News From the Festival
Rhett Guter as Boy in Peter and the Starcatcher
Rhett Guter is a native of southern Utah and is in his seventh season with the Festival. In 2011, he choreographed The Music Man. This season, he’s playing Boy in Peter and the Starcatcher and choreographing both that play and Anything Goes. We talked with him about his role as Boy.
Tell us about your preparation to play Boy.
2013 Peter and the Starcatcher, Guter as Boy
I read the Peter and the Starcatchersbook; I reread J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan. I didn’t want to see the Disney animated film or Hook. I wanted to take the original material, to see where Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson had drawn the line for the book and then where Rick Elice had skewed it for the play. I wanted to concentrate on what Rick Elice has created as a ramp into the role.
Do you feel pressure because it’s the regional premiere?
Yes - It’s a lot of responsibility, playing a title role and choreographing the big push of the season. I love this company so I want it to do really well. I want this show to just soar. I want people to come away and go “wow that was incredible and that’s where theatre is going now.”
It’s a great show to introduce kids to what theatre is and that’s why it’s unique and a special experience. It takes advantage of our tools as actors and theatrical artists. It leverages the story in a way that no other medium can. There’s something about the minimalistic nature of it; we need you, the audience, to use your imagination and take part in the story. We’ll put the skeleton there, but if you flesh it out it will become really something special. Each person will see it differently.
2013 Peter and the Starcatcher, Mugavero (Molly Aster),Zambrano (Ted), Klopatek (Prentiss), and Guter ( Boy)
What do you mean by “minimalistic?”
We use a rope for a lot of the show to create doorways, windows, ship halls and it creates a suggestion of an atmosphere. The actors and the lighting support that suggestion and then for the rest the audience has to use their imagination. We even start the play by saying, “we ask you now to use your imagination on this gray and misty morning…”
There’s a scene where 2 ships crash into each other and people get off and then one ship splits in half and people are talking to each other from different sides of the deck. It sounds like a tech nightmare, but we’ve staged it in a way where we ask you to use your imagination.
And it sounds as if this role and the Festival are special for you?
It’s really cool to play the Boy and come back home - the theme about Peter and his identity. The people, the experiences here, working with Peter Sham and Brad Carroll and becoming involved with the Festival, really shaped a lot of who I am, especially as an artist and my career path. So it’s wonderful to come back and play this role here because a lot of it is very personal and very close to home.
Peter starts as the Boy and doesn’t become Peter until the end. It’s his interaction with Molly that changes him. That’s the most brilliant change from the book. Come see the show. I think Peter is going to be a special experience. People should come and bring their loved ones, their families, their children. It will be a tremendous experience.
You can see Peter and the Starcatcher July 2 through October 18. Tickets are available online at www.bard.org or by calling 800-PLAYTIX. You can learn more about the play at http://www.bard.org/plays/peter2013.html
Photos by Karl Hugh. Copyright Utah Shakespeare Festival 2013
Melissa Powell and Grayson Moulton- Guest Bloggers
Now that the 2013 season has opened, our house managers are hard at work making sure our patrons’ needs are met and that all who join us at the Festival have a pleasurable experience. Today, meet Melissa Powell, who is grateful for the opportunity to work with a variety of amazing people this season while on the house management team.
Have you ever worked at the Festival before?
This is my first season working with the USF, and I am so excited!
Where’s your home base?
I am from Cedar Valley, Utah. I lived there for about 10 years before I started college, and my parents and little sister still live there. I enjoy going to visit them whenever possible.
What’s your educational/training background?
I graduated from Lehi High School in 2009. I then started school at Snow College, and earned my Associate of Science degree in 2011. I then transferred to Utah Valley University for a year, and married my sweet husband in May of 2012. We then transferred to Southern Utah University in the fall of 2012, and I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Resort, and Hospitality Management. I graduate this fall!
Where were you working in the last 9 months?
In the last nine months I have worked at the Best Western Plus Town and Country Inn, in Cedar City, Utah. I enjoyed everything that I learned while working there, and I am excited to be gaining new experiences this summer.
How will you spend your time off while here?
Since I live here in Cedar City, I will probably spend time with my husband when I have time off from work. We enjoy going out to eat, going to the movies, and spending time with friends.
