IS HE DEAD? Comes to Life at Hale Centre Theatre on New Year's Eve

Hale Centre Theatre (HCT) is ringing in the New Year with the long-lost production of Is He Dead? written by American author Mark Twain. The play was "rediscovered" in a drawer of Twain's forgotten works at the University of California at Berkeley in 2001. It has since appeared on Broadway and will hit HCT's stage Wednesday, December 31, 2014, through Saturday, February 7, 2015.

Set in 1846, the story features French painter Jean-François Millet who, to save his fiancée and her father from financial ruin, fakes his own death and acts as his sister after learning that the works of deceased artists make much more money.

"This play is the perfect way to start off Hale Centre Theatre's new season and the New Year," said Sally Dietlein, HCT Vice-President and Executive Producer. "It's packed with humor and will have audiences laughing their way into 2015."

Though the plot is fictitious, Millet's character is a historical figure known for his scenes of peasant farmers. He lived and painted during the 1800s, as reflected in the production with HCT's glamorous, intimate sets and elegant costumes. Set designer Jennifer Taylor's artistic flair brings to life the unique style of the 1800s to the stage.

"It's more than just providing some chairs to sit on," she said. "We hope to create an atmosphere for the audience that takes them back and involves them in the plot."

Double-cast in the lead role of Millet/Widow Daisy Tillou are Ben Abbott and Bryan Dayley. Dayley is a familiar face to HCT comedy-lovers and has performed in shows like The Foreigner, No Time for Sergeants and Arsenic and Old Lace. Abbott, however, is a newcomer to HCT. He has performed in many productions including some Shakespearean comedies in California and Indiana. Both Abbott and Dayley say Is He Dead? is a production that will involve audiences in new comedic ways.

"It's a show that really gets the crowd in on the fun," Dayley said. "Mark Twain is phenomenal, and in this show he has really found a strength in including the audience."

"It's classic comedy and it's executed very well," Abbott said. "It's the cleverness and wit of Mark Twain and I get a kick out of watching it."

Hale Centre Theatre's Is He Dead? is directed by Eric Jensen and features Ben Abbott and Bryan Dayley as Jean-François Millet/Widow Daisy Tillou; Rusty Bringhurst and David Martin as Agamemnon Buckner "Chicago"; Trenton James and Justin Bruse as Hans Von Bismarck "Dutchy"; Eden Benson and Leah Hassett as Marie Leroux; Kylee Wood and Lauren Rathbun as Cecile Leroux. Set design by Jennifer Taylor, costume design by Suzanne Carling, sound design by Shane Steel, lighting design by Adam Flitton and Michael Gray, properties by Michelle Jensen and hair and makeup design by Trisha Ison.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, December 31, 2014 to February 7, 2015, with Saturday matinees at 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. There will be no performances on January 1, 2015.

There will also be special New Year's Eve performances on December 31 at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. These performances are $49 and include party hats and noisemakers, moderate refreshments, live entertainment before the show, and a countdown and celebration of the New Year during the 10 p.m. showing.

Admission for adults is $28-31 and $16 for children ages 5 to 11. Tickets may be purchased online at www.hct.org, via telephone at (801) 984-9000, or at the Hale Centre Theatre box office, 3333 South Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City.

In conjunction with the production, HCT is honoring the Columbus Community Center as part of its "HCT Applauds" program to spotlight nonprofit organizations making a difference in the community. Columbus Community Center supports the growth, development and independence of persons with disabilities.

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