Local theater and arts productions are making an impact across the region, according to a report published October 13. Highlights include PYGmalion Theatre Company's production of Jen Silverman's Witch, Salt Lake Acting Company's Very Like A Whale, and Westminster University's interdisciplinary Chance Operations festival.
PYGmalion Theatre Company is currently presenting Witch, a 2018 play by Jen Silverman directed by Morag Shepherd, which continues through Oct. 17. The production features Stephanie Howell as Elizabeth and McKell Rae as the devil, Scratch. Other cast members include Barrett Ogden as Sir Arthur, Pedro Flores as Frank, Amona Faatau as Cuddy, and Juls Marino as Winnifred. This production follows previous local stagings of Silverman's work, such as Voodoo Theatre Company's 2025 production of The Moors and Salt Lake Acting Company's production of The Roommate.
Salt Lake Acting Company is presenting the world premiere of Very Like A Whale by Troy Deutsch, directed by Alexandra Harhold, through Oct. 25. The play, produced in collaboration with Flying Bobcat Theatrical Laboratory, explores themes related to a 19th-century Utah urban legend regarding whales being transported to the Great Salt Lake. The cast includes Olivia Custodio as Megan, Robert Scott Smith as Greg, Sarah Shippobotham as Miss Penelope Dickinson, Yolanda Stange, Ben Young, M. Scott McLean as Chester, Devoree Ellis as Max, and Mack Barrer as Sophie.
Westminster University recently hosted the Chance Operations festival, an interdisciplinary event exploring the legacies of composer John Cage, choreographer Merce Cunningham, and artist Robert Rauschenberg. The festival included the production John Cage 101, developed and directed by Matthew Slaybaugh with movement by Meghan Durham Wall, and the MusiCircus concert featuring Indigo Cook, Brandon Derfler, Kimi Kawashima, Hilary Koolhoven, and Devin Maxwell.
The Chance Operations festival drew inspiration from the artistic impact of John Cage, whose work often utilized chance and experimental philosophies. The festival featured diverse musical elements, including prepared piano and various percussion instruments, and included performances of Cage's works such as 4'33" and One4.
