Entertainment

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Covey Center for the Arts

The Center, which was built in downtown Provo last year, is not solely committed to performances, but also offers classes for everything from Belly Dancing to Finance for Kids. This year, the Center has planned a concert with pianist George Winston on Sept 19 and Thriller by the Odyssey Dance Theater on Oct 10, as well as performances by Kenny Loggins, Kirby Heyborne, and Thrillionaires.
The Covey Center for the Arts is located at 425 W. Center St in Provo.
For more information go to www.CoveyCenter.org

Muse Music

Also in downtown Provo, Muse has concerts almost every night. The concerts, which are mostly performed by local artists, are organized by genre, generally showing three to four bands per night. Almost every show is $5 per person or less. Muse also has a recording studio that can be rented by the hour.
Muse Music is located at 151 N. University Ave in Provo.
For more information go to www.MuseMusicOnline.com

Tahitian Noni Auditorium

Months after opening the Tahitian Noni building in Provo, the owners realized that the great space they had created was being wasted, only used by employees coming and going. According to their website, they opened up the auditorium to any musicians that had a local following. They have very few live events scheduled, but what does perform there is free to the public. They also have free movie showings, the next one being Shrek the Third on Aug 28 at 6:30.
The Tahitian Noni Auditorium is located at 333 W. River Park Drive in Provo.
For more information go to www.visittni.com

Velour

With a schedule similar to Muse Music, Velour makes its mark with it’s comfortable atmosphere and loyal musicians. Many of the most popular local bands found their sound while performing at Velour. Ticket prices vary depending on the show, but average at around $5. Velour consistently books the best local bands, as well as the rare out-of-towner.
Velour is located at 135 N University Ave in Provo.
For more information go to www.VelourLive.com

Castle Ampitheater

This outdoor venue in the foothills of Provo provides the perfect atmosphere for classics, Shakespearean plays, and dramas. Tickets sell at $7 for students, making this theater possibly the best bang for your buck. The theater is run by the Actors Repertory Theatre Ensemble, which employs both seasoned professionals and dedicated students. Productions don’t run all year, but when there is a show, you can trust it to be quality. Currently, the Castle is showing Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, which will run until Sept 13. Be sure to bring pillows, blankets, and bug spray to keep yourself comfortable.
The Castle Ampitheater is located at 1300 E Center St. in Provo.
For more information, go to www.CastleTheater.org

Center Street Musical Theater

A spacious venue in downtown Provo, CSMT houses almost entirely classic musicals. Dinner is served before every nightly production for an additional $10. Don’t expect to see anything immaculate or life-changing here; most of the shows are light-hearted and imperfect. This fall, CSMT will produce one comedy night (on Aug 30), Beauty and the Beast (beginning Sept 5), and The Music Man (beginning Oct 17).
Center Street Musical Theater is located at 177 W. Center St. in Provo.
For more information, go to www.csmtc.com

Hale Center Theater Orem

One of the oldest and best-loved theaters in the valley, HCTO produces quality family-friendly plays and musicals on their small in-the-round stage. Along with their great reputation comes a higher ticket price; anywhere from $11 to $15 depending on the night and your seat. HCTO is currently producing John Patrick’s the Hasty Heart.
The Hale Center Theater is located at 225 W 400 N in Orem
For more information, go to www.HaleCenterTheaterOrem.com

Keith Christeson Little Theater

Funded by the Pleasant Grove city and run by the Pleasant Grove Players, the Little Theater produces family-oriented plays in a small, intimate theater below the PG Library. Despite their drawbacks (namely a small budget and the same stage being used for traffic school), the Little Theater brings great performances to the community, drawing from a loyal, talented group of actors and directors. This season, expect to see classics like Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit, Larry Shue’s The Foreigner, and Frederick Knott’s Wait Until Dark here.
The Keith Christeson Little Theater is located at 30 E Center PG. The entrance is at the back of the building.
For more information go to www.PleasantGrovePlayers.com

SCERA Shell

The Shell is an outdoor amphitheater, which shows musicals, concerts, and outdoor movies. Their summer musical season ended this month on the 16th, but on the 28th, Boyz II Men will perform. Also, they have Three Dog Night scheduled on Sept 1. In early September, they have also planned a couple of outdoor movies. The audience is encouraged to bring blankets and pillows, and chairs can be rented from the venue.
the SCERA Shell is located at 745 S. State St. in Orem.
For more information, go to www.scera.org

Springville Playhouse

Much like the Keith Christeson Little Theater, the Springville Playhouse is funded by the city and found under the city’s library. The stage is surrounded on three sides by audience, which creates an even more intimate atmosphere. They are currently playing the youth production Into the Woods, Jr. Beginning in October, they will show Arthur Miller’s The Crucible.
The Springville Playhouse is located at 50 S. Main St. in Springville.
For more information go to www.SpringvillePlayhouse.org

