A Shakespearean comedy, an improvisational piece, two one-man comedies (being done as an AIDS hospice fund-raiser), a family classic and two mystery dinner events provide diversity for this week's theatergoers.
- "THE TAMING OF THE SHREW," one of William Shakespeare's most boisterous, humorous and romantic comedies, opens a 21/2-week run on Wednesday, March 20, on the Lees Main Stage of Pioneer Memorial Theatre.The professional Pioneer Theatre Company production, being directed by guest artist James Edmondson (who will direct "The Winter's Tale" this summer for the Utah Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City), coincides with the monthlong UK/Utah Celebration.
"Shrew" is the original comic battle of the sexes, following the rocky road to love and marriage for tempestuous and sharp-tongued Kate and strong-willed nobleman Petruchio, who boldly strides into Padua in search of a bride.
The two lead roles will be played by PTC newcomers Monica Bell, whose credits include four seasons with the Utah Shakespearean Festival, and Stephen Paul Johnson, who has performed with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
PTC veterans Frank Gerrish, Tom Markus, Max Robinson, Richard Mathews, Robert Peterson and Sam Stewart will share the stage with guest performers Bill Bowers, Clover Lane Devaney, Andrew Long, Dennis Rees and Jay Russell (the latter played Seymour in "Little Shop of Horrors" and Motel in "Fiddler on the Roof," both for PTC).
David L. Boushey is directing the fight sequences, with George Maxwell in charge of scenery; Peter L. Willardson, lighting; Linda Sarver, costumes; Cynthia L. McCourt, hair/makeup, and James Prigmore, music.
Following the Wednesday night opening, performances will continue at 7:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and 2 & 8 p.m. on Saturdays through April 6. Tickets range from $11 to $29, with group discounts available. For reservations, call 581-6961.
A free post-performance discussion is scheduled for Thursday, April 4.
- "BEHOLD ZEBULON!" is a character comedy by Angus MacLachlan, directed by Michael Vought for the Westminster Players.
This marks the Utah premiere for the humorous, improvisational work focusing on one woman, who's search for her childhood neighborhood lands her in southern Utah. (The playwright has given permission for the cast to maintain the play's improvisational spirit and to change the setting from North Carolina to Utah.)
The 21-member cast includes Holly Claspell as Molly, the central character.
Performances in Westminster College's Jewett Center for the Performing Arts, 1250 E. 1700 South, will be Thursday-Saturday, March 21-23, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 24, at 7 p.m. All performances are free of charge.
- TWO ONE-MAN COMEDIES, both performed by the playwrights, will be presented at 8 p.mn. Tuesday through Saturday, March 19-23, in the Larimer Theatre of Rowland Hall-St. Mark's School, 843 Lincoln St., as a fund-raiser for the Journey Home hospice care program. (See related story on Page E7.)
Utah writer/comedian Daniel L. Vice will perform "Do Not Go Gentle . . ." directed by Craig Rich, while guest artist Michael A. Garcia of Chicago will present his one-man show, "Hold the Hot Sauce," the story of a non-Spanish-speaking Mexican homosexual. The latter piece is being directed by Michael Halberstram.
Dean DeSpain of the Journey Home program, said audiences should find the performances "entertaining, moving, funny and life-affirming."
Garcia views life as "a long and lovely awakening," as opposed to Oscar Wilde's perspective of existance being "a long and lovely suicide."
Tickets, priced at $10, $12.50 and $22.50, are available at A Woman's Place book stores in Foothill Village, Cottonwood Mall and Park City.
- MYSTERY DINNER performances of W. Lee Hunt's "Who's Crazy at the Sanitarium?" will be performed Thursday, March 21, at the Camelot Restaurant, 930 W. 2000 North, Layton, and Saturday, March 23, at the Riverboat, 700 W. 4500 South, Murray. Both performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening half an hour earlier.
The production, mounted by Hunt Mystery & Company, is a madcap whodunit in which the audience is encouraged to participate in the fun and sleuthing.
Cost at both shows is $30 per person. Reservations are required. Call The Camelot at 773-1336, and The Riverboat at 268-2628.
- "THE WIZARD OF OZ," the popular musical version of Frank L. Baum's beloved tale about Dorothy Gale's magical journey "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," will be presented by the Bluffdale Arts Council on Thursday-Saturday and Monday, March 22-23 and 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the new Bluffdale Elementary School, 14300 S. 2700 West.
Laura Garner is directing the cast of more than 100, including Rebecca Painter as Dorothy, Daryl MacBeth as the Scarecrow, Kelly Dumont as the Cowardly Lion, Rex King as the Tin Man, Wayne Mortimer as the Wizard, Lani King as Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, and Peggy St. Claire and Audrey Drury alternating as the Wicked Witch of the West.
Tickets are $4 each, available in advance from the Herb House, 1770 W. 12600 South, or by calling 253-2779. There are also coupons available for either four for the price of three ($12) or a family pass for $15.
- "PRAISE TO THE MAN," a dramatic tribute to LDS Church Prophet Joseph Smith written and directed by Buddy Youngreen, will be presented free of charge on Sunday March 24 and 31 as the first in a new series of free Sunday evening programs at the newly renovated Villa Theatre Playhouse, 254 S. Main, Springville.
Performes will include Will C. Hazlett, narrator; Julie Karren, Tracy Marrott, Tammy Deitrick, Phil Jones, Julia Keuhl, Jerry Alan Fails, Dianne Fails and Jerry Ferguson.
Other artists who are interested in taking part in the future Sunday evening programs at the theater may call Bill or Marilyn Brown at 489-3088 or 389-4980.
- STAFF REORGANIZATION: The board of trustees of Park City Performances has announced several recent staff changes.
Former managing director Nikki Lowry has been named PCP's director of development, allowing her extra time to focus on issues as a member of the Park City School Board.
Current artistic director Richard Scott will become the company's producing artistic director, assuming the additional administrative and operations duties. Both Lowry and Scott will be working together on PCP's new Summer Youth Theatre Program, scheduled to debut in June.
Other changes, announced by PCP board president Stu Erwin, include the hiring of Jackie Harwood as administrative assistant and Becky Stedman as a part-time bookkeeper.