Big Apple Broadway in the Valley's Backyard

The Hale Center Theater in Orem has been a cornerstone in Utah Valley since the late '80s. I visited the theater once when I was about ten years old, and although I cannot recall specifics about the play I saw there ("Seven Brides for Seven Brothers"), what I do remember is a distinct moment when I realized the theatre was an art form. At the time I was really interested in what I thought was "real" art - paintings & sculptures - and when my mother suggested we see a play, I turned my ten-year-old nose up in distaste.

But as I sat through the play, and witnessed the intensity with which those actors and actresses performed the familiar story, I was made a believer in the magic of the stage. It was the first play I'd ever seen, and since then have attended as many shows as possible. I absolutely love it.



The Hale Center Theater in Orem is currently showing "Little Shop of Horrors". I saw this production about five years ago in Dallas, and was VERY excited when I saw the crew at Hale was making it their fall show.

Its the story of Audrey II, a carnivorous plant seeking fame from the confines of a dental office. Part comedy, part musical, part all-out-ridiculous, this play will leave you in hysterics, as well as with a little more knowledge of suburbia itself.

Evening performances begin at 7:30pm
Performances run every night, Monday through Saturday

For tickets, call 801.226.8600 or visit http://webticketing.haletheater.org/

bicycle film festival this weekend!

okay, this is one of those "city events" that everyone should totally make a trip out for! a very unique Film Festival all about bicycles, their riders, and adventures of bicycling in general! CHECK IT OUT!

Friday October 2
Screenings at Post Theater - 245 South Fort Douglas Boulevard, Bldg 636, Salt Lake City
7:00 PM | Program 1 - WHERE ARE YOU GO - Buy Tickets
9:00 PM | Program 2 - BIKE SHORTS - Buy Tickets
10:00 PM | GOLDSPRINTS - Bay Leaf Café - 159 South Main Street

Saturday October 3
1:00 PM | Program 3 - KLUNKERZ - Buy Tickets
3:00 PM | Program 4 - BMX PROGRAM - Buy Tickets
5:00 PM | Program 5 - THE WAY BOBBY SEES IT - Buy Tickets
7:00 PM | Program 6 - ROAD TO ROUBAIX - Buy Tickets
9:00 PM | Program 7 - URBAN BIKE SHORTS - Buy Tickets
10:00 PM | After Party - Jackalope Lounge - 372 S State St


http://bicyclefilmfestival.com/?p=slc

article: Drawing Artists Away from Suburbia

here is an article from back in 2007 that analyzes a growing trend in north-eastern artists who are moving into the suburbs for more "space". it'll be interesting to find out how this trend has grown in two years! more to come!

here is the link to the article: http://www.boston.com/realestate/news/articles/2007/06/24/drawing_artists_away_from_the_city/

enjoy!

stuck in suburbia

greetings, fellow connoisseurs!

i created this blog because i recently moved from a large, metropolitan area (dallas, texas) to a small town in the foothills of a suburban valley (american fork, utah). when i first arrived, i was met with not only the initial shock one feels upon adjusting to a new place of residence, but also a severe realization about how different the city and the suburbs really are.






i've always loved learning and experiencing new things, especially those of different cultures and genres than the american mainstream. culturally, dallas was a mecca for this kind of learning. from the many art exhibits and countless restaurants, to the independent music and movie venues (and i'll even include the many different ethnic and religious groups represented throughout the large population) there was never a shortage of things to go see, eat, learn or do. i was constantly able to enrich my life through many different outlets.

here, however, the finest living i've done is found the gourmet cheese counter at my local grocery store. i long for a foreign film theatre, or an art exhibit featuring monet's last paintings. as i look around me -- down the long street of neatly-trimmed lawns, past the elementary school on the corner, through the city streets dotted with mom-and-pop restaurants and discount stores -- i can't see anywhere to find the culture and fine living for which i so yearn! traveling to the nearest big city (salt lake city, utah) means a 45-minute to an hour drive with lots of traffic along the way, and while this is well worth it for some activities, it doesn't prove doable for a daily or even weekly dose of my culture caring.

so i've resolved to find ways to experience the world here, in the suburbs; and i want to share it with other lovers of finer things who have found themselves separated from the big-city bustle, yet still want that enrichment the metropolis brings. traveling to the city will still be necessary, i'm sure. but i'll have updates every few days about things and places i've found locally, as well as different techniques and "stay-at-home" methods of bringing the culture of the world in to the comfort of your suburban abode.

feel free to add suggestions or comments, news or experiences. together we'll discover ways to escape from being stuck in suburbia.