"Pride and Prejudice"
By Jane Austen, adapted by Melissa Leilani Larson
Adapted from the beloved Jane Austen classic which spawned 200 years’ worth of retellings. Join us at Pemberley for Pride and Prejudice, the timeless story of when opposites attract featuring the witty and intelligent Elizabeth Bennett, the equally brilliant and wealthy Mr. Darcy, and a cavalcade of unforgettably relatable characters. Star rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars.
When David leaned over about 1/4 of the way through and admitted that he wasn't familiar with the storyline of the play I was shocked and felt that I had done him a disservice in our married life by not watching every version of Pride and Prejudice with him. He still enjoyed the play, but I have plans for our future movie-watching. Maybe I'll even start reading the book to him at bedtime like I would to our kids. We bought season tickets for this year, but hadn't picked any of our dates yet. Jenna unexpectedly offered to watch our kids this weekend, but when we checked - this night was sold out! After another phone call to see if anyone had canceled last minute, they told us that we could come sit in as standby tickets and if there were any cancellations, maybe we could get in. We came, and we got in! I am SO glad that we were able to go this weekend when we had a babysitter because the more difficult part about going to Hale Center Theater plays is just having a babysitter that will stay late and put our kids to bed for us. The play was lovely and the casting was SPOT on. When I saw the photos of the actors in the playbill (now on your phone after clicking on a QR code on the back of the seat in front of you, boo, I don't like it) I laughed out loud because the casting was SO perfect even just by seeing their faces. The entire production was a little one-note, a little bland. Not a lot for the scene changes and the costumes were simple and a little stiff, with no costume changes other than putting on a matching overcoat when "walking outside". However, the characters were great, the chemistry was engaging. Mr. Collins ended up being the comedic highlight of the show which I resisted for a while because you're not really supposed to cheer for Mr. Collins but he was just so funny. Highlight: David and I squeezing our shoulders together because we ended up squashed between two fairly large men on either side and laughing with each other and wishing that the middle arm bar would go up so we could be a little more comfortable. Making it into the play while on standby after crafting alternate plans for what we would do if it didn't work out. Mr. Dacy and Elizabeth's end scene.
David's thoughts: Overall I really liked this play. We actually did not even have tickets, but we had date weekend with Jenna watching our kids and so we got in a standby list at the theater and amazingly, they ended up having room for us. I'm so glad that they did. Just after the play started I leaned over to Shantel and told her that I have never seen or read Pride and Prejudice (my entire knowledge of the book consists of a couple of vague references in "You've Got Mail" and a Pride and Prejudice count to 10 kids book. Shantel had a very worried look on her face when she realized I did not know the story - however - I actually think it worked out so well. First, it meant that the storyline was new to me and the plot was interesting because I did not know how things would turn out, except of course that Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet would eventually end up together. It was probably a better introduction to the story for me than starting right into the full book or movie. Okay- now to evaluate the play. Acting was good, I'd say 4.5/5, the characters were really good and well played. The storyline was great and had just enough funny parts to keep it interesting and give it some depth (4.5/5). The big miss on this play was the set design. I'd give it 1/5. They basically just had wallpaper on the walls and 8 chairs they moved around. While we did not expect it to be HCT Sandy - Shantel and I came up with 5-10 ways they could have made the play better by doing more with set design in the time we drove home from the play. My favorite part: sitting with Shantel and particularly watching her face at certain parts where you could just see the happiness in her face as she was enchanted by the story.
David's thoughts: Overall I really liked this play. We actually did not even have tickets, but we had date weekend with Jenna watching our kids and so we got in a standby list at the theater and amazingly, they ended up having room for us. I'm so glad that they did. Just after the play started I leaned over to Shantel and told her that I have never seen or read Pride and Prejudice (my entire knowledge of the book consists of a couple of vague references in "You've Got Mail" and a Pride and Prejudice count to 10 kids book. Shantel had a very worried look on her face when she realized I did not know the story - however - I actually think it worked out so well. First, it meant that the storyline was new to me and the plot was interesting because I did not know how things would turn out, except of course that Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet would eventually end up together. It was probably a better introduction to the story for me than starting right into the full book or movie. Okay- now to evaluate the play. Acting was good, I'd say 4.5/5, the characters were really good and well played. The storyline was great and had just enough funny parts to keep it interesting and give it some depth (4.5/5). The big miss on this play was the set design. I'd give it 1/5. They basically just had wallpaper on the walls and 8 chairs they moved around. While we did not expect it to be HCT Sandy - Shantel and I came up with 5-10 ways they could have made the play better by doing more with set design in the time we drove home from the play. My favorite part: sitting with Shantel and particularly watching her face at certain parts where you could just see the happiness in her face as she was enchanted by the story.
