Insider's Viewpoint

The 39 Steps

2012-01-07T19:24:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-31T20:28:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-31T20:09:00.001-08:00

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

2011-12-31T20:03:00.000-08:00

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

2011-08-07T12:51:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-07-22T20:42:00.001-07:00

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

2011-07-22T20:37:00.001-07:00

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!

A Midsummer Night's Dream

2011-07-19T09:38:00.001-07:00

The 50th Anniversary Utah Shakespeare Festival production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is nothing short of exquisite! Director, Fred C. Adams has done a magnificent job with an outstanding cast, crew, and design team.

This is one of my favorite plays of Shakespeare's, and this production has deepened that love for me of this remarkable play from a very young Shakespeare. I think it is fitting that the Utah Shakespeare Festival chose for their outdoor season this year three plays that he wrote one after another. He wrote "Romeo and Juliet," then "A Midsummer Night's Dream (in which at the end he pokes fun at "Romeo and Juliet)," and then wrote "Richard III."

As I walked into the Adams Memorial Shakespearean Theatre last night I was immediately mesmerized by the absolute beauty of the very simple set. Beautiful green willow trees which later lit up with beautiful blue stars as the evening progressed. I was indeed transported into a dream.

The entire cast was impeccable. The use of children as the fairies was a wonderful and heartwarming choice. They were all wonderful! It was wonderful to see the incredible Max Robinson as Bottom. Max is an extremely gifted actor and he brought so much fun to the role! Each of the actors in Bottom's troupe were equally impressive. Having them be from all different ethnic backgrounds, which indeed existed in Shakespeare's time, made this production timely and the audience could really relate to them. It was a nice touch. Rhett Guter was a real standout as Francis Flute. His performance as Thisbe in the final play-within-a-play at Theseus' wedding was absolutely hilarious. Ben Charles did an outstanding job as both Philostrate and Puck. His Puck was endearing and reminded me a bit of Peter Pan. Kymberly Mellen's performance though as Hyppolyta/Titania was the standout of the evening. What an incredibly beautiful and gifted actress! She commanded the stage at every moment she was on it. It was breathtaking to watch. Elijah Alexander (Theseus/Oberon), Matt Mueller (Lysander), A.J. Smithey (Demetrius), Betsy Mugavero (Hermia), and Bri Sudia (Helena) were all wonderful! The entire cast needs to be congratulated for a job well done! A true ensemble!

The design elements were simple but magical! I particularly love Janet L. Swenson's costume design that really enhanced the director's vision of tearing away the facade's and getting down to what we truly are. In the beginning, the costumes depicted each and every character's outer facade's and/or society's view of them extremely well. I feel this allowed the audience to distinguish each of the characters from the beginning which helps when doing Shakespeare. Then, one by one, the facade's come down and everyone seems to be similar, and by similar I mean happy and content!

Don't miss this beautiful production if you can help it! It is worth the drive down to see it!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2

2011-07-18T04:15:00.000-07:00

Bravo to everyone involved with this fitting ending to a magnificent story! The filmmakers did a fantastic job with this one, visually it was stunning, and the 3-D technology has finally come into its own at last! You can tell that 4-D is on its way. Never once did I have to remove my glasses, never once did I get a headache, there were no 3-D gimmicks, the 3-D just added a whole dimension to the story and brought it to life. I felt as if I was in the film experiencing it, just like I did when I read the book!

Of course there was a lot left out, but there was enough to capture the true emotional impact of the book and to see our hero come at last to the end of his journey into a true man and hero of his age! Bravo J.K. Rowling for creating such a beautiful and stunning piece of literary genius!

Kudos goes to the entire cast but special attention must be paid to Alan Rickman as Severus Snape. Mr. Rickman you broke my heart! Your portrayal of this character has to go down as the single most incredible performance of the entire series of films! And Severus' final moments were agony to watch! The final moment between he and Harry broke my heart in two! Maggie Smith, as always, brilliant madam! You are truly one of the finest actors of the age! Matthew Lewis as Neville Longbottom was equally stunning! What an incredibly talented young man and we are treated to a wonderful and mature performance in this wonderful finale, together with Daniel Radcliffe's once again magnificent performance as our hero, Harry Potter, these two incredibly gifted young men become two heroes of the series! I feel it was fitting of J.K. Rowling to have the two orphans together destroy Voldemort and the scene in this film is breathtaking! Neville's speech in front of Voldemort was touching and magnificent! It takes a true man to stand up for his convictions in the face of mockery from his enemies! This is truly a fine example for the youth of today!

