfect Anna and her versions of "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?," "For the First Time in Forever," "Love Is an Open Door' (with Rose), "What Do You Know About Love?, (with Kelso), and "I Can't Lose You," (with Hudson) have an appealing wide-eyed innocence and an amusing awkwardness that is so much fun to watch. The rest of the cast is also outstanding but I especially enjoyed Tanner Sumens as the Duke of Weselton and Ryland Despain as Oaken because they are both hilarious! The audience, which was filled with lots of children, loved Wimpey as Olaf and they cheered and laughed out loud at everything he did! I loved all of the special effects used in "Let It Go," particularly the dangling LED lights which look like falling snow, the projections that are synchronized to Elsa's movements, and the quick costume change (the two little girls sitting next to me were amazed by this). I also loved the staging of "Fixer Upper," because the puppets for Pabbie (portrayed by Ben Fonoimoana Tutor) and Bulda (portrayed by Janzell Luika Kim Tutor) are so cool and the choreography for the Hidden Folk is a lot of fun, and of "Colder By the Minute," because the way that Anna is frozen and then thawed is so clever. Speaking of puppets, the one for Sven is incredible! Most of the costumes, especially for Elsa, Anna, and the residents of Arendelle, are informed by the movie and are beautiful (I loved the embroidery).  Finally, the set pieces are pretty spectacular!  My favorites include the maypole used during the summer festival, the gates of the castle, the castle chapel used during the coronation, the bridge at the foot of the North Mountain, the vignettes used in Olaf's song "In Summer," and, of course, Elsa's ice palace (I loved the icicles that come up from the pit and down from the rafters). I can't say enough about this wonderful production and I highly recommend getting tickets for the whole family this holiday season (go here). It runs on the Young Living Centre Stage through January 31 with best availabilty for weekday matinees.

A Christmas Story at CPT

I think the musical A Christmas Story is really fun and the new production at CPT, which I was able to see last night, is so good it deserves a major award! It is one month to Christmas and Ralphie Parker (Sam Akerlow) desperately wants an official Red Ryder carbine action 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time. However, his Mother (Lindsey Stephens), his teacher Miss Shields (Abigail June Mathews), and even Santa Claus (Micah Young) all tell him that he will shoot his eye out despite all of his elaborate schemes to convince them. What I love most about this show is that all of the iconic scenes from the movie (which I love) are brought to life on stage, including when Randy (Danny Gallagher) eats like a piggy, when Schwartz (Atticus Bronson) triple dog dares Flick (Jack Stephens) to stick his tongue to the flag pole, when the Old Man (Andy Leger) wins a major award, when Ralphie says the F-dash-dash-dash world while helping the Old Man change a tire, when Ralphie gets into a fight with Scut Farkus (John Nelson Wakley), when Ralphie gets a bunny costume from Aunt Clara, and when one of the Bumpus Hounds (played by Annie, making her stage debut) eats the turkey. I looked forward to all of these scenes and I often found myself mouthing all of the dialogue as it was spoken (I watch the movie several times every year). What I loved most about this specific production is the incredible talent of the young cast! Akerlow is a very endearing Ralphie and I loved his heartfelt performances of "It All Comes Down to Christmas," "Red Ryder Carbine-Action BB Gun," "Ralphie to the Rescue," and "Before the Old Man Comes Home." The kids in the ensemble are also outstanding, especially with the choreography in "It All Comes Down to Christmas (Reprise)," "When You're a Wimp," "Ralphie to the Rescue," "Sticky Situation," "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out" (I loved seeing the kids tap dance!), "Up On Santa's Lap," and "Somewhere Over Indiana" because they are so energetic. I particularly enjoyed Luciana Foster (the youngest member of the ensemble) because she is in character the whole time (her facial expressions are absolutely hilarious) and her tap dancing is incredible! The adults in the cast also do a great job and I really liked Rick Murdock, who narrates the show as radio personality Jean Shepherd, Mathews, who does a great job with the tap dancing in "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out," and Leger, who gives a spirited performance in "A Major Award" (I loved the kick-line with the lamps) and ad-libs a steady stream of made up expletives (my favorite was Fahrvergnugen).  Finally, this production features one of the best, and most elaborate, sets I've ever seen for this show (including the Broadway touring production and the one at PTC). I was really impressed by the Parker house, which features three large set pieces that rotate to show different views, and the Santa display at Higbee's Department Store, which includes a large slide. I had a huge smile on my face during the entire show and I recommend getting a ticket (go here) for a big dose of Christmas cheer! It runs on the Mountain America Main Stage through December 16.