Describe what live theatre means to you.
I have always loved live theatre. Although I have never acted in a theatrical production, I have loved watching my family and friends participate in them. I have always been supportive of the arts. It is such an amazing way for people to express themselves, and share their talents with other people.
Look for Melissa this season helping in the Randall Jones or Adams Shakespearean Theatres!
Have you attended The Greenshow or Anything Goes this season? If so, you’re sure to have seen Grayson Moulton on the stage!
Have you ever worked at the Festival before?
This is my first year at the Festival and I couldn’t be more excited.
Where’s your home base?
Cedar City, UT
What’s your educational/training background?
I am a Senior BFA Musical Theatre student at Southern Utah University
Where were you working in the last 9 months?
At school!
How will you spend your time off while here?
Hanging out with my wife and our brand new baby girl!
Describe what live theatre means to you in one or two sentences.
I think that it is an opportunity to create something with the help of the audience. There is a story to tell, but how that story is told can change depending on the receptiveness and the energy of the audience. That’s what makes live theatre magical.
Anything else you’d like us to know?
Keep Calm and Carry On
Melinda Parrett in Anything Goes
Melinda Parrett returns to the Festival this year as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes and Ariel in The Tempest. We spoke with her recently about being back here and the role of Reno.
When did you first appear at the Festival?
2013 Anything Goes, Parrett as Reno Sweeney, Hancock as Billy Crocker
In 2007 in Lend me a Tenor, the Musical. I had never auditioned for Utah Shakes before. I was supposed to be at PCPA, but Lise Mills (Personnel Manager) called me before they started the season. “You come recommended by Jeremy Mann (Musical Director) and Brad Carroll (Composer) who are doing Tenor and we lost this actor playing these 2 roles and we’re going to take a gamble…would you be interested in coming out?” I thought I would be stupid not come and be with my friends and be at this place that people rave about.
Tell us about playing Reno Sweeney.
Even though there’s this initial surface of what she has to be, there’s lots going on underneath. There’s this brassy, sexy, evangelist, turned nightclub singer who’s also a broad. She’s one of the guys but also feels love and wants to be happy. You can’t really get too dramaturgical with Anything Goes. I understudied the role at PCPA. It’s been one of my dream roles.
There’s lots of dancing - tell us about preparing for this role.
It’s hard. I grew up singing and dancing. I’ve been in dance companies and that was my foundation. Coming to Utah Shakes in 2007 was the first time I was thrust into straight theatre and now that’s what I’ve been doing for the past 6 or 7 years. I kind of got away from doing musical comedy. And it’s a whole different genre. Even though I have a foundation in it, getting back to it when I’m “older”, you find the challenge - it’s about stamina and getting back to your technique for both singing and dancing. You can be the best singer in the world, but when you’re up at this altitude, it’s different. It’s been days in the gym and doing it repeatedly. You have to be careful during the week. And balancing what I’m doing in the Adams (Ariel). I think it helps because my body never has down time. It’s constantly staying on my toes.
What are your thoughts about the Festival?
2013 *Anything Goes,*Parrett as Reno Sweeney, Galligan-Stierle as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh
I think there’s something special about this place because sometimes you work at a company where even though you’re lucky to be doing what you’re doing, it’s just a job. But there’s something about being here with the immersive nature of the audiences and they are so involved and smart, that we learn from them. It’s this cooperative experience. That for me is unique to Utah. The opportunities that I’ve had here are - I feel like I get better as an artist, as a human being here because I’m given opportunities I never thought I could do. There’s something about people like David and Brian and Fred and Scott and everybody here - family - having faith in what you do and that is really, really cool and unique to here. This is my family here and I feel like this is my home.
You can see Melinda in Anything Goes from July 1 through August 31. Tickets are available online at www.bard.org and by calling 800-PLAYTIX. You can learn more about Anything Goes at http://www.bard.org/plays/anything2013.html
Photos by Karl Hugh. Copyright Utah Shakespeare Festival 2013
Matt Zambrano talks about Cabaret
Have you included the Cabaret in your Festival Experience? If not, you’ll want to take advantage of this fun, intimate setting where you can see Festival company members showcasing their other skills: juggling, singing, dancing, magic tricks, just to name a few.