Thank you Warner Bros. and J.K. Rowling for allowing this wonderful series of stories to be brought to the big screen! This has truly been a phenomenon that I will never forget!

Top Ten Scariest Films

2010-12-20T13:38:00.000-08:00

On television last night there was a show on about the Top 13 scariest films of the decade and it inspired me to come up with my own list of the Top 10 for me throughout my entire lifetime. I have a love/hate relationship with the horror/thriller genre of films but there have been some really good scares in the genre during my lifetime. If you haven't seen any of these, go rent them. They are fun!

10. Fog, The (Original John Carpenter Masterpiece)
9. Whatever Happened to Baby Jane
8. What Lies Beneath
7. Scream
6. Omen, The (Original Version with Gregory Peck)
5. Haunting, The (The Original Robert Wise Masterpiece)
4. Psycho (Alfred Hitchcock's Original Masterpiece)
3. Orphan, The
2. Fall of the House of Usher, The (Vincent Prince)
1. Ring, The

Top Ten Theatrical Events of 2010

2010-12-20T13:29:00.000-08:00

Here are my Top Ten Theatrical Events for 2010. As always, the world of theater is alive and well here in Utah.

10. Too Much Memory (Salt Lake Acting Company)
9. Salome (Utah Valley University)
8. Flickering, A (Leilani Productions)
7. Drowsy Chaperone, The (Hale Center Theater-West Valley)
6. Lion King, The (National Tour)
5. Normal Heart, The (Plan-B Theater Company)
4. She Stoops to Conquer (Utah Valley University)
3. Wiley and the Hairy Man (Utah Valley University)
2. Diary of Anne Frank, The (Utah Shakespearean Festival)
1. 110 in the Shade (Hale Center Theater-Orem)

Top Ten Films of 2010

2010-12-20T13:20:00.001-08:00

Here are my top ten films of 2010. It was a great year for motion pictures.

10. Social Network, The
9. Toy Story 3
8. Chronicles of Narnia, The: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
7. Letters to Juliet
6. Valentine's Day
5. The King's English
4. Shutter Island
3. Burlesque
2. Black Swan, The
1. Inception

White Christmas

2010-12-14T09:39:00.000-08:00

This film has always been one of my all-time favorites and when I heard that it has been adapted for the stage, I have longed to be able to see a production of it, and finally the opportunity came with the Pioneer Theatre Company production. I left the theater joyful, relaxed and feeling better than when I walked in.

The entire ensemble was fine examples of what we’ve been discussing in class. Honesty, vulnerability, and focusing on communication through song; not just singing; everyone was a really good example of this. From start to finish the music was a support to the show, not a hindrance. It fit, and the adapters really did a fine job with the book.

The four leads were the standouts of this production! They all made me forgot about Danny Kaye, Bing Crosby, Mitzi Gaynor and Rosemary Clooney. They all made these characters their own, which I am so grateful for. They all did their own unique takes on the characters and made them three-dimensional, fascinating people to watch. The songs were incredible and each lead thoroughly connected the audience with each song and each song communicated so well, the angst, sadness, happiness and joyfulness of each of these wonderful characters.

I am so glad I went, and it was really nice to see an old-fashioned American musical comedy come to life on the stage once more. It’s been a long time. Too long!

She Stoops to Conquer

2010-12-10T13:23:00.000-08:00

I had no idea what was in store for me as I entered the Noorda Theater last evening to see the sleeper hit of the 2010-2011 UVU Theater season, “She Stoops to Conquer.” I left the theater last night with a grin on my face, and the happy satisfaction that I had just seen a theater classic in a whole new way.

Who would have thought of modern technology meeting restoration comedy? Only our fabulous Chris Clark of course! Chris has taken this classic and given it new life, a production that truly brings this gem to a modern audience.

The cast were all incredible! True ensemble work if ever I’ve seen it! And the pacing was superb! The 2 1/2 hours flew by! And the design elements were equally superb! Kudos to Chris and his team for a job well done!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1

2010-11-23T18:11:00.000-08:00

Like the rest of the world, I have been intensely anticipating the opening of this, the final film in the beloved "Harry Potter" saga. Seeing it in IMAX format was incredible! Kudos to all involved for a job well done! I am so happy they are taking the time to do this film right. From beginning to end, this film captured my attention and was thrilling, terrifying, suspenseful, touching, and much more, just like J.K. Rowling's incredible novel! Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have really grown into their roles and once again deliver powerful performances! The entire supporting cast are all equally incredible. A real and pleasant surprise was the incredible Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix. She is absolutely terrifying in this role and my admiration for this incredible actress. I can't wait for Part Two coming in July. Thank you to all involved for a thoroughly enjoyable motion picture!

