By: Brynn Carnesecca

While it is no easy feat directing a musical, staging a musical written in 1879 seems a near-impossible task. However, Timpanogos Community Theater breathes new life into this challenging script. The piece pushes even the most experienced actors to the limit with an almost entirely sung-through libretto. Yet, TCT’s production is filled to the brim with out-of-this-world singers and comedic timing beyond the words of the script. 

The Valentine Theatre immediately sets the mood, preparing the audience for a journey on the high seas. Pirate-themed music, moody blue lighting and a pirate ship front and center spark the audience’s imagination, pulling them deeper into the world of Pirates of Penzance. The show opens with a scene indicative of the rest of the production. Instead of a flashy dance sequence, heartfelt ballad or another theater stereotype, the show begins with a mime-like performance with the miniature pirate ship. Immediately, the audience knows what kind of show this is–and boy, is it fun. 

Pirates of Penzance follows 21-year-old Fredric, played by stand-out performer Adam Moore, a wide-eyed pirate looking to start a new life. Throughout the musical, he is caught in the crosshairs between his pirate days with Pirate King Bartholomew, played by Aaron Williams, and his newfound love, Mabel, played by Kyra Fowler. Hijinks and hilarious conflict ensue as Fredric navigates each sticky situation. 

Directed by Marlene Brinkerhoff Myers, the production leans into the goofiness of the script rather than trying to take itself too seriously. At different moments throughout the production, frightened characters hide behind small branches, ladies fall to the ground for Fredric, pirates act as fountains–even going as far as to spit water across the stage–and the entire pirate crew runs behind a miniature ship on a table. 

The script only adds to the tone, including a song where a middle-aged woman tries to seduce young Fredric, pirates fall to bits over an old man’s orphan story, and a leap-year birthday situation ensnares the main character. Simply put, the silliness of the production is its strength. In an operetta that can be tricky to follow at times, the exaggerated physicality ensures all can easily follow the hilarious story. 

While the goofiness is fantastic, the cast is the shining star of the production. With delightful vocals coming from leads Fredric and Mabel, every song with the power couple leaves the audience stunned at the technique and range. At multiple points, characters sing at over 100 beats per minute under challenging songs such as “I Am The Very Model of a Modern Major-General,” “How Beautifully Blue the Sky,” and “When You Had Left Our Pirate Fold.” Throughout the show, the actor’s voices never become tired or strained. 

The Pirate King, played by Aaron Williams, and Major General Stanley, played by Brett Hansen, shine in their roles and embellish the story with their flushed-out characters. Supporting roles Pirate Samuel, played by Sam Clayton, Ruth, played by Vivian Mathias, and Sergeant Bernard, played by Aaron Bone, continually strengthened the piece in their unique ways. 

The ensemble is the show’s foundation, continually popping in and out of complex scenes and vocal sections. Multiple dance sequences, impossibly fast numbers and complicated staging earn this ensemble accolades all on their own. Stand-out Daughter Kate, played by Ciara Hulet, and Policeman Murphy, played by Joel Griffiths, had me belly-laughing multiple times with their attention to facial expressions and physical presence. 

The tech was also well above par, never for a moment faltering or taking the audience out of the story. The costumes were fantastic, showing the talent behind Timpanogas Arts Foundation’s productions. 

TCT’s family-friendly Pirates of Penzance is not to be missed. It will be showing at the Valentine Theater Thursdays through Saturdays and Mondays at 7:30 p.m. until May 4. Tickets can be purchased at www.TAFtix.com.

By Madelyn Wilson

In celebration of American Fork Library’s 100th anniversary last year, the library received a grant from the city’s PARC tax revenue for a new art installation. 

Two years ago, the Harrington Center for the Arts recommended that local artist April Terry create a mural for the library recognizing the summer reading program theme, “An Ocean of Possibilities.” When the Harrington Center received notice of a grant for another mural, they invited Terry back to create something new. Recognizing libraries’ role in a community, she started with the theme and title “Wisdom Emerges.”

“She wanted it to be based on the idea that, over the last hundred years with the library in American Fork, books have contributed to the wisdom of the community, and she built upon that,” said Casandria Crane, library director.

