by Angelina DaSilva
Salt Lake Acting Company is debuting this year’s summer fundraiser and musical satire Saturday’s Voyeur by award-winning playwright Allen Nevins and award-winning lyricist Nancy Borgenicht. After 29 years of writing for this annual event, playwright Allen Nevins stays true to his fingerprint of “irreverent humor” and “political in-correctness”, as pointed out in the program. The writing is unapologetically blunt and provokes constant excitement in the audience. At a showing of Saturday’s Voyeur, you may witness uncontrolled laughter as well as exclamations of outrage.
Saturday’s Voyeur deals with current political and social topics, both on a local as well as a national and international level. It discusses the most recent presidential election in the U.S., the influence of the media, and the connection to Russian politics. Creating a contrast to the heavy political content of the show, Salt Lake Acting Company shines with a jubilant performance. The joyful acting, exciting costume design, recognizable melodies, comical writing, and relaxed atmosphere all make it possible for the audience to stomach the serious and important subject matter. Furthermore, Salt Lake Acting Company stands by their slogan “You bring the picnic. We bring the party.” Audience members are encouraged to bring and enjoy their own food and and drink. Concessions can be purchased before the show or in the two ten-minute intermissions, as well.
All twelve actors make the show a delight by displaying professional attitudes and excellent focus without losing the spark of joy that allows the audience to connect with the artists. Director/Choreographer Cynthia Fleming has harnessed a lot of talent and a lot of story with an excellent cast. And musical director Michael Leavitt brings the performers’ voices together perfectly.
Annette Wright, who has been active in the local theater scene since 1989, portrays liquor store owner Margaret “Peggy” Slough, as well as politician Orrin Hatch. As Peggy, Annette’s performance is unabashed and evocative and adds immensely to the humor of Saturday’s Voyeur. To me, the comical highlight, as well as the most surprising casting choice of the show is a short appearance of Wright as Orrin Hatch. Wright gifts the characters Peggy and Hatch with a painless humor that is irresistible to the audience.
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After 15 years, Dan Larrinaga returns to Saturday’s Voyeur as the lovable drunkard Sterling Cannon Young Stone Smith. He creates a playful and charming character the audience loves despite his outrageous ideas. Larrinaga delivers a layered performance that makes you want to see a lot more of him.
The most prominent role, Vladimir Putin, is portrayed by Eb Madson. As an improv actor at heart, Madson delivers a risky performance of a hilariously cringe-worthy Putin. Becky Jeanne and Katryna Williams shine as passionate all around performers. They are a delight with their precise acting style, powerful singing voices, and committed dance performances. Emilie Starr impresses with her captivating portrayal of Irena Gucme Guccifernov. Floating on and off stage, Starr manages to frame the show as Irena. Eric Lee Brotherson shows his experience in a committed portrayal of Jason Chaffetz and creates a character the audience loves to detest. Justin Ivie knows how to engage the audience and convinces with his clear diction. Jillian Joy, a new addition to the Voyeur cast, stands out with excellent control of her body and effortless elegance in each piece of choreography. Joy also adds significantly to the focus of the entire cast. Cassandra Stokes-Wylie shows strong and committed performances in each of the roles she assumes. William Richardson, joining Saturday’s Voyeur for the first time this year, earned many hearty laughs as the crazy Dr. Bornstein. CJ Strong proves himself to be a flexible actor as he assumes the roles like Buddy Holly and Kellyanne Conway.
The costume design (Heidi Ortega) is a busy yet cohesive visual feast. It features distinctive, bright, and colorfully exciting costumes that show great attention to detail. The costuming also plays an essential role in helping the audience keep track of the frequent role changes of the actors; The 27 characters as well as all ensemble roles are portrayed with ease by only 12 actors.
The set design (Michael Horejsi) is simple and effective; It is never distracting and does an excellent job supporting the story. Notable in this production is SLAC’s unique approach to set changes, which transforms them from a boring means to an end into hilarious performances of their own. The lighting design (James M. Craig) creates an intimate and lively atmosphere while not being imposing or otherwise distracting. Together with the sound design (Shea Madison) the lighting smoothly connects all other aspects of the show.
If you are looking for something edgy, different, and hilarious, see this year’s Saturday’s Voyeur. Bring food, bring drink, bring your friends. It’s a night to remember. We want to thank SLAC for taking what has been, by all accounts, a truly disastrous 2017 and make us see the humor in it.
Note: This show has adult themes and is not for children or young teens.
Salt Lake Acting Company presents Saturday’s Voyeur by Allen Nevins and Nancy Borgenicht
168 West 500 North, Salt Lake City, Utah 84103
July 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-29 and August 2-4 at 7.30 PM. July 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
Contact: 801.363.7522, info@saltlakeactingcompany.org
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