By Matthew Longhurst
longhurst@newsroom.byu.edu
Four fledgling employees attempt to rescue a rundown restaurant in a new musical comedy called 'Beyond Karaoke.'
The musical will open SCERA's theater season, April Wetzel, foundation director at SCERA, said.
The piece is set in the middle of the Mojave Desert and tells the story of how old-fashioned ingenuity and karaoke combine to restore a failing business to life, Kathryn Little, director of 'Beyond Karaoke,' said.
The four main characters must learn to get along with each other while inventing new ways to attract customers to the family restaurant, Little said.
They eventually turn to karaoke and impersonations of famous pop singers to attract clientele, Little said.
But the plot isn't necessarily as interesting as the music involved, Little said.
The characters get creative with the karaoke equipment and display a lot of talent performing top-40 music from as far back as the 1940's, Little said.
Little described the plot as spontaneous, having an 'I've-got-a-barn-you've-got-costumes-let's-do-a-show' feel.
'Beyond Karaoke,' began in a place nearly as obscure as the town where it is staged.
John Driskel, owner of the small dinner theater Off Broadstreet in Nevada City, California, developed the story line using recordings from Priddis Music in Pleasant Grove, Rick Priddis, owner of Priddis music, said.
When Priddis heard that his material was being used, he decided to pay Driskel a surprise visit, Priddis said.
Priddis liked the audience response so much he formed a partnership with the author, he said.
'People come out of the show singing and excited about karaoke,' Priddis said.
The two worked together to develop the piece into its present form, and are excited to bring it to Utah Valley - and eventually national audiences, Priddis said.
Beginning Friday, Nov. 3, the show runs nightly, except Sundays, through Nov. 18, with showtimes starting at 7:30p.m.
Tickets are $14 reserved or $10 general, and can be purchased at the SCERA at 745 S. State St. in Orem or by calling 225-2569.