By Genesis Eve Garcia
Last night I took my 13-year-old son to see Galactic Battles: A Star Wars Musical Parody at Midvale Performing Arts Center. As we walked into the lobby, we are greeted by the founder of Sanctuary Theatre Company, Connie Beaty (Director). There were smiles all around. As we walked into the theater, parents and kids talked animatedly, excited for the show to begin.
The show is a Star Wars parody. It’s kind of like a jukebox musical and lip sync contest combined. There are elements of improv and over-the-top comedy, combined with great dance numbers. The songs they choose are fun and everyone in the cast has a great time singing and dancing. Audience members are all there to have a good time, and they absolutely love all the Star Wars jokes.
If there is a storyline, it is about a girl performed by Regan J. Cox (Sam), who is at odds with Frida Cardenas (Mother) and Frida Lezcanos (Sister), and Alyson Lezcanos (Sister), because she is obsessed with Star Wars. After their disagreement, Aimee McPhee (George Lucas) comes to her room to grant her a wish. Her wish is to experience a Star Wars pop/punk musical. Of course, her wish comes true!
The actors are played by kids and adults alike. The talents range from very new, eager to be a part of something fun, to experienced adults having a great time showing off!
My favorite part of the whole experience is seeing everyone have such a wonderful time. You could tell the cast is made up of close friends. I love the care that they take for one another. They give one another a lot of energy and support. It seems like each person on stage has a moment to shine.
The Sanctuary is a theater company that prides itself on complete blind casting. They have auditioners sing, and they assign the auditioners numbers so that they aren’t aware of who they are casting. But Mason Johnson (Luke, or I should say, Duke) has long blond hair, and clearly looked the part. Perhaps he sounded the part too? He definitely wins over the crowd.
Whether they actually cast without seeing their auditioners or not, I am not complaining. Their motive is to open casting to a larger group of people, and they achieve their goal. I enjoy seeing people who spoke English as a second language on stage. I enjoy seeing small children dancing around and smiling as best as they can. I enjoy Kendra Jones (Darth Vader, or Darth Vaper, as they refer to her in the show), played with strength and focus by a teenage girl. The fun casting choices open our imaginations and lead us to see the Star Wars characters and stories play out for people from all walks of life.
Audrey Pan (Princess Freya) is played with sass and charisma. Her comedic timing is on point during the song “Bye Bye Bye”. Jessica Andrews shows off her strong vocals in “What’s the Force?” The whole company really shows their talents during their dance number “Seven Nation Army”. Jennifer Kletke (Emperor Ovaltine) is hilarious. Robbie Easton (Don Single) is a rock star. Kenzie Richardson (Darth Mall) is charming and hilarious. Regan J. Cox (Sam), and McPhee play off each other well. Cox has so much frenetic and passionate energy, and McPhee is a fantastic straight man.
The show is directed, written, and choreographed by Connie Beaty. Lorrinda Christensen serves as vocal director and stage manager. Kylee Ogzewalla and Regan J. Cox are also credited with choreography. Cameron Christensen does sound and lights. Gemma Day and Connor Day were on the stage crew. It is clear that the creation of and performance of these songs and dances is a group effort. Everyone works together to bring the audience laughter and joy.
Sanctuary Theatre Company Presents Galactic Battles: A Star Wars Musical Parody
Midvale Performing Arts Center
Midvale, 695 W. Center St, Midvale, UT. 84047
September 12, 2022 – October 1, 2022; 7:00pm
(385) 296-1495
Ticket Cost: $12
Sanctuary Theatre Company Website
Sanctuary Theatre Company Facebook
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