The 39 Steps

I have been highly anticipating the opportunity to finally see this highly acclaimed comedy on stage and HCTO  has afforded me that chance at last. I was not disappointed in the least! From the beginning with Alfred Hitchcock delivering the pre-show announcement (kudos to whoever recorded that impersonation, they did an outstanding job) I was hooked and kudos to my dear UVU professor and friend, Christopher Clark for a job well done on this magnificent production! I haven't laughed this hard at a play in a very long time! Kudos to the entire cast: Blake Barlow, Kelly Hennessey, Carter Thompson, Jake Suazo, and Alex King for a job well done as well! Each character was concise, clear, and real. The multiple characters on stage at one time were absolutely jaw dropping! And the adding of a Foley artist was pure comic genius! Don't miss this sure to be hit! I'm sure it will sell out quickly. Again, congratulations to Chris Clark and the entire cast and crew for a job well done!

My Top 10 Theatrical Events of 2011

10. Hair (University of Utah)
  9. The Elephant Man (Brigham Young University)
  8. Avenue Q (National Tour)
  7. Spring Awakening (National Tour)
  6. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Hale Center Theatre-West Valley)
  5. Les Miserables (National Tour)
  4. The Drowsy Chaperone (Hale Center Theatre-Orem)
  3. Elephant's Graveyard (Utah Valley University)
  2. Rent (Pioneer Theatre Company)
  1. Next to Normal (Pioneer Theatre Company)

My Top 10 Films of 2011

10. New Year's Eve
  9. The Iron Lady
  8. J. Edgar
  7. Scream 4
  6. Midnight in Paris
  5. Extremely Loud, and Incredibly Close
  4. The Help
  3. War Horse
  2. Hugo
  1. The Artist

New Year's Eve

What a great way to ring in New Year's than with Gary Marshall's newest film, aptly titled, "New Year's Eve." In a similar vein as it's predecessor, "Valentine's Day," Gary Marshall once again brings together an all-star ensemble cast to portray varying but related stories all surrounding New Year's Eve festivities in New York City. As with it's predecessor, Gary Marshall once again hits a home run with a funny, touching and just plain fun motion picture. All of the performances are top notch and in some ways I personally feel this film is a bit better than its predecessor, although I loved "Valentine's Day." I am so thankful that I chose to spend the end of 2011 in a darkened movie theater with a sold out house to watch this little gem of a film. Thank you Gary Marshall for a simple little film with a simple little message. Love, Laugh, Enjoy while you can. Make the most of a new year by just going for your dreams, no matter what. That is just what this country needs right now!

Midnight in Paris

I have been so looking forward to seeing this brand new Woody Allen film, and when I just happened to see the title on my VZ Navigator on my Blackberry I checked it out to see where in Utah, if it was at all, it was playing. When I found out it was still playing at the Wynnsong in Provo I leaped at the chance to go see it. So on a last minute whim, I took my mom and we saw it on the big screen. The last Woody Allen film I got to see on the big screen was "Small Time Crooks." So it's been quite a while.

I completely fell in love with this film from the first frame. You can really tell that Woody Allen adores Paris and he makes it so romantic and beautiful. I hope to go there someday! Owen Wilson was the real star of this entire film. His personal journey was wonderful to experience. I ached for him throughout the entire film. For a real art geek like me, to have a fantasy about one man who gets to meet so many literary, art and music icons of the past was a dream come true! This film reminded me of Woody's earlier works like "Zelig" and "The Purple Rose of Cairo." I have to mention the beautiful and remarkable actress, Marion Cotillard who portrayed Picasso's lover, Adriana. I have loved this actress ever since I saw her in "Nine." Here she lights up the screen with her magnificent beauty and incredible screen presence.

Don't miss this wonderful addition to the Woody Allen film collection! I adore Woody Allen. Always have, always will! Thank you Woody Allen once again for your incredible talent and another wonderful story!

Noises, Off!

I adore this wonderful farce by Michael Frayn, and this year's U.S.F. production of this comic masterpiece is absolute perfection! The entire cast was incredible to watch! The energy was beyond my imagination and expectations and I was thoroughly entertained the entire evening! The pace was just perfect. It allowed each of the story elements to come through, particularly in the extremely difficult second act, and it was refreshing to sit in a non-Utah county audience and see this comic gem be truly appreciated by a wonderful audience!

Thanks to the U.S.F. for bringing back this wonderful play to their stage. This production is a must see and fortunately runs through the fall season as well, so you have until October to see this amazing production! Don't miss it! You will regret it!

The Music Man

The Utah Shakespeare Festival's 2011 production of "The Music Man" is absolute perfection! What an amazing production!

My dear friend, Brian Vaughn soars as Professor Harold Hill. Brian delivers a wonderful performance that absolutely touched my heart. The journey from con-man to surprised hero was believable and wonderful to watch. What happens to Harold in the course of this wonderful musical is what makes this musical a true gem in the history of American Musical Theatre. The rest of the wonderful cast were all sensational! Including my dear friend, Mindy Young as Alma Hix. I am so excited for Mindy for getting hired at the festival as an actress. She is an extremely talented actress and it was so heartwarming to see her on the festival stage at last!

The scenic design specifically was simple and was perfect for this production! I always feel that musicals should be kept simple, to allow the story to come through! This production design indeed does that! Kudos to the entire cast, director, design team and crew for a job well done! Don't miss this charming production! You will regret it!