The world premiere of a new musical is among this week's offerings for Wasatch Front theatergoers.
"THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER," a Broadway musical version of Mark Twain's classic tale, will play from Friday through July 19 in Hale Center Theater Orem.
Directed by Syd Riggs, the musical has a score composed by Don Schlitz ("The Gambler") and script by Ken Ludwig ("Crazy for You" and "Lend Me a Tenor").
Riggs is directing a double-cast ensemble of nearly 55 performers. Those in leading roles include Ben Tichy and Bradin Wilhemsen alternating in the title role, Dan Duckwitz and Darick Pead as Huck Finn, Pam Peterson and Agnes Broberg as Aunt Polly, Julie Erdmann and Brittni Bills as Becky Thatcher, Karen Baird and Marlene Arnold as Widow Douglas, and Cory Sackett and Joel Petrie as Injun Joe. Marin Elizabeth Leggat is choreographing, with Melia Erdmann Bacon as music director.
Performances are Mondays and Thursdays-Saturdays through June 19, with additional Tuesday and Wednesday shows for the remainder of the run, through July 19. Curtain is 7:30 p.m. Matinees, at 3:30 p.m., will be each Saturday during June, plus July 10 and 17. Tickets range from $10.50 to $15.50 (226-8600).
"HOMESICK FOR HEAVEN," an original musical written by Springville resident Bonnie Vernon, will premiere Friday in the Little Brown Theatre, 239 S. Main, Springville. Bill Brown, who is directing, claims that "not since 'Saturday's Warrior' or 'My Turn on Earth' has a musical come along with so much to offer for LDS and Christian audiences."
Centered around the choirs being assembled for an LDS temple dedication, there are two parallel plot lines — one involving the various conflicts surrounding participants in a local choir, and the other focused on a heavenly choir and youngsters in "spirit school." The cast of more than 25 includes Cameron Sevy, Tyler McCormick, Mindy Sumsion, Carla Turner, Delonna Reynolds, Gary Davis, Lisa Briggs and veteran actress Pat Davis.
Performances are Mondays and Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. General admission seating is $7 for adults, $6 for senior citizens and students and $5 for children. There is also a $25 family ticket (489-3088).
"STEEL MAGNOLIAS," Robert Harling's autobiographical drama, is being staged from Thursday through May 29 by Wasatch Theatre Company in the Columbus Center, 2531 S. 500 East. Jim Martin, the company's artistic director, is directing a double-cast ensemble, with all performers alternating in the six roles.
Catherine Nelson and Cami Rozana portray Southern beautician Truvy, with Amanda Caraway and Maline Hairup as Annelle, Jodi Reese and Mary Goring as Clairee, Sallie Cooper and Nancy Jensen as Ouiser, Jennifer Popple and Mary Lee Cook and Alyssa Powers as Shelby.
Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., and noon, 5 and 8 p.m. on Saturdays. Tickets are $7 for evening performances and $5 for matinees (446-5657).
"FOREVER PLAID," the popular 1950s "guy-group" musical, is being staged for four performances at Utah Valley State College, Orem, as a fund-raiser for student scholarships and for the school's proposed performing arts center.
The dinner-theater production will be presented Thursday-Saturday and May 24 at 7:30 p.m., outdoors in the UVSC courtyard. Tickets are $12.50 for the combined dinner and show, or $10 for the show only; no charge for children under 3 (863-8797).
"YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU," the classic, Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy, is Farmington City Arts Council's annual dinner-theater production, set for three performances, Thursday-Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Community Center, 120 S. Main. Tony Asay is directing.
All tickets are $10 for both the dinner and show (451-0953).
THE WHITE ROSE THEATRE COMPANY, a touring children's theater troupe, has opened its summer season. All productions run about 30 minutes and are geared to all ages. The touring shows require minimal space and electrical needs. They are suited to day-care centers, birthday parties and religious and summer activities.
Shows available this summer are "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "Jack and the Beanstalk," "Snow White and Rose Red," "Little Red Riding Hood," "The Three Little Pigs," "Sleeping Beauty" and "Peter Pan." Prices vary, depending on audience size and performance requirements (266-0490).
E-mail: ivan@desnews.com