By Nate Brown
I admit that I never expected to go to Sizzler in Orem, Utah, to see dinner theater, but that is where Salty Dinner Theater’s production of Snow White took me on this cold winter evening. Yes, that’s right. Sizzler. With two z’s. You know, that place with the yummy steaks and incredible buffet.
Little did I know what an enchanted evening I would be spending.
Snow White is a cute and fun adaptation of the classic tale that maintains a close connection to the original storyline while incorporating humor and audience participation. Using multiple restaurants as a found space theater, the audience is immersed within the play while enjoying a good meal.
No curtain rises, so as the audience arrives, the actors are already in character and interacting with audience members as we sit and begin dining on our first course. The huntsman (Ben Heder) avoids the queen and discusses his disquiet with their relationship. The mirror (Mary Brassard, also Jason Jones) encourages us to ask questions of her, to which she produces delightful answers. The queen (Monique Derr, also Staci Huntsman) slithers to and fro inflicting herself on the huntsman and schmoozing with palpable narcissism. If you’re willing to go with them on it, there is a whole world of fun interaction available before the show even starts.
One of the highlights of the show is the performance of Jamie Haderlie as the dwarfs. She plays all seven. Her multiple personalities are a bit intimidating and in-your-face at first, but as the show continues, the audience’s appreciation for the numerous talents she displays grows dramatically. Whether singing, harrumphing, swaggering, or twittering like Tinkerbelle, Haderlie continues to amaze every time she takes the stage.
Brassard’s portrayal of the mirror is friendly and lovable and will make you wish that you could have a mirror just like her at home. She is innocent and fearful in her interactions with the queen, and her joy when good begins to triumph is contagious.
Productions can be made and broken by their villain. Derr is big and bold in her portrayal of one of the most notorious poisoners in western culture. As Derr combines both a lithe sensuality and an ego the size of Alaska, the audience struggles to decide whether we are attracted to or repulsed by Snow White’s stepmother. How can we feel drawn toward someone so clearly evil and power-hungry? Exploring this question is just part of the fun.
Heder as the huntsman, Colin Doxey as the prince, and Cambry Wallentine as Snow White create a dynamic trio and a pleasant love triangle. Maintaining both the girl-next-door and the empowered young woman in her portrayal, Wallentine is perfect as Snow. Her chemistry with Doxey and Heder seems a bit off at times, but she does a good job keeping us guessing as to where her heart lies. Still, her connection with Heder won the hearts of my family. Doxey maintains a sense of regality that fits him as the prince. Heder gives the huntsmen a bit of insecure vulnerability that is unique to this production and very endearing.
Direction by Kami Henderson – along with the lighting, sound, and stage management of the production – comes across as casual and frequently improvised, which fits the show well. The audience ends up feeling like this could be a fantastic play thrown together by friends in our dining room.
Salty Dinner Theater’s Snow White is appropriate for all ages but should be considered PG due to some mild innuendo and suggestive phrases. Dinner is part of the show but is not included in the price of admission, so you’ll need to be prepared to pay for dinner when you arrive. The story and humor are aimed toward adults, but the scenes and characters should be able to hold the attention of most children.
Enjoy dinner and take the chance to create a unique happy ending with Salty Dinner Theater’s Snow White!
Salty Dinner Theater presents Snow White by Beth Bruner.
Various Locations in Utah County, Salt Lake County, and Davis County. See website.
February 11-15, 17-21, 24-29, 2020, 7:30 PM (Seating at 7:00 PM)
Tickets: $16 Adults, $12 Children (Dinner not included in ticket)
https://saltydinnertheater.com/
Salty Dinner Theater Facebook Page
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