To symbolize wisdom, Terry, with the help of her assistant Benji Roche, placed hundreds of books at the mural’s base, starting on the floor. The base of books turns into sculpture and then morphs into painted images as the piece extends to the ceiling. The central figure is Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom. She is surrounded by other symbols of wisdom, including a snake, a sword, an owl, a lamp and an olive tree. 

Other notable design elements are a galaxy, moon phases, and symbols of American Fork. Terry sculpted the books toward the mural’s base into places and things that symbolize American Fork City. The mural’s left side includes the Presbyterian Church and Alpine Tabernacle, and the right side showcases the local flora and fauna.

The mural is striking, drawing the attention of any visitor who enters the library’s main lobby. Everyone from toddlers to seniors will take a moment to admire the installation as they pass by. One of Terry’s goals in creating the mural was this chance to pause. 

“Wisdom comes by taking knowledge or information that comes to us and letting us sink into it, letting it absorb, and learning how to put it into our experiences. So that was one of my goals, which I noticed when doing it. A lot of kids would just come and stare for a long time,” said Terry. “That’s a huge success to me if kids can connect with art where they’re actually not just looking at a picture but experiencing something.”

This opportunity for people, especially children, to connect with art represents the purpose of the piece. 

“I wanted to make something that was a bigger picture, that you can just glance at, but also that would draw you in and allow your eyes to wander, pause and meander, look and discover. To think, ‘Oh, I never noticed this before,’ is super healthy because it creates that linear thought in the brain, which is what we need to read books and understand deeper concepts. So that was my intention. I wanted to do something to help create that space to nurture people’s creativity,” said Terry.

“That’s one of the beautiful things about symbols. I’m just putting them up there, but they’re going to draw something out to different people at various times,” she added.

Terry poured her love of wisdom and learning into this mural and her love of the city it represents.

“I definitely tried to include my love of American Fork in this piece. I’ve had so many beautiful experiences just walking down to the lake and seeing great blue herons. I love the green fields, walks, and rivers. I lived here for a short time, and it was my favorite place I’ve ever lived. I just love the energy of it and the views of the mountains,” Terry said.

She even had some library patrons who expressed interest in the mural help her finish the piece.

“At the end, when I was putting it together, a lot of people showed interest, so I kind of opened up an invitation to ask if anybody wanted to contribute. That was one of the really fun things. That baby dragon down there, and those little glasses, and a few other elements were things that other people made and brought. It was fun, extending it to the community and having them help. Some kids came, and we made mushrooms together, and someone made the roses for me and brought them so they could feel like they were a part of this. It was really neat seeing the community get involved and excited and create their additions. ‘What can we make with a book?'” Terry added.

On March 25, after the mural was completed, the library held a reception. Locals came, met Terry and Roche, and admired the mural. Even now, after the mural’s completion, library employees still notice new things. 

“Every time I look at it, I notice different things. There’s a little bookshelf I’ve never seen, and the witches’ words from Macbeth are highlighted throughout the mural. There’s just tons of detail. It’s very library-focused, and it’s been very cool to see,” said Crane.

“Wisdom Emerges” is open to the public and can be found in the main lobby of the American Fork Library. For more information about April Terry or to purchase her other art pieces, visit freebirdsrising.com or find her Instagram @aprildawnart.

This spring, the Timpanogos Visual Arts Program, in partnership with the Timpanogos Arts Foundation, is set to ignite the local art scene with its much-anticipated Spring Gallery 2024. The event invites artists aged 18 and older to submit their artwork for an opportunity to showcase and sell their creations to art enthusiasts within the community.

A Call to Artists

Artists are encouraged to seize this opportunity by submitting up to three pieces of artwork, with an entry fee of only $5 per submission. This nominal fee opens the door to not only display their work but also to potentially sell their pieces, making this an excellent platform for both established and emerging artists.

Event Details and Venue

The gallery will be held at the TAF Arts Center located at 53 W. Main Street, American Fork, UT 84003, providing a central and accessible location for attendees. The exhibition schedule is as follows:

• Thursday, April 25: 6 PM – 8 PM
• Friday, April 26: 5 PM – 8 PM
• Saturday, April 27: 10 AM – 2 PM

An artist reception will kick off the event on April 25th at 6 PM, offering a perfect networking opportunity for artists and art lovers alike.

