Michael McLean is back in Salt Lake City with the Grand Theatre's production of the original musical, "The Ark." Based on the story of Noah, the musical had a brief run at the Utah State Fairpark in the early '90s, and in 1996 "The Ark" and McLean were chosen to participate in the ASCAP Musical Theatre workshop with composer Stephen Schwartz ("Wicked").
After being revised, the musical headed to New York City, with participation in different festivals, and finally, a run off-Broadway. The show, by one of Utah's own, has come back home.
It stars Hank Pond, Camille Van Wagoner, Jeff Jensen, Jonathon Crittenden and Malinda Money.
Shows are nightly, except Sunday, 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. Saturday matinees. Tickets are $5-$24 (801-957-3322 or www.the-grand.org).
In conjunction with the run of this heartwarming story about dads, husbands, wives and sons, the theater is offering several outreach programs — all are free to the public.
Oct. 16 — Symposium: "World Cataclysm: An Exploration of the Cultural Commonality of Destruction and Redemption," 2-5 p.m., Salt Lake Community College Redwood campus.
Oct. 17 — Free songwriting workshop with Michael McLean, composer of "The Ark," 4-6 p.m. Call 957-3447 to reserve your spot.
Oct. 25 — Talk with the director and cast immediately after the matinee performance.
Before each show — Hogle Zoo education animals will be on hand.
Here are the other shows opening this week:
"Little Women," Thursday through Oct. 25, Ellen Eccles Theatre, 43 S. Main, Logan.
This is Utah composer Jay Richards' musical version of the Louisa May Alcott classic. A workshop version was staged a few years ago, but the work has been revised, including new songs.
Shows are Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. Saturday matinees. Tickets are $16-$20 (435-752-0026 or www.centerforthearts.us).
"The Mousetrap," Friday through Nov. 8, Heritage Community Theatre, 2505 S. Highway 89, Perry.
A young couple opens a bed-and-breakfast, and on their first night of business, they get snowed in with four guests and an additional traveler. When one of the guests is killed, they realize that there is a murderer among them. With hilarious characters, it's a murder mystery for all to enjoy.
Shows are Monday, Friday and Saturday nights, 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. Saturday matinees. Tickets are $8-$9 (435-723-8392 or www.heritagetheatreutah.com).
"The Music Man," Friday through Nov. 15, Center Street Musical Theatre, 177 W. Center, Provo.
The wonderful Meredith Willson musical about professor Harold Hill, Marian the Librarian and the other folks living in River City, Iowa. The show stars Eric Johnson, with Rebecca Bailey and Amber Hurley double cast as Marian Paroo.
Shows are Monday, Friday and Saturday nights, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8-$10, with family passes and dinner options available (801-373-4485 or www.csmtc.com).
"Pirates of Penzance," Wednesday through Nov. 1, The Art Shop, 443 S. 200 East, Springville.
Arrrrg, matey! "Pirates" is back for its fifth year, this time with a Halloween twist. On Halloween night, the show will also host a costume contest and an after-show party. This year's cast includes Eric Blood, Josh Francis, Jon Mier and Carrie Adams.
Shows are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $6-$8 (www.piratesofpenzance.eventbrite.com).
"Romeo and Juliet," Thursday through Oct. 25, Pinnacle Acting Company, performing at Highland High Little Theatre, 2166 S. 1700 East.
One of Shakespeare's earliest plays, this romantic classic is the tragedy of two young lovers in a world of hatred and violence. It stars Jared Larkin and Shannon Musgrove.
Shows are Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, 7:30 p.m., with Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10-$12 (www.pinnacleactingcompany.com).
"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead," Monday through Saturday, Chase Fine Arts Center, 1110 E. 600 North, Logan.
The comedy focuses on on two minor characters in Shakespeare's "Hamlet," who are lost because the only knowledge they have of themselves is what has been written about them. The show appeals to both fans and nonfans of the Bard. It stars Leslie Aldridge and Angie Roundy.
Shows are nightly, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $13; USU Students with valid ID get in free (435-797-8022 or www.boxoffice.usu.edu).
"Turn of the Screw," Thursday through Nov. 1, Covey Center, 425 W. Center, Provo.
The new governess has begun to see the ghost of the previous governess haunting the children. She must find a way to stop it. But is it all a figment of her imagination? A satisfying thriller for the whole family.
Shows are Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m., with Saturday matinees available. Tickets are $10 (801-852-7007 or www.coveycenter.org).
"Welcome Home Jenny Sutter," Friday through Nov. 1, Pygmalion Theater Company, Rose Wagner, 138 W. 300 South.
Jenny Sutter is a Marine, an Iraq war veteran and an amputee. Home from the war, but not ready to face her family, she heads out on a journey of discovery. With the help of a group of misfits in an obscure little town, she learns how to heal and value herself. Starring Deena Marie Manzanares-Evanoff.
Shows are nightly, except Sundays, times vary, and Saturday matinees are available. The company will offer discounts to members of the military (801-355-2787 or www.pygmalionproductions.org).
"Windows, Mirrors & Doors," Saturday, The Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E. 400 South.
The poet Michele, a veteran performer for more than 30 years, will do a theatrical performance with poetry, song, music and drama. He's hoping to turn his personal journey of healing into a national tour, further forwarding the healing process.
One show only, 11 a.m., free to the public (801-513-4114)
"Witchapalooza," through Oct. 30, The Gathering Place, Gardner Village, 1100 W. 7800 South, West Jordan.
A perfectly haunting murder mystery. From "Night on the Bald Mountain," to "Witchy Woman," you'll love the musical offerings in "Which Witch?" and the dinner prepared by the chef at Archibald's Restaurant. The show stars Clive Romney, Kelly DeHaan, Merrilee Webb, Lisa Dengg, Sylvia Jorgensen, Marion Strobell, Suzanne Walker, Rob Honey and Todd Sorensen.
Shows are nightly, except Sunday, 7 p.m., with Saturday matinees available. Tickets are $29.99, which includes dinner (www.gardnervillage.com).
E-mail: ehansen@desnews.com