There's sold-out and then there's SOLD-OUT. At Pages Lane Theatre, the latter term means holding the "curtain" an extra 20 minutes to shoehorn in extra chairs (not blocking the aisles, dear fire marshal!) to accommodate the crowd in the lobby begging to see "Saturday's Warrior."
Wednesday night's performance of what might be called an old Mormon chestnut proved to be as comforting and heartwarming as the proverbial open fire. Cast and crew at Pages Lane have made this year's production a standout.From the first "Who are these children coming down, coming down?" beautifully sung by heavenly matron Rebecca Hansen, to the poignant moment when Julie and Tod finally fall into each other's arms - this tale of pre-mortal promises captured the mostly teen audience in its spell.
Returning from last year's cast, Andy Leger portrayed the rebellious and lost Jimmy Flinders, who finds his large Mormon family an embarrassment. Leger's physical performance was slightly more reined-in than last year's, yet showed more vulnerability and anguish in his solo, "Who Am I?"
Julie Christensen was a knockout as Jimmy's twin, Pam, who never gives up believing in the worth of her brother. The role of Pam is probably the most difficult as she is wheelchair-bound and could be self-pitying or preachy. Christensen simply radiates sincerity, love and compassion.
This is a tale of star-crossed lovers, a family that pledged to stick together and two young men all fired up to convert the world. The role of the oldest Flinders, Julie, must in turn be comedic, dramatic and romantic. Sharise Russon proved adept at all three. A gifted comedienne, Russon led the way through an elaborately choreographed song and dance where Elder Green tried to secure a promise to wait for him. The '70s script was updated with one of the dancing missionaries crying, "Is this the girl I took to `Legacy' 22 times?"
The conflict in "Saturday's Warrior" comes from Jimmy's friends of the "bad" persuasion. What once seemed a very dated reference to zero population growth and abortion had a ring of relevance: "Legalized abortion is the answer. Without it there is no peace of mind." More than 20 years after the writing of this play, abortion is legal and peace of mind is still eluding America.
David Marsden and Ken McEntire take a turn as Elders Kestler and Green. They still bring down the house as the overeager and earnest missionaries.
Dave Petersen and Jeanette Memmott are Mom and Dad to the mostly happy, normally squabbling brood of Flinders. The younger Flinders children are played by Brady Cash, Bethany Christensen, Scott Neville, Shelly Carling and Lessey Wentworth. (Many of the roles are double-cast.)
You can breathe a sigh of relief. Jimmy resists the worldly enticements of Mack (menacingly played by Andrew Noyes) and his wild bunch and returns to the Flinders fold. Julie dumps her latest suitor and during the triumphant return of Elder Green she falls madly in love with Green's one and only convert, Tod.
Pages Lane's "Saturday's Warrior" packs in plenty of laughs as well as a few tears. With special discounts for teens ($5), several Mutual groups were on hand. An extra 4:30 p.m. matinee has been added for the Saturday of April Conference. Seems this is one battle that's righteous.