Important Dates for Participants

• Art Drop Off: April 22nd, 6 PM – 8 PM at 53 W Main St.
• Art Pick Up: April 27th, 3 PM – 5 PM at the same location.
• Signup Deadline: Extended to Friday, April 19th at midnight, giving artists extra time to prepare their submissions.

Experience Art in American Fork

This event is not just a gallery; it’s a celebration of the vibrant artistry that resides within and around American Fork. It promises to be an enriching experience for both the artists who will share their work and the community that comes to view and purchase unique artworks. Whether you’re an artist looking to gain exposure, a collector on the hunt for your next acquisition, or simply a lover of art, the Spring Gallery 2024 is an event you won’t want to miss.

For more information on how to participate or attend, visit the Timpanogos Arts Foundation website or the TAF Arts Center. Join us in supporting local art and adding a splash of creativity to your spring season!

Elleigh Marie Francom of American Fork is making waves on the nation’s most beloved singing competition, “American Idol,” and has successfully charmed her way into the top 24 contestants. “I still can’t believe I’ve made it this far,” Elleigh shared with us during a recent interview, the humility in her voice as clear as the notes she belts out on stage. “It’s the coolest experience, and I’m just so grateful.” As one of Utah’s own stars on the rise takes the stage, her journey through the twists and turns of Hollywood’s arena round and beyond is nothing short of inspiring.

Francom, in an exclusive interview, shared her experience of the intense competition, saying, “Honestly, I think the nerves were just so intense for everybody that we kind of ignored the fact that we were competition.” This camaraderie shone through as she navigated the high-pressure environment with both grace and genuine humility.

Click the play button above to listen to the audio interview

The quick succession of performances and the uncertainty of when she would be called to perform did little to shake her focus. “It was pretty scary,” Francom admits, reflecting on the anticipation of waiting for her name to be called.

Her rise to the top 24 has been a vindication of persistence and resilience, especially following an initial attempt during the COVID period that saw her not progressing past the audition stage. “It didn’t feel real at first,” Francom reflects on the moment she found out she had made it to the top 24. “I’m just so grateful that I was able to even make it past the first round.”

Beyond her vocal talent, Elleigh has shown a remarkable ability to connect and make friends, even amidst fierce competition. She attributes this to moving around a lot in her life, which has helped her adapt quickly to new environments. “I do not feel competitive towards my competitors,” Elleigh admits, noting the importance of maintaining a supportive environment. “It literally just feels like family or like you’re in school again, like it doesn’t really feel like [a competition],” she shares, describing the off-camera dynamics.

Even her approach to performing carries a lesson in courage. Francom credits her background in theater for her stage presence and ability to transform nerves into a dynamic performance. She describes an ‘alter ego’ that allows her to embody confidence on stage, a mindset shift that has been crucial to her success.

Outside of her performances, Francom’s thoughtful engagement with her supporters has been noteworthy. Some of her Hollywood week performances were not aired, prompting questions from fans. She took this opportunity to engage with her audience directly, posting a Q&A on social media to address their curiosity—a testament to her grounded nature and willingness to connect her growing fan base.

Elleigh’s humility shines through in every aspect of her Idol journey. “I want people to vote for me because I speak to them in a certain way, or they really like my performance,” she stated, emphasizing her desire for genuine support over sympathy votes.

As Elleigh prepares for the next stage of the competition, her alter ego—the one she credits for her fearless stage presence—will surely be by her side. She thanks her background in theater for this confidence, a trait that has allowed her to shine even in the high-pressure atmosphere of “American Idol.”

As Elleigh faces the reality of her father’s military deployment coinciding with the live shows, her resolve only strengthens. The support from her hometown and beyond has been overwhelming, with messages pouring in from as far as the UK. It’s a global stage, and Elleigh Marie Francom is captivating the world with her voice and story.

