By Cory Castillo
The Café Plays: Bluebirds & Lambs in an Idle Isle, written and directed by Lynda Linford and produced by Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre at their stunningly unique Utah Theatre in Logan may be just as enjoyable as a fine meal with close friends. This collection of three dramatizations follows the comings-and-goings of enigmatic characters at landmark Utah restaurants – The Bluebird Café in Logan, Lamb’s Grill Café in Salt Lake City, and The Idle Isle in Brigham City. Filled with fascinating regional and national history, the lives of characters intersect among delicious dishes and local specialties. This opening offering from UFOMT was both classic and timeless and surely left anyone hungry for the rest of the summer 2021 season upcoming at Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre.
These plays have been performed several times over the last thirty years, often individually in a dinner theatre setting at the actual café being highlighted, so the opportunity to be immersed in all three locations inside of a theatre was a treat. The evening began comfortably as the audience entered to welcoming 1930’s music, soft lighting, and café patrons already seated onstage, as if the audience was being invited to eavesdrop into the characters’ lives. House lights dimmed, and a Bluebird dinner service began to unfold. We met some of the staff – Jared Gregersen was busy and at-home behind the counter as J. Johnson, Kathleen Bateman bustled about the set as the no-nonsense Mavis. Ruby and Dot, played by the dynamic duo of Anne Benson and Annette Macfarlane, filled the stage with humor and a colloquial character that immediately warmed the audience.
Then we met the regulars: Ben Norton as Marston, at-ease and natural in his role giving historical context of world events, Kayln Baldwin and Hayden Hoglund as a young couple navigating military responsibilities and a blossoming relationship, Tracy Norton as a savvy woman-about-town, Lucas Bybee and Lynette Turner Parry as fiery and complicated lovers, and a cast of notable townspeople played by Jacob Brock, Corey A. Ewan, and Matt Jeppesen. The ensemble acting was so solid and believable that the audience was easily transported to un-simple times that played as relatable and universal.
One of the most enjoyable things about this series of three plays was the difference in tone while visiting each locale. Next is Salt Lake City’s Lamb’s Grill Café, where there is a mystery to solve. This is deftly unfolded by the playwright, and by strong performances from Ewan and Mitzi Mecham, who guided us to a surprising conclusion aided by Cameron Forbis and Benson, who also gave nuanced performances and just enough information to add movement and suspense to the story. This second piece at Lamb’s felt like it was taking place in a metropolitan city, a compliment to the script and the tight performances of this four-person ensemble. If the audience responded as I did, they wished they could still visit this historic café, the only one of the group which has now closed.
The tone changes again while next visiting Idle Isle Café in Brigham City. We are guided through so many fascinating pieces of history that I must assume playwright and director Linford spent an exhaustive amount of time in research, hopefully over a few slices of signature Idle Isle pie. Our guides were a charming cast of waitresses, clad in vintage pinkish uniforms, who spoke directly to the audience, sang, danced, used a bevy of props, and made for a very enjoyable Act Three. Kudos to this cast as well. Baldwin, Benson, Lindsey Kelstrom, Macfarlane, Norton and Parry seamlessly complemented one another, allowed their distinct personalities to shine, and made for charismatic and dynamic hosts.
The set, tastefully designed by Tommy Jennings, scenically painted by the talented Benson, filled with props by Jared Gregerson, with stage management by Anissa Wellington and technical direction by Kyle Stein to hold the elements together, transition fluidly and with historical accuracy between these three similar but distinct establishments; not over-done or under. Sound design by Carl “CJ” Whitaker thoughtfully underscored the entire evening. The lighting design by Hannah Whorton with technicians Jared Overturf and Alexis Woodward was just as comforting as the best-lit restaurants, relaxing and appropriate. Topped off with delightful period costumes designed by Norton, the entire experience was immersive, fun, and transporting.
Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre presents The Café Plays: Bluebirds & Lambs in an Idle Isle, written and directed by Lynda Linford.
The Utah Theatre, 18 West Center Street, Logan UT 84321
June 2-5 2021, 7:30 PM
Tickets: $8
Contact: 800-262-0074 ext. 3
Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre Facebook Page
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