'Shkspr' should appeal to Twitter generation
PERRY -- If Shakespeare were alive today, would he tweet? Perhaps, but it's unlikely the Bard could fit the plot of his complex plays into a 140-word message.
However, a production opening tonight at Heritage Community Theatre may be the next best thing.
"The Complete Wrks Of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged)" takes the audience on a head-spinning, hysterical romp through all 37 of William Shakespeare's plays -- in 97 minutes. The play allegedly holds the world's record for the shortest-ever performance of "Hamlet" (43 seconds) and doesn't leave out lesser-known works such as the gory "Titus Andronicus."
Three actors -- each taking on multiple roles -- and a human prop trounce through the comedies and tragedies in new and unusual ways, including cooking shows, football games, performance art and rap music.
The cast includes John Lee Roring of Clinton; Brian Wood of Ogden; and Jacob Thompson of Deweyville. Jeremy Illum of Roy joins the trio in a nonspeaking role in which he doubles as himself, a costume rack, a mime, a punching bag, a dummy and a speed bump.
The play will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays through May 7 at Heritage Community Theatre, 2505 S. U.S. 89, Perry. There is also a 2 p.m. matinee on April 23. Ticket prices are $9 for adults and $8 for children. For reservations, call 435-723-8392 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through Saturdays.
WWII hospital drama, comedy has heart
WEST VALLEY CITY -- Long before the iconic TV series "M*A*S*H," there was the heartfelt play "The Hasty Heart" that blended comedy, romance and drama in an Army hospital. The crowd favorite returns Saturday to the Hale Center Theatre.
Written in 1944 and first staged in 1945, "The Hasty Heart" is based on Pulitzer-winning playwright John Patrick's experiences in an ambulance unit on the Burma front during World War II.
The story tells the tale of six patients in an English war hospital, including an abrasive, unfriendly Scottish soldier who is unaware of the seriousness of his injuries. As the other patients and staff attempt to gain his affection, a life-affirming and warm-hearted story unfolds.
Former Roy resident David Stensrud is one of the cast members.
The play opens at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, with performances continuing Monday through Saturday, through May 28, with 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and occasional 4 p.m. matinees on weekdays. Tickets for Monday through Thursday evenings and matinees are $23 per adult and $15 per child (age 5-11). Friday and Saturday evening tickets are $26 per adult, $16 per child.
Purchase tickets at www.halecentretheatre.org, 801-984-9000 or at the box office, 3333 S. Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City.
Comedians keep laughs coming at Wiseguys
OGDEN -- Comedians will entertain for a good cause on Thursday at Wiseguys Comedy Club.
The third annual Laugh Till It Hurts will feature comedians Craig Bielik, Tim Thorn, Josh Fonakolafi and Jeff Clayson. There will also be a live auction held during the event. All proceeds benefit The Bambi Chugg Thomas Healing Hearts Foundation.
The foundation was started by the parents of Bambi Chugg Thomas, who passed away in 2003 while waiting for a heart transplant, to help bring awareness and support for women with peripartum cardiomyopathy.
The comedy fundraiser will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at Wiseguys Comedy Club, 269 Historic 25th St., Ogden. Tickets are $10. Call 801-622-5588 for more information.
Ballroom dancers waltz, cha-cha the night away
BRIGHAM CITY -- Everything from the waltz to the cha-cha will be featured in a spring ballroom dance concert on Thursday.
More than 100 dancers from age 8 to 18 will perform during the 7 p.m. program at Box Elder High School, 380 S. 600 West.
Members of the Weber Ballroom Dance Company, located in North Ogden, and Davis County Ballroom, of Layton, will join to present all styles of ballroom including swing, tango and the fox trot.
Admission is free.
For more information, call 801-589-2490.
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