By Alayna Een
The Castle Amphitheater in Provo, UT, is the perfect setting for a fairytale, with stone turrets, wide benches, and an unbeatable view of the horizon; A Room Full of Glass adds to this with colorful stained-glass windows that glow with the fading sun as the story begins. Written by Beth Moulton with music by Hanna Schneck, A Room Full of Glass is told by a young girl reading her favorite fairy tale, which follows the serial adventures and budding romance of Prince William and Estelle. The two have run away together in search of adventure, and they find it in spades, facing foes from dragons and demons to disappointed parents, rude party guests to pitiful pirates. Through their adventures, they learn the traits that will help them succeed at home and eventually decide to return—though their adversaries have other plans.
This fairy tale is brought to life through imaginative staging, as members of the ensemble unify to become a demon and embody a dragon, transforming seemingly simple elements into a compelling whole. Katherine Moulton’s creative props contribute enormously to the charm and success of the show, and the choreography (Anna Hall) throughout is especially impressive, with dancers gracefully gliding on pointe and intense fight scenes. The production makes full use of the natural beauty of the surroundings, timing the sunset to correspond with their defeat of an enormous foe, aligning a dance with fireflies and falling stars with the early grasp of twilight, and ending in full night with the focus on a rising star. Maybe my favorite touch was that concessions are homemade and thematically appropriate, made with love by the parents of the cast.
This youthful story is embellished with beautiful songs, including Will’s heartfelt “To Be Free,” Estelle’s heart-wrenching “Who You Need Me to Be,” and the heartwarming finale, “Dream of Adventure.” Meredith Pankratz is the Reader, and she is responsible for connecting the scenes and bringing the audience into the world. She does so with a giddy innocence that is immediately endearing. Will (Adam DeFord) has the best character arc in the show, going from an inexperienced and sheltered boy to a worthy king. DeFord handles the growth of the character well, and his connection with Estelle (Hanna Schneck) is charming and believable. Schneck is an incredible leading lady, with impressive vocal power and endless enthusiasm. The parents of the pair disapprove of their connection and wanderlust. Katherine Moulton is a regal and disappointed Queen Christinia, united in distain with the aloof and proper king, Seven Harrison. Eliza Een’s Mother brilliantly walks the balance between well-meaning and mean as she discourages Estelle’s yearning for adventure by calling on the cautionary tale of Aunt Catherine. Aunt Catherine (Jessie Pew) is a compelling vocalist and intriguing featured role.
Emily Felt serves as both the costumer (with Isa Lewis) of the show and the elegant and uppity Queen of Tchahd, opposite the supercilious king Austin Simcox. The pair leads the snobby royal court in both fashion and vice. The ensemble adapts to many different needs and does credit to each. Anna Hall, Goldie Harrison, and Oliver Estrada-Brown are especially talented dancers, and Goldie Harrison is funny as the down-on-her-luck pirate captain.
A Room Full of Glass is a charming adventure tale with some moments of true heart and exceptional scenes. This original musical is in its successful second run and hopes to enchant the hearts of audience members once again. So go have your adventure with A Room Full of Glass at the Castle Amphitheater in Provo, UT!
Elizabeth Moulton presents A Room Full of Glass. Book and Lyrics by Elizabeth Moulton and Music by Hanna Schneck.
Canyon Glen Park Amphitheater, 501 E Provo Canyon Rd Provo, UT, 84604
Castle Amphitheater, 1300 East Center Street, Provo, UT 84601
July 30–August 6, 2022, 8:0 PM
Tickets: $5. Additional donations are welcome.
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