2012 Cabaret, Zambrano & Puppet
What’s Cabaret? Cabaretis a weekly performance (Thursdays at 11pm at The Grind Coffee Shop) to benefit REACH (Really Eager Artists Crying Hire). It’s fast-paced and entertaining. Tickets are $10 at the door. People arrive as early as 10pm to secure their favorite seat.
2012 Cabaret, Melody Wilson
We spent some time with Matt Zambrano, co-chair of this year’s Cabaret, to learn more about Cabaret and REACH.
What’s new this year?
We have a lot of new members in the acting company, and we’re excited to see what they bring to the Cabaret. When you have a lot of different artists in a room, you can come up with some magnificent ideas. It’s not themed this year, except for maybe one or two - Christmas in July and the “Best of” at the end of the summer.
2012 Cabaret, George Walker
We are also going to try having company members donate items for a silent auction - one item a night. We’re hoping we can get company members to donate things like original artwork, classes, or baked goods in order to raise additional funds for REACH. We’ll see how it goes.
Tell us a bit more about REACH.
Since actors for the Festival are here at least four months, it’s difficult to audition for other roles. So REACH brings artistic directors and casting directors to Cedar City. So far this year, we have lined up American Players Theatre from Wisconsin, Chicago Shakes, Shakespeare Theatre of D.C. and the Folger. REACH pays their airfare, lodging and the Festival donates tickets for all six plays. These industry professionals attend all the plays, hold auditions and attend Cabaret. Success stories include Melisa Pereyra with Milwaukee Rep, Rhett Guter with Chicago Shakes and Kyle Eberline with Disney.
Each season, members of the acting company volunteer to lead REACH. This year, none of last year’s officers returned. Aaron Galligan-Stierle (founder of Cabaret) volunteered to be president. About two weeks into rehearsals, Melisa Pereyra, Jeb Burris and I volunteered as well, because we felt a responsibility to ensure the continuing success of REACH for the entire company. Rhett Guter and I oversee and coordinate the Cabaret. Melisa and Jeb are responsible for scheduling and managing logistics for the visiting directors. Other officers include Ruff Yeager (Auction), Alex Galick (Secretary), Carrie Taylor (Tech), Natasha Harris (“MVP”) and Samuel Clein (Accompanist).
How do I learn who’s performing each week?
We hold auditions on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday and Thursday we’ll post the performers for that week on our Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/ReachPresentsTheCabaret?ref=ts&fref=ts
What if I can’t attend but I still want to help REACH?
The Guild has graciously agreed to donate the proceeds from this year’s Curtain Call Luncheons to REACH. So, you can attend one of the Friday lunches, meet 3 or 4 actors, and donate there. You can see who’s appearing at the lunches on the sandwich boards around the theatre and by visiting their Facebook page at
We hope you join us on Thursday evenings for fun entertainment that helps our artists in their careers.
Corey Jones as King John
Corey Jones returns for his second year at the Festival. Last year we saw him as Aaron in Titus Andronicus, Reverend Sykes in To Kill a Mockingbird and an ambassador in Mary Stuart. We spent some time with him to learn more about him and his thoughts on this role.
King John 2013, Jones
How did you get into acting?
I was bitten by the bug in high school. I grew up in Chicago and in Illinois you have to take a semester of speech in high school. A teacher suggested I try out for the speech team. I fell in love with it and found out I have a knack for it.
King John 2013, Jones
At Washington University, where I did my undergrad in history, a drama professor in the African American studies program was the artistic director of the St. Louis Black Repertory Company. He offered me an internship when I graduated. That’s where I decided to become a professional actor. I got a chance to work with some incredible actors like Ruby Dee. I stayed in St. Louis for another 3 years at the Shakespeare Festival St. Louis. I realized I needed some more training, and applied for grad school - got into the University of Texas Austin and received my MFA. Right out of that I got an offer to go to the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts (PCPA) in California where I was for 3 years and then moved to LA where I auditioned for Brian and David.
Talk to us about the role of King John.
I have not played King John before. It’s a huge challenge, especially with the language. It’s not often done, and the histories are tough because you have to deal with English history and “political speak.” Shakespeare has taken liberties with certain events, but the play highlights John’s controversy with the church and what was happening with Queen Elizabeth at that time.
