Salt Lake Acting Company presents the world premiere of its “fresh take on the Beehive State,” #SLACabaret, from August 11 through September 12. The all-new satire, penned by Martine Kei Green-Rogers, Aaron Swenson, and Amy Wolk, marks SLAC’s return to in-person entertainment after temporarily shutting its doors in March, 2020. See the newly-released production photos, taken by David Daniels, below.
#SLACabaret follows four Utahans on a musical journey through the new Salt Lake International Airport: Nia, a Utah newbie; Parker-Avery, an nonconforming individual desperately trying to leave; Hudson, the airport manager who moved to Utah by accident; and Kavin, a young man returning to Utah after several years abroad. Together, they navigate unfamiliar territory—both literally and figuratively—and are joined on their journey by a cast of eclectic characters including “a Karen” named Caren, some 2002 Olympians who can’t quite let go of the past; and of course, America’s favorite new Real Housewives.
Comprising the cast of #SLACabaret are Salt Lake Acting Company alumni Olivia Custodio* (Streetlight Woodpecker), Mina Sadoon* (SLAC Digital Shorts), Matthew Tripp (Saturday’s Voyeur), and Jae Weit* (Pete the Cat). Making their SLAC debuts are Michael Hernandez*, Mack, Niki Rahimi, and Aathaven Tharmarajah. Pedro Flores and Wendy Joseph also make their respective SLAC debuts as production understudies.
As previously mentioned, #SLACabaret is written by multidisciplinary theatre artist Martine Kei Green-Rogers, beloved Utah theatre veteran Aaron Swenson, and multi-Manhattan Association of Cabaret Award-winner Amy Wolk.
SLAC’s Executive Artistic Director Cynthia Fleming helms the production. She is joined on the creative team by Michael G. Leavitt (Music Director), Jordan Maria (Choreographer/Assistant Director), Michael Horejsi (Set Designer), Justin Ivie (Prop Design), Heidi Ortega (Costume Designer), Jesse Portillo** (Lighting Designer), Emily Chung (Sound Designer), Julie Silvestro (Assistant Music Director), Nick Fleming (Guitar), and Spencer Kellogg (Saxophones). Jennie Sant* once again serves as Production Stage Manager and is assisted by Sam Allen*.
Kenny Riches joins the team as Film Director (for the production’s virtual capture) through a special partnership with the David Ross Fetzer Foundation for Emerging Artists (aka The Davey Foundation). The production will also stream on SLAC Digital from August 28 through September 12, 2021.
*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
**The lighting designer for #SLACabaret is represented by United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 of the IATSE.
