A Utah Theater Review by Rachel Summerhalder
Valley Center Playhouse is a locally owned theater that prides itself on bringing family-friendly shows to the community. For nearly 40 years, they have been doing exactly that. Valley Center Playhouse is located in Lindon, and although it has a small parking lot, I’ve never had problems parking there. The theater itself is quite small, and is a theater in the round, which lets the audience see more of the action and feel like they are a part of the show. Backstage, written by theater owner Jody Renstrom, is a play within a play, giving us a look at what happens behind the scenes of a show when everything goes hilariously wrong.
Tyler Renstrom, who also happens to be the director of Backstage, plays the director, David, who is trying to cast his latest show, No More Tears, with the help of his assistant director, Connie, played by understudy Jennifer Mustoe (the role is usually played by Sherri Webb). As the show opens, we see several actors reading different parts from the show, and it becomes apparent early on that there are some very distinct and clashing personalities among them. Vying for the leading lady role are Barbara, played by Rebekah Osmond, Jennifer played by Alyssa Christensen, and Paula played by Josie Layton. Looking to land the leading man roles are Bruce, played by Andrew Whittaker, Jonathan, played by Tyrone Svedin, and Ken, played by Jordan Stout. After some very bad yet funny readings, the play is cast and rehearsals begin.
As the show goes on, we’re introduced to the production team of the show, Brent the light and sound guy played by Aaron Leavitt, and Ingrid the costumer, played Jennifer Blackman. Some of my favorite moments in the show involved Ingrid, a measuring tape, and several cast members in varying awkward positions. Blackman was my favorite – she has a cute German accent, and she had a way of making me want to keep watching her just to see what she do next. The first act shows us all the ups and downs of the rehearsal process, while the second act gives us the excitement and stress of opening night.
There are so many funny moments, but I would hate to ruin it for you by giving away too much. It was obvious to me that this cast has good chemistry and that they work well together. There were several moments where I wondered if the actual actors had made a mistake or if it was a character thing, but they were always covered well by everyone onstage and just fit into the show. There were times when the cast interacted with the audience, and while this usually bothers me, I found that it worked well and led to some of the funniest moments of the show. The show definitely gave the impression that there was improving going on, which made the show interesting. I would love to go again to see what changes happen, since I can tell this show is going to be different every night.
Testosterone alone does generic viagra pills not cause an erection and often make a woman tense up and become unresponsive to feelings of sexual excitement. There are so many causes behind difficulties related buy cialis professional to premature ejaculation. MJ’s compassionate golden heart women viagra order was seen when he co-wrote the charity single “We Are the World” with Lionel Richie, which was released worldwide to assist the poor in Africa and also the US. Ajanta pharmacy observed these reasons buy levitra and worked out on it.
The costumes were appropriate but forgettable. The play within the play takes place in the 1930’s, so there were some costumes pieces that were period, but for the most part it was modern day street cloths, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all to find out that the cast brought their costumes from home. Lights and sound were fairly simple, and I think the show may have benefitted from some background music at different points, such as the scene changes, but overall it worked well with the simplicity of the show.
Backstage is easy to watch, and to laugh at. The jokes come fast and furiously, and there were times where I was laughing so hard I had tears streaming down my face. If you’re looking for an escape and to just enjoy yourself for a couple of hours, then Backstage is the show for you. I would recommend leaving the younger kids at home, not because there’s anything objectionable in the show, but simply because many of the jokes may be over their heads and they might get bored. There was a group of kids sitting across from me, ranging from about 6 to 10. I noticed that most of the show they were sitting there quietly while the adults were laughing, and they cheered when the realized the show was over. I’m planning on seeing this show again, and taking my 14-year-old daughter because I know she will love it. This is one of the better shows I’ve seen recently, and I hope that you will find a way to visit Valley Center Playhouse and enjoy the zaniness that is Backstage.
Thank you!