News Release
PRESS CONTACT: CYNTHIA FLEMING | 801.363.7522 |
June 9, 2015
For Immediate Release
Salt Lake Acting Company Presents
37th Annual SATURDAY’S VOYEUR by Allen Nevins and Nancy Borgenicht
The gods must be crazy. It’s time again for SATURDAY’S VOYEUR – Utah’s biggest summer party – at Salt Lake Acting Company. With its rich 37-year history, SATURDAY’S VOYEUR has firmly established its place not only as a raucous, riotous musical comedy, but as an integral community event for anyone who lives and loves the strange dichotomy of being a Utah liberal. SATURDAY’S VOYEUR is a unique gift to this community, and is an excellent example of what theatre companies around the country are now beginning to invest in – plays that are created and represent the community for whom they are produced.
SATURDAY’S VOYEUR is a staple in the summer of nearly 14,000 people across the Wasatch Front and beyond. For over 70 performances June through September, SLAC’s Upstairs Theatre is filled with shrewd and savvy Utahans who pack their picnics and come ready to laugh at the quirky, peculiar, sometimes infuriating, always entertaining life and culture of the Beehive State.
This summer, as the tour of the Broadway blockbuster THE BOOK OF MORMON musical is playing down the street at the Capitol Theatre, the Utah original, SATURDAY’S VOYEUR will be playing in the old 19th Ward meeting house (that is now Salt Lake Acting Company). Singing and dancing Mormon missionaries are not a novelty for Utah; VOYEUR fans have seen the church parodied in true musical theatre fashion since 1978.
This year’s show is pulling out the big guns, literally. Featuring the Hot Shot calendar babes from last year’s Camp Williams photo shoot scandal along with the hot shots from LDS church history, VOYEUR 2015 brings together gods and mortals to tackle Utah’s biggest and most peculiar issues.
The statues of Temple Square – Brigham Young, Joseph Smith, and of course the Angel Moroni – come to life only to be horrified to learn that women are trying to break into their priesthood boys’ club, Brigham’s beloved beard is banned at the BYU, and the church’s PR department was unable to keep Joseph’s 14-year-old bride a secret any longer. Thanks to the internet, their dirty laundry is being aired for all the world to see and mock. What are these poor boys to do? Perhaps visitations from Moses, the Buddha, the Pope, and even Jesus Christ himself will help them find their bliss. In the meantime, Kate Kelly (founder of Ordain Women) calls on Heavenly Mother to help her fight the good fight, refusing to let her excommunication from the LDS church keep her from soaring.
Created by Allen Nevins and Nancy Borgenicht, SATURDAY’S VOYEUR 2015 is directed and choreographed by SLAC Executive Producer Cynthia Fleming. The cast features a healthy mix of VOYEUR veterans and virgins including Alexis Baigue (15 years), Jenessa Bowen (3 years), Olivia Custodio (2 years), Elena Dern (2 years), Aaron Eskelson (first year), Camille Evans (first year), Anna Harris (first year), Justin Ivie (7 years), Eb Madson (3 years), Terry Lee McGriff (first year), Erica Smith (first year), Robert Scott Smith (2 years), and Hayden Warzek (2 years).
