Friday, June 28, 2013

The Deseret News Raves About The Lone Stranger



Sharon Haddock from the Deseret News recently attended a performance of "The Lone Stranger" and we thought it would be fun to share what she thought about Desert Star's comic western.  See what Sharon wrote in her review below.

"This is truly an 'LOL' production. Not just a chuckler or a smiler, but seriously a 'laugh-out-loud' show, as Pronto, the Lone Stranger’s sidekick, tries to get around without a horse (because it’s a one-horse town, you know, and the marshal has it already) and help Buck Sidesaddle prevent crime.

Matt Mullaney makes the most of his part, wearing face-stripes, a rubber ducky on his head and 24-inch braids as he delivers some great comic lines. He brings out a folded, “blankety-blankey” at one point and consistently cracks everybody up.

Jeff Jensen is Marshal Buck Saddle-sore, or Space-shuttle or whatever the villain wants to call him. He also becomes The Lone Stranger, but because he wears a mask, no one recognizes him. (Wink. Wink.)

Matt Kohler plays the part of Finius Thermador, the baddest villain around, and he plays it deliciously with the wicked laugh, the evil eye and genuinely rotten attitude. 'I’m not happy unless you’re not happy,' he declares.

He’s trying to stop Ma Roper (Kerstin Davis) from saving her property and using a couple of really dim outlaws (Spud, played by Bryan Dayley, and Beans, played by Chelsea Hubbard) as his partners in crime.

Ma Roper is mostly 'spitting mad,' evident in the rocking spittoon behind her. And she has a fun twang to her speech.

A couple of bits in the second half have the audience roaring: when the scenery behind the train shows Pronto hopelessly trying to keep up with what appears to be a full-size locomotive coming down the track toward the damsel in distress (Miss Ellie Greening, played by Mekenzie Heaton).

There are also plenty of local jokes and puns, targeting the usual suspects: BYU, the Utah Jazz, plenty of boos (booze) in Utah and the governor, who doesn’t know a crime’s been committed until after it’s too late.

Some are just so stupid it hurts and others are very clever, the kind you don’t see coming.
'Give, Said the Little Stream' gets some stage time, and Flossie, the barmaid played by Carli Christoffersen, breaks into song at every turn so you hear a little 'I Will Follow Him' and similar rock ’n’ roll ditties thoughout the show.

Here’s a rollicking fun show for the summer followed by olios that include a song that makes fun of the local language and songs that show off the vocal talent and range in this crazy cast.

Sharon Haddock is a professional writer with 
more than 35 years’ experience, 17 at the Deseret News. 
Her personal blog is at sharonhaddock.blogspot.com.



A Sneak Peek at The Lone Stranger!

The citizens of Tumbleweed Junction are being bullied by a corrupt mayor and must turn to a mysterious masked man and his Cheyenne sidekick to fight injustice and save the day.  Desert Star’s newest comedy, "The Lone Stranger: Trigger Happy", sees the Man with the Silver Bullets through new comic eyes.  Here's a sneak peek!



Monday, June 17, 2013

The Lone Stranger Now Playing!


The citizens of Tumbleweed Junction are being bullied by a corrupt mayor and must turn to a mysterious masked man and his Cheyenne sidekick to fight injustice and save the day.  Desert Star’s newest comedy, "The Lone Stranger: Trigger Happy", sees the Man with the Silver Bullets through new comic eyes.  Executive producer Mike Todd says the show will be fresh every day with new jokes and asides inspired by the news of the day.  “If it’s in the news this morning, it’ll be on our stage tonight,” said Todd. 

This show tells the tale of how Buck Sidesaddle, with the help of his Native American friend, Pronto, is transformed into a hero of the Old West.  
This Summer, Disney is releasing it’s next blockbuster, “The Lone Ranger”--from the same team that brought you "Pirates of the Caribbean," and starring--you guessed it--Johnny Depp.  If you haven’t seen pictures online of Johnny dressed as Tonto with a bird nesting on his head, you've already missed a good laugh and Desert Star takes this comedy to the next level.  With the upcoming movie in mind, Director Scott Holman says the timing of Desert Star's show is no coincidence.
"Our motif at Desert Star is western, so this show is a natural," Holman said. "The Lone Stranger” will have updated material inspired by the movie and is changed up so even those who've seen the show before will find it new.  Lots of time, people say we copy the movies. This time, we think Hollywood copied us," he adds.

The audience is taken on a runaway train of surprises and over-the-top comedy as the two unlikely allies must learn to work together and fight against the greed and corruption  of the villain Finius Thermador and his witless friends.
"Between them, these henchmen have just enough brains to almost make one brain," Holman said.  “I think this is going to be a great family show for the summer."
Join the adventure this summer and see this great comedy!

Call 801-266-2600 or CLICK HERE to buy ticketsa online





Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Announcing The Cast Of The Lone Stranger!



Desert Star Playhouse is ready to poke fun at a classic Cowboy and Indian team in “The Lone Stranger: Trigger Happy” opening June 13.  Terrorized by a corrupt magistrate the citizenry of Tumbleweed Junction must turn to the new marshal, Buck Sidesaddle, to fight  injustice and save the day.  This over-the-top musical  comedy offers big laughs for the whole family.  

