An Inspector Calls at PTC

Last night I saw PTC's production of An Inspector Calls and I really enjoyed it!  The play takes place in an industrial city in England in 1912 (which I find to be a particularly interesting time in history).  The Birling family is enjoying a celebratory dinner announcing of the engagement of their daughter, Sheila (Katie Wieland), to Gerald Croft (John Skelley) who, as the son of Sir George and Lady Croft, is their superior socially.  Arthur Birling (Joseph Dellger), a wealthy factory owner, is particularly pleased about his daughter's engagement as it will certainly elevate his own status.  After dinner, Inspector Goole (Christopher Kelley) calls to question the family about the suicide of a former worker in one of Birling's factories.  Each family member, including the aforementioned Sheila and Gerald as well as Arthur's wife Sybil (Mia Dillon) and his dissolute son Eric (John Evans Reese), professes having no knowledge of the girl.  However, as the investigation continues, it is revealed that each of them is somehow complicit in her death.  The tension mounts and mounts as each person is questioned until there is a surprise twist at the end (the fact that there is no intermission only serves to heighten the suspense).  Sheila and Eric are completely shattered by this tragedy, while Sybil feels that she has done nothing wrong, Gerald wants to find someone else to blame, and Arthur only cares about the potential for scandal (in my opinion, this foreshadows the crumbling of the Edwardian facade during the war).  It is an interesting murder mystery but it is also a powerful indictment of the rigid social classes in the Edwardian era.  The ensemble cast is excellent but I particularly enjoyed Wieland's portrayal of Sheila (think Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary).  The stage is particularly effective as there is a factory, populated by "factory girls," located above an elegant dining room serving to emphasize that the wealth of the aristocracy was dependent upon the drudgery of the working classes.   Once again, PTC has given me a thought-provoking evening of theatre and I highly recommend this compelling show (particularly if you are a fan of Downton Abbey).  It runs through March 5 at Pioneer Theatre and tickets can be purchased here.

Dinner at Bistro 222

Since I spend so much time downtown, I wanted another option for dinner before attending a performance at Capitol Theatre.  I recently found Bistro 222 and it has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants.  Located in the heart of downtown, Bistro 222 has a very sophisticated vibe with black and white decor that is modern and contemporary.  I love the floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on Main Street because you can people watch to your heart's content!  I feel like I'm in the middle of a big city whenever I eat there!  The seasonal menu features contemporary American cuisine which is simple yet elegant.

I am very partial to their artisan pizzas and my server informed me that they have an authentic wood fired pizza oven!  I recently had the Ratatouille pizza ($14.00) with zucchini, yellow squash, red onions, eggplant, red peppers, marinara, whole milk mozzarella, and torn basil.  It was delicious and I really appreciate the fact that Bistro 222 has so many vegetarian options.

The desserts change nightly and this bit of deliciousness is called the "Chocolate Tower."  It is chocolate cake stuffed with a decadent mousse topped with cream ($8.00) and I loved it!  The service is always great and there is often live music on the weekends.  Bistro 222 is located at 222 S. Main Street in downtown SLC making it a perfect place for dinner before a performance at Capitol Theatre!  It is open Monday-Thursday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm, Friday: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm, and Saturday: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm.  Entrees range from $18.00 - $45.00.

