A local revival of the world's longest-running musical and the stage version of a classic novel are among this week's new stage offerings — all in Utah County.
"THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS," a new musical, is part of Brigham Young University's "Theatre for Families" series. Adapted by Alan Bennett and directed by Char Nelson, it opens Wednesday in the Harris Fine Arts Center's Pardoe Theatre, where it will continue through June 14, playing Tuesdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. There will be one Saturday matinee, at 2 p.m. on June 7.
Based on Kenneth Grahame's beloved novel, this musical version chronicles the adventures of the incorrigible Toad and the attempts of his wise friends to redeem him. Murray Boren composed the original music. According to Nelson, the story is about friendship, living respectfully and getting along.
Performers include Caitlin Wise as Toad, Rachel Howe as Mole, Tuckfield Graham as Rat and Benjamin N. Hess as Badget, with Peter Biggs as Albert and Laura Reyna as Chief Weasel.
Half-price previews ($4.50-$6) are Wednesday and Thursday. Regular ticket prices for the remainder of the run are $12 for the general public and $9 for BYU students, faculty or staff. For reservations, call 801-378-4311.
"THE FANTASTICKS," which ran for an unprecedented 17,162 performances off Broadway — earning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records in the process — will play Friday through June 30 in the Little Brown Theatre, 239 S. Main, Springville. The show is best known for its signature tune, "Try to Remember."
Director Betty Lee's cast includes Jenny Lynn as Louisa, Zack Neipp as Matt and Dennis Hess and Rulon Galloway as their "feuding" fathers — Bellomy and Hucklebee, with David Bunnell as the dashing El Gallo. Others in the cast are Tom Lamoreax as the Indian, Emily Spackman as Mortimer and Ricardo Hernandez and Britney Penrose as the Mutes.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are $9 for general admission, $8 for senior citizens and students, and $7 for children, 11 and under. There is also a $40 family pass. For reservations, call 801-489-3088.
"FRONTIER," a Western musical that first played at Valley Center Playhouse 25 years ago, has returned to the Lehi venue. (Written by Jim Lambert, the production was also the opening show for Orem's SCERA Shell when that outdoor venue made its debut in the mid-1980s.) The revival is being co-directed by Lambert and Mel Taylor.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, through June 23. Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for children, students and senior citizens, or $25 for a family pass. There are also group rates for 20 or more. For tickets, call 801-785-1186.
E-mail: ivan@desnews.com