Sometimes, great novels make great plays and films. More often than not, novels definitely less than great make far better plays and films. That is certainly the case with Leopold von Sacher-Masoch’s 1870 novel, Venus im Pelz (Venus in Fur), an autobiographical treatment which literally put the M—masochism—in S&M. David Ives’ theatrical adaptation, which later … Read more
In the cathartic wisdom of its satire and musical parodies, Salt Lake Acting Company’s summer show, The Gaslight Zone encourages its audiences to shed the fears, boldly confront and oppose the current confederacy of narcissistic weak, insecure, incompetent, stupid men and their lily-livered sycophants. Hilariously seductive in all the right places, the 2026 edition, directed … Read more
With four world premieres and two company premieres to boot, the resplendent heritage of Ballet West radiated with exciting results in the culminating performance of the inaugural Ballet West Summit Festival: Where Art Meets Elevation on July 17 at the Canyons Village Amphitheatre in Park City. The results confirm that this festival should become a … Read more
EDITOR’S NOTE: In addition to the curtain raiser for the 12th edition of the Great Salt Lake Fringe festival, please see this link for more details about other shows on this year’s slate. After its most impressive showing to date in 2025, the Great Salt Lake Fringe (GSLF) returns for its 12th edition with what … Read more
EDITOR’S NOTE: In addition to this summary of the slate for the 12th edition of the Great Salt Lake Fringe festival, please see this link for the curtain raiser. The following is a summary of shows on the 12th edition slate of the Great Salt Lake Fringe: Having presented some of the most memorable performances … Read more
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the seventh in an ongoing series of features highlighting authors and new books published by Torrey House Press in Utah. Two outstanding books published by Torrey House Press are strongly recommended for their exceptional strategic and tactical insights for individuals and organizations who wonder if it is still possible to advance projects to … Read more
At one point, in Matthew Ivan Bennett’s A French Toast, Lucy goes into an emotional frenzy. She unwittingly consumed alcohol, which shocks her with fear that she has broken the rules of her Mormon faith and is no longer worthy. Of course, it happened at the reception for her former husband’s gay wedding. At the … Read more
For summers during the 1970s, Ballet West traveled to Aspen, Colorado for an artistic residency and festival that included a summer dance school in Snowmass Village. The experience anchored Ballet West’s steadily growing reputation as one of the most distinguished performing arts companies in the American West. It also led to the Ballet West Academy … Read more
The marvelous Meanwhile Park outdoor theatrical venue in a neighborhood close to Liberty Park will be the perfect spot for Matthew Ivan Bennett’s newest play, the rom-com A French Toast, which opens next week. The four characters in the play are staying at À Côté du Palais, a small bed and breakfast in the south … Read more
By His Hand is a film made in Utah by local filmmakers who also are brothers that incorporated their own experiences about living in Utah. Set in rural portions of the Beehive State, the film follows a young woman who escapes a fundamentalist sect, only to realize that her story is more than just survival. … Read more