Utah theater 2010: Lots to choose from in new season

The 2010 theater season is officially under way. With eight new shows from which to choose, there is bound to be a little something for everyone.

Hale Center Theater Orem begins its 20th anniversary season with an old favorite, "April Ann."

An original musical by theater founders Ruth and Nathan Hale, "April Ann" is a lighthearted romantic comedy.

Ma, Pa and the kids have lived in the backwoods their entire lives and haven't interacted with too many other people. With Pa not around much, the eldest daughter, April Ann, has taken over that role, doing the bulk of the "man's work" — chopping trees and hunting.

Life gets a little more interesting one summer when not one, but two men arrive at the family's front door. One is a rugged, strapping lumber man and the other a well-dressed city man who is educated and refined.

For this anniversary season, set designer Bobby Swenson incorporated a bit of his own family history. Much of the furniture used in the set design was created by Nathan Hale in the 1950s. The show stars Brittni Bills Smith, Megan Jones, David Smith, Andy Thorne, Rhett Gagon and Brian Jensen.

"April Ann" runs through Feb. 13 at Hale Center Theater Orem, 225 W. 400 North, Orem. Shows are nightly, except Sunday, times vary, matinees available. Tickets are $13.50-$17.50 (801-226-8600 or www.haletheater.org).

Here are the rest of this week's openings:

"Disco Inferno," Jan. 8-16, SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 S. State, Orem.

More than 30 classic songs from the '70s are included in this musical about a man who has to decide whether to exchange his voice for his soul. It includes favorites such as "Crocodile Rock," "I Will Survive" and "Hot Stuff." The show stars Elijah Thomas, Megan Winegar and Shelley Young.

Shows are Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10-$12 (801-225-2787 or www.scera.org)

"2 Across," Utah Theatre Artists Company, Jan. 8-23, The Sugar Space, 616 E. Wilmington Ave.

This is the regional premiere of this Jerry Mayer work. A man and a woman meet on an early-morning train. They have until the end of the line to finish The New York Times crossword and figure out if they're meant to be together — or even like each other.

Shows are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m., with Saturday matinees available. Tickets are $10-$13 (801-842-7483 or www.utahtheatreartists.com).