John is such a complicated figure. He was the youngest of 5 sons who really had no claim or inheritance. Just so happens that 3 of his brothers died prematurely. His brother Richard reigned for 10 years, but spent most of his time in the crusades and then he died. So John was the only one left to manage the kingdom in Richard’s absence. The child, Arthur, who is the son of John’s older brother Geoffrey, is said to have more claim to the throne than John, which is where the struggle comes in. The allegiance within the family is fascinating.
John is also petulant. He has a temper when he doesn’t get his way, and he snaps at people. He has a strong case of the youngest child syndrome - spoiled rotten as a kid and expects everything to go his way. As the oldest of six, this is a different place for me.
What about your spare time?
Last year, once we got the shows open, I discovered the beauty of the area. I went up to Cedar Breaks, and this year, I got my hiking started early. I don’t know of any other place where you can get to 2 or 3 national parks in a just 2-hour drive.
Why is live theatre important?
It’s something about language, live language that I don’t think we get when you’re watching a film or a TV show. There’s something about the shared experience, experiencing something with people that we don’t get when we’re at home on our sofa. It’s different every night. I tell my students - why do we go to Romeo & Juliet 8 to 10 times when we know how it ends? Because every time it’s different. The story through these bodies is going to be different. And for a second, it just might work out.
You can see Corey in King John**beginning July 3 through August 30. Tickets are available online at www.bard.organd by calling 800-PLAYTIX. You can learn more about the play athttp://www.bard.org/plays/john2013.html
Photos by Karl Hugh, copyright 2013 Utah Shakespeare Festival
Elizabeth Telford and Michael Beeck- Guest Bloggers
Happy Independence Day! We hope each one of you enjoy a safe and fun-filled holiday.
Today, the Utah Shakespeare Festival would like to introduce Elizabeth Telford, a member of the Festival’s acting company.
Have you ever worked at the Festival before? If so, for how many years and in what roles/capacity?
I have! I was here last year in The Greenshow, and in the Ensemble of Les Miserables. I was also in the cast for the educational tour of Romeo and Juliet this past winter/spring. I played Lady Capulet, Samson, Peter, and the Apothecary.
Where’s your home base?
That’s a difficult question to answer, because I don’t really have one. I’ve been a nomad since I graduated college, floating around from job to job, and I’ve been lucky enough to have consistent work. I have a few boxes stored at my parents’ house in Georgia, but other than that, any place I hang my hat is home!
What’s your educational/training background?
I have a BFA in musical theatre from Shorter University in Rome, GA, and I did an acting internship at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre for their 2011-2012 season.
Where were you working in the last 9 months?
After Les Miserables in the fall season at USF, I went back to Milwaukee to play Maria in The Sound of Music at Skylight Music Theatre, and then I headed back to Cedar City to start rehearsals for the educational tour of Romeo and Juliet. We finished the tour a little less than two weeks before rehearsals started for the summer season.
How will you spend your time off while here?
I plan to do some hiking while I’m here, and I enjoy making paper flowers and doing other crafty things, so I’ll be doing some of that.
Describe what live theatre means to you.
Because it’s live, theatre is unpredictable and dangerous, and there is only so much that we as the cast and crew can control. I think that’s part of what makes theatre so special; it’s a communal experience between us and the audience, and it will never be the same twice. That’s what makes it so terrifying and so thrilling.
Describe what the Festival means to you.
Working with the Festival these past two years has been a dream. The quality of work and the professionalism of everyone involved is spectacular, and the community is so warm and welcoming that it really makes me feel like I’m a part of something special. It’s a blessing and an honor.
Anything else you’d like us to know?
It’s going to be a great season!
We’d also like to introduce Michael Beeck, an upright bass and bass guitarist for us this season.
Have you ever worked at the Festival before? If so, for how many years and in what roles/capacity?
This is my second year back at USF. I was hired on last year as the replacement bassist for Les Miserables, and was asked back this year as a full season musician.
Where’s your home base?
Sheboygan, WI (A small city an hour north of Milwaukee and an hour south of Green Bay.)
What’s your educational/training background?
