SOUTH SALT LAKE — It’s time to stand at attention and render a salute towards the Parker Theater. Their opening performance on May 23 of No Time for Sergeants by Ira Levin and adapted by Mac Hyman’s book of the same name was a smashing success. This was a patriotic choice during a summer that marks the 250th anniversary of the United States of America and runs Memorial Day weekend. The show celebrates the values and spirit that shaped our nation and will leave you laughing till you’re red, white, and blue in the face.
No Time for Sergeants hasn’t been seen in Utah for over a decade and follows the story of unassuming country boy named Will Stockdale. Drafted into the Air Force, Will’s positive attitude, kindness, and naivety clash with the strict rules and rank of military life. The best of intentions leads to hilarious chaos as Will strives to help his best friend Ben fulfill his wish of transferring into the infantry.
Director Joanne Parker commented that the production is dedicated to the men and women who serve our nation and the families that support them. Her director’s note stated that, “No Time for Sergeants is more than just a comedy. It is a celebration of the American spirit and the people who serve our country. Filled with humor, heart, and small-town charm, this story reminds us of the resilience, kindness, and courage that define so many Americans.”
From the moment Truman Schipper (Will) stepped on stage, he captivated the audience. His winning country accent, stage combat skills, and smiling deadpan humor all contributed to a production that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Despite the absurdity of the situations around him, Truman never broke character. His goofy grins were infectious, and his delivery wonderful. Zach Harvey (Ben) committed wholeheartedly to the emotions his character expressed. Both Schipper and Harvey utilized body language and stage business to the fullest.
No Time for Sergeants is full of slapstick gags that required great timing and physicality from all the actors. The large scale fight scenes were easily some of the best moments in the production. The choreography of their movements felt natural, and the involvement of everyone ensured that no matter where you looked something hilarious was taking place. While the pacing could have been a touch faster, the visual gags of each fight were a delight. Ensemble actor Mitch Wardell heavily participated in these fight scenes and executed a particularly hilarious full body faceplant onto the stage with panache.
Erin Oliphant (properties) and James B. Parker (set and lighting design) utilized their creativity in creating effectual props and set pieces. Liquid props that the cast actually drink (bottles of coke, cups of liquor) can be a bit unpredictable but were managed with ease. Sliding set pieces revealed hidden rooms, a flying harness imitated an emergency parachute landing, and most spectacularly the toilets gave a musical salute. A simulated atomic blast featured red lights roaming over the audience, a video of a smoke cloud blooming on the curtain, bone-shaking audio coming from all sides, plus a smoke machine.
Despite the large number of unique settings that were cycled through, each had different backdrops and stage props. There were enough details to make each setting specific, including unique ceiling lamps and lighting effects, while retaining the ease of transition between settings. The backdrops were clean and crisp, mirroring the military setting they evoked.
Spencer Hohl (sound design) immersed the audience in a realistic soundscape to create the illusion of extra depth within the locations depicted. The actors exploited the stairs on either side of the audience as extended stage space, which further contributed to audience immersion.
The costuming was meticulously attended to by Paige Wilson. Each army uniform was identical to those of the same rank, with buttons, medals, and patches indicating the different ranks. A few of the background female dresses were a bit inaccurate for the period, but were easy to forgive because of the detail given to the enlisted uniforms.
Brett Myers (dialect coach) may not have been onstage, but his influence was felt in the consistency of the country accents used by Truman and Zach. In addition, the crisp, booming military style of speech came across clearly from the rest of the actors.
The Parker Theater tailors its refreshments to the production onstage. Inside their soda fountain you could find Stars and Stripes Snack Mix, Grand Ol’ Flag Taffy, and a variety of similarly themed flavored sodas. The extra level of care given to incorporate the show into the audience experience through the food helps the Parker Theater stand out among the many theaters in the Salt Lake area.
Heartwarming and hilarious, this show is certainly worthy of adding to your summer plans. There’s no time to waste, visit the Parker Theater to watch No Time for Sergeants during its run. May we all continue to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of good theater.
MORE INFO: No Time for Sergeants is currently playing at Parker Theatre (3605 South State Street, South Salt Lake, UT 84115) as part of Parker Theatre’s 2026 Mainstage season. Written by Ira Levin, the comedy runs May 23 through June 27, 2026, with performances on Fridays at 7:30 PM and Saturdays at 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM. Tickets are $32 for adults and $23 for children 17 and under. For the most up-to-date schedule, performance details, and official ticketing, visit the Parker Theatre website: https://www.parkertheatre.org/
Editors note: Photos will be added when received.