The Drowsy Chaperone

2010-11-23T08:19:00.001-08:00

This is one of my all-time favorite musicals and HCTWV's production is magnificently mounted. Kudos to the wonderful Dave Tinney for a job well done! The entire cast needs to be congratulated! They are all stars in their own right and made this gem of a musical magical for me. The million dollar HCTW stage which is sometimes overused was not in this production. It was appropriately used to move the plot forward and quickly. It wasn't the star of the show. I wish that HCTW would do this for all shows! My dear friends Kelly Coombs and Ames Bell were both incredibly delightful as the leads and both are stars in the making! The Man in the Chair broke my heart! He was absolutely wonderful and not only broke but stole my heart! My dear long time friend, Marcie Jacobsen really shined, as always, as the Chaperone. This performance among many goes to prove why I will go to my grave, madly in love with Marcie! Thank you HCTW, the cast and crew, and Dave Tinney for a job well done and for reminding us why we love theater and how it can transform lives!

The Scarlet Pimpernel

2010-11-11T09:05:00.000-08:00

I have always been a fan of this beautifully written Wildhorn musical and the 2010 production at the Hale Center Theater in Orem is a fantastic production from start to finish. With absolutely breathtaking costumes, wonderful performers, and a great score to boot!

My dear friend Neal Johnson brings in a touching, exciting and fresh performance as Sir Percival Blakeney (a.k.a., The Scarlet Pimpernel)! I have only seen Neal as Chauvelin before, so it was a refreshing change to see him play this role. Neal touched my heart deeply from the very beginning, particularly at the moment of the beautiful song "Prayer." Neal is an honest performer and his honesty brought the audience to tears at this moment and I along with the rest of the audience was on his side from that point on. Lauren Noll gave an equally stunning performance as Margueritte St. Just. I felt for her as well and wanted her and Percy to stay together not be pulled apart. The surprise of the evening came when the announcement was made that my dear friend Dave Burton would be playing Chauvelin that evening. Dave gave the performance of his career! Dave brought a human side to this very complex character and it was refreshing to see a real human Chauvelin instead of an oily, slick and evil one. Neal brought the same when he has played the part, and Dave comes up to the plate with equal craft and skill!

The rest of the ensemble were equally wonderful! The overall cast was incredible and was truly an ensemble. They worked wonderfully together! I thoroughly enjoyed myself all evening and kudos to HCTO for a well done production!

The Diary of Anne Frank

2010-10-16T06:01:00.001-07:00

Yesterday evening, my mother and I sat in a darkened theater and witnessed once again the powerful story of Anne Frank and her family, the Van Damn family, Mr. Kraler, Mr. Dussel and Miep Giles. No matter how many times I see this wonderfully moving play or read Anne's beautiful diary, I can't help but hope that maybe this time it will turn out different.

But, history invades and we are reminded once again of the atrocities of war and even more appalling than that, bigotry and hatred!

Some of my most fondest memories of the Utah Shakespearean Festival have been around a James Edmondson production and this is no exception. I was in tears the whole drive back to my hotel last night. The entire cast was remarkable. I felt with them, hoped with them, and was terrified with them as they were celebrating with hope that they would soon be rescued when the news of D-Day arrived. But alas, as the Nazi's invaded their sanctuary and took them away, I was heartbroken, devastated. Two years of struggle for nothing!

At least, in the end, Anne's soaring words from her diary give us hope and the realization that there is still good in the world and we should seek it out at all costs! Thank you James Edmondson, Mariko Nakasone (Anne), Tim Casto (Otto Frank), Corliss Preston (Edith Frank), Jennifer Whipple (Margot Frank), De Anne Dublin (Miep Giles), Rhett Guter (Peter van Daan), Samuel D. Dinkowitz (Mr. Kraler), Liisa Ivary (Mrs. van Daan), Mark Corkins (Mr. van Daan), Daniel R. Hill (Mr. Dussel), Ian Durrant, Matthew Clegg & Dylan Honor (Nazi's and Dutch Conspirators) all for a job well done! Thank you for all your hard work and for bringing this beautiful story to the festival audiences! I will never forget this evening spent in the beautiful Randall L. Jones Memorial Theater on October 15th, 2010.

