Interview: Cade Peirce on the Utah Premiere of ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY

West Side Theatre Company will present a summer theatrical event for the entire family with the Utah premiere of the Kennedy Center's ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY. Adults and children of all ages will equally enjoy a night filled with fun, music, and laughter as they experience this musical from the author of the popular book. A company of exceptional local performers will bring the beloved story to life at the SilverLake Amphitheater on Saturday, Aug. 12 and Monday, Aug. 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for just $8 ($5 for children 12 and under). For more information, please visit www.westsidetheatreco.org.

Cade Peirce, who plays the title character, gave BroadwayWorld the inside scoop on the show.

1. Tell us about ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY. What do you like about it?

This musical is a classic callback to the book that I loved in my childhood. It has humor that is perfect for kids but can still be enjoyed by the parents. The music is also so fun and upbeat.

2. What is your favorite song, and why?

I love a lot of the music this show brings, but my favorite has to be "Australia." It's all about how Alexander wants to move to Russia. Just kidding--Australia, of course. It's so upbeat and fun! Alexander gets to imagine his day in the sun that he longs for in Australia.

3. How do you get into the character of Alexander? Is it difficult to play such a young child?

It actually is pretty tough to play a 6-year-old. I've always played 20-30-year-olds with the one-time exception of a 36-year-old. It's brand new to me and it's a process. I have a lot of little cousins, nieces, and nephews, so I try to imbue Alexander with the same mannerisms that they embody. That is mainly what helps put me in that character.

4. What have you enjoyed about the rehearsal process?

This is West Side Theatre Company's first show with their first cast. I feel like I am a part of the foundation of this company. I love meeting all of these new people and getting into this very different and interesting show. It brings new challenges that I love to work out with all of these lovely people.

5. Why should people bring their families to see the show?

This show is the PERFECT show for children and adults alike. As long as you're willing to let yourself feel like a child for a night, you'll undoubtedly love it as much as the children do. Also, this show, as I've stated before, is West Side Theatre Company's very first show. The money that we earn from this show will help us bring even higher quality entertainment to this community, and hopefully let us build our very own space that we can invite you to.

Alexander is having a bad day. A terrible day. A horrible day. To be quite honest, it's a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. But then, everybody has bad days, sometimes. In this delightful adaptation of her book, Judith Viorst sets Alexander's rather trying life to music and brings to the stage one of America's feistiest characters. Not only does Alexander wake up with gum in his hair, but his mother forgets to pack him dessert, and his best friend decides he's not his best friend anymore. And if that's not bad enough, Alexander's brothers don't have any cavities but-he does. And just when it can't get any worse, there are lima beans for supper and -yuck!-kissing on TV. It is enough to make anyone want to go to Australia. Alexander's struggles with life's daily dramas will not only entertain but educate young audiences as they identify with Alexander and the obstacles he encounters, encouraging them to share their feelings and to realize that bad days happen-even in Australia.

Originally commissioned and premiered by The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the show will be brought to Utah by the recently formed West Side Theatre Company, which has received rave reviews from audience members. Following is a sampling of their comments:

"So great! I would come again. Really, really great talent out here! Thanks for putting the production on!"..."It was entertaining, emotional, and wonderful!"..."Best $10 I have spent in a long time. Such talent. I loved it."..."What powerful voices!"..."It was fantastic! We didn't realize there was so much musical talent out here. Looking forward to future productions!"..."Great choices. Loved the character development. After seeing this I'm even more eager to work with West Side Theatre Company."

The remainder of the non-profit's inaugural season includes the classic Oscar Wilde play THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (Nov. 9-11, 2017) and the Utah premiere of the Broadway-bound PRIDE & PREJUDICE - THE MUSICAL (March 8-10, 2018) at Garden Near the Green.

West Side Theatre Company (www.westsidetheatreco.org) has recently been formed to bring more theatre to the west side of Utah Lake, including Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs. The mission of West Side Theatre Company is to expand minds and foster culture through diversity; cultivate creativity, innovation and mastery of the performing arts through artistry; and create a high quality, affordable theatrical experience that inspires, uplifts and effects change in the community. West Side Theatre Company has been registered as a non-profit organization in the state of Utah.

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