ARTISTIC TEAM
Director/Choreographer – Cynthia Fleming
Music Director/Arranger – Kevin Mathie
Set & Costume Design – Keven Myhre
Lighting Design – James M. Craig
Sound Design – Shea Madson
Stage Manager – Janice Jenson
Assistant Stage Manager – Christian Stringham
Assistant Director/Choreographer – Shannon Musgrave
CAST
Alexis Baigue returns for his 15th summer in SATURDAY’S VOYEUR 2015. Other credits: GOODNIGHT DESDEMONA (GOOD MORNING JULIET), ANGELS IN AMERICA, HOW I BECAME A PIRATE, this December’s ART DOG, staged readings MOTHER COLLEGE, THE LIVELY LAD, BUNBURY, THE CANCER DIARIES, CHARM, PROPHETS OF NATURE, HARBUR GATE (S.L.A.C.), ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS (Pioneer), DEAR WORLD (Sundance Summer Theatre), BEYOND THERAPY, THE SEX HABITS OF AMERICAN WOMEN (Pygmalion), THE BOYS IN THE BAND (Wasatch), SURFIN’ SAFARI (Desert Star), JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS (TheatreWorks West), ANASTASIA (StageRight), WIT (Emily Company), NO EXIT (SallyFourth), SUMMER AND SMOKE, CABARET, RHINOCEROS, QUEEN CHRISTINA, ANTIGONE, THE RIMERS OF ELDRITCH (University of Utah), YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU, THE TREE OF LACE (Salt Lake Community College); staged readings: THE UNDERPANTS, THE VIOLET HOUR, THE LAST SUNDAY IN JUNE (Utah Contemporary Theatre), RECTUM! and CUP (First Unitarian); films: SLOW MOE, SINGLE TRACKS, PAM AND GAY GHOST, 12 DOGS OF CHRISTMAS: GREAT PUPPY RESCUE; television: GRANITE FLATS, Utah’s Own, and Yes Utah commercials.
Jenessa Bowen is back for her 5th production at SLAC! She was last seen on SLAC's stage as Mouse and Young Frog in A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD. More SLAC credits include; Gayle God-zicka & Dead Docent in SATURDAYS VOYEUR 2014, Thing 2 in THE CAT IN THE HAT, and Sister Docent in SATURDAYS VOYEUR 2013. Other past credits include; Ruby in SHELTER (Off-Broadway debut), Little Red in INTO THE WOODS (Centerpoint Legacy), Natalie in NEXT TO NORMAL (Ziegfeld Theatre), Adelaide in GUYS AND DOLLS (Ziegfeld), Annabel Glick in LUCKY STIFF (WSU), Sara in PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK (WSU), Jolene in DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS (Centerpoint & Ziegfeld), Peggy Swift in FATHER OF THE BRIDE (Hale Centre Theatre), Erin in RING OF FIRE (Dark Horse Theatre Co.), Mary Lennox in THE SECRET GARDEN (Rodgers), Anybodys in WEST SIDE STORY (Rodgers), Adele in JANE EYRE (HCT), and Lulu in NUPTIALS (HCT). Jenessa has earned her Bachelors of Science in Musical Theatre from Weber State University, and is currently pursuing a Pharmacy Technician License at the DATC.
Olivia Custodio feels incredibly #blessed to be returning for her second VOYEUR. You may have recently seen her as Domina in A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM (University of Utah), Eunice in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (Radical Hospitality Theater), or as the understudy for Sue Mengers in I'LL EAT YOU LAST (Salt Lake Acting Company). Because Olivia is very fancy and well-bred, she has sung leading roles in such operas as LA VOIX HUMAINE, HANSEL AND GRETEL, and FALSTAFF. Olivia received her Master of Music from the University of Utah and her BFA from Carnegie Mellon University. She would like to take a moment to thank her biggest inspiration, all pugs everywhere, for their constant support. God bless SLAC and you, drunken patron, for making SATURDAY'S VOYEUR a place for this actress to spread her irreverent wings and fly!
Elena Dern is thrilled to be spending another summer doing VOYEUR at SLAC! Most recently, she was seen in SLAC's production of TWO STORIES as Melinda and has worked as Assistant Choreographer for SATURDAY'S VOYEUR 2013/2014. Other SLAC credits include Sally in CAT IN THE HAT, BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON, and SATURDAY'S VOYEUR 2012. Favorite roles include Diana in The Egyptian Theatre's production of A CHORUS LINE, Madelaine True in WILD PARTY and Gwen Landis in FIFTH OF JULY in Studio 115, ensemble in HAIR and THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, and Raymonde in A FLEA IN HER EAR at the Babcock Theatre. Elena is a graduate of the Actor Training Program at the University of Utah and is a member of local dance troupe ArtsofChaos. She thanks her family and friends for their never ending support!!
