By YUNG LY
The SCERA Shell Outdoor Theater in Orem presents the musical “State Fair,” playing June 18-28.
The play takes place during the 1940s and ’50s in Iowa, when state fairs were a big attraction to the American public. The play tells a story of a family and the experiences the family has at the state fair.
The performance is directed by Jerry Elison.
“It’s a great family show, and it’s wholesome and funny,” Elison said.
Elison hopes the audience will be uplifted by the performance.
“I want the audience to go away feeling happy and have positive feelings about life,” Elison said.
Sofia Lee, who plays Margie in the musical, has enjoyed performing her character.
“It’s a fun part to play, and Margie has a sweet personality,” Lee said.
The music comes from Rodgers and Hammerstein and includes songs such as “It’s a Grand Night for Singing” and “It might As Well Be Spring.”
“The music in the performance is awesome, upbeat and there’s a lot of dancing,” Lee said.
One of the greatest things about the musical is that it takes place outdoors, which makes the musical a lot more interesting.
“The cast members get to play out on the grass practically the whole time,” Lee said.
According to the news release, The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel calls the musical “a pure delight … sweeter and more fun than cotton candy,” and the Chicago Sun-Times called the musical “perfection … just pin that blue ribbon on the theater marquee.”
Although the musical is simply about a state fair, Lee said the performance is lively and the plot picks up.
“It’s interesting how they make something big out of something so ordinary,” Lee said.
“State Fair” runs June 18-28 (excluding Sunday) at 8 p.m. at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theater (699 S. State St., Orem, in SCERA Park).
Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for children (ages 3-11) in advance from 10-5 weekdays at the SCERA Center (745 S. State St.).
To purchase tickets, or for more information, call the SCERA center at (801) 25-2569 or 225-ARTS. Tickets can also be purchased on performance nights at the Shell gate.