Suffs at the Eccles

Last night I went to see the Broadway touring production of Suffs at the Eccles Theatre and I really loved it (both the story, involving fictionalized versions of historical characters, and the music, featuring stirring anthems, reminded me a lot of Hamilton). It focuses on the women's suffrage movement beginning in 1913 until the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920 from the perspectives of Carrie Chapman Catt (Marya Grandy), who leads the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) and advocates for a conservative and respectful approach to make women's suffrage palatable to President Woodrow Wilson (Jenny Ashman), and Alice Paul (Maya Keleher), who eventually forms the National Woman's Party (NWP) and pushes for direct action to force Wilson to support them. There is also a parallel story involving a rift between Ida B. Wells (Danyel Fulton), a prominent Black journalist and activist who openly criticizes Paul for compromising on suffrage for Black women, and Mary Church Terrell (Trisha Jeffrey), a Black teacher and activist who thinks working with Paul will eventually help their cause. Along with the infighting and disagreements between the women, this also explores the sacrifices they make and the mistreatment they suffer while working for the vote. I found the story to be incredibly compelling and I loved seeing depictions of real historical events such as the women's march on Washington the day before Wilson's inauguration, the suffragists standing silently in protest at the gates of the White House, the hunger strikes by the suffragists in prison, and the dramatic ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment by a single vote. The music is absolutely incredible and there were several moments when I wanted to stand up and cheer! My favorite songs were "Wait My Turn" as Ida expresses her anger at being excluded from the march, "The March (We Demand Equality)" as the women show their determination to be heard (this reminded me so much of "My Shot" from Hamilton and it gave me goosebumps), "Worth It" as Alice thinks about the challenges of defying societal norms, "This Girl" as Carrie describes the generational differences between her and Alice, "The Young Are at the Gates" as the women silently protest outside the White House, "Fire & Tea" as Carrie and the NAWSA have tea with President Wilson while Alice and the NWP burn him in effigy, and "Keep Marching" as the women continue their fight for equality. The performances are outstanding and filled with passion, the costumes are beautiful and do much to differentiate between the different generations, and the minimal sets keep the action moving. I loved everything about this powerful show and I highly recommend getting a ticket (go here). It runs at the Eccles Theatre through November 16 with matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at The Ruth

