OREM — It's no coincidence that the Hale Center Theater production of "Enchanted April" opens . . . in April.
Anne and Cody Swenson wanted the romantic comedy, based on the 1920's novel by Elizabeth Von Arnim, to play on the local stage at a time when the very weather offers hope and promise.
"It's the month of April so why not?" said Director Syd Riggs.
Riggs has loved and enjoyed the film version of the story, so when a student of hers called to tell her she'd just seen the show on Broadway and that Riggs had to do it, Riggs agreed.
"It isn't what it appears to be. It's so positive and uplifting. The story is, to be redundant, enchanting."
Riggs said the characters in the story are cut from real life and deal with complicated real emotions without making the show depressing or predictable.
"On the surface, it may appear to be a chick flick but I had all of these wonderful men show up to audition. They all said they love the story because it does not demean men. It's not a man-basher show. These are wonderful people who come from . . . life!"
The magic in the story comes from the setting, the Italian villa where the four otherwise disparate English women meet at a time when women are just coming into their own.
"It's very cathartic. These four women are brought together because of this place, and the place works its magic as some places do," Riggs said. "It has some real truth. It does what theater can do which is to allow us to explore ourselves through the stories of others, maybe even move us to change."
Hannah Stoehr, who plays Lotty Wilton, says Riggs has a good feel for the overall picture.
"She's really taken charge," she said, "because the challenge is in telling this story and making the story real."
Stoehr said the character she plays is "kind of quirky, a very natural, loving, free-spirited" woman who hopes for greater things in life. "I feel a real connection with her. She sees people is a different way," Stoehr said.
"I think teenagers and couples would really enjoy this because the more complex elationships are explored." Erin Smith, who plays Wilton on alternate nights, said the stage version of this story is much deeper and richer than the film. "The movie is very visual; the play verbalizes so much more," Smith said. "I think it would be great for couples to see."
If you go
What: "Enchanted April"
Where: Hale Center Theater, 225 W. 400 North, Orem.
When: nightly except Sunday at 7:30 p.m. April 8-May 21, with matinees March 12, 19, and 26 at 3:30 p.m.
Cost: $10.50-$14.50
Tickets available by calling 226-8600.
E-mail: haddoc@desnews.com