Hale Center Theater Orem to Present Encore Benefit Production of XANADU

Many people probably know Dr. Chris Clark, as a regular Director of plays and musicals at HCTO for the last 10 years, but they may not know that Chris has also directed at many other theaters locally, nationally and internationally, as well as being the Chair of the Theater Department at UVU. Chris has a very long resume of over 60 shows over the last 20 years, and is the Executive Producer for Robert Redford's Sundance Summer Theatre. He recently won the 2013 National Outstanding Director Award from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for his production of Vincent at Brixton. He has produced and traveled eight productions to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Chris has a BA and PhD from Brigham Young University and an MFA from the University of Exeter (UK.)

More important than his long list of achievements as a director, as an educator Chris has influenced and mentored so many of the talented performers that have been seen on the HCTO stage. The positive influence he has had on the Utah theater community and larger world around him can't be overestimated.

He is also a beloved father and friend. And he has ALS.

Earlier this spring Chris was diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease (remember the ice bucket challenge?) In addition to being a terminal disease with no known treatment, ALS takes its toll physically, emotionally, and of course financially.

But instead of freezing water, to raise money for Chris and his family we are remounting his beloved 2012 production: XANADU! With most of the original HCTO cast - several of whom are taking a leaves of absence from national tours to reprise their roles!

This is a chance to laugh in the face of ALS, in the face of danger, and especially in the face of the person sitting next to you.

For anyone who didn't see it the first time and doesn't know how rad Xanadu is, it's based on the 1980's cult classic Xanadu and tells the story of the Greek muses who come to Earth in person to inspire men to achieve great art. The head muse, incarnated as a girl named Kira, encounters an artist named Sonny Malone, who with her help, and the help of Danny McGuire, a man Kira had inspired forty years earlier, Sonny builds the pinnacle of disco art and life: a giant roller rink.

Ticket/Donation amounts

We ask that patrons donate what they feel appropriate and want to give. Donation/ticket prices begin at $25.00 and increase to $5,000.00.

To purchase tickets and to make a donation visit www.haletheater.org

If individuals cannot attend a performance but would still like to donate please visit www.xanadubenefit.com

Show schedule

Xanadu will be performed June 23, 10:30PM; June 24, 10:30PM; June 25 11:00AM and 10:30PM; June 30, 10:30PM; July 1, 10:30PM; July 2 11:00AM and 10:30PM.

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