One more week left, if you see anything, see this show! Your life will truly be changed forever!

Pericles

2010-10-16T05:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon I finally had the opportunity to see Shakespeare's "Pericles" live onstage for the first time. I was not disappointed! Once again I have fallen in love with a rarely produced Shakespeare play. I felt like a kid at Christmas. An episodic adventure story with a narrator? Who knew?! Kathleen Conlin's production of this epic masterpiece was nothing short of brilliant! Her director's notes talked about the fact that this play is very popular with modern audiences because of its simplistic/episodic form. Ms. Conlin took this concept and I absolutely loved it. The story itself was set in Shakespeare's time but Gower, the narrator (chorus) was in Indiana Jones type dress and controlled the entire story with modern electronic equipment. This really brought a modern day sensibility through which to pull the audience into the story.

The cast was incredible as well! What absolute impeccable ensemble work! Kudos to the entire cast, crew and director for a job well done! Thank you for introducing me to another Shakespeare classic!

Again, only one more week left! Get down here if you can to see this rarely produced gem!

Greater Tuna

2010-10-15T03:31:00.000-07:00

As I walked from my car in the parking lot behind the Randall Theater, I was immediately transported via vintage country music into the world of the play, Tuna, Texas. What a world that turned out to be.

Brian Vaughn, director, has assembled two very competent actors that play over 20 characters between them. Kudos to Brian for a job well done! I laughed from start to finish. I adore satire, and this show ranks up there with the best in theatrical satire. As Brian said in his director's note, the line between satire and the truth is very thin, I came out of this production thinking the exact same thing! We laughed, but I was born and raised in Texas, and these characters exist in reality. They still do! And that is what made this show so much fun as well as poignant. There were a few moments where I found myself moved deeply by some of the characters. Michael Daily and George Walker both did outstanding jobs. They embodied each character with humanity and I found myself in some of the characters, which was hilarious and scary all at the same time!

Kudos to the design team as well. The sets by Jo Winarski were simple yet fitting to the piece itself. I loved the outline of the state of Texas in the floor of the set. The costumes by Jennifer Caprio were hilarious and fit the characters very well.

Everything from the design team to the actors all combined to make one hell of a funny and entertaining show! If you get a chance, there's only one more week left, to get down here to Cedar City to check this show out, I'd do it! It's worth your time!

Wiley and the Hairy Man

2010-09-28T08:06:00.001-07:00

This is one of my all-time favorite theater for young audiences play and I was so excited to finally see a production of it. I was not disappointed in any way!

Once again, director John Graham proves that he is a master of new and unique interpretations of old classics and "Wiley" is no exception. From the moment I walked into the Noorda, I was taken into another world, the world of TomBigBee swamp. Jason Sullivan's set design was absolutely breathtaking. I loved the concept of turning the dock outside Mammy and Wiley's home into a makeshift four-poster bed with the theme of monsters coming out from under your bed. A recurring theme throughout most of our childhood's. This fit in so well with the play. Casey Price's lighting added so much to this theme and was well executed. Jared Lewis' costumes made the cast a part of the swamp and at times very unsettling to this audience member. But I loved every minute of it. Stand outs were the tree people. What a magnificent achievement!

This is truly an ensemble piece. And the entire cast should be congratulated for a job well done! They all moved together in complete harmony one with another. That was truly wonderful to witness! There was not one weak link! Katie Sullivan though was the star of the night. What a magnificent performance as Mammy, as well as Anne-Marie Jensen as Wiley. This is a wonderful production that you should not miss! Get your tickets this week! It closes on Saturday! You WILL regret it if you miss this one!

The Normal Heart

2010-09-12T19:03:00.001-07:00

I remember how touched I was over 20 years ago when I saw a production of this beautiful, tragic, but touching play about the beginning of the A.I.D.S. crisis in New York City in Cedar City while I was attending Southern Utah University. 20 years later, I attended a staged reading of this masterwork at Plan-B Theater Company in Salt Lake City and once again I was moved deeply by this amazing piece of theater. The entire cast was incredible. Even though it was a staged reading, it might as well have been a full-fledged performance! The professionalism and the passion that the cast had was inspiring and very emotionally moving! Kudos to Jerry Rapier and his wonderful company for putting on this special event/fundraiser for the Utah A.I.D.S. Foundation. What made this event even more special is because two of my dear friends were in the cast. Thank you John Graham for a beautiful and moving performance. I am so honored and grateful for my association with you and for you wonderful guidance at UVU. I have learned so much from you and it was inspiring to watch you perform on stage. Mark Fossen, you are a wonderful friend and once again you blew me away with you incredible talent! This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I will forever be grateful for this experience! I will be FOREVER grateful!

