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Show MAR22 R8 - THE ARTS - RED by Jenn Henry music swells, the curtain and a troupe of Utah dancers takes the of the Capitol Theater on Fristage March 23 No, this is not Ballet day, this is the University of West; Utah's very own Children's Dance Theatre group. The Children's Dance Theatre is bringing to life an original show, "Crumb and the Pirates," on the prestigious stage of the Capitol Theatre. The show was written by former CDT member Christopher Lee and en'uely choreographed by the CDT faculty and dancers. When you think of Children's Dance Theater, images of tots clumping around the stage while family members cheer from the audience immediately come to mind. This is not what CDT is. The Costumes and props Utter the floor of the professional troupe of dancers young ranging in age from 7 to 18. The dancers are auditioned and treated just as their adult CDT is a CDT's counterparts are. "They the children are so involved, it is really amazing how invested they are," said Jan Abram-son- , program manager for the CDT. 'The children are involved in creating the choreography and they are involved with the whole process of creating the show; they have a real sense of ownership," Abramson continued. . The show "Crumb and the Pirates" is almost entirely an production. In addition to writer Christopher Lee, music composer Tristan Moore is also an alumnus of CDT. In addition, the over 400 intricate new costumes made especially for "Crumb" were crafted by the parents of the CDT practice space for the coming concert. members. Aside from creating the costume's, some parents are even more involved. One piece in the show, "Pirates," includes two fathers of dancers. One is a former CDT member, the other a parent who wanted to find out why his daughter was so excited with all this dance stuff, wanting to share in her experience. CDT is a family affair. The stars of the show, however, are the children who have poured their hearts and souls into the production. "It's amazing the level of creativity that springs forth from these people the kids. There are 250 dancers all dancing at levels," said Abramson. "It's an amazing privilege to watch them reach their potential." The Children's Dance Theatre is bringing not only smiles to the faces of the dancers but leaving a little bit of sparkle on the audience. "It's like making magic," said Abramson.-- ' The original production "Crumb and the Pirates" will premier at the Capitol Theatre Friday March 23 with a Saturday performance following. Tickets range in price from $8 to $20. For ticket information, call ArtTixat355-ARTS- V n iMS. jest . The v tap HP fiyii, - iff . CDT's "Crumb .,,.,,, by Brooke Johnson "What.is love? 'tis not hereafter; Present mirth hath present laughter; What's to come is still unsure. In delay there lies no plenty; Then come kiss me, sweet and twenty, Youth's a stuff will not endure." William Shakespeare, "Twelfth Night" N oel Coward's classic comedy about an aging actor aptly takes its name from Feste's song in "Twelfth Night" one of Shakespeare's classic comedies. Though Feste's song brings on thoughts of sadness and regret in aging, Pioneer Theatre Company's production of "Present Laughter" embodies mirth and laughter in a delightful comedy. Garry Essendme, played by Max Robinson, lives a carefree life of . , fa ns, parties and adoration. As the a tor faces his 40s, a tendency to overact and the loads of devoted fans who always seem to arrive just before he goes to bed, Essendine's estranged wife sug- r;ests toning down the "present r h." However, a simple life does appear to be in store for a char-i- . ter Coward based on himself. The play begins when an ador 1 1 ing fan who had the luck of meeting Essendine walks out of his guest room at 11 a.m. Daphne e played by Liechty, starts the play off well as she throws herself at Essendine and professes her undying love. (By the end of the play, several other characters have done the same.) Love triangles and unsolicited sexual advances are subtly woven into a play that focuses on a and often wise Essendine. Robinson plays his best role this season by creating sympathy and interest in a character who has too much money and too many fans. The female characters that revolve around Essendine his secretary, his wife, his best friend's wife, and his cook all shine in their roles. Liz Essendine, his wife that never bothered to get a divorce, is played by Kate Levy. Her calm and stylish character is a perfect balance to the screeching fans that provide much of the simple humor. As Essendine approaches insanity over trite social inconveniences, his wife orchestrates the elaborate farcical situations that make this play fascinating to watch. The female characters aren't the Still-ingto- Julie-Ann- n, m ,1 mniii im mi ii iiim rui only ones who create trouble for Essendine. Roland Maule, played by Erik Steele, is an aspiring playwright who reveals his obsession with Essendine. He leaps over couches, chases Essendine into rooms and invades in the middle of the night just to be near the actor. Steele provides high energy and entertainment as the lunatic youth. What is most delightful about "Present Laugliter" is watching and listening to the carefully constructed comedy. Coward is a master at making everyday phrases and sentences into hilarious punch-line- s. Director John Going, who also directed Coward's "Hay Fever" for PTC, pays close attention to the comic language and stages the production wonderfully. The intelligent script builds up to humorous moments, and it doesn't sacrifice the plot for jokes. PTC's "Present Laughter" is a lively and entertaining production that does Coward's play justice. Pioneer Theatre Company's production of "Present Laughter" will be playing from March 21 to April 7. Monday through Thursday, shows begin at 7.30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, at 8 p.m. Fcr ticket informaDiscount tickets tion, call are available for students. 581-696- 1. . Julie-An- n .linM,yoa, and the Pirates" captures the delightful mood of the production. Present Mirth Present LauPTiter o Ij 2C01 llEaS o ygi poster for the -- Uethty and Man Robinson star in PTC's "Present Lav.ghtsr." imsa an m |