Theater openings feature a lot of familiar faces

This week sees a lot of familiar faces on stage — from the Ugly Duckling to the Beast to four harmonizing fellows from heaven. Here are this week's theater openings

"84 Charing Cross Road," Babcock Readers Theatre, Thursday, March 12, Little Theatre, Olpin Union, University of Utah.

Based on the trans-Atlantic friendship of Helene Hanff, a feisty New Yorker with a love for old books, and Frank Doel, manager at London Booksellers. This is a rich post-World War II friendship by correspondence that lasted 20 years.

The reading is at 7:30 p.m. and is free to the public. Refreshments included (www.babcockreaders.com).

"Beauty and the Beast," March 13-April 4, Heritage Community Theatre, 2505 S. Highway 89, Perry.

The Disney classic comes to life in Perry as Belle, Mrs. Potts, Lumiere, Gaston and the beast take the stage. It stars Lee Cannon, Karlie Nichols, Darren Saunders, BJ Whimpey, Jeremy Lofthouse, and Bryce Day.

Shows are Monday, Friday and Saturday nights, 7:30 p.m., with two Saturday matinees available. Tickets are $8-$9 (435-723-8392).

"The Foreigner," Pleasant Grove Players, March 13-30, Keith Christenson Little Theater, Pleasant Grove Library, 30 E. Center.

Charlie is a pathologically shy and proper Englishman who has a fear of speaking to strangers. When he goes to a fishing lodge, he pretends he can't speak English and is soon amazed at what people tell him. The very funny play stars Marty Cooper, Daniel Anderson, Donna Bingham, Chad Bowler, Charlie Little, Dennis Purdie and Will Ingram.

Shows are Friday, Saturday and Monday nights, 7:30 p.m., with Saturday matinees available. Tickets are $6-$7 with family passes available (801-785-5045).

"Forever Plaid," Pickleville Playhouse, March 12-14, Copper Mill Ballroom, 55 N. Main, Logan.

Pickleville Playhouse and Copper Mill are teaming up for a special dinner theater presentation. The hugely popular musical, which includes favorites standards such as "Sixteen Tons," "Shangri-la," "Catch a Falling Star," and "Rags to Riches," stars T.J. Davis, Shayne Taylor, Kevin Jones and Cork Keate.

Shows are nightly, with dinner served at 6 p.m., $23-$31.75 for dinner and show (435-750-5151 or www.picklevilleplayhousecom).

"Honk, Jr." Sandy Arts Guild, March 12-14, Waterford School, 1480 E. 9400 South, Sandy.

This is the musical telling of the story of the ugly duckling that will delight the whole family and perhaps even teach a lesson.

Shows are nightly, 7 p.m., with a special student matinee, Thursday, 10 a.m., and Saturday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5-$8 (801-568-2787 or www.sandyarts.com).

E-mail: ehansen@desnews.com