The Lady in the Van

Last night I went to see the charming film The Lady in the Van at the Broadway.  It tells the (mostly) true story of how a homeless woman named Mary Shepherd (Maggie Smith) came to park her van in the driveway of playwright Alan Bennett (Alex Jennings) for fifteen years and the development of their unlikely friendship.  It is a slow moving film filled with lots of dialogue but, as I said, I found it to be charming, mostly on the strength of Maggie Smith's wonderful performance.  She excels at playing irascible old women!  My favorite device is depicting Alan Bennett as two separate characters: the one who lives life and the one who writes about it.  Alan Bennett, the participant, slowly discovers that Miss Shepherd has had a fascinating life as a world-renowned musician, a nun, and an ambulance driver during the war.  He also discovers the events which drove her to her lowly condition.  Alan Bennett, the writer, makes critical comments about the passivity which has allowed Miss Shepherd to take up residence while simultaneously wishing that he could write about her.  When the two characters, both played by Alex Jennings, argue with each other it is quite amusing.  To be sure, this is a comedy with lots of funny contributions from the ensemble cast playing Bennett's eccentric neighbors and, of course, Maggie Smith doing what she does best, but there is an incredibly poignant moment near the end of the film which had me in tears.  Ultimately, Miss Shepherd helps Bennett figure out who he really is.  The ending is a bit hokey (Bennett, the participant, frequently points out the events which didn't happen to Bennett, the writer) but, overall, I really enjoyed the film.  Fans of Maggie Smith are sure to enjoy it, as well.

Ballet West's Romeo and Juliet

Last night I saw Ballet West's beautiful production of Romeo and Juliet at Capitol Theatre. The story is based on the well known Shakespearean tragedy and features music composed by Sergei Prokofiev and choreography by John Cranko. I loved it! Even though Romeo and Juliet is not my favorite play, Prokofiev's dramatic score gave me goosebumps, especially during the Capulets' ball, and the choreography is absolutely riveting. The ensemble scenes in the marketplace are athletic, playful, and so much fun to watch; the sword fights between the Capulets and the Montagues are tense and passionate; and the three central pas de deux between Romeo and Juliet are incredibly romantic and I frequently found myself holding my breath, especially during the balcony scene and the bedroom scene. I was very impressed with the principal cast. One of the most powerful moments on stage is when Lady Capulet (Katlyn Addison) mourns over the body of Tybalt (Ronald Tilton) and climbs on to his funeral bier. Addison (who has become one of my favorite dancers because she reminds me of my niece, Tashena) gives an incredible performance filled with palpable despair. I also enjoyed Christopher Sellars' performance as Mercutio (he was greeted with thunderous applause during the final bows) because he is so charismatic. I loved it when he kisses a peasant girl as he lays dying. Rex Tilton, as Romeo, and Sayaka Ohtaki, as Juliet, dance their roles beautifully. Their pas de deux are quite acrobatic but they make them look effortless, graceful, and very emotional. This was one of the most ambitious Ballet West productions I've seen (with 75 cast members, 250 costumes, a 50-piece orchestra, and several elaborate sets) and it was quite impressive! I thought it was absolutely lovely!  Unfortunately, the run ended last night but you can go here to see upcoming Ballet West performances.

O.C. Tanner Gift of Music

Last night I had the opportunity to attend the O.C. Tanner Gift of Music concert in the Tabernacle on Temple Square.  It was quite the experience!  Over thirty years ago, Obert C. Tanner and Gordon B. Hinckley created and endowed this concert series as a way to share performances of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Utah Symphony as a gift to the community.  I have been lucky enough to attend several of these concerts (including the 30th Anniversary concert featuring James Taylor in 2013).  This year Thierry Fischer conducted the Utah Symphony, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Choristers of the Madeleine Choir School and soloists Orla Boylan, Celena Shafer, Amy Owens, Charlotte Hellekant, Tamara Mumford, Barry Banks, Markus Werba, and Jordan Bisch in a stirring rendition of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 8.  Oh my goodness, it was absolutely spectacular!  I had never heard this piece before and I had goosebumps from the very first note of the magnificent organ to the final crash of the cymbals!  I absolutely loved it.  I can't even describe how beautiful this performance was, especially in such a gorgeous setting, and I am profoundly grateful for the generosity of Obert C. Tanner and his wife Grace in providing such a memorable experience for the community and for the opportunity to have world class organizations like the Utah Symphony and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir right here in Salt Lake City!  This event is free, but all available tickets for tonight's performance have been claimed.  However, stand-by seating is available and the line will begin at the flagpole by the Tabernacle.  I would plan on being there as early as possible (the concert begins at 7:00 pm).  It is well worth the effort for a chance to see this unbelievable performance!