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Show taken on a life of its own. Beginning in 1994, the script, traditionally altered only slightly from one production to the next, became the target of complete revision. These significant changes in premise were based around events that highlighted significant aspects of the year in which the production was iiimw A Time jjjwmuii mu . lluhi jljwwi vM.mmnjim. .jpiiiiiiujjijHjiiiiPiiiJMiiiiLtwimMiHfeJ.u '"ri "Ttti hmujdiih nrnn wi ' - if held. According to SLAC Literary Manager David Mong, immediately following the last curtain drop on another "Voyeur" finale, the original playwrights begin the process of scouring newspapers in search of clippings that may be applicable to the next season's show. "There's never a shortage of material,'' Mong said. "It's just a matter of what kind of form the material should take on; whether or not it will flow." "A Time W.I...UJPI v to Laugh, I fr W s to Weep" Nevins and Borgenicht had a more difficult time locating appropriate features this year, due to the atmosphere surrounding the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Which topics are necessarily deemed How much time must pass before we allow ourselves to make light of certain situations? And who then is qualified to make such evaluations? These are questions "off-limits- .... '" .f.-f4- , -,.--- rJ i j - If ?" that plagued the entire entertainment 2 season as it industry during the to some maintain dignified posistruggled tion in society. "It's difficult to ascertain what qualifies as humorous in a year when so much chaos and confused emotions prevailed," Mong 5 -- 2001-200- The cast of characters in "Saturday's Voyeur" Includes environmental zealots, conspiracy theorists, people in maniacs. Sounds like Utah. touring plays, invading aliens, land grabbers and gun-wieldi- change. Paranoia and xenophobia permeate the minds of La Virgin citizens. Key plot developments include issues surrounding Republican redisricting, naughty touring plays, environmental zealots, ancient yeast, alien invasions, furtive Federal land ordinances. grabs, and Anti-U.The play focuses on the fantastic adventures of the Lee family, a group as eccentric and varied as they are basic and conservative. Members of their clan participate in everything from gun advocacy to passionate devotion to Elvis, the other King of Kings. The thread of the plot winds its thick conspiracy theories before reaching a culmination too juicy to reveaL said. The violation of the nation's homeland security had the effect of installing a certain sense of urgency inside shaken American minds. Suddenly, many were wondering whether previous personal diversions were really necessary. The level of importance assigned to different aspects of American culture changed in accordance with this new shift in values. Initially a great majority of the population condemned television, film and popular music, deeming them as a waste of precious time. Eventually, as the chaos subsided, art regained its status as a legitimate emotional outlet The desire for familiarity and normalcy had returned. SLAC was free to pursue its vision and fulfill its mission to provide another cathartic venue for the citizens of Salt Lake. Pro-gu- n way-throug- "I Went to the Halls of Karma, Shook Hands With Both the Devil and God" This Land is I Made for Lee's Like Me The 24th installment of "Saturday's Voyeur" takes the audience away from the heart of Salt Lake City and down to scenic Southern Utah, where the small town of La Virgin is preparing for the commencement of the annual Sorghum Festival Welcome to a society gripped by the intense fear of naughty ng After months of preparation, has Jacob Johnson's mother had time to readjust her opinions on Voyeur enough to ensure her attendance at one of the performances? "Certainly it's very vulgar, sexual and dirty," Johnson said. "But it's almost necessary for my mom and for other Mormons to attend. We're not attacking their faith, but rather are making fun of the quirks surrounding this particular religion and the society in which it thrives." Past "Voyeurs" have actually included IDS actors and actresses within the central cast. Each one of those participants had a sense of humor and understood that there exists a number of strange qualities in their religion. That being said, Mong is confident that a good portion of the audience will claim affiliation with the church. "People love to watch things that are about themselves, and this play is the epitome of self-parody- ," Mong said. According to Johnson, this year's performance may even attract more IDS Church members: "This particular script 'contains a much stronger story line, one that, rather than singling out the church, places more emphasis on the fantastic adventures of paranoid conspiracy freaks." The longevity of "Saturday's Voyeur" speaks volumes about the people who are willing to go along with SLAC in pushing the envelope. Obviously there's something to be said for a play that is continually sold out. In fact, SLAC actually relies upon profits from the performance to fund its following season. For that reason, unfortunately, there are no student mark-down- Though it's too late for this season, which ends with "Saturday's Voyeur," those who are low on cash can season. The overpurchase booklets for the all price for a package is less than the purchase of individual tickets, making it a realistic opportunity for those who wish to join SLAC in the "25th Anniversary of Saturday's Voyeur." SLAC has come a long way in bringing a sense of humor to the serious, straightforward underbelly of Salt Lake. By allowing Nevins and Borgenicht to exercise a unique voice, countless Utahns can now access a part of themselves that had once been kept under wraps. "Saturday's Voyeur" presents one fantastic vehicle for change. Hopefully it won't be the last. 2002-200- 14 'to 1 ye 1 s. 3 Blessed Be (There) 18 at 6:30 "Saturday's Voyeur" previews on June 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. The June 21 premiere will open at 8:00 p.m. Saturday performances will also begin at 8:00 p.m. Sundays will offer shows at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. Tickets prices start at $40 for regular seats, $45 for tables and $50 for the skybox. For more information, contact or p.m., June 1 'i 363-SLA- C (ArtTix). The eclectic and eccentric representation of Utah is performed by actors Marylynn Alldredge and Jacob Johnson in front, and Spencer Ashby, Annette Wright, Christopher Clade and Brenda Sue Cowley in back. S ' jdmiered-mag.co- RED Magazine JUNE19, 2002 R5 |