Brynn Carnesecca | American Fork Citizen

For two and a half hours, The Ruth in Pleasant Grove transported me to another world. It wasn’t as harsh as ours, and all the news stations were filled with candy-coated dreams and reporters with playful names. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” was everything I wished for and more. This holiday-time treat made me laugh until my stomach hurt and left me asking how I could make the world a bit sweeter.

Based on the Roald Dahl novel, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” follows 10-year-old Charlie Bucket as he wins a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory. With a wacky cast of spoiled children and overbearing parents, chaos ensues around Charlie and his Grandpa Joe.

The well-loved tale has been spun into numerous film adaptations and spinoffs, yet The Ruth’s production seems to bring this tale to life in a new way.

Leading the cast is Thomas Wood as Willy Wonka (double-cast with Taylor Morris). The young performer astounded me in every way possible. Years ago, he had the chance to play Charlie Bucket in a Jr. production in Orem. Now, he is astounding audiences multiple times a week as Willy.

“I’ve been doing a lot of inner child work also in therapy,” Wood shared in an interview. “My main goal with this role was for [Wonka] to be funny and relatable, but never a joke.”

With a devious grin, spectacular singing voice, and persona enough to fill another three hours, Wood brought this character to life. He didn’t just recreate the same characters from the film or the book; he brought his own twist and personality to it, even down to the chromatic purple nails.

“I feel like I’m fairly young to be playing this role. I feel like I’m still on the same platform as the kids,” Wood laughed. “…I’m just one of them and we are all messing around.”

An incredible cast backed wood. Porter McCormick played an adorable Charlie Bucket (double-cast with Flynn Mitchell and Tayte Osmond), Hudson Lee was an unrestrained Augustus Gloop (double-cast with Nolan Heinmiller), Lucy White was a perfectly hateable Veruca Salt (double-cast with Jane Wilkins), Sibley Snowden brought the house down as a sassy Violet Beauregarde (double-cast with Mak Milord), and Liam Kaufman was an untamed Mike Teavee (double-cast with Charlie Udy and Daxton Osmond).

I could go on and on about the parents and supporting cast as well. Each actor brought unique energy to the stage, making for the perfect caricatures of parenthood and adults.

Director and music director Rob Moffat made every single moment feel magical. It seemed like he really saw this script for what it was. He never made it anything it wasn’t but still gave it a feeling of freshness that I haven’t been able to forget. Izzy Arrieta’s choreography was enchanting. From Oompa Loompa dances to crazed parents, it all felt right out of a dream.

One of my favorite elements was the scenic design by Carter Thompson. Things looked so delicious, I wanted to jump right into the scene. Creative candy carts, chocolate rivers and glass elevators all blew me away. Kim Wright was incredible at creating Broadway-level costumes. With a crazy cast of characters to dress, Wright gave each actor their own vibe and look. A particular standout was Willy Wonka’s costume. Brilliant purples paired with gold jumped right off the stage (complete with a top hat and a twirling coat).

This show was arguably one of the best The Ruth has done to date. If you’re looking for a magical night out, with or without the family, stop by the theater and enjoy a world of pure imagination.

“I really hope this is a break for audiences. The world is really, really scary for good reasons and bad,” Wood explained. “I think it’s important to bring a room full of 700 people together and to be laughing. People get to sit through this with their kids for three or so hours, and that’s special.”

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” runs until December 31 with nightly performances and occasional matinees. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.theruth.org. 

By: Brynn Carnesecca

American Fork Citizen 

Every once in a while, a production comes around that simply fills you with joy. The recent AFHS production of “Clue” was exactly that. Whimsical costumes, a nonsensical plot and hilarious mishaps made me, alongside the rest of the audience, laugh until our stomachs hurt. 

Based on the hit board game, which then inspired the blockbuster movie, the play “Clue” is what director Neal Johnson called “a story that’s been passed down and reimagined many times.” Still, this production took familiar characters and material and turned them into something unique and absolutely remarkable. 

