CEDAR HILLS — Seeking to provide quality theatrical entertainment at a community theater price, the newly created Creekside Theatre Fest is bringing Shakespeare's "The Tempest" and "OZ," a "Wonderful Wizard of Oz" origin tale, to the stage this June.
Jordon Long, artistic director for the new group and a theater teacher and principal at Liahona Preparatory Academy, said he has high hopes for the group's success.
This summer, they will be performing on the small concrete stage alongside the stream running through Cedar Hills' Heritage Park (4425 W. Cedar Hills Drive), and the actors will be paid.
The new group is the result of combining the former Highland Arts Council and Cedar Hills Arts Council, hoping to capitalize on the energy and talent from both communities while building on their experience.
They'll utilize the Cedar Hills amphitheater and stage but pull from the Wasatch Front for actors, directors and technical assistance.
"The venue is small and outside, a gorgeous space," Long said. "We'll use the trees and the stream as part of our set."
Long said the group's mission is to provide fun, thought-provoking, quality theater that is entertaining and a little different than the usual. In 2016, the group performed "Once on This Island" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" to positive reviews.
"We stayed in the black and got good reviews," Long said.
But, Long said, the group faces some challenges. The hillside can seat 400-500 people but Creekside needs a light and sound booth, a concession and ticket booth as well as dressing rooms for the cast.
Funding will come from ticket sales, the city of Cedar Hills and donors. Next year, the group hopes to be able to offer three or four shows and longer running dates.
Heidi Mendez is playing a female Prospero in "The Tempest." She said it's awesome to put on the Shakespearean show with real creek water as part of the scene.
Jasmine Fullmer, who plays Bridgey Sullivan in "OZ" and Stephano in "The Tempest," said while it's always difficult to start a new festival or company, "I feel like the people behind this are passionate about what they do. Each year the festival grows stronger."
Fullmer also said the Creekside Theatre Fest is about the community and providing people with opportunities to be enriched by the arts.
"This is my first year with the festival and it's been great to be a part of both productions," Fullmer said. "This festival is bringing the local audience exactly what they say on their website: a thought-provoking and fun experience for the whole family. It's a creative space with talented directors and actors, doing fun and engaging plays."
Matthew Carlin, who plays Sebastian in "The Tempest," is intrigued to see where the group goes.
"Bringing the works of Shakespeare to an audience that wouldn't see it otherwise can be a great experience for those who might be unfamiliar with his works," Carlin said. "Theater has a greater effect on audiences than speeches and rallies; it's a chance to influence people to be a little bit better; to see the world through new eyes and with a new perspective."
Cedar Hills Mayor Gary Gygi said he is interested in seeing the arts supported and successful in the area. He recognizes that groups like the Creekside Theatre Fest face economic challenges.
"I think all of the cities here struggle. I think a North Utah Arts Council would be a good idea."
Gygi said the city is able to make a financial contribution and provide a liason to the City Council and has been impressed that the festival group has taken the initiative to create an agenda and development plans.
"I think they're being very thoughtful. It's fantastic," he said.
If you go …
What: Creekside Theatre Fest
When: "The Tempest," June 14-24, 8 p.m.; "OZ," June 15-26, 8 p.m.
Where: Heritage Park, 4425 W. Cedar Hills Drive
How much: Children $10, adults $14, seniors $10
Web: http://www.creeksidetheatrefest.org/
Sharon Haddock is a professional writer with more than 40 years' experience, 17 at the Deseret News. Her personal blog is at sharonhaddock.blogspot.com.
Email: haddoc@deseretnews.com