Review by Cynthia Terry, Front Row Reviewers
The Lantern Marquee, a brand-new traveling theater company, brings The Dreamers of VoleVille to life at the Peteetneet Amphitheater in Payson, Utah. Be amazed as they transform a heated circus tent into a steampunk dreamworld of music, aerial artistry, and theatrical invention. Feel the cool October air and glow of lanterns as a full house of eager guests set the mood for an evening of pure imagination that feeds our dreams.
As the music swells, aerial performers take their places spinning, twisting, and swinging in the air. Their constant motion pulls me straight into VoleVille’s steampunk-circus world before a single word is spoken. But the magic doesn’t stop when the story begins; they continue to stun with their talent, turning each scene into a living, breathing work of art.
One by one, actors creep onto the stage, each adding to the suspense in turn. A glowing woman moves with mechanical grace, taking her place at the organ where she winds up to play. A mysterious vampire enters, making the coffin breathe as its lid rises and falls. Just as the atmosphere thickens, Nathanael Sackett sends a deep, commanding voice through the audience, introducing himself as Sevo, the unseen overlord determined to steal the dreams from the citizens of VoleVille.
As Sevo’s grip tightens on his strange, shadowy world, new faces begin to rise against his control. Through his narration, we meet both villains and unlikely heroes. Among them is Sans/Sunny, a free thinker who would do anything for her zany troupe of performers.
From her first moments onstage, Lilly Hilton radiates a mix of strength and sensitivity while portraying Sans. She’s strong and witty, clearly someone her Wildling troupe looks up to, yet she guards herself with sarcasm so no one can see how broken she feels inside. Beneath her confidence runs a quiet longing—for family, belonging, and a place to finally feel seen. Hilton’s performance feels deeply personal in the way she carries hidden hurt while still lifting others. It reminds me how hard it can be to keep believing in oneself when we’ve forgotten our own worth. Her emotional connections with the troupe make her character powerful, especially when she teams up with the handsome Avec to rescue their loved ones.
Ian Fulwider (Avec) brings warmth and heart to his role as a protective older brother and friend, creating instant likability. His voice is clear and expressive, easily one of the strongest of the night. Fulwider’s carefree and playful delivery at the beginning contrasts beautifully with the growing desperation he feels as he sets out to save his younger brother from the dream-stealing monsters. His scenes with Hilton flow so naturally that their chemistry feels effortless. They balance each other perfectly—her guarded exterior softens in his presence while she strengthens his courage. Together, they create a perfect blend of humor and love.
The Wildling troupe brings a joyful kind of chaos to the stage, filling every scene with color, humor, and heart. Their circus tricks and unfiltered energy make the world of VoleVille feel alive. Among them, Keyan Anderson (Gaspard) delivers a bold and confident performance, speaking every line with gusto and a spark that makes him stand out in the crowd. His comedic timing and natural charisma pull the audience in every time he’s onstage. Right alongside him, young Ace Ortiz as Theo melts hearts as the sweet juggler who just wants a hug. His gentleness and sincerity make you want to give him one right then and there. Together, the Wildlings capture the audience with their entertaining talents, such as bubble magic, hoop tricks, and poi ball twirling.
As in many tales, the innocent must face conniving forces, and here they take the form of The Syndicate—a shadowy group that steals dreams for power. Craig Gardner (Andouille) stands out as their clever, dreamless leader. He slips between confident dialogue and crisp song with ease, never breaking character. His sharp delivery keeps the audience hooked. A memorable moment comes when he shouts “Sleep!” at the troupe as though that’s the most obvious way to force them to start dreaming. It’s unexpected, funny, and perfectly captures the show’s playful mix of menace and wit.
Gardner’s commanding presence is matched perfectly by Lisa King (Blaireau), who holds her own against him with fearless confidence. The two play off each other beautifully—his sharp, composed control meeting her bold, unrestrained energy. King is one of the most exotic performers onstage and completely owns every moment. Her powerhouse voice and theatrical flair reminded me of the movie Hocus Pocus—not because she plays a witch, but because her larger-than-life personality fills the space with that same wild, contagious fun. She takes full control of her scenes and gives Blaireau a vibrant spark that fits the eccentric tone of the show perfectly.
The underrated sidekick with three personalities, Deux/Trois/Quatre, is brought to life by Jacob Garrison with both humor and heart. He delivers each persona with precise comedic timing and a lovable energy that makes him instantly endearing. His strong, confident vocals shine in a three-part song about positive self-talk—a number that stood out as one of the funniest and most meaningful moments of the night. Through his performance, he drives home a powerful message that no one else gets to define who you are; only you can do that.
