This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Plucking the holiday heartstrings
The Academy of Performing Arts presents two holiday classics: Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Match Girl" and Henry Van Dyke's "The Other Wiseman."
When • Opens Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m., with shows continuing nightly (except Sunday) through Dec. 24.
Where • Realms of Inquiry School, 1140 S. 900 East, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $12 (group, family, student discounts available), at the door or at academyofpa.org
Note • All tickets are $8 for the Monday, Dec. 20, show.
Gang of four
They were a massive theatrical hit as the quartet in "Forever Plaid," the musical about a group of young singers who miraculously return to Earth after a 1964 auto accident. So it makes sense that Sparky, Smudge, Jinx and Frankie would one day make their way into a holiday version. "Plaid Tidings" is the story of how the resurrected singing quartet devise their own Christmas show. It features a barefoot angel as messenger boy, an onscreen interaction with Perry Como, plus a special appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show." "We like to call it the return of the return," said director Robinne Booth in the show's press materials. "And it's a great return." The show casts Mike Halsey as Sparky, Gerrit Dunford as Frankie, Sam Dodini as Jinx and Alex Lund as Smudge.
When • Through Dec. 18; Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Where • SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 S. State St., Orem
Info • $12; $10 for children, students with ID, and seniors 65 and older. Call 801-225-ARTS or visit http://www.scera.org for more information.
Comedic Christmas sketches
If you thrilled to the old "Saturday Night Live" holiday sketch send-ups, Utah Valley University's department of theatrical arts may have your number with "Holiday Night Live." An original comedic show with skits and songs that spin laughs, goofs and puns around Christmas and other well-known holidays, the UVU tradition was most often in the past written by UVU's artist in residence of theater, David Tinney. This year's production includes ideas from acting and theater students as well.
When • Dec. 16-18, 7:30 p.m.
Where • Utah Valley University's Noorda Theatre, 800 W. University Parkway, Orem
Info • $5; call 801-863-PLAY or visit http://www.uvu.edu/theatre.
'The sun'll come out ... '
High Valley Arts brings its production of "Annie" to holiday crowds through Dec. 22, and all proceeds benefit the High Valley Arts Foundation. The story of the theater world's "favorite little redhead" is a staple of community theater troupes nationwide. The choreography for High Valley Arts falls under the talents of Ellie Gallagher, former dancer with Boston Ballet and a seasoned professional with experience in numerous other local musicals. Susan T. Waldrip, the woman behind the 16-voice performance ensemble High Valley Singers, directs.
When • Dec. 15-18, 20-22, 7 p.m.
Where • Midway Town Hall, 145 W. Main, Midway
Info • $15-$8. Call 801-230-7333 for more information, or visit http://www.highvalleyarts.org.
Herdman family Christmas
Some of the best comedy draws its energy from contrasts. One case in point? "The Best Christmas Ever," which pits a rowdy group of children against a traditional couple charged with hosting their church's Christmas pageant. The Caine College of the Arts at Utah State University will draw out its 2010 season with Unicorn Children's Theatre's production of this now-perennial holiday theater favorite, directed by Barbara Robinson.
When • Dec. 16-18, 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinee Dec. 18
Where • Caine Lyric Theatre, 28 W. Center St., Logan
Info • $10 adults; $3 children 17 and younger with free admission of one child for two adult ticket purchases. Call 435-797-1500 for more information, or visit http://www.arts.usu.edu.
Improve your holiday
"Improvabilities," the Egyptian Theatre Studios' seasoned improv troupe of actors, will perform every Saturday night in January. You can see a debut performance this month when they roll out the skill of their improv talent for real. Plus, the 10:30 p.m. performance time means it's a perfect nightcap after an evening out.
When • Dec. 18, 10:30 p.m.
Where • 328 Main St., Park City, the Egyptian Theatre Studios at lower level of the mall
Info • $10 cash only at the door. Call 435-649-9371 for more information, or visit http://www.egyptiantheatrecompany.org.
Get your event listed here by contacting Ben Fulton at bfulton@sltrib.com or call 801-257-8608.