I won a golden ticket and got to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at The Ruth last night.  It is absolutely magical and I enjoyed it a lot more than I was expecting to (I think it is so much better than the Broadway touring production).  Willy Wonka (Thomas Wood), the world's greatest chocolatier, laments that making chocolate has become bitter for him and he wants to find someone to take over his factory.  Charlie Bucket (Porter McCormick) is an imaginative boy who loves chocolate but, because his family is desperately poor, he can only afford one chocolate bar a year on his birthday.  After Wonka meets Charlie, he decides to invite five children who find a golden ticket hidden in one of his chocolate bars to tour his mysterious factory and soon four children from around the world, Augustus Gloop (Hudson Lee), Veruca Salt (Lucy White), Violet Beauregarde (Mak Milord), and Mike Teavee (Liam Kaufman), find them.  Charlie dreams of finding a ticket and Grandpa Joe (Mark Pulham), Grandma Josephine (Karen Shield), Grandpa George (Joel Applegate), and Grandma Georgina (Bonnie Whitlock) encourage him but his mother (Kimberly R. Muhlestein) warns him not to get his hopes up.  When Charlie doesn't find one in his birthday chocolate bar, Wonka contrives to give him another one with the last golden ticket inside.  The children join Wonka in the world of pure imagination but four of them give in to their negative impulses.  The greedy Augustus falls into a chocolate waterfall after being warned not to drink from it, the attention seeking Violet blows up into a giant blueberry after she wants to be the first to try an experimental piece of gum, the spoiled Veruca is pulled apart by the squirrels who sort the nuts after demanding one for herself, and the screen addicted Mike is shrunk inside a TV after abusing WonkaVision.  Charlie gives in to his imagination and sneaks a look at Wonka's designs but this convinces Wonka to take him on the Great Glass Elevator and give him his factory.  One of the things I disliked about the Broadway version is that the second act gets bogged down with all of the projections and technical wizardry so I was impressed to see The Ruth replicate the same magic with innovative sound and light cues and practical effects (the way they have Violet blow up into a giant blueberry is very clever).  I loved all of the performances, especially the adorable McCormick as Charlie (his wide-eyed exuberance in "Willy Wonka! Willy Wonka!" is delightful) and the charismatic Wood as Wonka (his versions of "Pure Imagination" and "The View From Here" are lovely but I laughed out loud at his comedic delivery and hilarious facial expressions).  I was also quite moved by Muhlestein's performance of "If Your Father Were Here" and Kaufman's physical performance in the invisible corridor is brilliant.  The sets are really fun, particularly the bed full of grandparents in Charlie's crooked house and the glass elevator in Wonka's factory, and so are the costumes (the Oompa Loompas are depicted with elaborate costumes and synchronized movements so, in my opinion, their portrayal is not as problematic as in some other versions).  This show will never be a favorite (I still think most of the songs are pretty unmemorable) but The Ruth's production is fantastic and I definitely recommend getting a ticket (go here).  It runs at the Smith Grand Theatre through December 31 (there is a special New Year's Eve performance with refreshments and a midnight countdown).

Murdered to Death at the Empress Theatre

I am a huge fan of Agatha Christie (I made a goal of reading all of her books one summer when I was a teenager) so I had a great time at the Empress Theatre's production of Murdered to Death last night because it is a hilarious spoof of the popular British author's murder mysteries. It features a 1930s setting in the drawing room of an isolated English country manor owned by a wealthy dowager and a cast of eccentric characters who all seem to have a motive for the murder that inevitably happens.  I absolutely loved being able to recognize all of the stereotypical characters and formulaic plot devices that I have come to love from all of Christie's whodunits and I don't think I stopped laughing all night. The aforementioned wealthy dowager is Mildred Bagshot (Diana Sorensen) and the suspects in her murder include her quintessentially stuffy butler Bunting (J.D. Robison), her young niece (and heir to her fortune) Dorothy Foxton (Addy Coates), and her guests for the weekend including the blustering Colonel Craddock (Scott Sorensen), his long-suffering wife Margaret (Catherine Bohman), French painter Pierre Marceau (Carina Dillon), and socialite Elizabeth Hartley-Trumpington (Cathryn Guzzwell). On hand to help solve the murder is the busybody spinster Miss Maple (Chalese Craig), the bumbling Inspector Pratt (Paul Gibbs), and his put-upon assistant Constable Thompkins (Jiji Dillon). Hijinks ensue, including another murder right under everyone's noses, until the mystery is inadvertently solved after multiple twists and turns! The physical comedy and witty dialogue are very entertaining and you really have to pay attention to get all of the references (I was the only one in the audience who laughed at a quick allusion to Hercule Poirot). The entire cast does a fantastic job with all of the chaos but my favorite performance was that of Gibbs because his committed physicality and lightning-fast delivery of all of Pratt's malapropisms steal the show (when he uses nasturtiums instead of aspersions I laughed so hard I couldn't breathe). I also loved his interactions with the exasperated Dillon, particularly a running bit where he calls her Thompson instead of Thompkins (one of the funniest moments in the show is when he gets it right). Finally, I loved the set (one of the most elaborate I've seen at the Empress) with period furnishings that do much to evoke the time and place and two doors opposite each other which add to the mayhem as characters make quick entrances and exists. This is the perfect show for a fun night out and I definitely recommend getting a ticket for one of the remaining performances next weekend (go here).