The Girl, The Grouch, and the Goat

2010-09-12T18:53:00.000-07:00

I was really excited to see this premiere of the new musical with a score from the lyricist of "Urinetown." I was not disappointed! This is a simple, yet charming musical comedy that satires Greek mythology and pop culture. I have never had so much fun in my life in a theater like I had at the Hale this particular night. The entire cast was superb and was truly an ensemble! Kudos to Neal & Korianne Johnson and the entire cast & crew for a job well done! Don't miss your chance to see a brand new musical that will hopefully will see the lights of Broadway in the near future!

The Lion King - National Tour

2010-09-12T18:36:00.000-07:00

I was excited beyond belief to finally have the opportunity to see this fantastic musical. What made it even more so, was the fact that I had front row seats right behind the conductor as well as the fact that my beloved mother was sitting next to me. This was a moving and very uplifting experience for the both of us. From the moment that Rafiki began her famous chant that begins "The Circle of Life" to the magnificent finale on Pride Rock, this brilliantly put together musical was breathtaking to behold! Julie Taymor certainly deserved the Tony award she received for Best Director and Best Costume Design! The artistry and creativity was incredible and evident throughout every single moment. Kudos to the Ms. Taymor, her entire production/design team, the incredibly gifted cast, and Disney for producing such an incredible piece of theater! If you get a chance, go see this show! You will forever be changed! There was not one weak performance in this touring production. The voices blew me away! The emotion whisked me away to a far away and exotic landscape! This production truly allowed me to escape into a wonderful world of enchantment. That is what makes theater so great and special! Thank you Julie Taymor!

Charlie St. Cloud

2010-09-12T18:24:00.000-07:00

I have to say from the start that I was completely enthralled with this beautiful film from start to finish. Zac Efron gives the performances of his career in this touching story about loss, love, and finding a way to move forward. The cinematography is one of the most breathtaking elements to this motion picture and you could tell that a lot of work had gone into making the sailing in this film completely authentic which added to the beauty of this film. I highly recommend this film to everyone. Life affirming and touching!

Inception

2010-07-22T22:18:00.000-07:00

This has to be, hands down, the best film I have seen this year. I have been waiting a long time for a film from Hollywood of this level of intelligence, style, and demand it puts on its audience. Finally a film that doesn't give into the typical audience demand of "entertain me dammit!"

Leonardo Dicaprio gives another incredible performance. I loved him in "Shutter Island" and here he takes us on a journey of such scope and depth. The rest of the cast was equally incredible, from the handsome and incredible Joseph Gordon-Leavitt, to the beautiful Ellen Page and Marion Cotillard; everyone involved were all at the top of their game!

What really impressed me was the lack of CGI in the film. I was surprised to hear during an interview on television with the director that CGI was used at a minimum level in this film; only when needed. I would compare this film to "The Matrix" trilogy, which I adore, but I personally feel this film surpasses those films ten-fold! I was so engrossed from start to finish and I even felt lost and frightened at times as the characters did. The stakes were high and I felt that throughout the entire film. Even the ending was exciting for me. I left with so many questions and finding myself haunted by the film and figuring out in my own mind what happened. I have my own theories, I don't know if they are right, but I don't care! I experienced an exciting and intelligent piece of film making. Thank you Christopher Nolan for a grand piece of work!

110 in the Shade

2010-07-22T04:44:00.000-07:00

I'm currently listening to the Broadway revival cast recording of this magnificent musical featuring Audra McDonald as Lizzie. I never thought in my lifetime that I would have the miraculous opportunity to sit in a theater like the Hale-Orem and witness a talent like Audra McDonald live on stage. Well that wish came true for me just a few short weeks ago and I will never forget it as long as I live. This absolutely beautiful production of this wonderful musical exceeded all of my expectations and then some. This hands down is the most incredible theatrical experience I have ever had as an audience member.

