Notes
Director’s Note
It’s back-to-school time! As we start rehearsals here at Pioneer Theatre for our 2014-15 season, my children returned to school (West High–Go Panthers!), the U students returned and alarm clocks rang and lunch boxes were packed across the state. Other than our December production, which is usually chosen because it will appeal to a family audience, I don’t program our season thematically. I never thought about a “back-to-school” musical, and yet it did seem right to open this season with a show that, for better or worse, takes us all back to our grade school experience. My personal memories of spelling bees are not too terrific—I am a better person since the advent of spell-check!—and yet this winning musical by William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin makes me wish I had that one more chance to try to spell it right. …Ever wonder how you would do?
And I offer special thanks to our rehearsal guest spellers, who freely gave of their time and insights to help craft a better production!
•••
On a different note, I want to take a moment to talk about how excited I am about not only this show, but our entire season. Our productions this year completely embrace the diverse preferences of our audience; there is something for everyone and several things I hope you will just go ahead and try. We have some new programming—the upcoming concert version of The Rocky Horror Show as well as some truly unique and exciting offerings on our mainstage season, including the Utah premiere of our next show, One Man, Two Guvnors. The title may be unfamiliar to you, but prepare yourself for a tremendously funny and special theatrical experience that combines classic theatre, slapstick comedy, and live music! Please join us often; you won’t be disappointed.
Karen Azenberg
Artistic Director