Interview: West Side Theatre Co.'s Utah Premiere of the Broadway-Bound PRIDE & PREJUDICE - THE MUSICAL

West Side Theatre Company will conclude its successful inaugural season in March with the Utah premiere of the Broadway-bound PRIDE & PREJUDICE - THE MUSICAL. It is one of the first full productions of the musical following workshops with Broadway names such as Tony nominee Laura Osnes (CINDERELLA), Margo Seibert (ROCKY) and Teal Wicks (JEKYLL & HYDE).

Richard Rodgers Award finalist Lawrence Rush, who wrote the book, music and lyrics, will fly to Utah from New York City especially to participate in final rehearsals of the production.

"This is certainly a unique experience," said David Peterson, who plays Mr. Darcy. "You don't usually get the composer to come see what you're doing. I'm excited to know what he thinks about the show."

"I am thrilled at the chance to be able to meet and work with Lawrence," said Sydney Carlson, who plays Elizabeth Bennett. "Hopefully we honor the vision of what he wanted to do."

We all know Jane Austen's timeless story: Boy meets girl. Girl hates boy. Shenanigans ensue. This spring you can rediscover one of the world's most beloved romances in a whole new way. Featuring an all-star cast of local talent, PRIDE & PREJUDICE - THE MUSICAL tells your favorite story of the strong Elizabeth Bennett and the proud Mr. Darcy through new songs that are guaranteed to sway even the most prejudiced audience member.

"The cast is fantastic," said Peterson. "I was pleasantly surprised at the level of talent. A lot of really great voices. A lot of funny people."

"This group of people is all about creating something great together," said Carlson. "We're starting something that is new--not just the theatre company but the show itself."

The performances will be on Thursday, Mar. 8, Friday, Mar. 9, Saturday, Mar. 10 and Monday, Mar. 12 at 7:30 p.m., with an additional matinee on Saturday, Mar. 10 at 2:30 p.m. They will take place at Garden Near the Green, located at the intersection between Cedar Fort Road (UT-73) and Ranches Parkway (just 15 minutes from the I-15 American Fork Main St. exit, and only a few minutes from the Crossroads in Saratoga Springs). Tickets are available online or at the door for $12 ($10 for seniors 55 and up, students, and children 12 and under). For more information, please visit www.westsidetheatreco.org.

For the matinee on Mar. 10, audience members are welcome (but not required) to come dressed in costumes of the period for a fun, immersive experience. For that performance only, a special Regency dance pre-show will be presented by the Old Glory Vintage Dancers (www.oldgloryvintagedancers.com).

The recently formed West Side Theatre Company has received rave reviews from audience members. Following is a sampling of their comments:

"So great! I would come again. Really, really great talent out here! Thanks for putting the production on!"..."It was entertaining, emotional, and wonderful!"..."Best $10 I have spent in a long time. Such talent. I loved it."..."What powerful voices!"..."It was fantastic! We didn't realize there was so much musical talent out here. Looking forward to future productions!"..."Great choices. Loved the character development. After seeing this I'm even more eager to work with West Side Theatre Company."

The non-profit's exciting second season will be announced at the opening night performance of PRIDE & PREJUDICE - THE MUSICAL.

West Side Theatre Company (www.westsidetheatreco.org) has recently been formed to bring more theatre to the west side of Utah Lake, including Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs. The mission of West Side Theatre Company is to expand minds and foster culture through diversity; cultivate creativity, innovation and mastery of the performing arts through artistry; and create a high quality, affordable theatrical experience that inspires, uplifts and effects change in the community. West Side Theatre Company has been registered as a non-profit organization in the state of Utah.

Photo Credit: L-R Sydney Carlson (Elizabeth Bennett) and David Peterson (Mr. Darcy). Photo by Sophie McConkie.

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