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Big Reveal
SLC's performing-arts scene defies expectations.
By Scott Renshaw

A visitor to Utah might harbor any number of assumptions about the local performing arts, whether it's the quality of talent or the willingness to take aesthetic and thematic risks. But leave all those preconceptions at whatever border you're crossing: Utah theater and dance artists bring astonishing talent to a wide range of topics, from family-friendly to profoundly challenging. Here's a look at some of Salt Lake City's best troupes that use the power of stories and movement to defy expectations.

Classical Greek Theatre Festival: A long-standing Utah tradition, this touring festival annually brings one great work from the canon of classical Greek theater to venues including the amazing sunrise performance at Red Butte Garden's outdoor amphitheater. "As the longest-running Greek theater festival in the U.S.," Managing Director Melanie Nelson says, "[It] offers audiences the opportunity to see the works that are the foundation of Western theater." A scheduled production of Euripedes' Ion is set for Sept. 7-25. facebook.com/classicalgreekfestival

The Hive Theatre Co.: Co-founders Jared and Tiffany Greathouse launched this small boundary-pushing company in 2010, and continue to offer a mix of edgy work by celebrated playwrights like Martin McDonagh and original plays. In June 2017, The Hive presents the Utah premiere of Samuel D. Hunter's The Whale; fall 2017 features the original work A Call to Serve: Confessions of a Mormon Hitman. hivetheatre.com

People Productions: Established in 2000, Utah's first dedicated African-American theater company has since expanded its mission to include political theatre of all kinds, including several Utah premieres and the annual Edward Lewis Theatre Festival featuring scenes from several local companies' productions. Full productions for 2017 include August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (April 13-23). peopleproductions.org

Pinnacle Acting Co.: Great works from the theatrical canon are often on the menu at Pinnacle, which frequently re-imagines classics in creative ways, like a 2016 production of Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus set in a women's prison. The 2017 season currently includes Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest (June 15-July 1). pinnacleactingcompany.org

Pioneer Theatre Co.: The resident theater company at the University of Utah, PTC offers visitors to the Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre a season that traditionally combines a classic or two from the American or British theatrical canon, brand-new, award-winning plays from national stages, a few big musicals and a holiday-themed show—all with some of the grandest production values you'll find outside Broadway. The 2017 season concludes with a concert performance of Chess (March 10-11), Olivier Award-winner King Charles III (March 24-April 8) and The Will Rogers Follies (May 5-20). pioneertheatre.org

Plan-B Theatre Co.: According to Artistic Director Jerry Rapier, Plan-B has been recognized by the Dramatists Guild of America as "the only professional theatre company in the United States producing full seasons of new work by local playwrights." That unique focus means an opportunity for discovery as Utah writers explore both local and national issues. "We believe that playwrights have the right—and obligation—to make their own rules," he adds. "We are then privileged and obligated to learn and follow them." The 2017 season's remaining premiere is Morag Shepherd's Not One Drop (March 23-April 2), with additional "script-in-hand" productions promoting the development of more local writers' work. planbtheatre.org

Salt Lake Acting Co.: A 46-year history of innovative and provocative work—exemplified by the annual bawdy musical satire of contemporary religion, politics and mores, Saturday's Voyeur—continues in 2017. Seasons typically combine regional premieres of celebrated works from New York and London stages, new plays commissioned and developed by the company, and a family-friendly production for the holiday season. In addition to Saturday's Voyeur (June 21-Aug. 27), remaining 2017 season offerings include Hand to God (April 12-May 14). saltlakeactingcompany.org

Utah Repertory Theatre: "Utah Rep brings shows to Utah that have never been performed [locally] before," artistic director Johnny Hebda says. "Our mission is to bring premieres and overlooked classics that audience members usually would have to travel to [New York or Los Angeles] to see." Productions scheduled for 2017 include Kiss of the Spider Woman (April 21-May 7), Blackbird (July 14-30), Straight and Disgraced (in repertory Sept. 22-Oct. 8). utahrep.org

Wasatch Theatre Co.: "For 20 years, Wasatch Theatre Co. has offered a variety of regional premieres, American classics and original work, showcasing productions that are edgy, thoughtful and focus on the ever-changing nature of human relationships," says director Brian Pilling. "Wasatch provides a place for theatre artists to explore, risk and collaborate." Currently scheduled for the rest of 2017: Dinner by Moira Buffini (April 21-May 7) and the annual one-act play showcase Page to Stage Festival (May 11-13). wasatchtheatre.org