The Ziegfeld Theater

3934 Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT 84403, USA

Address:	3934 Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT 84403, USA
Phone:	+1 801-821-2625
Site:	zigarts.com
Rating:	4.8

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

Dale Noble

I had the pleasure of attending the opening of The Ziegfeld Theater’s production of Les Misérables. Before I begin I want to make the following disclaimer: yes I am biased by the fact that I have family and friends in the cast, but I assure you I consciously sat aside any and all bias as I began writing this critique. I want to make this known upfront and I am also going to try and temper my remarks due to the fact that if I just blurt out the euphoria I felt at show’s end last night no one reading this would believe a word of it. Simply put – best musical theater production I have seen since moving to Utah. Yes I know I must sound like the boy who cried wolf to you right about now. I’ve said Dark Horse Theater Company’s Reefer Madness had the best collection of vocalists, although I could easily have swapped-out Silver Summit Theatre Company’s production of Company for that top spot. Which was funnier, Westminster Collage’s Urinetown or Wasatch Theatre Company’s Avenue Q? You’ve heard me say it was a toss-up a hundred times. And yes I recently gushed that The Ziegfeld Theater’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone had the most heart and soul of any show I’ve seen in years. But this…this was something special. What impressed me; strike that, what awed me was the depth of vocal talent Rick Rae has assembled in this cast. With headliners such as J. Michael Bailey and Miles David Romney, you know what to expect; neither failed to deliver and each had me tearing-up more than once. Rick Rae could have banked on the name reputation of these two extraordinary actor/vocalists to carry a “good show” and stopped there, but he didn’t. Instead he satisfied and dismissed my greatest theatrical pet-peeve, i.e. “inconsistency and fall-off” from cast leads through ensemble, and the result was nothing short of spectacular. I am going to list a few standouts below. I could name every single cast member, but again, if I did no one reading this would believe and/or take me seriously. Just trust me: go see this remarkable production of one of the best musicals ever written; and yes, you can agree with and thank me later. J. MIchael Bailey as Jean Valjean – moved me to my core, unparalleled. Miles David Romney as Javert – stepped-up to J. MIchael Bailey’s high bar. Rachel Shull as Fantine – she’s Rachel Shull…enough said. Alina Garell as Madame Thénardier – perfect comic timing plus great vocals = brilliant. Layne WIllden as Messier Thénardier – same as above. Aaron Gordon as Marius – fantastic vocals and spot-on acting choices. Jeremy Egan as Enjolras – why have I never seen him before? Amazing. Dee Tuaone as Courfeyrac – seen 4 times but 1st vocal solo I’ve heard…1, 2, and 3 were missed opportunities. David Boice as Grantaire, et al. – where’s he from and why is this the first time I’ve seen him (see Egan above). Natalia Noble in Ensemble – I can never say enough about this supremely talented and lovely lady. I’m short on time so just to re-cap… best musical theater production I have seen since moving to Utah.

Raymond Rounds

Fun little theater with plenty of multi-talented performers from the area who love to entertain. I go there many times because I just need a belly-laugh away from a demanding and mostly negative profession. The antics on stage by these actors can be hysterically funny. Make no mistake, however, a serious plot line can be conveyed to bring tears to the eyes by these thespians. The singing or instrumental renditions as needed in a musical are outstanding. Rick Rae, Caleb and Morgan Perry, the Kapatenov boys, and many others have put together a refreshing alternative to the next boring computer-generated blockbuster movie with no plot and and a lot of things being blown up between little, meaningless and worthless dialogue of (actors?). There can be no replacement for things that happen in live theater. The audience needs imagination as the stage can only depict oceans and flying and being outdoors and rooms. The performers dont get 50 takes to get it perfect which only adds to the entertainment, especially in a comedic situation. I recommend highly this alternative to the mundane on a weekend or Monday night.

David Bailey

Never been to a performance at the Ziegfeld. Im going tonight to see the greatest musical ever written. I just finished a 21 year project. Its an animated musical called The Magic Crystal. I hope one day it will be performed at the Ziegfeld. Ogden Utah is the most beautiful and interesting town in the whole world. I grew up in Ogden in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Red Light Ally and the Opium Dens are gone, but 25th Street is still rocks on. The Performing Arts are still very much alive and well in my rocky mountain town. Snow Basin remains the greatest place to ski in the west. The Rocky Mountains over look this marvelous little town. The Magic Crystal is a tale about Love and Hope. The Music is fantastic and the message is spot on. Im looking forward to watching the amazing talent that lives and works in Ogden perform my musical at the Ziegfeld Theater. Thanks Dave.

Marnie Boyd

I have seen almost all of Ziegfelds productions. Almost all of those have far exceeded my expectations. The acting, singing, and dancing by mostly local performers is competitive with many long-term professionals that Ive seen elsewhere. The costuming and staging has been remarkably creative while budget is limited for a new community theater. A couple of characteristics of The Zig overall that I deeply appreciate is their community networking and their personal service and interest in their patrons. In response to any email Ive sent I receive a personal response with a name attached. Every phone call Ive made has been answered by a human being with a name. These customer service people are also the same ones who have active roles in the stage productions. The Zig is unique, and has raised the bar for new, young, community theater.

Janet Schen

I took my grandson and his cousin (ages 12 & 6) to see Shrek last Saturday and I must say we all loved it. It was so well done, funny, witty and absolutely awesome. We have been to many plays at at The Zig and this is one of the best. The costumes were beautiful, the acting was perfect. The dragon can sing like nobodys business. She was fantastic. Shrek, Fiona and Donkey were so much fun as were the songs they sang. All of the characters did such a great job. I loved the way costumers did the Kings short legs. We really enjoyed ourselves, so kudos to The Zig for a play that was a joy to behold.

Andrea Garfinkel-Castro

Brava Zeigfeld Theater and the entire cast and production staff for its recent show "La Cage aux Folles!" Not only was this a brilliant rendition of the award willing musical but timely, as well. I was moved to tears in the second act by the song "Look Over There" when the lyrics remind us of the special love a parent: "How often is someone concerned with the tiniest thread of your life?" The range of this cast to move from farcical to grace and sensitivity remind the audience that mothers, fathers, and families come in all shapes and sizes. A message that is both timely and timeless.

Timothy Alexander

Went to see Cabaret in June 2017. The show was pretty good. Simple, but effective set, good costumes, effective choreography for the space, and the performances were uniformly good. Not all characters had the expected or traditional body types, but good for them for casting talent rather than look. My one complaint - it was hot as a dickens inside which made it hard to stay alert and focussed for a 2-1/2 hour show. At intermission, we sought relief outside - it was hard to go back in for the second act! Glad we did though, the show was good.