Aaron Eskelson is thrilled to be making his Voyeur Debut! He is currently pursuing his BFA in Musical Theatre at the University of Utah. Aaron was most recently seen as Protean III in A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM at the Babcock Theatre as well as Lagoon’s SIMPLE JOYS and FRIGHTMARES. Favorite past roles include: SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS (Gideon) BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Lumiere) HELLO DOLLY (Ambrose) HAPPY DAYS (Richie Cunningham). Aaron is grateful for this opportunity and thanks his Heavenly Father for this calling. He would also like to thank his friends and family for their continuous support.
Camille Evans is making her debut with Salt Lake Acting Company and couldn't be more excited to be a part of SATURDAY’S VOYEUR 2015! She has recently finished her degree at the U of U with a BFA in musical theatre and is thankful to have been part of such a beautiful college experience. Her recent stage appearances include GODSPELL (U of U Studio 115), Fame (The Grand), ONCE UPON A MATTRESS (Babcock Theatre), SPRING AWAKENING (Babcock Theatre) and THE WILD PARTY (U of U Studio 115).
Anna Harris is incredibly excited to be a “Voyeur Virgin” this summer. Anna received her BFA in acting from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington in May 2014. Favorite past roles include: THE SECRET GARDEN (Lily Craven) THE LAST FIVE YEARS (Cathy) RENT (Maureen) BYE BYE BIRDIE (Rosie) SUMMER BRAVE (Mrs. Potts) BAT BOY THE MUSICAL (Ron Taylor). Anna would like to thank her gracious parents Ted & Dona for their constant support.
Justin Ivie is a proud member of Actors’ Equity who is thrilled to return to the SATURDAY'S VOYEUR family for 2015. This is Justin’s seventh VOYEUR. He has also appeared at SLAC as Jones in TOO MUCH MEMORY, and he recently directed SLAC’s readings of GRANT & TWAIN and BANG-BANG (PAUSE) BANG. His many acting credits include appearances with Pioneer Theatre Company, Utah Musical Theatre, Egyptian Theatre Company, Old Lyric Repertory Theatre and many other others - both locally and in Chicago. This spring, Justin appeared in DRIVING MISS DAISY for Walk-Ons, Inc. – a production which he also directed, designed and co-produced. Wearing his director’s cap, Justin has staged three seasons of THE SENIOR THEATRE PROJECT - which tours short plays (written by, for, and about seniors!) to community senior centers and residence facilities. He has also directed Arthur Miller’s THE PRICE for The OtherSide Players and JACOB MARLEY'S CHRISTMAS CAROL for OurSpace Theatre Company. A Weber State alumnus, Justin earned his MFA in Acting at Northern Illinois University. He has taught theatre and communications at LDS Business College, NIU, Triton College, and Weber State. Justin also designs scenery, props and theatrical masks, writes an occasional play, and sometimes even plays his banjo (when he's pretty sure no one is listening).
Eb Madson is incredibly excited to be returning for his third VOYEUR. Eb started his acting career as an improv actor when he was sixteen performing with local improv troupes Quick Wits, Laugh Match, 3.2 improv, Off the Cuff, and is original founding member of Off the Wall Improv & Improv Against Humanity in Ogden. Eb went on and received his BFA from the University of Utah Actor Training Program (Go Utes). He continued to get his Master's in Make Believe (MFA) from Ohio University. Upon graduating moved to New York where he lives today. In 2012 Eb received the James Whitmore Award for his work with the Peterborough Players in New Hampshire. This last year he has worked on several projects, including a web series "Happy Hour Feminism"Staring Anna Fishbeyn. Favorite past roles include: SATURDAY'S VOYEUR (Moroni, Mike Lee,Gayle, Elder, Baden) WAR IS F#CKING AWESOME (Hitler, Bean, Brit) STUART LITTLE (Stuart Little) MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING( Dogberry) THE SEAGULL (Treplev) THE CHERRY ORCHARD ( Yepikhodov) BALTIMORE WALZ (The Third Man) MAN=MAN (Gayly Gay) THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMANN (Johnny Pateen) ANCESTRAL VOICES (Timmy) YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN (Charlie Brown) and DOG SEES GOD (CB). To learn more about Eb you can visit his webpage at ebmadson.com.