Double Bachelor’s of Arts in Social Work and Sociology, minor in Music. Previous private lesson instructors include Bradley Townsend (Madison Symphony Orchestra), Laura Synder (Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra), and Andrew Raciti (Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra).
Where were you working in the last 9 months?
Boys and Girls Club of Sheboygan County - Youth Development Specialist; Server at the Black Pig Restaurant; Section String Bassist with the Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra; Pit Orchestra String Bassist for Sweeney Todd (Sheboygan Theatre Company).
How will you spend your time off while here?
Pridefest in Salt Lake City; Hiking the various trails surrounding Cedar City; Weekend vacations to Las Vegas; Exploring all that Cedar City has to offer.
Describe what live theatre means to you.
In my opinion, there are no mistakes in live theatre - that’s why in musical scores vamps and safeties are planned for actors.
Describe what the Festival means to you.
The Festival is an amazing experience for me to be myself as a professional, interact with many eclectic and unique individuals, and have fun working 3 months straight. The Utah Shakespeare Festival is not just a festival in a plain sense, but a beautiful experience that brings theatre to life.
Anything else you’d like us to know?
Facebook.com/MichaelKraigBeeck
Melisa Pereyra in The Tempest
Melisa Pereyra is at the Festival for her second season. Last year she played Lavinia in Titus Andronicus and Zerbinette in Scapin. She also played Juliet in this year’s Educational Tour production of Romeo and Juliet. We are very excited to have her with us again and spent some time getting to know her.
The Tempest 2013, Pereyra, Woronicz, Burris
Where’s your home base?
Originally, I’m from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I moved to the States when I was almost 15 and lived in Idaho Falls, Idaho through high school. I then got a full ride to attend Utah State University. Currently, I don’t have a home base. Jeb Burris (my fiancé) and I graduated last May from Illinois State University with our MFA in classical acting, where I had the privilege to study Shakespeare under Henry Woronicz. Once we graduated, we sold our furniture and traded our tiny little car for a Jeep, packed up our car and said, “Let’s do this acting thing!” We’ve been lucky enough to find employment over the past year traveling all over the country, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
The Tempest 2013, Pereyra, Woronicz
Tell us about playing Miranda.
There’s something so surreal about discovering this role with the person that I actually love and with somebody who has taught me how to speak Shakespeare playing my father…on that level it’s emotionally overwhelming. (Jeb Burris is playing Ferdinand and Henry Woronicz is playing Prospero). Whenever we get on stage, Jeb and I can’t stop crying from happiness. It’s just so great to be able to bring that kind of life onto the stage. There is a life experience that you can’t fabricate, from the heart,that we actually get to experience and share with our audiences. That in itself has been one of the greatest things about playing this role.
Miranda is so strong, and she’s incredibly open and in touch with her heart and what she feels. I think that she is a survivor. Her father, Prospero, has prepared her to be strong and be able to survive whether he’s with her or not. I hope that people do not expect just a girly girl in love. She knows what she wants when she sees it. When she sees Ferdinand, she feels so much for him. Although she may not fully understand how to ‘properly’ express herself according to the ways of the world, she knows that what she feels is real and true and has no qualms saying exactly how she feels to his face. It’s important that people know she’s not just a little girl that’s lost and naive. She is her father’s daughter and you can’t separate the two. Prospero’s strength, determination, and anger–as well as his compassion and love– live within her as much as within him. That’s what we’ve been working toward over the last couple of months.
What are your thoughts about the Festival?
I love it here. There is something very special about making theatre under the stars. The people who work here are exceptional. And I think that Brian and David do such a great job about bringing the right personalities together. It’s not just about the work we do on the stage; but also about the kind of people we are off the stage.
Why do you think live theatre is important?
As storytellers, we carry such great responsibility. As a child, I didn’t grow up with much but I always had my imagination. As an adult, I was lucky to study with another wonderful man, Paul Dennhardt, in graduate school who helped me remember that my imagination can be alive no matter how old I am. That I can always play hide and seek. That I can giggle until my stomach hurts. And that no matter what you’ve lost, you’ll always gain something by clinging onto your imagination. I want to pass this on to our audiences thru every play I do, to old and young alike. I want everyone that comes to see our shows this summer to cling on to their imagination. Live theatre is a great place for that and that’s why it’s important.