In a comedy-meets-murder-mystery, the six classic board game characters — Colonel Mustard, Mr. Green, Mrs. White, Mrs. Peacock, Professor Plum and Miss Scarlet — are all called to a large and mysterious mansion. In this version of the scenario, they do not discover why until later. Thus begins the classic “whodunit” tale. 

The cast is overflowing with talent. Standouts included Claire Hendershot as the incredibly frivolous and dramatic Mrs. Peacock (the dining scene alone made me laugh for minutes on end), Eli May as the over-the-top and goofy Colonel Mustard, and Lil Zeidner as the elusive backbone of the show, Wadsworth the butler. Each actor seemed perfectly suited for their role.

The cast was rounded out with Shaely Warburton as the alluring Miss Scarlet, Jacob Parson as the questionable Professor Plum, Azia (HD) Rowley as the secretive Mrs. White, Ben Kland as the zesty Mr. Green, and Annabelle Carter as the frightened and bouncy Yvette. 

The indulgent acting and chemistry between the characters were magic to witness. This was further aided by the direction of Neal Johnson. Johnson truly understood this show and how it was meant to be seen. Everything was the perfect amount of dramatic, terrifying and hilarious. Memorable moments included the tango scene, a corpse manipulation moment and an impressive rewind scene that was repeated six times. Motifs and callback jokes frequently made appearances, and everything seemed to land with the audience. At one point, the actors even hopped around the stage as if they were the board game pieces themselves. 

The set was also something to be celebrated. With pieces of the set constantly moving us around, the audience was brought right into the board game world. Entering the lounge, library and kitchen at various points felt like a dollhouse being brought to life on stage. The costumes were perfectly done as each seemed to pay homage to the original box design of the characters while adding a unique spin. 

With an intensely comedic script, each actor truly pulled their own weight. Funny moments were abounding, and some even seemed to slip right into the background (a la “6-7” reference). I found myself smiling throughout the entire production. Kudos to the AFHS drama and tech team for putting together a night of mystery, laughter and fun. This show is exactly what we need in the world right now: something to smile about. 

“Clue” will conclude its run at AFHS tonight at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at https://cur8.com/projects/2331.  Seating is general admission.

Brynn Carnesecca | American Fork Citizen

American Fork High School’s drama department has been preparing for months to bring the cult-classic “Clue” board game to life on stage. The play, a murder-mystery-meets-comedy, runs from Nov. 13-18 with nightly performances.

Fans of the board game will be pleased to see classic characters such as Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlett, and Professor Plum brought to life on stage, with accompanying weapons. After a shocking murder occurs at a remote mansion, the zany cast of characters all must work together to unravel the mystery and figure out “whodunit.”

Full of jokes and callbacks to the family-favorite game, “Clue” will be a mystery play perfect for the family. To purchase tickets, visit https://cur8.com/projects/2331. 

Elizabeth Spencer | American Fork Citizen

Jessica Johnson, American Fork Junior High School’s drama teacher, is fulfilling a longtime goal of hers this semester: directing “The Little Mermaid Jr.” stage musical. “I looked at the group of students we had in Musical Theatre this year and was like, ‘Yep, the time is finally here to do it!’” she shared.

This is Johnson’s first time directing the show, which is also her favorite childhood movie. “I have been waiting for the right group of students to do this beloved show with,” she added.

“So many of these students have embraced their character and have grown as performers. I always love seeing those lightbulb moments; it’s my favorite thing about being a teacher and a director,” Johnson shared. “Our crew has blossomed in their skills through tech week, and it has been wonderful to see them take ownership of their jobs to help make the show run smoothly.”

Students auditioned for the musical at the end of August and have rehearsed throughout September and October, both in Musical Theatre class and after school. Stage Crew has designed and created costumes, props and sets, with some pieces rented from the Scera Shell and Bluffdale Arts. Families joined for two set-building Saturdays to help bring their Under the Sea wonder to life.

Johnson believes the message of “The Little Mermaid” is an important one. “I believe that it’s important to follow your dreams and not to be divided by hate or a lack of understanding for others.”