This Summer, Disney is releasing it’s next blockbuster, “The Lone Ranger”--from the same team that brought you "Pirates of the Caribbean," and starring--you guessed it--Johnny Depp.  If you haven’t seen pictures online of Johnny dressed as Tonto with a bird nesting on his head, you've already missed a good laugh and Desert Star takes this comedy to the next level.

This hilarious adventure, sees the famed masked hero brought to life through new comic eyes.  It tells the tale of how Buck Sidesaddle, with the help of his Native American friend Pronto, transformed into a legend of justice-taking the audience on a runaway train of surprises and over-the-top comedy as these two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.

This hilarious story is being brought to life by an amazing cast.  Here are the Desert Star Players for "The Lone Stranger: Trigger Happy."

Buck Sidesaddle – Corey  Brandenburger, Jeff Jensen

Finius Thermador – Dan  Larrinaga, Matt Kholer

Flossie – Julie  Blatter, Carli Christofferson

Miss  Ellie Greening – McKenzie  Heaton, Aubrey Vance

Ma  Roper – Kerstin  Davis, Alexis Owen

Spud – Bryan  Dayley, Tyrus J. WIlliams

Pronto – Matt  Mullaney, Rick Miller

Beans – Mary  Parker Williams, Chelsea Hubbard


Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Audience Are Loving Les Miserables!



"Les Miserables: –Or– A Lot Less Miserable" has been a huge hit with Desert Star audiences!  We thought it would be fun to let you read what our patrons have been ssaying about the show.

It was incredible and I really enjoyed the olio.  Side splitting fun
–John Mathews, West Jordan

The cast was (as always) fantastic.  They give it their all and it shows.
–Jennifer Van Duren, Salt Lake City

I brought my daughters for the first time and we were laughing out loud. We are theatre geeks and this spoof was right up our alley! –Kristen Warden, Riverton

You guys do a great job and the food was good too! The show was wonderful as usual.
–Pat Powell, Taylorsville

We enjoyed the show very much and had a great time.
–Deborah Langford, Ogden

Very enjoyable but what isn't at Desert Star?  Amazing to see the work that goes into each performance.  Great laughs and lots of fun. Good adlibbing.  Kudoes to your group.  They are great! –Marion Eldrege, West Valley City

It was hilarious. We went and saw the movie, Les Miserable" and that helped us to better understand the Desert Star show. –Margaret Jacobs, Murray

The show was awesome!! One of the funniest shows we have seen at Desert Star:)
–Amy Eckhardt, South Jordan

It was really a great show!  It was very funny, all characters did very well. I would rate this show as definitely one of your best ones! –Marge A, West Jordan

We saw Les Miserable last night and laughed our guts out.  The food and service was excellent as usual but the show was the best yet. Thanks Desert Star cast and crew!!
–Ron Perkins, Kaysville

This was the funniest and most entertaining show we have ever seen at Desert Star .  Our advice to everyone is to be sure to see it. 
–Cindy and Mike Elsworth, Cottonwood Heights

This was our family's first trip to Desert Star.  We had a great time.  The show was very entertaining and the singing was very good.  The service was also very good. –Linda Winn, South Jordan

It was an awesome performance.  We are considering getting tickets to see it again. We have told everyone this is a most see.–Maurine Gold, Salt Lake City


Awesome show!  Loved when an audience member was brought up on stage! keep up the good work  –David Childress, Sandy

Every play is hilarious!  The acting is superb and the music is amazing too!  What's not to love about Desert Star?  Les Mis was fun!  You guys never disappoint! 
––Jodi Justice, South Jordan

One of the best shows I have seen in a while- it sure is a lot easier to follow than the original musical if you are one who doesn't know what the story is about.
–Anonymos

I've been to a lot of Deseret Star shows over the years and this was one of the best I've seen!  I'm coming a second time. –Dallin Lewis, Murray

My wife and I truly enjoyed the show as always. We appreciate youpulling from the audience to get involved with the Olio.  –Matt Boerke, Salt Lake City

Very Funny, enjoyed it! Thanks for the laughs... –Michael Caputo, Salt Lake City

Loved it! Was my second all time favorite behind CSI Provo. –Julie Nielson, Payson

The actors performed at a very high level.  And the Olio was also great.  This is our 2nd season at the Desert Star and it seems that it just keeps getting better. 
–Dave Libman, Woods Cross

"Les Miserable" was very enjoyable.  The story line was very funny and there wasn't too much political humor.  The music was fantastic 5 Stars!!  :)–Julie Shafto, West Valley City

We laughed!  We loved it! We didn't need to see the broadway production to enjoy your version. –Judy Crawford, Riverton

This was the funniest play yet. The context was wonderful and the actors and actresses were amazing. Keep up the GOOD work! –LaRee Jewell, West Jordan

This was my favorite show yet! Great cast, great music, great fun. 
–Jake Smith, West Jordan

