By Josiane Dubois, Department of Theatre
Department of Theatre opens season with 1930s marathon-dancing musical “Steel Pier”
The University of Utah’s Department of Theatre opens the 2017-18 season in full swing with “Steel Pier,” a crowd pleasing musical that will have audiences toe-tapping in their seats. Directed and choreographed by Denny Berry, head of the musical theatre program, the production runs Sept.15-24 at the Marriott Center for Dance, 330 S. 1500 East.
Set on the famous Steel Pier in Atlantic City, this energetic musical brings together an assortment of relentless souls, eager to dance their way into fame and prizes. Bill Kelly, an adventurous pilot, falls out of the sky and into the arms of Rita Racine, a dancer and the wife of evil Steel Pier manager Mick Hamilton. Entertainment and plenty of razzle-dazzle dancing ensue when Rita and Bill pair up for the marathon competition. Created by John Kander and Fred Ebb who wrote the music and lyrics to “Chicago,” “Cabaret,” and other Broadway classics, “Steel Pier” perfectly captures the vivacious rhythms of the 1930s-dance era.
Gage Williams, chair of the Department of Theatre Chair, designed a set that allows several audience members to sit onstage during the performance to experience the phenomenal music and infectious singing up-close. Onstage seating will be available on a first come, first serve basis with a general admission ticket.
Dates and Times: Sept. 15-17 and 21-23 at 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 2:00 p.m.
Location: Marriott Center for Dance at the University of Utah, 330 S. 1500 East. Free parking is available to the south of the theatre and at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Tickets: General Admission tickets are $18, University of Utah faculty and staff are $15, University of Utah students are free with UCard and all other students with valid student ID are $8.50. Tickets can be obtained by calling 801-581-7100, online or at the Performing Arts Box Office located at Kingsbury Hall.
Content warning: Recommended for patron ages 14 and up. Mature audiences only.