'Lady,' 'Lilly' top theater list

A fresh perspective on a classic Broadway musical and the world premiere of a youth-oriented production top this week's collection of new stage offerings in the area.

MY FAIR LADY, normally staged with a cast of more than two dozen, will have a unique spin when it runs from Friday through May 19 at the Grand Theatre, located on Salt Lake Community College's South City Campus, 1575 S. State.

Directed and choreographed by Jim Christian, this production will have a cast of just 11, many of them playing multiple characters and involved with rapid-fire costume changes.

Cast in leading roles are Erica Hansen as Eliza Doolittle, Jim Dale as Henry Higgins and Bob Sorbonne as Colonel Pickering. Also in the ensemble are Jayceen Craven, Erin Fair, Meredith Gibson, Gary Neilson, Ricky Parkinson, Hazel Rowe, Jacob Ulasich and Craig Williams.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday this week, Wednesday-Saturday the second week and Monday-Saturday the final week, with matinees at 2 p.m. on May 12 and 19. Tickets are $10-$24 with student and senior citizen discounts available (957-3322).

REVIVING OPHELIA, adapted by Cherie Bennett from Dr. Mary Pipher's best-selling book, examines the psychological toll today's culture takes on adolescent girls in the Unites States.

Youth Theatre at the University of Utah is staging the production's world premiere, scheduled to play from Wednesday through May 12 in the U.'s Babcock Theatre, followed by an additional performance on May 17 only at Kingsbury Hall.

Guest director Dr. Moses Goldberg, a nationally recognized force in children's theater, is directing.

"Reviving Ophelia" touches on such complex issues as struggles with parents, relationships, drugs, alcohol, body image and even suicide.

The producers caution that the show contains adult language and content and is not suitable for children under 12.

Performances in the Babcock (located in the lower level of Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre) are 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday this week and May 10-12 the following week, with Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 for youths and $12 for adults (581-7100 or www.kingtix.com).

Patrons should also be aware that Pioneer Theatre Company's production of "Les Miserables" is playing the same time in the upstairs Lees Mainstage theater. Parking may be difficult.

The May 17 performance at Kingsbury Hall will include a post-show discussion with Pipher and Bennett. Tickets for this performance only are $22 for adults and $16 for youths or $30 including a preshow reception.