'Midsummer' comes to USU this winter

What do Shakespeare and Sister Dottie Dixon have in common? Not a whole lot except that you'll be able to find them both on stage this week:

"A Midsummer Night's Dream," Deb. 8-11, Chase Fine Arts Center, Utah State University, Logan.

With accompanying music by Felix Mendelssohn, this spirited fantasy is a romantic romp in an enchanted forest as two pairs of lovers enter the woods. This production is unique, blending a 66-piece orchestra with the USU Women's Choir. It stars Dennis and Wendy Hassan, real-life husband and wife, as the king and queen of the fairies. It also stars Felicia Stehmeier, and Lance Rasmussen.

Shows are nightly, 7:30 p.m., with a matinee available. Tickets are $11-$13 (435-797-8022 or www.arts.usu.edu).

"The Rented Christmas," Dec. 10-18, Egyptian Theatre, 328 Main, Park City.

Based on a short story by J. Lillian Vandervere, the show will soon be a new tradition. Set during the Great Depression, John Dale, who has lost his parents, hasn't enjoyed a real Christmas for years. John decided to "rent" a Christmas — everything from the tree to a family of five. Will John find the love he has been missing? Starring Nate Sears and Stephanie Ogden.

Shows are nights vary, 7:30 p.m., except Sunday which has a 5:30 p.m. curtain, matinees available. Tickets are $15-$23 (435-649-9371 or www.parkcityshows.com).

"Sister Dottie S. Dixon's Holiday Extravaganza," Dec. 11, Shepherd Union, Weber State University, Ogden.

OUTreach Resource Center and WSU join forces in this fund-raiser, which includes a floor show featuring the popular character. Dixon, who hosts a show on KRCL and starred in her own one-woman show earlier this year, will host the evening of humor, music and dance.

A donor reception begins at 6:30 p.m., with the floor show starting at 8 p.m. Tickets for the floor show are $10-$25; donor tickets are $75-$125 couple (800-978-8457 or www.weberstatetickets.com).

e-mail: ehansen@desnews.com