Now, why it is important for me…I don’t have any other thing I love to do more, and I don’t have any other thing that challenges me as much as this and that keeps me honest as much as this. I’m a better person because of theatre, the way it has pushed my personality and my insecurities as a human being, I don’t think I could have found anywhere else. The people we’re surrounded by are so wonderful and so open, so welcoming. I found the love of my life and dear, dear friends on my journey as an artist. At the same time, I left–and continue to leave–a lot of my family behind on another continent and all over the U.S because of the kind of work I do. However, because of live theatre, I have a new family wherever I go. For those reasons, I can’t think of a more important thing for me to do and continue doing.
You can see Melisa in The Tempest beginning July 2 through August 31. You can purchase tickets online at *www.bard.org*and by calling 800-PLAYTIX. You can learn more about The Tempest at http://www.bard.org/plays/tempest2013.html
Photos by Karl Hugh, copyright Utah Shakespeare Festival
Brooke Redler and Aaron Galligan-Stierle- Guest Bloggers
The Utah Shakespeare Festival is excited to present the regional premiere of Peter and the Starcatcher during its 2013 season. Here on the blog we’d like to introduce two people integral to the success of the production.
Meet Brooke Redler, Stage Manager for Peter and the Starcatcher
Have you ever worked at the Festival before?
No- This is my first time, but it is a place I have wanted to work since college. So happy to be here!
Where’s your home base?
Kansas City, Missouri
What’s your educational/training background?
I went to Johnson County Community College. I have had great training with places like Santa Fe Opera, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival and Kansas City Repertory theatre where I started 9 years ago as a Production Assistant and am now a Production Stage Manager.
Where were you working in the last 9 months?
In NYC with a new company called Fault Line Theatre on an Off Broadway premiere, in Kansas City at Starlight Theatre, Kansas City Repertory Theatre and in Creede, Colorado and Arvada, Colorado with Creede Repertory Theatre.
How will you spend your time off while here?
Looking forward to some gardening- I haven’t gotten to plant flowers in the summer for years! Also some hiking and rafting.
Describe what live theatre means to you in one or two sentences…
Theatre allows us as a society to connect and tell our stories. It can be entertaining, cathartic, beautiful, silly and meaningful all at the same time.
Anything else you’d like us to know?
I am so excited to be involved in the regional premiere of Peter and the Starcatcher!
Good luck with your garden, Brooke!
Meet Aaron Galligan-Stierle, playing the role of Smee
Have you ever worked at the Festival before? If so, for how many years and in what roles/capacity?
The 2013 season is my fifth season at the Festival. I was here in 2004 (Frankie in Forever Plaid and Zoltan Karpathy in My Fair Lady), 2005 (Flute in Midsummer and Mordred in Camelot), 2006 (Leo Davis in Room Service and Slender in Merry Wives) and 2010 (Clown #2 in 39 Steps and Laucelot Gobbo in Merchant.)
Where’s your home base?
I live in NYC.
What’s your educational/training background?
I received a BFA from Shenandoah University in Musical Theater and a MFA from Penn State in Acting.
Where were you working in the last 9 months?
I was working in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway as Monsieur Andre.
How will you spend your time off while here?
Definitely hiking as much as possible and having some family time with my wife and son.
Describe what the Festival means to you in one or two sentences…
The Festival is my artistic home. It is my favorite theater company to work with and is a constant source of inspiration.
As well as playing Smee, Aaron will appear as**Sir Evelyn Oakleigh in Anything Goes.
Looking forward to it, Aaron!
Peter and the Starcatcher Preview
Mugavero & Guter, Peter & the Starcatcher 2013
Utah Shakespeare Festival Blog - Peter and the Starcatcher Preview
A Play by Rick Elice, based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Music by Wayne Barker
Directed by Brian Vaughn
Key Characters:
**Boy:**A nameless, homeless, and friendless boy at the beginning of the play who earns the name Peter and hero by the end. Peter is brave and competitive, a survivor, and someone the other boys come to look up to. Played by Rhett Guter.
Mattfeld
**Lord Leonard Aster:**The very model of a Victorian English gentleman, Lord Aster is a loyal subject of the queen, devoted father, and faithful friend. Played by Larry Bull.