The Syndicate monsters are a visual feast—creepy, colorful, and overflowing with personality. Their costumes and movements create the perfect Halloween mix of spooky and fun. A few standouts include Dan Reese (Dracula), who uses his whole body to express emotion and instantly draws the audience’s eye whenever he’s onstage, and the adorable Quinly Everett (Werewolf), whose early transformation into a beast after her dreams are stolen is both thrilling and heart-tugging. The fabulous Karaleigh Garrison (Countess Bathory) adds a haunting elegance with her dream-taking song, her voice ethereal and chilling as it echoes through the tent.
By far, the biggest laughs of the night are controlled by Alexis Jensen and Maddison Twede, who play the devious conjoined twins known as Crotte De Chèvre. From their first arrival onstage, their smudged makeup and wild hair give the audience just a taste of how strange and deranged they are—and then the clever manipulations and kidnappings begin. With every line dripping in dark humor, I found myself rooting for the twins even though they were completely off their rockers. By intermission, they had already won my attention, but the fun had just started. While staying completely in character, they entertained the audience during the break, starting chaotic cheering competitions, trading candy with toddlers, and helping us take pictures with Sevo’s brain. What a riot!
I couldn’t be more impressed by Director Twila Clair, who goes above and beyond what’s expected for a new theater company. She truly does it all—writing, directing, composing, producing, and even designing elements of the set and sound. She built The Dreamers of VoleVille from the ground up, creating a fully original musical that’s as ambitious as it is heartfelt. Pulling off a show of this size outdoors in a circus tent is no small feat, especially with unpredictable fall weather threatening to interfere, yet she handles every challenge with creativity and calm. I especially appreciate how she gives young actors a chance to shine. For many in this cast, these are their first lead roles, and Clair’s guidance turns that new talent into something remarkable. In her director’s note, she shares how she left a corporate career to rediscover her love of storytelling, and that passion radiates through every scene. Her vision blends circus spectacle, emotional honesty, and imagination into an unforgettable experience for Utah audiences. This is just a small taste of what’s yet to come—and I, for one, can’t wait to see what magic she stirs up next.
I must give a shoutout to the technical aspects of this show in addition to the acting. The set by Guy Clair and Director Clair is magnificently detailed and colorful. I especially loved the organ with all its parts, pipes, and gears. My eleven-year-old son couldn’t even wrap his head around how they created it. He kept asking me, “Is that real?” for every set piece.
Along with the set, the costumes by Haven Hartnett are absolutely stunning. I’m at a loss for words. Each piece is so detailed that it feels like watching a living painting. From the mix of steampunk textures to light-up accents and whimsical accessories, every design tells its own story. The craftsmanship and variety are breathtaking, easily among the most visually impressive elements of the entire production.
Music Direction by Katie Higley keeps the sound powerful and balanced from start to finish. I loved the different dynamics of music styles. In addition to violin and organ music, we also get a mix of funky beats and rocking guitar numbers that made me want to get up and dance.
Choreography by Nicole Ortiz makes full use of the stage, blending dance and movement with circus-style flair. The group numbers have characterized movements that fit the energy of the steampunk world, and moments like lifting the little werewolf girl high into the air add a sense of magic and surprise. The choreography and aerial work together give the show a one-of-a-kind pulse that makes it feel alive from start to finish.
The night ends in a flash of color and light as good triumphs, leaving the audience with an overwhelming sense of love for those around us. It’s a reminder that the things most sacred—family, dreams, and ambition—are neither temporary nor fragile. Whether we’re surrounded by loved ones or sharing space with strangers in the community, the power of connection gives life meaning. The Dreamers of VoleVille reminds us that no one can truly steal a dream or silence the part of us that dares to hope. In the end, it’s a story about finding belonging, believing in ourselves, and sharing our dreams with one another.
Despite its monsters and villains, The Dreamers of VoleVille remains refreshingly family-friendly. The show delivers plenty of thrills without crossing into anything inappropriate, making it the kind of experience that kids, teens, and adults can all enjoy together. It’s rare to find a production that feels this imaginative and still so wholesome. It’s a reminder that “spooky” doesn’t have to mean dark, and that great storytelling can bring families together in the best ways.
As for The Lantern Marquee, this debut marks only the beginning of their creative journey. The company is carving out a bold new niche as Utah’s first fully traveling dinner theater, where every production will combine themed dining, immersive storytelling, and a touch of circus magic. Future shows will invite audiences not just to watch but to experience the story—from the food to the music, to the atmosphere that surrounds them. What excites me most is their dedication to building a creative community where families, performers, and dreamers of all kinds can come together. They’re not just making theater—they’re crafting shared experiences that remind us how art, laughter, and imagination can connect us all.The Lantern Marquee presents The Dreamers of VoleVille
Peteetneet Amphitheater, 495 East 100 North, Payson, UT 84651
Dates: October 2–18, 2025
Tickets: $10–$25
Contact: 801-347-7539
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