Hale Centre Theatre to Present GHOST, 2/20-4/11

Hale Centre Theatre (HCT) brings the classic, well-known love story based on the 1990 film into the New York City of 2015. Audiences will be charmed by the dynamic music, urban set design, and theater magic. GHOST THE MUSICAL plays Friday, February 20 through Saturday, April 11.

Ardent lovers Sam and Molly are attacked one night while returning to their Brooklyn apartment. In the altercation, Sam is fatally shot, becoming a ghost stuck between worlds. He soon learns Molly is also in danger and seeks the help of psychic Oda Mae Brown to communicate with and warn her.

"This show is a little different from the classics Hale Centre Theatre regulars might be used to, because the story takes place in modern New York City," said Vice President and Executive Producer Sally Dietlein. "There's a certain element of magic in the show that will really blow the crowd away and leave them awestruck."

The sense of magic in the show comes with the help of set designer Kacey Udy, whose 2-tiered set gives a stripped-down, industrial feel, allowing the impact of the story to outshine the technology. HCT's unique theatre-in-the-round setting creates an intimate atmosphere and "makes people feel like they're watching the characters in real life versus watching a spectacle," Udy said.

Using laptops and cell phones, the actors have a rare opportunity to portray contemporary characters. Nothing is more modern than social media and in a first for HCT, Molly and Sam will have their own Instagram account and will be posting photos live during performances. Audiences can follow the characters on Instagram at @mollyandsamhct.

Adding to the ethereal nature of the production, live musicians will be 'floating' above the stage on platforms that will rise and descend throughout the show. The featured musicians will be playing the piano, violin and cello. Music Director Kelly DeHaan will play a grand piano, constructed by the HCT set crew.

The music of GHOST THE MUSICAL includes the beloved fan-favorite "Unchained Melody" and a variety of genres, from energizing soul to heartbreaking ballads, to tell this compelling story. "It's the music that takes the story to the next level," said DeHaan.

"Most people have seen the movie, but this is a unique and different experience. The show uses expanded vocal ranges to show dynamic emotions like death, loss and love. It's right in your face and is very powerful," added DeHaan.

Bre Welch, who is double cast as Molly, said characters become even more genuine when a story deals with real, human issues like death. "The audience will respond to these characters because they're what you see in everyday life. Their experiences are relatable," she said. "I'm excited to connect to an audience with something so raw."

Double cast as Sam, Derek Smith said that despite its emotional nature "it's an edifying and uplifting story that will give our audience a different outlook on life. They will walk away making sure they live their lives a little differently and approach their relationships with more passion and concern for others."

Hale Centre Theatre's GHOST THE MUSICAL is directed by Chris Clark and features Keith McKay Evans and Derek Smith as Sam Wheat; Bre Welch and Anna Daines Rennaker as Molly Jensen; McKenna Jensen and MacKenzie Seiler as Oda Mae Brown; and Kris Paries and Marshall Madsen as Carl Bruner. Set design by Kacey Udy, choreography by Marilyn May Montgomery, music direction by Kelly DeHaan, sound design by Shane Steel and Dan Morgan, lighting design by Adam Flitton and Michael Gray, properties by Michelle Jensen, and hair and makeup design by Trisha Ison.

Performances are Monday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with matinees each Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., Friday, February 20 through Saturday, April 11. Admission prices are $30-33 for adults and $16 for children ages 5-11. Tickets may be purchased online at www.hct.org, via telephone at 801-984-9000 or at the Hale Centre Theatre box office, 3333 South Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City, Utah.

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