'Theatrical song cycle' among stage offerings

The Utah premiere of a "theatrical song cycle" by a Tony Award-winning composer is among this week's new stage offerings.

"SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD," which played for only 28 performances off Broadway in 1995 but has gained a large following in nearly 200 other productions around the world, will close the Utah Musical Theatre's 2006 summer stock season.

Directed by UMT artistic director Bruce Cohen, "Songs" will play for six performances Friday through Aug. 26 in Peery's Egyptian Theater, 2415 Washington Blvd., Ogden.

Written and composed by Jason Robert Brown ("Parade" and "The Last Five Years"), it's more a revue than a fully staged musical. There are no continuing characters in the show, and each song tells a story.

The 19 songs and their settings range from the deck of one of Christopher Columbus' ships in 1492 to Betsy Ross sewing the U.S. flag in 1775 to Mrs. Santa Claus. It's a mix of ballads ("Stars and the Moon" and "A New World"), tunes that are character-driven, gospel and pop-rock.

Brian Paul Mendoza is choreographing the production. The ensemble is comprised of six singers — Teresa Bramwell, Paul Cheney, Robert Anthony Jones, Jessica Perry, Carleton W. Bluford and Vanessa Cheney — along with a small dance corps.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday of this week and Aug. 24-26, with one matinee Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $16 for students, senior citizens, military, educators, Weber State University faculty and staff and those who are disabled and $10 for students. Special needs-disabled patrons may purchase one companion ticket for half-price. Group rates are also available (626-8500 or 800-978-8457).

Three hundred complimentary tickets are also available, on a first-come, first-served basis, to all Utah residents for the Saturday matinee performance. There is a limit of two tickets per household. To claim the free tickets, individuals must present proof of Utah residency.

"SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS" will play Friday through Aug. 26 in the Sandy City Amphitheater, 1300 E. 9400 South.

The cast includes Taylor Marsden as Millie and Kevin Burtenshaw as Adam Pontipee, whose six younger brothers kidnap six women to be their brides.