Part I
The Utah Theatre Bloggers Association appreciates so much being invited into the venues of theatres of all kinds across the state. Our beautiful state is filled with committed, skilled, and creative artists of all kinds. We are so lucky to see much of the Utah Theatre scene throughout the year. At the end of each year, we strive to gather our thoughts on the best of the best from our own observations. 2024 has continued the tradition of greatness in Utah Theatre, and we are proud to share our examples of what we have seen as excellent gems throughout the you. From our staff of over 30 reviewers, we share our end of year thoughts.
Excellent Professional (Equity) Production
Great Comet at PTC could be nominated almost across the board. The performances of the entire cast were spellbinding. The attention to detail in costuming, staging, lighting, direction. . . Top to bottom it was just an incredible night of theatre. It’s the kind of show you never want to end. I could have died happy in my seat. Also, Souvenir at PTC was also a late frontrunner for me and was the best play I saw this year. It’s a shame that the lack of title recognition and general December over-booking we all seem to have will keep it from being a priority for more people. Linda Mugleston‘s performance in particular is the best I’ve seen in years, and having an actor of her caliber at such close range is the kind of treat that made me feel so enormously glad to live in a state that attracts such performances. The new direction happening over at PTC has truly elevated their already great work to a new level and I can’t wait to see what their next season brings. — Joni Newman, Reviewer
I was not prepared for how much I would enjoy Pioneer’s Natasha and Pierre. I was entirely unfamiliar with the music, the musical, and the source material walking in. It was told so incredibly and staged so immaculately that I was instantly taken with it as one of my favorite shows I’ve ever seen. Ever. It was so good that by intermission, my wife and I were planning how to see it again. And the second act was more profound. I’ll be astounded if we don’t start seeing this show pop up at more venues. — Scott Savage, UTBA VP
Seeing Come From Away at the Eccles was a defining theatrical moment. It was everything I expected from a Broadway Tour and more! Having watched the recording of the original Broadway Cast, I already loved the show and the design work. Seeing the live production was incredible and more than worth the ticket price. The live experience of watching the story with such a large audience in the live setting was awesome. And marveling at the excellent staging and technical design elements including quick changes, and simple set pieces used in extremely theatrical ways. —Maggie Dudley, Staff Member
My favorite thing I saw this year was Pioneer’s Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812. What a fabulously produced and moving piece of musical theater. The direction, acting and singing transported me—I left the theater walking on air. —B.F. Isaacson UTBA Staff
Excellent Semi-professional Production
You can read my review of Parker’s Of Mice and Men, and it was tragically beautiful. Truly great stuff, but I’d like to take this one another direction. I adored Hale Centre Theatre’s production of Fiddler on the Roof. It told the story of a culture beautifully and didn’t get in its own way with showmanship. The one moment that was truly crazy was the nightmare dream sequence, and that was epic — however, it wasn’t just the spectacular that worked. It was deep and moving character work and honoring of a great story. Well done Hale. — Savage
Excellent College/University Production
BYU’s Crazy for You was my favorite university production of the year. The acting and singing was top notch. But most impressive was the choreography and dancing ability of the cast. My poor brain can’t comprehend how anyone (let alone college students) can learn so many moves and hit so many marks. An overwhelmingly delightful show. — Isaacson
In the middle of nowhere Utah, Snow College has developed a fantastic Theatre Program. Their productions this year, including Persuasion, Twelfth Night, and Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief have continued to impress me. The cost ratio value is even more surprising when considering the amount spent on the ticket versus the level of production one gets to see. It is a strong reminder of the quality of theatre education given in Utah schools — Maren Scriven Swensen, President UTBA
Excellent Amateur Production
My favorite community production was Lehi Arts’ Puffs. Charles Damon Hudson was believable, likeable and ultimately dynamic in the lead role. The cast was clearly having the time of their lives. The production impressively pulled off this technically challenging show with fabulous staging and an unholy number of million sound and light cues. — Isaacson
I don’t usually love the stage version of Hunchback of Notre Dame, but Timpanogos Community Theatre (American Fork)’s production was astounding, memorable, and beautiful. This space was perfect for it, and the cast and crew did magnificent work. — Savage
Tooele Valley Theatre did such a beautiful job of performing Into The Woods this year. I loved the passion of the actors, the skill of the directing, and the fantastic setup outside. I look forward to many more shows from TVT in future! — Sara Claverie UTBA Reviewer
Excellent Musical
Ziegfeld’s Beauty and the Beast in ASL was an absolute gem. Incorporating American Sign Language into this beloved musical was effortless and magical. The whole piece felt intentional in every way. Directors Morgan Parry and Anne Post Fife offer “something there that wasn’t there before” in designing a production from a frequently performed musical now ambitiously blending ASL with voice in staging, acting, choreography, theme, and design. — Dudley
As evident by several of the writers, the consensus is that Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 has soared to the top of our list of excellence in musicals this year. Pioneer has upped their game and shown that they can provide top tier entertainment, and I truly look forward to this level of musical genius moving forward — Swensen
Excellent Play
Shear Madness is a phenomenal theatre piece. As a participatory comedy whodunnit, the show’s elements are complex and interesting – demanding a lot of the cast and of the audience engagement. The play was excellent because the performances were so well rehearsed and prepared. The Lyric Rep Company selected an excellent unique show and a fantastic team to bring this production so much life, precision, energy and creativity. — Dudley
As someone who loves musicals more than plays, and does not like romance, being able to say that one of my favorite plays of the year was West Valley’s Shakespeare in Love was not small feat. The directorial concepts by Kate Rufener still come to my mind and make me smile. Her understanding of history and storytelling and how that is all relevant in bringing it to the stage made that show magic. —Swensen
Excellent Shakespeare
Utah Shakespeare Festival’s Taming of the Shrew was my favorite Shakespeare performance of the year. It was a delight seeing the festival director and his wife battling in the lead roles, and the supporting cast was a hoot. I appreciate how the production reduced some of its dated, icky nature and dialed up the importance of men to serve their wives, not just the other way around — Isaacson
Much Ado was a much needed comedy this year from Tooele Valley Theatre. The skilled hilarious performing was such a treat, as well as how well they brought Shakespeare’s language to life! I loved it, and laughed all throughout. — Claverie