"A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER"
March 31, 2023
Book & Lyrics by Robert L. Freedman; Music & Lyrics by Steven Lutvak; Book by Roy Horniman
Shantel's Thoughts: I had friends who raved about this play so I was very excited. I'm having a hard time judging because when I was in the moment, there were several things that made me uncomfortable or had me wishing that they had taken it a different direction, but it's hard to remember what those things are now - especially with the outstanding performance that it was. The very beginning number has a group of people come out and essentially say "This play is about murder and other distasteful things, if you're not okay with that, you're welcome to leave." When they were saying that I was like "That's me! They are talking about me!" So I feel like there has to be some level of understanding with the storyline. But the production itself was OUTSTANDING. The acting was incredible. The set, scenery, effects, etc added incredibly to the show. If Pride and Prejudice was a little bland in production value, it's because Gentleman's Guide stole ALL the available set/scenery changes. The details were hilarious and spot on. When I realized that the same actor was going to be playing ALL of the characters in the D'Ysquith family I laughed out loud, especially because it had taken me a bit to realize what was happening - the actor was SO good I initially thought that he was several actors. I am giving it a 3.7 - the same as Pride and Prejudice and this is why: Where P&P had excellent acting and storyline, the production was a little bland. GG had outstanding acting and production value, but the storyline was a little tricky. (Mostly, there was an affair that was bold and blatant and a few other uncomfortable innuendos.) I actually think I would give a personal rating of 4 stars because now that I am reflecting back on it all I can remember is the outstanding performance value and the incredible acting and that should be worth something extra!
David's Thoughts:
I liked this play. I feel my personal rating would be a 3.5 stars. As Shantel mentioned the set design and production value was excellent. They did all the little things that really enhance the play. There were also plenty of clever little things that made it fun. For example, at the very end it shows him leaving his memoir on a table in the jail cell and since that is full of him admitting to murder there is this moment where you think he'll be caught and then the guard just gives it back to him without looking inside at it. It was funny and clever. However, it could not reach that next level for two reasons that ultimately drop it down a point. 1) The plot line I feel like could have been better. I wish that they had made it so that he accidentally kept killing all the people (probably because that makes him more likable). It could have been done with just slight adjustments because even as the first murder was happening they were almost setting up for that to happen. 2) There were some innuendo's that made it so there were a few uncomfortable scenes and that made it so you were also cringing just a bit worrying whether there would be anything else uncomfortable. As Shantel mentioned it is about love and murder and includes an affair. However, since that is what it is about, it gets docked a bit there as well. Overall it was good. It did provide a lot of discussion after and so it gets a few points for that as well.
ONCE
APR. 21 – JUN. 03, 2023
Book by Enda Walsh; Music & Lyrics by Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová; Based on the Motion Picture Written and Directed by John Carney
Based on the award-winning film of the same name. Travel to the streets of Dublin for Once, the unforgettable story of when Guy meets Girl, told through one of the most beloved scores in all of musical theatre and featuring a cast of live musicians. A not-to-be-missed experience. Star Rating: 2.5 out of 5 Stars
David's Thoughts: I agree with Shantel 100%. I did not really find this play inspiring so it did not really draw me in. The description above sounds way better than the execution, although the acting was well done, I just did not love the story line.
OLIVER!
JUN. 16 – AUG. 05, 2023
Book, Music and Lyrics by Lionel Bart
David and Lydia went to this play together because we couldn't find a babysitter and Lydia was due a "Kid Date". They enjoyed it, but it was another play without a happy ending.
David's Thoughts: Yes, it was not my favorite play either and overall I was a bit disappointed. The kids did a good job, but you could tell that the acting was not quite at the same level as the adults and the story was not my favorite either.
