How a middle school play became the hottest ticket in town
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If you haven't seen the annual extravaganza that is the Clayton Middle School play, you might want to snag a ticket — and preemptively schedule jaw reconstruction surgery.
Why it matters: This is not your mother's junior high stage production of "The Little Mermaid."
Case in point: Here you can see Ariel's legs rip free from her fins as she becomes part of our world 'neath a Pink Floyd-esque laser light show.
What, your middle school play didn't have silks aerialists dangling from the ceiling?
Here's Ursula in menacing, giant octopus form:
The big picture: This level of spectacle is impressive — but not all that shocking in Utah, where production value is a cultural value.
- Just look at our Pioneer Day parade floats.
Catch up quick: Clayton's theatrical exploits have prodded the boundaries of "extra" for about a quarter century.
- They've also staged "Bye Bye Birdie," "Fiddler on the Roof," "Newsies," "Peter Pan," "The Sound of Music" and more.
Worth your time: Listen to this 13-year-old Mufasa belt out "They Live in You" from 2018's "The Lion King."
How it works: The program notes are full of thank-yous for an army of volunteers and donations — including a couple of foundation grants.
- I noticed a friend listed in the program as a set guy alongside his now-adult son, a former cast member who still helps build the scenery.
- Over the years, professional companies and performers have kicked in costumes, set elements and even diction coaching.
Fun fact: Clayton is a feeder middle school to East High, of "High School Musical" fame.
What's next: Performances are each night this week, with two on Saturday.
- Midweek shows are your best bet; Saturday night is already sold out.
Disclaimer: My kid is in the ensemble. If you go, wave toward the group at stage left.
- They find a place for every willing student!
The bottom line: It may take decades to build community support for a public school arts program — but once it's there, the sea's the limit.