UVSC's 'O Pioneers' moving, powerful

O PIONEERS; The Black Box Theater, Room 627 Gunther Trades Building, UVSC campus, Orem; closes March 31; (863-8337); running time: 2 hours, 40 minutes (one 10-minute intermission).

OREM — Don't be misled by the title, "O Pioneers," a musical adaptation by Darrah Cloud.

This production is no Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!"

Willa Cather's dramatic novel-turned-play is a solid, wonderful piece of theater with a story that leaves the audience completely moved and somewhat emotionally exhausted by the end of the night.

Utah Valley State College's presentation is a powerful story of family, taming the frontier, social and emotional conflict, and how all these characters deal with their individual and often collective problems.

The story takes place in Nebraska from 1887 to 1904.

The main character is a Swedish immigrant, Alexandra Bergson, played by Elise Hardman. Hardman does a stellar job in her character portrayal of the young girl with blond braids whose destiny leaves her to tame the scorched land and keep her family together. Hardman is wonderful with a great Swedish accent.

Other notable characters include Carl Linstrom (Alex Ungerman), Marie Trovesky (Penny Omier), Emil Bergson (Amos Omer), Frank Shabata (Tanner Harmon) and Ivar (Tobby Harward). Of particular note is the quirky yet appealing Ivar. Harward's facial expressions and sensitivity helped the audience buy into this character.

Supporting cast includes Elfi Panholzer, Richard Bennett, Daniel Whiting, Wes Tolman, Sara Preston Jana Grass, Gary Reimer, Brian Randall, Katy Baxter, Elizabeth Vogeley, Deidre Wagner, Melissa Stevens, Rebecca Cain, William Cooper Howell, Andrew D. Whittaker and Jonathan Martin.

Kudos also to child actors Alma McDonald, Joseph McDonald and MaKenna Tinney.

This show is recommended for those seeking an evening of intense theater.

Sensitivity rating: Too intense for children under 12.

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