American Idol fans can support Francom through a variety of voting methods beginning Sunday, April 7th, with each viewer allowed up to ten votes per contestant on each platform. Votes can be cast online at AmericanIdol.com/vote, via the American Idol app, or by texting the contestant’s number to “21523”. Voting starts at the top of the East Coast broadcast around 8pm ET/5pm PT and locks at 6am ET/3am PT the following day. Click here for a full list of how you can vote and how many times through which methods you can vote.

As Francom continues her American Idol journey, it’s an opportunity for our community to rally behind one of our own and show the nation the talent that resides in in Utah. Don’t miss your chance to support Elleigh Marie Francom and help her become the next American Idol!

Brynn Carnesecca

Most American Fork residents have likely seen artist Grace Ryser’s artwork. You can view her murals on the little building at the intersection of 900 North and 600 East in Lehi. Her commissioned pieces are featured on her Instagram account. Or catch her creative acrylic signs on nearly every aisle of Harmon’s Grocery, depicting pop culture icons from hundreds of movies and television shows.

For Grace, art has always been a key part of her life. “I grew up drawing, painting and taking art lessons,” She said. She followed her artistic passion to Utah State, where she earned a BFA in drawing and painting. 

With her art degree, Grace continued her journey by creating commissioned portraits and landscapes. A few years later, Grace found a unique job listing on Indeed. “It was a very vague job description,” Grace laughed. “It said, ‘Come paint signs at a local grocery store in Lehi.’ I didn’t know what that meant, but it had the word ‘paint,’ and that was good enough for me.” That vague job listing came from Harmon’s grocery store in Traverse Mountain.

Grace has worked at Harmon’s for four years and has created hundreds of unique signs. Her creative process involves hours of brainstorming, digital mockups and, of course, painting. “It can take a long time just to come up with a concept, idea or a reference that I like. Sometimes brainstorming takes the longest time,” Grace explained. Many times, the inspiration comes from watching TV during childhood. “I use many of those references now, which my dad never appreciated. But now he’s quite proud,” said Grace. Other times, inspiration can come from places Grace has traveled, artists at other Harmon’s locations or the internet. 

After Grace formulates the painting idea, she begins mapping it out digitally on Procreate. Once I have that down, it can take just a day or two to start and finish the painting.” While Grace has worked with all sorts of different mediums, her typical choice is acrylic paint. 

After many hours of painting, Grace can have a large piece done and ready for the store. Shoppers can enjoy characters from “The Office,” Disney films, “The Princess Bride,” “Star Wars,” and everything in between, are featured at the end of the aisles, bringing color to Harmon’s store. With four years under her belt, Grace has refined her process. “I bring Harmon’s immense value, effort and skill,” Grace shared. 

Additionally, Grace continues to have a steady stream of creative ideas. “People talk about artist’s or writer’s block, and I can’t say that I have experienced that before this point.”

Grace encourages future and aspiring artists to “Allow themselves to be a beginner. Find joy in the process, not in the product. It can be one of the most healing and rewarding things if you allow yourself to do it.” 

In addition to her pieces at Harmon’s, Grace also takes commissions for portraits, signs, murals and landscapes. To view Grace’s pieces or request a commission follow@graceleighart on Instagram or visit www.graceleighart.com 

The New Friends Quilting Circle, a cornerstone of American Fork’s vibrant community, is gearing up to celebrate National Quilting Day on March 30th, from 10 am to 2 pm, at the Senior Citizen Center located at 54 E Main Street. This event, open to the public, continues the legacy of Carmen Martinez, the beloved founder who passed away in 2023, leaving behind a tradition of creativity, learning, and generosity that has flourished for over four decades.

Founded by Carmen Martinez over 40 years ago, the New Friends Quilt Circle has been a beacon of friendship, skill-sharing, and community service. Meeting weekly on Tuesdays and twice a month at night, the group has nurtured a supportive environment for both new and experienced quilters to come together. With a modest membership due of $20 per year, members enjoy a variety of activities aimed at enhancing their quilting skills, including the much-anticipated block of the month, new technique workshops, and community service projects.

The circle’s commitment to community service is profound. In 2018 alone, members donated over $10,000 in materials towards quilts for the community, not to mention the countless hours spent crafting these labor-intensive gifts. Through partnerships with programs like Meals on Wheels, Project Linus, and the local NIC-U, the group has touched the lives of many, providing warmth and comfort to seniors, families, and children experiencing illness or trauma.