Audra McDonald gave an incredible performance. I believe that the best actor is an honest one. One who gives a 100% honest performance. Never acting, but inhabiting a character and allowing the moment to moment happen, fresh and not rehearsed. That is what is so exciting about live theater. This describes the incredible and beautiful performance given by Audra McDonald. Not only did I sympathize with Lizzie's struggles and pain, I felt them. I cried with her and was moved by her story. Thank you so much Audra for giving such a beautiful and touching performance! I will never forget it!

Will Swenson gave an equally incredible performance as Starbuck. I understood Starbuck and felt for him and his wandering soul. His unconditional love and caring for all creatures was moving and his beautiful intervention on Lizzie's behalf was so moving and inspiring to watch! I love this story and I thank Will as well for bringing it to such beautiful life for me! Another honest performance!

I have admired Marvin Payne for many years, but this for me has to be, hands down, his best performance yet! From the moment he comes on stage playing that beautiful harmonica, I was transported back in time. Another incredibly honest performance of a struggling old farmer who has nothing but unconditional love for his children including his beloved Lizzie. I fell in love with H.C. and thank you Marvin for that touching portrayal of a loving father and family man!

Tim Threlfall (Noah) and Jared Young (Jimmy) both gave equally wonderful performances as Lizzie's brothers. Thank you both for giving truly moving performances. Even when Noah berates Lizzie and calls her plain and an old maid, I felt for him and his own pain behind that. I left hoping that someday Noah would find love like Lizzie does. Jared as well gave a funny and touching performance as the misunderstood baby brother. He and my wonderful friend, Rachel Lynn Woodward (Snookie) had such great chemistry and I cheered for the both of them and their wonderful love for one another.

And then there is my dear friend, Kevin Goertzen as File. The man who finally wins not only his own heart back, but the heart of Lizzie. I saw Kevin play Starbuck in the HCTWV production of "The Rainmaker" a few years back and it was incredible to see him move to this character in the musical version. Kevin I have so admired you for a long time and your performance was incredibly moving and inspiring. I can't even imagine what it was like to have the opportunity to share the stage with such a talent like Audra McDonald, but you handled it with such grace and professionalism and you held your own, and I am so honored to call you friend! Like with Audra's performance, your performance as File was so genuine and honest that I also really felt his pain and longing for love. It was truly a moving experience to see these two souls come together in the end.

And finally to the wonderful ensemble! What can I say. So many friends out there on that stage, and I am so honored to be associated with you. Not one weak link in the bunch and I was extremely moved by the town's plight.

Dave Tinney, I am so honored to know you and to learn from you at UVU. You did HCTO proud with your tremendous talents as a director/choreographer. I can't even imagine what it was like to have the opportunity to direct such talent like Audra and Will's on that stage along with the rest of the wonderful cast. As always I was moved and experienced what is so incredibly wonderful about American musical theater. Your passion for it and what is so good about it, shows in everything you do! Thank you thank you for another wonderful experience!

Finally, thank you HCTO (the Cody's, Anne and Linda) for putting this all together. You truly deserve all of the help you can get to help this truly incredible theater to stay alive for many years to come. You gave Utah such a wonderful gift and I will always love you for that! I am so honored to be associated with you and this magnificent theater. My life is always changed for the better when I perform on that wonderful stage!

Review of "Laughing Stock"

2010-05-19T11:13:00.002-07:00

I remember seeing the world premiere of Charles Morey's touching tribute to the theatre at Pioneer Theatre Company several years ago and when I heard that my friend Amos Omer was going to produce it for his senior project for the UVU Platform Series I was so excited to see it once again.

I was not disappointed! As Amos said in his director's notes: "At heart, Laughing Stock is a love letter. It is a love letter to that mistress who consumes our lives and our time. It is an uneasy, unfair and oftentimes abusive relationship. In the end however, it's really only one any of us would choose."

This was very evident in every aspect of this production! The entire ensemble worked together seamlessly and that love was evident each and every moment of this heartwarming play. Kudos to Amos and his entire cast for a job well done! Each character was unique and distinct and I could see myself and others I have worked with in each one of them! It reminded me why I myself am drawn to this strange world of the theatre! Kudos to everyone for a job well done!

Review of "A Flickering"

2010-05-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

Hi!

2010-05-12T17:53:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I decided to simplify all of my reviews of books, films, theater productions, etc. into one blog. This will be available on my website. Enjoy!