Ashley Gardner News

1. FUN HOME, Salt Lake Acting Company (saltlakeactingcompany.org) The stirring performances under the expert direction of Jason Bowcutt, who guided the cast from melancholy to zany in a heartbeat, made this premiere production hauntingly moving. Hailee Olenberger was utterly astonishing in the pivotal role of Medium Alison, perfectly capturing the awkward joy of first love and discovery of her sexuality. The live band, assuredly led by David Evanoff, was an additional reason for this reviewer to see FUN HOME three times.

Hale Center Theater Orem's ANYTHING GOES crew members, aboard the luxury cruise ship or unseen production stowaways, are first-class. The gifted Jennifer Hill-Barlow as director-choreographer deeply impresses and brings brilliance to this classic gem.

Ashley Gardner Carlson is about to play Reno Sweeney in ANYTHING GOES at Hale Center Theater in Orem, Utah. 'The things they do at Hale Orem are incredible in such an intimate space,' Carlson says. 'It's always impressive.'

Hale Center Theater Orem's production of ANNIE depicts how optimism can cut through despair.

Pioneer Theatre Company presents the musical hit Mamma Mia! to close its 2017-2018 season, running Friday, May 11 through Saturday, May 26, 2018.  The New York Times said Mamma Mia! 'creates the beguiling illusion that you could jump onstage and start singing and fit right in.'

Pioneer Theatre Company continues its popular 'Concert Version' series with Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights, running for three performances only, March 16 & March 17, 2018, at Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre.    Before there was Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda won his first Tony Award for Best Musical with this innovative, uplifting and joyous story depicting life in Washington Heights, New York.

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney's The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including 'Under the Sea,' 'Kiss the Girl' and 'Part of Your World.'

To continue its unprecedented growth and expand the focus on its unique mission for theater in the state, Utah Repertory Theater Company has announced a leadership change.

Signature Theatre presents The Gershwins' & Ken Ludwig's musical comedy Crazy For You. This new production is directed by Signature Theatre's Associate Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner (Signature's West Side Story, La Cage Aux Folles) with choreography by Tony Award nominee Denis Jones (Broadway's Holiday Inn, Honeymoon in Vegas). Crazy for You runs now through January 14, 2018 in Signature Theatre's MAX Theatre. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The innovative HCTO takes a refreshing view of the statuesque piece of musical theater. HELLO, DOLLY! sparkles. Ashley Gardner Carlson understands the emotional drive behind the matchmaker character and relies on the material as written. She is a highly personable and naturally endearing Dolly.

Danny Gardner (Broadway's Dames at Sea) and Ashley Spencer (Broadway's Grease) are set to star in The Gershwins ' & Ken Ludwig's musical comedy Crazy For You at Signature Theatre.

Pioneer Theatre Company presents The Will Rogers Follies: A Life in Revue, running May 5 - 20, 2017. The musical was the toast of Broadway when it premiered in 1991, winning the 1991 Tony Award for best musical.

Pioneer Theatre Company continues its popular concert series with Chess, written by members of the pop music group ABBA, running for three performances only, March 10 - March 11, 2017 at Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre. 

Pioneer Theatre Company continues its popular concert series with Chess, written by members of the pop music group ABBA, running for three performances only, March 10 - March 11, 2017 at Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre. 

Hale Center Theater Orem's production of CATCH ME IF YOU CAN is radiant, with appealing performances. attractive design, and superb choreography.

Utah Repertory Theater Company will present the award-winning musical CABARET from August 26 to September 11, 2016 at the Sorenson Unity Center Black Box Theater. Master of Ceremonies Teresa Sanderson and director LL West took time out of their busy schedules to answer questions from BroadwayWorld about this new production.

Utah Repertory Theater Company presents the award-winning musical 'Cabaret' August 26 - September 11, 2016 at the Sorenson Unity Center Black Box Theater. Tickets are available online at www.utahrep.org.

Pioneer Theatre Company presents the American professional premiere of the new musical THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO, written by Frank Wildhorn and Jack Murphy. Performances take place tonight, May 6 through May 21, 2016. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Pioneer Theatre Company presents the American professional premiere of the new musical THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO, written by Frank Wildhorn and Jack Murphy. Performances take place tonight, May 6 through May 21, 2016. Click below to watch Matt Farcher perform 'Hell to Your Doorstep' from the show!

Pioneer Theatre Company presents the American professional premiere of the new musical THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO, written by Frank Wildhorn and Jack Murphy. Performances take place tonight, May 6 through May 21, 2016. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek below!