AIDA’s strong suits outweigh its flaws
AMERICAN FORK — Based on the popular Italian opera by Giuseppe Verdi of the same name, the musical Aida (with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice and…
Introduce your kids (and adult friends) to the Bard at BREAKFAST WITH SHAKESPEARE
SOUTH SALT LAKE — The marketing slogan for the Utah Children’s Theatre states that their Shakespeare festival is “. . . for kids and adults with short attention spans,” and…
A lovely little ROMEO AND JULIET
SALT LAKE CITY — Each year, the Utah Shakespeare Festival (USF) fills patrons’ lives with wondrous professional theater, both classic and contemporary. They go above and beyond simply producing shows…
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS production breaks the rules
PROVO — One of the reasons I keep going back to the theatre because of my hope that a director and cast can present a script that I’m familiar with…
Pacing problems plague ‘TIS PITY SHE’S A WHORE
SALT LAKE CITY — Who would have thought that a play about sexual scandal, incest, and murder could be so boring? The University of Utah Department of Theatre’s latest production,…
Utah Shakespeare Fest’s HAMLET “must not unwatched go”
CEDAR CITY — In a royal court full of glamorous women, elegantly dressed servants, and impeccably well mannered men, “something is rotten.” Not far beneath the surface of this high…
ANTIGONE is new again in 2012
SALT LAKE CITY — The most important news story of 2011 was, unquestionably, the Arab Spring. Beginning in late 2010 in Tunisia, a fervor of revolution spread through many Arab…
Davis Arts Council’s ROMEO AND JULIET sparkles in the park
LAYTON — Nestled in the trees, tucked away in a corner of the Layton Commons Park, is the Ed Kenley Amphitheater, a beautiful performance space that plays host to a…
Bloody TITUS ANDRONICUS is a rare Shakespeare treat at festival
CEDAR CITY — At the end of one moving scene in Titus Andronicus, Lavinia—the daughter of the title character—carries her father’s severed hand off stage in her teeth. This gruesome…
For Grassroots Shakespeare’s HAMLET, the play’s the thing
PROVO — Last year I was scheduled to see a Grassroots Shakespeare Company’s play and it was raining. Because their shows are performed outside, I wimped out and decided not…