“The Little Mermaid Jr. ” will run Nov. 6-8 at 7 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 3 p.m. Performances will be held in the American Fork Junior High auditorium. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased on the American Fork Junior High website.

“We are so proud of our amazing 8th- and 9th-grade students taking Musical Theatre and Stage Crew this semester. They have created an amazing show. We look forward to the upcoming 8th and 9th graders in American Fork to continue creating wonderful theatre!” Johnson concluded, “We hope that audiences will join us Under The Sea in this timeless story and fall in love with these beloved characters all over again.”

Elizabeth Spencer | American Fork Citizen

Five local secondary school orchestras collaborated for the first-ever combined night of Halloween Music. Timberline Middle School, Mountain Ridge Junior High, Lone Peak High School, and American Fork High School and Junior High all participated in the “spook-tacular” event. Hundreds of musicians performed under the direction of conductors from their respective schools: Shauna Smith (AFJH/AFHS), William Vernon (LPHS/MRJH) and Amanda Riley (TMS).

This summer, Vernon, Riley and Smith collaborated to form a small group. Together, they discussed ways to encourage students and families to commit to a six-year program in Strings and Orchestra. Smith shared, “I mentioned that AFHS organizes a ‘Band Bash’ that brings together all levels for a single concert. We thought hosting a similar event could showcase the strength of the Strings and Orchestra program within the AF cluster community.”

“The purpose of the concert was for students to realize that our orchestra program is really an incredible six-year journey. To see the progress from picking up the instrument for the first time in 7th grade all the way to 12th grade, making great music and great friendships along the way.” Vernon continued, “I wanted the Jr. High students to see that there was a fantastic group of kids and fun musical experiences waiting for them as they transition into 10th grade.”

“I came up with the ‘Monster Concert’ theme, and we decided that we’d center it on Halloween music. It was a fun concept, so we started to look through music that each of us had in our libraries that might work for the concert. Each of the teachers prepared their own students and took on some of the responsibilities for the concert,” added Smith.

AFHS hosted the event, inviting students from their advanced orchestra classes at each middle school, junior high and high school. The three conductors divided up the songs they would direct, the attire the kids would wear, and how they would rehearse with their own schools, then came together.

“Each school had different colored T-shirts, and my favorite part was seeing the students all mixed up in the concert making new friends,” added Vernon.

Music included scary titles such as “Zombie Tango”, “Creepy Classics”, and “The Evil Eye and Hideous Heart” based on The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allen Poe. The hit of the evening was the grand finale performance of “Monster Mash.” Vernon narrated the piece, and spectators joined in singing the chorus.

“I had great help with my students and parents in the setup and take-down of over 300 chairs and stands for the students to use,” shared Smith. Parents also distributed programs and assisted with all aspects of the evening. AFHS staff helped set up the audio system and bleachers and opened other areas for students and attendees to use.

“So many of the kids came up to me and the other directors afterwards and were thrilled that they had the opportunity to play fun music in a fun concert at a fun venue.  They loved that it was not as formal as most Orchestra settings, and it gave the audience and the performers a different viewpoint on how strings are played in all kinds of music,” shared Smith. “I think many of those who attended saw how this type of event brings communities together through a fun, energetic and creative way. This event gave a new perspective on Orchestra music.”

“I’m grateful to have colleagues like Shauna and Amanda, who I can look up to as people who build successful orchestra programs, but who are also great people who create unforgettable experiences for their students,” concluded Vernon.

Smith encourages parents to give their children opportunities in music. “It is the way to create beauty, culture, lasting friendships and discipline. Students who participate in music at any level learn the value of it and how it is essential in our lives. Music permeates every aspect of life. … I am glad that I can show students its value and hope they learn to love the qualities it brings as much as I do.”

April Slaughter | American Fork Citizen

Utah County has no shortage of Halloween spirit this October, with city, venue and community events running up to Oct. 31. Here’s a comprehensive roundup — and where to find more details.