Valley Center Playhouse

The underdog of Utah Valley theater, the VCP has been run by Keith and Jody Renstrom for the past 33 years. Producing mainly obscure or house scripts, don’t expect to see any classics here. They are currently showing Rockrollers and Pancakes by Bill Brown, which is about a camping trip in the 50’s. Later this year they will produce their annual holiday shows, Shadowbrook Mansion, Hotel Frankenstein, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
The Valley Center Playhouse is located at 780 N 200 E in Lindon
For more information to to www.vcpnews.com

ComedySportz

ComedySportz has earned it’s stripes in downtown Provo as the longest-running comedy club in the Valley. There are two main types of shows at this venue, and both are completely improvised and never scripted. The first is their main show, which is a competition between two teams. Each team performs several short-format improv scenes, and then the referee assigns points according to how funny the scene was. This show can be seen every Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm and 10:15 pm. Tickets are $8-$10.
The second show is called Yellow No. 2, and is made up of two long form improv scenes, each lasting anywhere from 30-45 minutes. This show performs every Thursday at 8:00 pm, and tickets are only $3.
ComedySportz is located at 36 W Center St in Provo.
For more information, go to www.ComedySportzUtah.com

Showtime Utah

A new show in an old venue, Showtime Utah has brought nightlife back to Pleasant Grove. Every Friday and Saturday night at 7 you can find an old west dinner adventure in this venue, with performances by local country musicians, a full in-house meal, and a side show by classic Western characters. Each night after this show on 10 pm, Showtime Utah holds a hybrid of karaoke and comedy, where the audience is invited to sing and interact with house comedians. This venue also hosts a Monday night variety show and Independent movie nights.
Showtime Utah is located in the Grove Theater at 20 S. Main St in Pleasant Grove
For more information, go to www.ShowtimeUtah.com

Thanksgiving Point

This large venue on the North end of the valley has a reputation for being too expensive for any college student to afford, but there are several opportunities for entertainment to be found there. This year they are showing the classic musical Oklahoma in the Show Barn until Sept 1. Tickets for this production range from $12 to $15. They are popular for their expos and conventions, and this year valley residents can find the Taste of Home Cooking school this September and the Wedding Expo in December.
Thanksgiving Point is located just off of exit 282 on I-15 in Lehi.
For more information go to www.ThanksgivingPoint.com

Wiseguys

Wiseguys comedy clubs can be found up and down the Wasatch front, but the closest is just across the freeway from campus in the Parkway Crossing apartments. Specializing in stand-up comedy, most shows are advertised at $10 per person. However, if you visit their website, you can get a 2 for 1 coupon. Every few weeks they also feature a comedic hypnotist.
Wiseguys is located at 1350 W 1140 S, Ste 110 in Orem.
For more information, go to www.WiseGuysComedy.com/orem

Black Box Theater

The most flexible theater on campus, the Black Box usually seats anywhere from 100 to 120 people. The lighting and sound systems are fully supported, and the environment lends itself to the more contemporary or experimental side of UVU’s theater department. Tickets can be bought at Campus Connection or in the GT at the door the night of the performance.

McKay Events Center

The McKay not only houses basketball, volleyball, and wrestling matches, but dances, concerts, speeches, commencements, and conferences. It has an 8,000 seat capacity and tickets can be purchased at Smith’s Tix. The EFY Steady and Sure concert was recently performed in the McKay, and in September you can expect to see the Utah Valley Women’s Expo, Muse (yes, that Muse), Damien Rice, and Guster perform. Tickets for the larger concerts are usually around $30.

Reagan Theater

The conventional proscenium stage in the Reagan theater creates the perfect atmosphere for many performances by UVU students. Also, Center Stage Youth Performances holds a show every few months in the theater. According to CSYP’s website, “”The organization’s goal is to help youth develop their talents, self-esteem and imagination in a fun, safe and stimulating environment through rehearsals, performances and classes.”
In addition, UVU’s theater department will perform seven plays and musicals in the Reagan and the Black Box. For more information on these performances, keep reading the Life section or refer to www.uvu.edu/tasp

Crop shares

During the first few months of every year, local farms allow residents to participate in Community Supported Agriculture; according to Borski Farms’ website, “An upfront payment in the spring allows the farmer to predict what will be grown and will help the farmer when most needed.” In return for the payment, shareholders can collect a specified amount of seasonal produce each month. Shares won’t be available again until next year and the nearest participating farm is in Fruit Heights, but for some students it is worth it to have access to the organic produce. For more information on the two nearest farms, visit www.BellOrganic.com, BorskiFarms.org or e-mail [email protected]

Provo Farmer’s Market

Saturdays from 9-2 through October, a farmer’s market will be held at Pioneer Park in Provo. The market provides locally produced fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, along with bread and hand-made crafts. But try to get there early in the day – often the good produce is gone before noon.