Author: Brian Passey

Halloween Weekend Events

It’s Halloween Weekend and traditionally it’s one of the most entertainment-packed weekends of the year here in Southern Utah. If I hadn’t already seen the dress rehearsal for St. George Dance Company’s three pieces they are performing tonight with the Southwest Symphony for the annual “Halloween Spooktacular,” that would be my Friday night event. Every year the symphony combines spooky…

Concert Review: Arcade Fire at Mandalay Bay Events Center

I’ve been to a lot of concerts through the years. In my best estimation, I’ve attended nearly 100 concerts by nationally touring artists and at least 15 festivals. I’ve seen legends and newcomers, hit-makers and relative unknowns. Yet my favorite concert experience came on Sunday night as finally saw Arcade Fire perform live. For many years, Arcade Fire has been…

Theater Review: Kayenta Arts Foundation’s ‘[title of show]’

Before I get to my review of the Kayenta Arts Foundation’s production of “[title of show]” I hope you’ll allow me a few paragraphs (or 12) to editorialize on the subject of art and obscenity. If you don’t want to read my diatribe, scroll on down to “Finally, the review!” I’ve tried to write my previous theater reviews on this…

Theater Review: ‘Noises Off’ at St. George Musical Theater

Timing and blocking are important to almost any play but with Michael Frayn’s “Noises Off” they are absolutely essential. Thankfully, director Trent Cox handles both with an expert touch in St. George Musical Theater’s current production of the play. In the program’s director’s notes, Cox calls “Noises Off” both a “monster” and a “living jigsaw puzzle.” He’s right on both…

The Way We Worked: The Smithsonian is Here

If you haven’t been to one of the Washington County Works lectures you should feel a bit sheepish. I know I do. Even though I’m unemployed, I’ve managed to remain pretty busy. I’ve been working on this blog, of course, but filling out job applications is time-consuming and emotionally draining. I’ve also traveled briefly, put on my first photography exhibit,…

Mapping: The Poetics of Utah Expression

I finally got around to seeing my co-exhibit. OK, so really, mine is the little brother exhibit to the big sister in the Sears Art Museum Gallery. Titled “Mapping: The Poetics of Utah Expression,” it’s a surprisingly vibrant, diverse and intriguing show. In my opinion, it’s one of the best to come through the Dixie State University’s primary art gallery…

Plays Opening in October Throughout Southern Utah

In Southern Utah we’re blessed with an abundance of theater. While the big ones are obvious — the Utah Shakespeare Festival, Tuacahn’s Broadway in the Canyon, the Neil Simon Festival — there are also plentiful community theater options. And nearly all of them have new shows opening this month (many of them this week). I’m particularly excited for The Stage…