Spooktober — Thanksgiving Point
Throughout October, Thanksgiving Point is running “Spooktober,” with seasonal décor and family‑friendly programming across its venues (Ashton Gardens, Butterfly Biosphere, Museum of Ancient Life, Museum of Natural Curiosity, and Curiosity Farms).
Highlights include:
• Scarecrow Festival (Ashton Gardens), Oct. 13–18
• Dinos After Dark at the Museum of Ancient Life on select Thursday nights
• Creature‑of‑the‑Night events at Butterfly Biosphere (Fridays)
• Barnyard Boo at Curiosity Farms (mornings, Oct. 13, 20, 27)
• Monster Mash (STEM + Halloween activities) on Saturdays

Big Jack’s World — Outlets at Traverse Mountain
The Outlets at Traverse Mountain are hosting Big Jack’s World, a free fall and Halloween display featuring oversized pumpkin art, themed photo zones, and a scavenger hunt. Runs daily through Oct. 31.

Halloween Extravaganza — Lehi Legacy Center
Friday, Oct. 24, 5–8 p.m., Lehi Legacy Center, 123 N. Center St.
Admission: $5 advance / $6 at the door (adults free). The event includes games, trick‑or‑treating, crafts, a live reptile show, glow necklaces, and a screening of “Toy Story of Terror.”

Trick or Treat on Main — Lehi Historic Main Street
Thursday, Oct. 31, 4–6 p.m. along Historic Main Street. Local businesses and city departments offer booths and candy stations for children and families.

Halloween on Main — Downtown American Fork
Thursday, Oct. 31, 4–6 p.m., Main Street (300 W. to 100 E.). City departments and local businesses will host trick‑or‑treat booths.

Utah County Flute Choir Halloween Concert — Library Rotunda
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 7–8 p.m., American Fork Library Rotunda, 64 S. 100 E. A family‑friendly

Halloween performance by the Utah County Flute Choir.

Haunted Forest — American Fork
The Haunted Forest remains one of Utah County’s longest‑running attractions, featuring an elaborate outdoor trail, immersive sets, and live performers. Open nightly through Oct. 31. (hauntedforestutah.com)

Where to watch and get news:

• Lehi City — Event details at lehi-ut.gov/recreation/events-celebrations and the Lehi Legacy Center “Special Events” page.
• American Fork City — City calendar and News Flash pages at americanfork.gov/calendar.
• Thanksgiving Point — Full Spooktober listings at thanksgivingpoint.org/event/spooktober.
• Outlets at Traverse Mountain — Big Jack’s World details at outletsattraversemountain.com.

Halloween wraps up fast, so plan early, check official sites for weather or schedule changes, and make time to enjoy Utah County’s mix of family‑friendly and fright‑filled fun close to home.

Brynn Carnesecca | American Fork Citizen

Amy Coyne used to spend hours poring over forums, scouring the internet, and experimenting with sourdough bread. During her journey of learning how to create, maintain, and cook with a sourdough starter, she wished there were a place where she could find accurate and beginner-friendly information. Now, Coyne has released a book, “The Beginner’s Guide to Sourdough,” to help beginners bake their way to success.

Coyne’s journey with sourdough began 14 years ago with her family in Kentucky.

“I’ve always loved to bake as a kid and a teenager. Then, when I was a young mother, I became passionate about preparing healthy food for my family. It stemmed from that,” Coyne shared.

During the Thanksgiving holiday, Coyne’s aunt brought a homemade sourdough loaf. With six years of her childhood spent in Germany and the Czech Republic, the flavors reminded her of her time in Europe. Coyne immediately fell in love with the bread and decided then and there that she would learn how to make sourdough.

The next few months were tricky as she tried to figure out what recipes, methods, and tricks would help her to maintain (and cook with) a sourdough starter.

“At that time, there wasn’t the social media that there is. I would spend hours on forums after I tried to get my twin toddlers to bed,” Coyne laughed. “I eventually made my own starter. It took me five or six weeks. I loved the process and loved doing it.”

