The Children’s Theatre brings youth and energy to a Utah standard

SALT LAKE CITY — Last night I had the privilege to attend opening night of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” performed by the Youth Stage at The Children’s Theatre. What certainly could have been an amateur and trite evening at the theatre proved to be another reason why The Children’s Theatre is quickly becoming one of my favorite stages in Salt Lake City.

Youth Stage is a performance-based class comprised of students ages 8-18. I was very impressed with the quality of the final product and while a 90 minute show can be taxing on the performer these young students really did a wonderful job. It was very easy to see how much work had gone into the development of each character.  Particularly fun were the two actors who played Potiphar and his wife. Another wonderful surprise was when Pharaoh jumped onstage, grabbed his electric guitar, and started accompanying his own song with a bass player on one side and Joseph on the other playing the drums.  Throughout the whole show the cast was having a blast performing and that energy was infectious. There were no weak performers. I’d like to go again and bring my whole family (if my schedule allows).

The show was not without flaws, but these were primarily technical issues that will have certainly been resolved before this response to the show posts.  I’m excited to see what this young group of performers has in store for Utah in the next decade.

Admittedly I’m a newbie when it comes to the Theatre for Young Audiences scene.  However, the Children’s Theatre in SLC has set such a high level of performance that I’m very excited to search out more companies across Utah exploring the medium of theatre made by youth for youth.  They really have set the bar high.  If you have kids interested in getting involved in theatre I would definitely recommend taking a look at the classes offered at this little gem in downtown SLC.