So the Salt Lake Acting Company wanted to extend its annual Utah spoof, "Saturday's Voyeur," for one more week, to take advantage of the show's popularity.
Problem was, three actors in the 12-person cast had previous obligations, and were simply not available for an extra week of musical-theater mayhem.
SLAC's solution: Bring in three young substitute actors, all quick studies of established talent, all of whom got their training from Weber State University's musical theater program.
"I was just hoping to see it before it closed," said Elise Groves, 26 and a 2008 WSU grad. "Now I'm going to be in it, and I'm a little overwhelmed, but I'm excited. Everyone says it's the best year ever."
Each member of the ensemble cast plays multiple characters, and participates in numerous songs and dances. Among Groves' many roles are a park ranger, a pregnant woman, a Sara Palin daughter and a sultry backup singer.
"I've been almost every single year, and I love the comedy," said Groves, of Salt Lake City. "There's nothing else like it anywhere else. They know their audiences so well."
Groves had been planning to attend "Saturday's Voyeur" after finishing her role in "i am sam," part of SLAC's Fearless Fringe Festival, which took place last weekend. SLAC officials spotted her in the role, and asked her to step in for departing "Voyeur" actress Ashley Gardner Carlson, of Salt Lake City.
"Now I'll be going to 'Saturday's Voyeur' every night, watching from the audience or acting on stage," Groves said.
Dustin Bolt, a 2009 WSU graduate, will be stepping in for Justin Ivie (1996, WSU).
"It's really nerve-wracking, but it's really exciting," said Bolt, now an Orem resident. "I've never learned a role this fast, at least not for a long time."
Confession time.
"When I was in junior high, I used to memorize shows the night before, but that was a bad habit that I broke a long time ago," said Bolt, 26. "With 'Saturday's Voyeur,' I'm not really worried about the memorization. I worried about the flow of the show, and the backstage blocking, knowing what costume to get into next, and how much time I have."
The new actors will get only one rehearsal with the established cast before they go on for real, performing Wednesday through Sept. 12.
Bolt said he's looking forward to a reunion with Weber State friends, including two actors who have played in "Voyeur" all season: 2008 Weber grad Shannon Musgrave and current WSU student Jesse Pepe.
"I hadn't seen it this year, but needed to," Bolt said. "I was in it last year, but I've heard that this year is even better. Justin is great, so I've got some big shoes to fill, but I think it's going to be a great experience."
Former WSU student Austin Archer will step in for Aaron Swenson, of Salt Lake City. Archer, also of Salt Lake City, will take over roles including an American Indian guide. Archer, who has performed with Salt Lake Acting Company, was working as the company's house manager and box-office worker.
"They asked, and I said yes right away," said Archer, 22. "Then I was at lunch with a friend when it hit me what I said yes to, and I felt a slight panic."
Then Archer remembered he had stepped into roles before, and he realized he knew the show, and would be OK as long as he could master the choreography.
"The cast this year is really fantastic, and the show's been getting a lot of critical acclaim," Archer said. "It will be a challenge meeting high expectations. And the cast has gotten into a real rhythm over the months, so we'll all be trying hard not to break their bonds or their rhythm."
Archer said he's also looking forward to the mini reunion with former Weber State peers.
"It feels a little like 'Weber State save the day,' " he said, with a laugh.
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