After her first successful starter, Coyne continued to grow her skills and incorporate sourdough into many recipes. In the last few years, she began sharing what she had learned on social media, to a widespread positive response. People have loved seeing her beginner-friendly secrets and learning how to make their own bread. Now, her new book is being released to the bread-hungry masses.

“It’s what I wish I had when I started…  The cool thing about this book is how it’s organized, Coyne said.

The first section teaches what a starter is and how to maintain it. From there, the following six sections of recipes build upon the foundation to progressively help the reader make more complex recipes. From basic sourdough loaves to focaccia and caramel pecan monkey bread, the book enables the reader to progress from a basic beginner to a sourdough master. Complete with QR codes, pictures, and various guides, the recipes are designed to be easily understood by everyone.

When writing the book, Coyne utilized her degree in education to ensure the book was reader-friendly. “I really wanted this book to be hands-off. You only have to look for certain cues, then we build from there,” Coyne said. “I’m naturally shy. But, if I’m helping someone, then I’m willing to put myself out there.”

Coyne hopes that the book can bring people together. In her family, sourdough has become a staple, not just a way of eating, but also a way of life.

“Food is memories… Every time we come together as a family, food is a big topic,” Coyne explained. “I think that it really does bring people together. I love being able to share with my neighbors and friends what I’m making.”

Tonight, Amy Coyne will visit the Barnes and Noble in American Fork at 6 p.m. She will host a Q&A session, discuss the book, and conduct a book signing. For more information or to purchase a copy of the book, follow @amybakesbread on Instagram or visit www.amybakesbread.com.

Brynn Carnesecca | American Fork Citizen

Trying new theatrical works is always a brave endeavor that deserves celebration. Especially in Utah’s rich theatrical spaces, finding a new musical being produced is a rarity. This fall, The Ruth Theater in Pleasant Grove presents “Flowers for Mrs. Harris.”

The new musical follows the titular Ada Harris trying to overcome grief and find joy in the aftermath of World War II. The simple story of a woman trying to make her dreams a reality is something not usually seen on the stage. With a heartwarming ending and lovable characters, the true story of Mrs. Harris ends with a bang.

The cast of “Flowers for Mrs. Harris” is ultimately the shining star of the production. Dianna Graham does much of the heavy lifting with grace as Ada Harris (double-cast with Erica Hansen). David Morley-Walker joins her as a tender and mysterious Mr. Harris (double-cast with Ben Henderson).

Janae Koralewski Thomas rounds out the rest of the cast as the hilarious and passionate Violet Butterfield/French Char Lady (double-cast with Luone Ingram), Neena Warburton as the sassy and sweet Pamela Penrose/Natasha Raimbault, and James Duncan as the endearing and awkward Bob Smith/Andre Fauvel (double-cast with Tanner Sumens).

The entire cast is beyond talented and is rapidly able to switch between accents, personas, and characters. Their work on this piece cannot be understated. The models featured post-intermission also bring a special energy to the show, imbuing it with grace and femininity.

Director Barta Heiner impresses once again with her technical abilities to bring the audience into a story and never let them go. Aided by choreographer Sayoko Knode Peterson and assistant choreographer Mike Romney, “Flowers for Mrs. Harris” is incredibly immersive. Dianna Graham deserves special kudos for also serving as the dialect coach. Each accent was perfect and had me wondering if any of the cast really was from Europe.

Another outstanding piece of the show was the scenic design by Carter Thompson. From the streets of London to a high-fashion house in Paris, Thompson manages to make everything feel storybook-perfect. Dennis Wright also outdid himself with costume design. In a show that is so heavily reliant on beautiful gowns and Christian Dior fashion, Wright seized every opportunity to take my breath away. Without a doubt, my favorite sequence came from a parade of several dresses.

While the cast, direction, and design of each moment are breathtaking, the source material is ultimately lacking. Songs feel as if they have no clear melody and are reminiscent of an opera more than a musical. With such a simple plot, the music needs to do more heavy lifting than it currently does. Regrettably, much of the music felt more like works-in-progress than fully fleshed-out songs.