CLUE
September 15, 2023
Based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn; Written by Sandy Rustin; Music by Michael Holland Based on the Paramount Pictures Motion Picture and the Hasbro board game CLUE
An uproarious adaptation of everyone’s favorite board game. It was Colonel Mustard in the Library with the lead pipe. Or perhaps Miss Scarlet in the Ball Room with the rope..? No, Professor Plum in the Conservatory with the wrench! Honestly, we’re not sure, but you can find out in Clue! Star Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
September 15, 2023
Based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn; Written by Sandy Rustin; Music by Michael Holland Based on the Paramount Pictures Motion Picture and the Hasbro board game CLUE
An uproarious adaptation of everyone’s favorite board game. It was Colonel Mustard in the Library with the lead pipe. Or perhaps Miss Scarlet in the Ball Room with the rope..? No, Professor Plum in the Conservatory with the wrench! Honestly, we’re not sure, but you can find out in Clue! Star Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Shantel's Thoughts: I love the board game Clue, so I was incredibly excited about this performance (and was so confident that I would love it that we chose to go for my birthday date). I have to say that the timing and complete precision of the cast was unparralleled. They did such an incredible job of hitting every single scene, every sequence, perfectly. The way they used the small stage to create the feel of an entire mansion with moving doorways and tiptoeing feet was so fun. It's such a hard balance for me, because I have such a low tolerance for anything inappropriate and when they slip one or two things in that didn't need to be there it basically ruins the show for me. I realize that I'm in the minority and that if I ever want to enjoy a show again I'll have to figure out how to deal with it, but I can't give higher than a 4 if I am being true to the way that I felt during the show.
David's Thoughts: I would give this only a 3 or 3.5 It was okay, but not great. There are a couple of cringy items in the play especially at the beginning and once I am set on edge a bit, it is really hard to get in and really enjoy the show. I feel like this is another show where there is a ton of potential, but I'm just not show the way it is written pulls it off.
THE MUSIC MAN
November 3, 2023
Book, Music and Lyrics by Meredith Willson; Story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey
Harold Hill is headed back to town in The Music Man! One of the most popular musicals of all time, the current and classic Broadway hit marches its way to the HCTO stage. With a little something for everyone, grab your trombone and join the band for this family favorite!
Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Shantel's Thoughts:
This was outstanding. One of the things that I love about the Orem Hale Center theater is that they can do such an incredible job with such a huge span of productions. One of our favorite productions was "Dear Daddy Longlegs" and it had two people in the cast. Total. But then you get a production like "The Music Man" and it blows you out of the water. There were SO many people, so much going on, and everything just worked together SO well. The cast came out toward the end and each of them had a brass instrument that they were holding. When they all started to play them together, was just the perfect culmination to an amazing performance. I couldn't believe that final number. Everything about it was just so fun and after a season of disappointing plays, we really really needed a win. This was that for me. (I would give this 4.8 stars!)
David's Thoughts: This was my first "I love it" show of the whole season. I did not know the story coming and and I thoroughly and completely enjoyed it. I would give it 4.5 out of 5 and 5 stars is reserved for only truly inspiring shows. It was fun and entertaining. I loved the large cast and the singing and the music and how it all came together. It pulled me in as I was hoping for everything to work out (and then it did!) and the actors were perfect in their roles. This is definitely a play I would want to go back to again.
BONUS:
JAMES & THE GIANT PEACH (THEATER FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES)
November 3, 2023
Book by Timothy Allen McDonald; Music & Lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul
See the beloved Roald Dahl tale of James and his cavalcade of anthropomorphic friends as they adventure across the globe in their enormous airborne peach. The perfect show for the whole family, and the newest addition to our Theater for Young Audiences program, productions made especially for youth and performed by a troupe of professional actors. Join James and his crew onstage at HCTO!
November 3, 2023
Book by Timothy Allen McDonald; Music & Lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul
See the beloved Roald Dahl tale of James and his cavalcade of anthropomorphic friends as they adventure across the globe in their enormous airborne peach. The perfect show for the whole family, and the newest addition to our Theater for Young Audiences program, productions made especially for youth and performed by a troupe of professional actors. Join James and his crew onstage at HCTO!
Star Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Shantel's thoughts: Okay, so I took the kids to this performance for a homeschool field trip and loved it so much that I convinced David to come back with me. We decided to do back to back performances and we did the Saturday Matinee of James, then went to dinner, then came back for the Music Man and I loved the whole thing. This season has been a bit of a bummer, but these last two shows really did it for me. I loved the music of James and the Giant Peach, loved the casting/acting, and just everything about this darling performance! (I would give this 4.7 stars!)
David's Thoughts: This one turned out to be a bonus play. Shantel went with the kids and liked it so much that we were able to get tickets to it on a Saturday before our Music Man show. It was delightful and enjoyable and I really liked it. I'd give it 4 stars.
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Our rankings of the shows this year:
The Music Man (Easily #1)
James and the Giant Peach
Pride and Prejudice
A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder
Clue
Once
Oliver
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