Terry Lee McGriff was most recently seen performing for younger audiences in SLAC's children's show, A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD. Terry is thrilled to be back on the SLAC stage to pop his Voyeur cherry in front of some more mature audiences! Other credits include THE COLOR PURPLE (Wasatch Theatre Company), SPRING AWAKENING (Midvale Mainstreet Theatre), and AVENUE Q (Babcock Theatre).
Erica Renee Smith is thrilled to be a part of SATURDAY’S VOYEUR for the first time! She spent the last few months doing shows at Desert Star Playhouse, most recently seen as Eliza in PIRATES OF THE SCARIBBEAN. She also has performed at Midvale MainStreet Theatre in Utah. She hails from Arizona and holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Arizona. Thanks to friends and family for love and support.
Robert Scott Smith’s NYC credits include KEEPING ISHMAEL (Workshop); PERICLES (SLANT); and the co-development of Roger Benington’s new work, MORMON BIRD PLAY. SLC acting credits include Rapture Blister Bun, Good People, CHARM (World Premiere), SWIMMING IN THE SHALLOWS, SIX YEARS, BIG LOVE, BATBOY: THE MUSICAL, and GROSS INDECENCY (Salt Lake Acting Company); CRUCIBLE (Pioneer Theatre Company); SHHH! BURLESQUE, PAINS OF YOUTH, and SANTALAND DIARIES (Tooth and Nail Theatre); OUR TOWN (The Grand Theatre); MOCKINGBIRD (Pygmalion); and BASH (Plan-B). Film and TV credits: Wildlife, Blessing, Animae, Guiding Light. Print: The Unfortunate Moment of Misunderstanding (Jim Fiscus). Robert Scott is the Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Flying Bobcat Theatrical Laboratory. Productions include a collaboration with the SLC Men's Choir LOST IN THE WOODS a theatrical concert at The Masonic Temple; a collaboration with choreographer Charlotte Boye-Christensen, NOW-ID and NYC Playwright Troy Deutsch to create FEAST a site-specific performance at The Great Saltair. And at The Leonardo he created the POPUP@LEO program where he co-created and performed in SENSES 5, LOVE, and MIND OVER MATTER. Robert Scott is currently an adjunct instructor for the Department of Theatre at the University of Utah. Education: MFA Old Globe Theatre San Diego; BFA Actor Training Program University of Utah.
Hayden Warzek is excited to return to Salt Lake Acting Company as a veteran for the 2015 summer of SATURDAY'S VOYEUR! He is currently studying Strategic Communication, Business and Entrepreneurship at the University of Utah, while being a part of SLAC's staff and working as an assistant at McCarty Talent Agency. A few of Hayden's favorite things are good music, good wine, and long walks on the beach. He would like to thank his friends, parents, George W. Bush, Dale Earnhardt Jr, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and the GOP for their continued support.
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SATURDAY’S VOYEUR
Created by Allen Nevins, Nancy Borgenicht
WHEN:
June 24 – August 30, 2015
Wednesdays – Saturdays @ 7:30pm
Sundays @ 1pm and 6pm
Additional performances: Tuesday, Aug. 18 @ 7:30pm & Saturday, Aug. 29 @ 2pm
WHERE:
Salt Lake Acting Company
168 West 500 North, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84103
Box Office: 801-363-7522
Open 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Mon – Fri
www.saltlakeactingcompany.org
MORE INFO:
Single tickets range from $45 – $55, depending on seating.
Discounts are also available for groups of ten or more.
Subscribers always pay the lowest price.
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Salt Lake Acting Company (SLAC)’s mission is to engage and enrich community through brave contemporary theatre. Founded in 1970, SLAC is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 professional theatre dedicated to producing, commissioning, and developing new works and to supporting a community of professional artists. SLAC has been nationally recognized by the Shubert Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Pew Charitable Trusts, and the Edgerton Foundation, among others. SLAC operates under a STP Actors Equity Association contract and is a Constituent Member of Theatre Communications Group (a national organization for non-profit professional regional theatres), and the National New Play Network (a national alliance of non-profit professional theatres that champions the development, production, and continued life of new plays).