With such a charming story at its core, “Flowers for Mrs. Harris” is an enjoyable, if slightly underwhelming, evening of theater. For those looking for a heartwarming few hours, this is the show for you. However, if you’d like a show that challenges you or has you tapping your toes to the beat, “Flowers for Mrs. Harris” is sadly not the show. There is no doubt that with better music and source material to pull from, the cast and crew could’ve dazzled in a larger sense. As a bookend to a fantastic season, the show left me yearning for more.

“Flowers for Mrs. Harris” runs until November 15 with evening and matinee performances. For more information, visit http://www.theruth.org.

Staff Writer | American Fork Citizen

Thanksgiving Point’s annual outdoor quilt display is the largest in the state, boasting over 500 quilts shown throughout Ashton Gardens this Sept. 12-13. Garden of Quilts is designed with both nature- and art-lovers in mind. The event shows quilts from quilters around the world in the serene, 50-acre setting.

In addition to the exhibit, Garden of Quilts festival includes quilting classes, demos, lectures, trunk shows, vendor marketplaces and social events, perfect for sewing novices and professional quilters alike. World-class quilters, designers, and makers lead learning sessions and share their process, while even beginner quilters and artists can connect through hands-on creativity.

Highlight events for the festival include:

• Classes & workshops (Sept. 10-13): Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, dive into over 50 tutorials, including a “Shop Owner Track” to help creatives turn their passion into a business venture.
• Meet the Maker & social gatherings: Chat with design icons like Lori Holt or enjoy the community buzzing at the Maker BBQ and Afternoon Tea.
• Vendor Marketplace: Hunt for unique fabrics, tools, and art at the Show Barn – great for makers, artists and anyone curious about craft supplies.
• Quilt Exhibition: Hundreds of quilts will be on display in the gardens on Sept. 12, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sept. 13, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tickets are $60 for a weekend pass and $35 for a single-day pass with special discounted rates for Thanksgiving Point members. Ticket pricing for additional events varies. For a complete schedule and to purchase tickets, visit thanksgivingpoint.org/events/garden-of-quilts.

Brynn Carnesecca | American Fork Citizen

The American Fork High School Marching Band brought music to businesses across Utah Valley in a unique way. Dressed in &Collar shirts, the band paraded through town, surprising offices with a “Severance”-inspired performance on Aug. 21.

Based in Utah, &Collar makes high-quality dress shirts. The company has now started rolling out more casual options, ready for the office or a date. To celebrate, &Collar decided to team up with the AFHS Marching Band and parade down the halls of local businesses AwardCo, Gabb and Redo. Inspired by the hit TV show “Severance,” Brian Nielson, CMO of &Collar, began organizing all the details.

“When the marching band came in at the end of season 2, we loved that part. We thought it was so cool,” Nielson shared. “It’s really memorable to have a marching band going through a live office.”

Dressed as the conductor, Nielson sneakily took students through the elevators at the various businesses, quietly unloading everyone and waiting for the surprise. As one of the top bands in the country, AFHS stepped up to the challenge.

“We wanted to do the exact song from the TV show,” Nielson said. “We wanted to show that &Collar is built for the workplace.”

When the moment finally came, the band paraded through the halls, pounding drums, playing trumpets, and everything in between. Office workers came out to see the show, shocked and delighted by what they found. With phones out to film every detail, the surprise was a smash hit.

“It was so loud because we had the full marching band. We did it as a bit of a stunt to show that &Collar is for more than just church and missions,” Nielson explained. “Everyone loved it. … The majority of people had seen ‘Severance’ and thought it was awesome.”

The experience was also a great one for the band. They helped coach Nielson on his directing skills while also getting the chance to play in a unique environment and create lasting memories.

“We wanted something bigger than a billboard, bigger than an email,” Nielson laughed.

&Collar hopes to continue making high-quality dress shirts for church, the office and other needs. For more information, visit www.andcollar.com.