Best of Utah Theater in 2017: Salt Lake City BWW Reviewer's Favorite Shows

Tyler Hinton's Picks:

1. CHESS at Pioneer Theatre Company, www.pioneertheatre.org

For regular theatergoers, it isn't often that a performance will stand out over the years as one not to be forgotten. Pioneer Theatre Company's triumphant concert staging was one of these. The three leads were performed by Broadway actors who are capable and worthy of playing their roles in a Broadway revival. Yes, they were that good.

2. THE HEART OF ROBIN HOOD at Hale Centre Theatre, www.hct.org

Impressive original musical numbers were sprinkled throughout the action, turning a play with music into nearly a bonafide musical. This was the pinnacle of what local theatre can be--a brilliant vision and a world-class production filled to the brim with creativity as it adhered to that vision. Truly enough cannot be said about how every detail combined to create an experience that was mesmerizing.

3. THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY at Utah Repertory Theater Company, www.utahrep.org

Utah Repertory Theater Company's phenomenal production did justice to a gorgeous score with honest, accomplished performances. The acting of the leads felt authentic every moment they were on stage, whether or not they were the focal point of the scene. Their burnished vocals were sublime, and their characters' yearning for one another was palpable.

4. KINKY BOOTS at the Eccles Theater, www.broadway-at-the-eccles.com

This national tour was a heartfelt exploration of family and friendship starring two magnetic and expressive leading actors. With a Tony-winning pop score, performances bolstered by emotional strength and bravery, and design that was both subtle and bold, this was an unusual show that really worked.

5. KING CHARLES III at Pioneer Theatre Company, www.pioneertheatre.org

This was a well crafted production of a fascinating play. The set design was decadent and lifelike, and yet at the same time intimate and dreamlike. Each actor was reminiscent of the figure he or she represented without becoming a caricature, partly thanks to the costuming. Spot on style and character choices combined with elaborate coronation pieces to establish a look that was truly remarkable.

Honorable Mentions:

THE BODYGUARD at the Eccles Theater, www.broadway-at-the-eccles.com (a national tour providing pure entertainment in its many forms)

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at Hale Centre Theatre, www.hct.org (delightful candy-colored visuals and a solid ensemble)

Photo Credit: CHESS cast

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