The upcoming National Quilting Day event promises to be a day filled with learning, quilting, and community spirit. Participants are encouraged to bring two fat quarters to work on a spring project and a dish for the potluck. Highlighting the day will be a trunk show by an experienced quilter, offering inspiration and showcasing the artistry that quilting embodies.

The New Friends Quilt Circle also hosts several other special events throughout the year, including Quilters Night Out, a Night Against Crime collaboration, the Quilts of Valor Ceremony to honor armed forces members, and the festive Quilters Christmas in December.

The circle’s impact extends beyond quilting; it serves as a model of community service and friendship. Recognized by the city with the Hero Award and the proclamation of January 28, 2020 as New Friends Quilt Circle Day, the group continues to make significant contributions to American Fork, embodying the spirit of giving and support.

The New Friends Quilting Circle invites everyone to join them on March 30th to celebrate National Quilting Day, a testament to their ongoing commitment to craft, community, and the legacy of Carmen Martinez. Whether you are a seasoned quilter or new to the art, this event is an opportunity to connect with others, learn new skills, and be part of a special community tradition.

By: Brynn Carnesecca 

In 2023, American Fork High School’s drama department produced the whimsical “Seussical” and the hilarious “The Drowsy Chaperone.” In director Neal Johnson’s 26th year of teaching, he and the talented cast and crew of “A Monster Calls” bring a beautiful, emotionally driven and hopeful production to the stage.

Based on the fantasy book of the same name, “A Monster Calls” is truly unlike any other production. The show is a collaborative effort of the eleven cast members. “The cast has to be connected,” said assistant director Ellie Lyman. “Half the battle is getting the relationships on stage to show. It’s an everyman’s story about grief, and it’s beautiful to watch it come together in this way.” 

The fantastic eleven-person cast stars Ben Zeidner as Conor, Scott Youngberg as Monster, Emma Gibb as Mum and Mia Packard as Grandma. Lacey Gee, Lincoln Briggs, Jefferson Eldredge, Grace Oborn, Vaughn Zollinger, Jane Lemon and Cohen Starr round out the cast and literally breathe life into this story. 

The show opens with a collective breath taken by the cast. Together, the cast heaves a sigh over beautiful cello music composed by AFHS’ own Chase Chipping and played by Erin Morris. The simple set, comprised of 16 ropes, a dozen chairs and a staircase, allows the audience’s minds to fill in the blanks. Creative use of the set and space keeps the audience engaged, with bathrobes becoming babies, a life-sized grandfather clock taunting the main character and ropes twisting and turning at all angles to represent a yew tree, steering wheel and seat belts. 

“A Monster Calls” follows 13-year-old Conor, a young boy struggling to come to grips with his Mum’s cancer diagnosis and subsequent failing treatments. Throughout the play, the audience journeys with Conor. We witness him bullied at school, cry in hospital waiting rooms, and mentally battle with the Monster. The show comes full circle as the cast does a final exhale together, ending the show. 

Scott Youngberg masterfully embodies the Monster, who visits Conor every night at 12:07 a.m. The ensemble, draped in deep reds, twitching and acting as an extension of the Monster’s powers, boosts his menacing threats. 

While the Monster and his visits are pivotal to the story, the true heart of the production lies in the Monster’s line, “Stories are important if they carry the truth.” A Monster Calls certainly rises to the occasion, poignantly sharing that we are never alone. “I’ve grown to realize that no one can do it alone,” cast member Mia Packard shared. “As much as I or anyone else would like to be able to stand on their own two feet and do it by themself, in the end, you always are going to need the people around you. Sometimes those people leave you, but you’ll always have someone else to turn to.” 

Throughout the piece, the ensemble embodies this message. The cast helps Conor get ready for school in the morning, lifts him to a near-levitating position and even leans in unison when the conversations become too intense for Conor. Additionally, many of the cast members rarely leave the stage. All of these creative elements work together to imbue the, at times, somber script with an air of hope and community. 

