Two regional theaters are opening plays on New Year's Eve about the family John D. Fitzgerald made famous in "Papa Married a Mormon."
One, at the Terrace Plaza Playhouse in Ogden, is Charles Whitman's play based on the original novel and the other is the world premiere of that play's second sequel, "A Fitzgerald Family Portrait" at the Pages Lane Theatre in Centerville.
- A FITZGERALD FAMILY PORTRAIT, co-authored by Ralph Rodgers and Norm Morris, who wrote last season's successful "Mama's Boarding House" as their first sequel utilizing Fitzgerald's original characters, will let audiences witness more antics and warmth as the extended clan progresses into modern times.
The trusted old friends are still there in this fictional follow-up - Mama, Papa, J.D., S.D., T.D., Katy and even Dirty Dawson - but there are new family members as well.
This "Portrait" covers a time span of more than 75 years, from the family's turn-of-the-century beginning in Utah Territory.
Bob Walkingshaw, assisted by Tish McComb, is directing the new production. His cast includes Rhonda Wanberg and Ruth Stoneman, alternating as Mama, and Merrill Moore and Andrew Boehme alternating as Papa. (Wanberg originated the role of Mama more than 15 years ago at Promised Valley Playhouse.)
Others in the cast include Phil Edmunds, Roger Barker, Nancy McFall, Danny Inkley, Andrew Taylor, Adam Rodgers, Sam Stoneman, Andrew Noyes, Wil VanderMeyden, Stina Petersen and Natalie Ward.
The show premieres on Friday at 8:30 p.m. followed by a gala New Year's Eve party with dancing to the Joe Muscolino combo and a "1.5-million calorie" dessert bar, along with noisemakers and party hats. Admission for the New Year's performance and party is $20 per person (or $12 for season ticket holders).
Following Friday night's performance, the production will continue on Mondays and Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. through Feb. 5 (but there will be no performance on New Year's Day). Regular admission ranges from $5 to $8. Group rates are available. For reservations, call 298-1302. The theater is located at 292 E. Pages Lane, Centerville.
PLT's 1994 season will also include "My Fair Lady," "The Odd Couple," "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," "Brigadoon" and "The Miracle Worker."
- PAPA MARRIED A MORMON, Charles Whitman's original stage version of Fitzgerald's book, opens on New Year's Eve at the Terrace Plaza Playhouse in Ogden.
It's the bittersweet tale of a romance between Tina Nielson, a young Mormon girl, and Tom Fitzgerald, a handsome Irish Catholic man who moves from Pennsylvania into the frontier town of Silverlode, Utah Territory, in 1885.
Their love for each other brings new understanding and tolerance to the small community.
The cast includes Pam Higginson and Bill Murdock in the lead roles, along with Alan Hansen as the narrator.
Also in the cast are Sherilyn Sauve, Julie Tobias, Julie Wilhelm, Tom Hughes, Daniel Farr, Jordan Hughes, Lynoya Sauve, Tiffany Higginson, Jeff Christensen, Amy Kartchner, Jerold Fletcher, Rob Higginson, Julee Seim, Marvin Pebly, Randy Scadden, Don Wilhelm, Blaine Olsen and others.
Playdates are Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. from Dec. 31 through Jan. 29. Tickets are $7.50 for adults, $5 for children or $22.50 for a family pass. The theater is located at 99 W. 4700 South, Washington Terrace (Ogden). For reservations, call 393-0070.