**Molly Aster:**A thirteen-year old girl and a natural leader, Molly was raised to believe females can do anything males can. She is fearless, curious, passionate, and devoted to her father, her country, her Queen, and the cause of the Starcatchers. Played by Betsy Mugavero.
Bull
**Black Stache:**A ruthless, heartless pirate captain who captures The Wasp, Black Stache started shaving at age ten. He is proud of his magnificent facial hair and is partial to the poetical and the theatrical. Played by Quinn Mattfeld.
**Smee:**First mate to Black Stache, Smee is simple-minded and single-minded to his captain’s every whim. Played by Aaron Galligan-Stierle.
Synopsis:
Discover the Neverland you never knew in this regional premiere, straight from Broadway and five Tony Awards. It is a wildly theatrical, hilarious, and imaginative story of how an orphan boy came to be Peter Pan, the captain got his hook, and a young girl inspired everyone to believe. You won’t want to miss this epic tale of one of the world’s most enduring and beloved characters.
You can learn more about Peter and the Starcatcher at http://www.bard.org/plays/peter2013.html.
Peter and the Starcatcher opens on June 25 and plays through October 18. You can purchase tickets online at www.bard.org or by calling 800-PLAYTIX.
B.J. Jones and The Tempest
B.J. Jones is the director for The Tempest. Previously at the Festival, he has directed Twelfth Night and Much Ado About Nothing. He has spent fifteen years as artistic director at Northlight Theatre in Chicago, where he directed the world premiere of Stella and Lou with Rhea Perlman and has worked at numerous other theatres.
He shared his thoughts during the first dress rehearsal of The Tempest*.*
Storm scene from The Tempest, 2013
As I await my first dress rehearsal for The Tempest at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, I have been working on Animal Crackers for Baltimore Center Stage which will start rehearsal August 6th.
I’ve already reviewed my notes for our next rehearsal tomorrow, and in those 10 hours we will have to review our work from last Friday night, run as much of the piece technically as we can in the 90 degree Cedar City sun. After a brief dinner break, the cast will put on their costumes and in some cases extensive make up, and we will run the play with all the bells and whistles. There are a lot of bells and whistles in our Tempest. A little magic, a little illusion, monsters and sprites, royalty and soused servants, and a pair of fathers yearning for the best for their children.
Parrett (Ariel) & Woronicz (Prospero) 2013
Today is the day after Father’s Day so perhaps it’s touching me a little more deeply today. Most importantly for me this play is about forgiveness and looking ahead to the future with hope.
The cast is marvelous. All of them are doing double and triple duty playing other roles in the repertory and understudying as well. It is a strenuous season of work for any actor and they are amazing to watch and admire. I give them pick up notes and they include the adjustments as we press through the scenes grasping at every precious moment to get the play into their bones. They are ravenous in their work and seemingly tireless and while I await our next time together, they are performing another play! It’s really a miracle of professionalism and finely tuned skills.
We also will be throwing some new props and tricks at them tomorrow and like the pros they are I expect them to include them as effortlessly as they have all rehearsal. We only have 2 dress rehearsals, and then 2 previews, so we have to work fast and shrewdly deciding what works and what doesn’t, scaling the work for our audience and inviting them into the process as our scene partners.
Tracy Letts who won the Tony for Best Actor this year, said in his acceptance speech that “this is the greatest job on earth, we are the ones who say it to their faces, a unique responsibility.” Tracy was of course talking about truth and we are charged with that task. There is such searing truth in The Tempest and in the next two weeks before you join us we will continue to strip away at the artifice in order to expose Shakespeare’s truth, through poignancy, hilarity, and gorgeous language.
I have fallen in love with the cast and of course the Festival. I would love to stay on a week or so and luxuriate in the artistry of these fine artists. But there is work to be done, and gratefully other audiences to serve.
It is a remarkably busy stretch for me and I am privileged to work on these wonderful pieces and to execute them with such gifted artists.
The Tempest opens on July 2 and runs through August 31. You can purchase tickets online at www.bard.org or by calling 800-PLAYTIX. You can learn more about the play and cast at http://www.bard.org/plays/tempest2013.html.