This message of community is exactly what AFHS needs at this moment. “It’s been a really hard year for the high school,” said cast member Emma Gibb. “It’s been an interesting year of losses, so the show has a big message of hope. It’s something that can help people through the grieving process.” 

Bringing this piece to the AFHS stage was no easy feat. Cast members spent afternoons breathing together, playing trust games and running relay races. “Because of how small our cast is, we all have such a special relationship with each other,” said Mia Packard. “What makes A Monster Calls so special is that we all have an invisible string that ties us together. It keeps us so tightly knit and connected emotionally.” 

All of the pre-work shined on stage, creating an undeniable sense of friendship and family. Emma Gibb, Mia Packard, Ben Zeidner, and Jefferson Eldredge authentically showcased a struggling family dynamic, bringing a heightened sense of reality. Scott Youngberg stole the show as the Monster. His menacing voice, line delivery, and physicality suited the role perfectly. Every character also spoke in a British accent throughout the show. 

The cast, crew and directors of “A Monster Calls” hope the show can help the community heal after the school’s recent losses. “With such heavy source material, we are walking a fine line between healing and hurting,” said Ellie Lyman. “It’s a story that a lot of people have dealt with. We tried to tell the story respectfully, and it’s beautiful that we can represent a collective experience on stage.” 

A Monster Calls runs March 22, 23, 25 and 26 at 7 p.m. Tickets are exclusively at the door. Visit www.afhsdrama.org for more information about the AFHS theater program. 

In a town where dreams often stretch as far as the eye can see across the vast landscapes of Utah, one local girl is about to take a giant leap onto a national stage. Elleigh Marie Francom, an American Idol hopeful from American Fork, is set to audition on the hit ABC show this Sunday, March 17th, in an episode that promises to showcase the talent and dreams of small-town America.

Elleigh, speaking about her upcoming appearance on Utah’s ABC Good Things Utah, shared the blend of excitement and nervous anticipation that comes with performing in front of celebrity judges for the first time. “It was as scary as you can imagine,” Elleigh recounts. Yet, she found comfort in the unexpected kindness of the stars, making the experience “more comfortable than you’d expect.”

The journey to the Idol stage for Elleigh began in a family steeped in musical theater and pop music, guided by a mother deeply involved in theater. Elleigh’s early steps into the world of performance were in dance and singing lessons, laying the foundation for her evolution into a pop artist with a flair for musical theater.

Elleigh’s audition song choice, “I Can’t Make You Love Me” by Bonnie Raitt, may have surprised some expecting a pop number, but it perfectly encapsulates her versatility and depth as a performer. This decision, along with her journey, underscores a young artist ready to challenge expectations and showcase her unique voice.

Her path to American Idol was as modern as it gets, with social media playing the fairy godmother role. A casting producer discovered Elleigh through videos posted out of “boredom” on Instagram, a moment that turned from disbelief to destiny as Elleigh realized the message was genuine. This serendipitous discovery led her from Utah to Los Angeles, marking the beginning of a dream she’s long harbored.

As Elleigh prepares to watch herself on television alongside friends, family, and fans nationwide, the experience is surreal. Transitioning from a cosmetology student to standing on the brink of a music career, Elleigh views this opportunity as a “huge curveball,” one that could redirect her life’s path towards her true passion.

The anticipation for Elleigh’s audition is palpable, not only for her performance but for the validation and feedback from the judges, whose opinions could affirm her artistic direction. As American Fork and Utah rally behind Elleigh, her journey from singing and dancing in a musical family to potentially becoming the next American Idol symbolizes a dream that resonates far beyond her hometown.

Be sure to tune in to ABC this Sunday at 8 pm to witness Elleigh Marie’s audition on American Idol. Follow her journey on social media at @elleighmariefrancom, where updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and more await her growing fanbase. Elleigh’s story is a testament to the power of dreams, talent, and the courage to step onto one of the biggest stages in music.

Utah’s International Film Festival, co-created by Warren and Dora Workman in 2010, returns with a treasure trove of over 70 films and screenplays from Utah filmmakers and several others submitted by creators from across the globe, from Iran to Singapore. Mark your calendars for an immersive experience at Maven Cinemas in American Fork, paired with lively events at Enigma 3 in Vineyard from February 12th to the 17th, 2024. The festival concludes with the award ceremony on February 17. Forty awards will be handed out during this festival.

