Arts
Dance Dance Evolution: Mudson’s DIY Choreography
In a world where the dance company model is dying and dancing in academia becomes increasingly cutthroat, Ashley Anderson’s Mudson stands as a beacon for local choreographers to show their own work. Anderson says, “I think it is one of few starting points. I don’t think there are a lot of options for people to present their work.” Mudson strictly features works in progress from independent choreographers in the basement of the Masonic Temple, and will begin its third season on Sept. 17. … read more
Wicked @ Capitol Theatre 07.20
The moment I sat down, I knew this production wasn’t going to be anything like the many low-budget plays I’ve sat through at the University of Utah. A large, animatronic dragon perched above the stage, eyes glowing and head shaking, and a map of Oz and its provinces was projected on the red velvet curtain, the Emerald City shimmering in green. The curtains opened soon after, and I became mesmerized by the beautifully constructed set, dark but colorful, like an apocalyptic sunset. I was taking in the details, mechanical cogs and cranks lining the sides, when I finally gave the characters onstage a good look, only to be completely blown away by their costumes. … read more
Gallery Stroll: Oasis of Art
She calls it “Midwest Meets West”––it reminds me of decor from a Wes Anderson film, the way “sweet” and “edgy” are merged beautifully in Audrey Patten’s paintings, drawings and textiles. I imagine finding this type of artwork tucked away in an elegant farmhouse attic, a mesh of mother’s kitchen knickknacks and father’s old hunting trophies. There’s something familiar about these images, yet they remain wacky and unexpected. … read more
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Gallery Stroll: Never Too Old For Good Art
On July 20, Paper Wasp, with the support of Big Shiny Robot and Blonde Grizzly, will host a “Saturday Morning Cartoons” art show. A true creative community collaboration, this group show originated from conversation between Magen Mitchell of Paper Wasp and Derek Hunter, both participating artists. Blonde Grizzly had the space and Big Shiny Robot loved the idea and offered to sponsor. Mitchell’s husband and Paper Wasp co-founder, Nick Burke, jumped in to help facilitate and curate. … read more
Daughters of Mudson
For the past three years, the works-in-progress series Mudson—modeled after the Judson series in New York—has been taking place at the Masonic Temple. This year, Ashley Anderson, director of Ashley Anderson Dances and host of loveDANCEmore, and curator Ishmael Houston-Jones asked five choreographers to complete their previous works-in-progress Mudson pieces and come together for the first ever Daughters of Mudson performance. … read more
Delightful Aggression: Stephen Brown Dance Performs Of Meat and Marrow
The SB Dance Company, in its recent production Of Meat & Marrow, once again tested the limits of regional contemporary dance. The show ran from June 15 – 17, in the Leona Wagner Black Box Theatre. … read more
At Home At The Zoo
Since 2010, The Hive Theatre Company has been producing amazing local theatre for the Salt Lake community, and their most current production, Edward Albee’s At Home At The Zoo, is no different. … read more
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Hedwig and the Angry Inch began as a rock musical in 1997 at New York’s Westbeth Theatre Center, written by John Cameron Mitchell (who also directed and played Hedwig in the film adaptation), with music by Stephen Trask (who played Skszp in the film). Before being released nationally, the film adaptation played at Sundance in the same theatre Plan-B is using for their current production: Park City’s Egyptian Theatre. … read more
Gallery Stroll: Roll Out the Welcome Wagon
Businesses open or close their doors every day without generating much public awareness. It’s sad, really: A small sign in the window of Frosty Darling notified people of its final days. Luckily, an ad in the pages of this magazine announced the relocation of Blonde Grizzly. Only the most vigilant urbanites can keep track of these comings and goings. Lucky for you, SLUG keeps an ear to the underground. … read more
SB Dance: Body Movin’ on a Meat Hook
Stephen Brown Dance Company has operated outside contemporary norms for 15 years, breaking down expectations and throwing in theatrics to keep audiences on their toes. By offering an interesting combination of modern dance and performance art, SB Dance brings in an almost otherworldly quality to each of their shows. SLUG sat down with the founder and director of SB Dance, Stephen Brown, to discuss his latest production, Of Meat & Marrow. … read more
The Contradictions of The Era – Ballet West’s presents Innovations...
On May 18, at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, Ballet West opened Innovations, the final installment of its 2011/2012 season. The show was a mixed lot, offering something to delight and dismay almost anyone. This was no surprise, considering Ballet West’s effort to reach greater audiences, both locally and internationally. … read more
Samba Fogo presents: Pegando Fogo 05.03 @ Rose Wagner
Pegando Fogo, a Portuguese phrase that means “catching fire,” offered a scintillating fusion of capoeira (an afro-brazilian martial art), fire dancing, carnival samba and Brazilian Orixa dance accompanied by Brazilian and Afro-Brazilian music. All of these genres, presented by the local Samba Fogo Music and Dance Company, were brilliantly assembled on a stage lit with dramatic colors, often reminiscent of the changing sky. … read more