I was laughing the entire time! It really made my day. –Liz Johnson, Sandy

The fact that you put lines or complete song parodies from other musicals was truly a work of art!  Keep up the good work and we will see you again. Thanks. –Charles Rayne, Salt Lake City

wonderfully entertaining for all ages. This is my second show at your facility and I plan on coming back. –Ann Evans, South Jordan

Our whole family LOVED this play.  We all laughed and really enjoyed it. 
–Kristi Mildon, West Jordan

I really enjoyed the show.  I thought it was one of the funniest you have done. 
–Kerri Hodgson, Layton

Your play was more fun than I could have ever imagined.  It was a fun filled evening and I laughed a lot from beginning to end. –Laurie Algood, Kearns

VERY good job.  Loved the tie in of "Master of the House" to Desert Star.
 – Claudine Simonsen, Farmington

I really enjoyed this one.  It was fun and engaging. –Annette Egan, West Jordan

This was, by far, the funniest show we have seen at DSP in quite a while. The jokes were on target and so was the timing. –Vicky Larsen

love the fact that you kept my favorite scene, performed to "Tonight" from West Side Story. This is the first time that I brought my kids and they all really enjoyed it. 
–Stacey Pinnock, Herriman

very good in fact exceptional. This is my favorite place to always have fun......THANKS –Karen Ball, Salt Lake City

Wow!  That was absolutely hilarious!  We all laughed ourselves sick!   Your company is the most creative for CLEAN and WHOLESOME entertainment that I have ever found. 
–Sheri Kettle, Salt Lake City

We laughed and laughed at all the puns.  The cast was great and we enjoyed every minute.  Thanks for letting us share a couple of hours away from the world,  
–Joy & Nolan Hanson, Salt Lake City

Great fun! The play flows well and a lot of funny lines.  The oleo was great too!
–Mike Haggen, South Salt Lake

Loved it, one of the best ones I have attended. The cast always entertain us. Keep up the great work.  –Arnold Casey, West Valley City

it was a wonderful performance and the servers were the greatest. keep up the good work – Juliene Wall, Tooele

It was great!  I have two boys and they enjoyed the show!  We bought season tickets to take them.  It's great family entertainment! –Hillary Luke, Stansburry

It was an awesome show.  Very funny with a bit of ad-libbing which we love.  We brought some first-time friends and they loved it too.  Great energy. 
–Steve Bell, Ogden

This show was hilarious! Even when there were moments that were fudged, it was entertaining for the audience rather than a little awkward. Our table was laughing through the entire show. –Amberly Lambertsen, Bountiful

This was one of our favorite shows of the past two seasons.  Great job! 
–Robyn Maughan, West Jordan

Always have fun and enjoy the show. Fantastic cast. –Jon Rowel, Midvale

Loved it. Thanks so much. You guys do  a great job of entertaining. Good food too. 
–Joellah Watson, Riverton

Great play super energetic actors. Wife really enjoyed it. The bonus singing and dancing after the play was the cherry on top. So so much fun. 
–Gabe Jacquez, Bountiful

We were a lot "less miserable" after seeing this funny, well done show! We talked afterwards for days about our favorite characters and bits. The Olios were as always fun and entertaining. Vive le Desert Star Playhouse! –Paul Olsen, Sandy

It was awesome, like all Desert Star productions. We look forward to our next evening with Desert Star! –Herb Jensen, Herriman

We laughed and laughed--such a fun evening! –Alyson Barlow, Taylorsville

The servers were very friendly and the show was great!  It was really fun for a date night. –LIndsey Chalis, Provo

You guys are great. Les Miserables was one of the better shows. It was my wife and my anniversary, thank you for making us smile. –Alex Johnson, Eagle Mountain

Les Miserables was laugh out loud funny! One of the best shows I've seen at Desert Star lately. Defintiely a show worth your time, money and laughter! 
–Anne Shaw, Midvale

The jokes and gags were great and just kept coming.  We love the references to other movies oandmusicals too. –Crystal Naylor, Bountiful

We enjoy all of the shows, but this one was outstanding. We saw the Monday cast and they were superb, as always!  Thanks for a great date night! – Sharolyn knudsen, Murray

Went with a bunch of girls and we all had a blast! We will be back! Thanks!
–Hayden Jensen, Saratoga Springs

The songs have been stuck in our heads ever since! (that one was our favorite.) –John Orgill, Lehi

I really enjoyed myself, laughed a lot.  The cast was excellent and the parts played so well.  So much fun.  Thank you! –Linda Flanders, Salt Lake City

We thought this was one of the best shows you've done, and we've been to several.  From start to intermission seemed like 5 minutes.  The second half went just as fast.  The Malt Shop show was also great. –Pete Shay, Bountiful

I enjoyed the play very, very much.  It was great fun especially all the allusions to other plays, etc.  The actors seemed to be having a great time which, of course, enabled the audience have a good time. –Janis Coe, Bountiful

This was by far my favorite show you've done.  I am bringing my daughter to see it.  –Suzanne West, Cottonwood Heights

I loved the show!!! It was my first time at the Playhouse and it won't be my last. –Lori Platt, Riverton

That was a great time for us.  It was light hearted and funny.  Great lines (we had to stay on our toes to catch the inuendos).   –Corie Seymour, West Jordan

Thursday, April 11, 2013