Salt Lake Acting Company is currently presenting the world premiere of "The Gaslight Zone," a satirical summer production running through August 16, 2026. Inspired by the storylines of the 1960s series, the musical comedy explores the intersection of modern news headlines and social satire through a series of musical parodies and dance breaks.
Production Details and Creative Team
Directed and choreographed by Cynthia Fleming, the production features a cast including Scotty Fletcher, Becky Jeanne Knowles, Angel Martinez, Marc Nielson, Makayla Palos Rodriguez, Bryce Romleski, Harrison Timm, Sophie Jean White, and Akina Yamazaki. Several cast members, including Fletcher, Knowles, Nielson, and Romleski, are identified as members of the Actors Equity Association, the union representing professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
The creative team for the production is led by Fleming, with Zach Hansen serving as music director. The musical accompaniment is provided by a band consisting of Hansen on keyboards and Spencer Kellogg on saxophone and guitar. Other technical and creative contributors include Erik Reichert as set designer and construction supervisor, Jesse Portillo for lighting design, Dennis Hassan for costume design, and Calvin J. Vinson as sound designer and engineer. The production also features props design by Erika Ahlin Bird, stage management by Bridgette Lehman and Tahra Veasley, video programming by Joshua Legate, and assistant choreography by Ella Mei Williamson. Natalie Pulsipher served as assistant costume designer and Abigail "Gabi" Cottam as assistant props designer.
Critical Reception
The production has drawn significant praise from various regional critics. Les Roka of The Utah Review described the show as "rousing summer theatrical fare" and noted its "cathartic wisdom of satire" and "musical parodies."
Writing for City Weekly, Scott Renshaw highlighted the show's emotional resonance, noting that the closing refrain of "Were All In This Together" serves as a reminder of the work remaining to be done, while emphasizing that the performance demonstrates how one can find reasons to laugh even when facing difficult realities.
In a review for Utah Theatre Arts Journal, Lindsay Cruz noted that while the show is "unapologetically political," it avoids being preachy by maintaining its primary objective of making the audience laugh. Similarly, reviewers Jason and Alisha Hagey of Front Row Reviewers stated that Salt Lake Acting Company "loves to poke fun in the funniest, most ridiculous way possible," combining intelligence and criticism with affection. Sydney Naegle of BroadwayWorld added that the show offers "delightful escapism and much-needed laughter" despite parodying heavy real-life events.
Accessibility and Performance Options
Salt Lake Acting Company has provided several specialized performance options for the community during this run. The production includes an open captioned performance which took place on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 6 PM.
For audiences requiring auditory assistance, an audio described performance was held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at 6 PM. Additionally, the company offered inclusive programming on Saturday, August 1, 2026, through both a sensory friendly performance and an ASL interpreted performance, both held at 2 PM.
University Arts Access
The University of Utah College of Fine Arts supports a wide variety of arts programming through its Arts Pass program. This initiative, funded by student Fine Arts Fees, allows all fee-paying University of Utah students to access hundreds of campus arts experiences through their UCard, either in physical or digital form.
To utilize the benefit, students must present their UCard at the box office or the door of the performance venue. The program is designed to make the arts affordable and accessible to the student body, fostering a vibrant campus culture. The University of Utah emphasizes that these investments in the arts are intended to unify communities, strengthen mental health, boost the economy, improve academic performance, enhance healthcare, increase empathy, and even slow biological aging.
Event Information
The production of "The Gaslight Zone" is supported by Veterinary Orthopedic Services and X96. The show continues its run through August 16, 2026, providing a satirical lens on the current daily news cycle.