Note:  The Empress Theatre very graciously provided me with tickets so I was able to bring my sister with me. It was her first visit to this theatre and she absolutely loved the show (she even correctly guessed the murderer during intermission).

Dear Evan Hansen at PTC

I was so excited to finally see PTC's version of Dear Evan Hansen last night because it is one of my favorite musicals. I've seen the Broadway touring production several times (in Las Vegas and SLC) and I think this definitely rivals it. Evan Hansen (Kyle Dalsimer) suffers from anxiety and he feels insignificant and all alone. His single mother Heidi (Donna Vivino) means well but she is largely absent with her own daunting responsibilities. His one friend, Jared (Larry Saperstein), is only nice to him because their mothers are friends and he is too shy and self-conscious to talk to Zoe (Elyse Bell), the girl he likes. His therapist encourages him to write letters to himself about why each day will be good to build his confidence but, when he does, a deeply troubled fellow student named Connor (Jordan Briggs) intercepts it from the printer because it mentions his sister Zoe. When Connor takes his own life, his parents Cynthia (Marika Aubrey) and Larry (Andrew Samonsky) find the letter and, assuming it to be a suicide note written by Connor to Evan, they reach out to him. To comfort Connor's parents, Evan pretends that they were friends but this falsehood eventually spirals out of control, particularly when Alana (Khadija E. Sankoh), another lonely girl at school, wants to do something to keep Connor's memory alive. When the truth is finally revealed, Evan realizes that he was never really alone. This message is incredibly powerful and, even though some find the narrative problematic because it is set in motion by a lie, I think it highlights the fact that many people, especially young people, feel so alone that they are willing to do anything to form a meaningful connection. As a former teacher, I liked seeing lots of teens in the audience (and hearing their enthusiastic response to every song) because this message is so important for them. This production differs in several ways from the Broadway one but it is no less impactful. Dalsimer is probably the weakest Evan I have seen in terms of his vocal performance (he struggles a little bit with the high notes and is often very tentative at the beginnings of songs) but he is the strongest with his characterization. He embodies Evan's anxiety and awkwardness extremely well and I found his versions of "Waving Through a Window," "For Forever," and "You Will Be Found" to be very moving as a result (the women sitting behind me cried all through the latter song and expressed their fear about what would happen when he got found out during the intermission). I also found his performance of "Words Fail" to be the most emotional one I've seen because his pain is palpable. I really liked what Briggs did with his interpretation of Connor. All of the Connors that I have seen have been very loud and volatile but I liked that Briggs is much more restrained because it makes Connor seem more like Evan (and more believable that they might have been friends). I also really liked Bell's performance of "Requiem," because she really emphasizes Zoe's anger and confusion when Evan's version of her brother doesn't ring true for her, and Samonsky's version of "To Break in a Glove," because you can feel his regret about not having the time for Connor (I loved the choice to have Connor on stage for this song). One of the things I love most about the Broadway production is its clever staging which incorporates the depiction of social media on large panels that move around very minimal set pieces (I think this emphasizes the isolation the characters feel even though they seem to be more connected than ever). PTC's version has a much more elaborate multi-level set and I was a bit concerned when the characters were shown communicating with physical versions of phones and laptops. However, the large panel that descends to show the online response during "You Will Be Found" and its reprise is very dramatic and, therefore, highly effective. I loved this production and think it is a "must see" show for everyone, especially young people, but there are only three performances left (go here for tickets) so act quickly.

Note:  I enjoyed seeing Adam Moore, one of my favorite local actors, as part of the Virtual Community.