The festival launches with world premieres of “Renaissance Kid” and “The Cold Ground,” harbingers of cinematic excellence that underscore an exciting chapter for the local filmmakers. These screenings represent just a slice of the diverse storytelling and artistic expression that will be on display.

“We have 178 projects this year, 25 of them are screenplays,” Dora said. “We accepted all genres of films [with some content exceptions like nudity] and included a few new categories this year, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Experimental, and Exceptional Ability.”

Beyond mesmerizing movie-goers with innovative films, the festival doubles as an educational hub for industry hopefuls. The “Pitch Bootcamp” offers screenwriters a chance to hone the crucial skill of pitching to producers, while the “Intro Guide to Professional Acting” is set to demystify the path to silver screen success for budding actors. Experience the creativity, network with the minds shaping the future of cinema, and indulge in the richness of local talent.

“For the independent filmmakers that are just starting out, especially those from other countries, this festival helps them see the importance of what they are doing on a smaller scale and build them up; we help them figure out how to progress to the next level,” Dora added.

The Utah International Film Festival is a testament to local talent and an inspiration for creatives ready to take the next step. In joining the festivities, film enthusiasts are invited to not only witness the magic of film but to partake in the very making of it.

For the schedule of movies and to purchase tickets, visit https://utahfilmfestival.eventive.org/schedule

Step into a world of dark humor, cunning schemes, and a touch of romance with the latest production by the Regalo Theater Company, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.” Join the charismatic Montague Navarro, played by Jake Hart, as he navigates the cutthroat world of high society, armed with a lethal to-do list and a thirst for inheritance. This Tony Award-winning musical promises uproarious entertainment, filled with wit, suspense, and unforgettable melodies.

“This is the perfect choice for our winter musical because it is a good compromise of comedy and melodrama; it is personally one of my favorite musicals,” said Crystal Pyne, founding member and secretary of Regalo Theater Company. “Michael Carrasco, the director, and his wife, Colleen Carrasco, the producer, work so well together and create beautiful productions. Chris Last plays nine parts as the D’Ysquith family and is a very talented actor. This show requires classically trained vocals but also comedic timing.”

Featuring a brilliant ensemble cast and a score that will hum you all the way home, this darkly comedic tale is a must-see for both theater aficionados and newcomers. Immerse yourself in the charms of Monty and experience the rollercoaster ride of his ascent up the aristocratic ladder.

Prepare to be amused, captivated, and perhaps even sympathize with the charismatic protagonist. Secure your tickets now (use code AFCITIZEN for a 10% discount) and prepare for a night of theatrical brilliance.

Founded on the principles of kindness, quality, beauty, respect, and humility, Regalo Theater Company, based in Utah County, is dedicated to creating a positive and transformative theater environment. The founders aim to provide a platform for individuals to cultivate their talents, forge lasting friendships, and boost their confidence.

“Regalo was formed by a group of us that had done shows together separately but never all together, and we wanted to change some things in the theatre community; we thought with our combined vision and varying areas of expertise that we could give it a go,” Pyne added.

As a 501c3 organization formed in 2022, the theater relies on community participation. Volunteering is essential for the success of community theater, as it brings together a diverse group of people to collaborate and create something extraordinary. Whether you are an actor, stage manager, designer, or crew member, your involvement is crucial.

CAST:

Jake Hart is Montague Navarro
Brittni Smith, plays Phoebe D’Ysquith
Joy Austin, plays Sibella Hallward
Chris Last, plays The D’Ysquith Family
Michael Carrasco, Director
Colleen Carrasco, Producer

PERFORMANCES: Jan 5, 6-Matinee, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20-Matinee, 20^th

TICKETS: $15 Adults, $10 kids at the door

DOORS OPEN – 7:00 PM / 1:30 PM-Matinee

CURTAIN OPENS – 7:30 PM / 2:00 PM-Matinee

Skyridge Auditorium:
3000 N Center St,
Lehi Utah, 84043