Covey Center for the Arts

2012-01-17T10:14:00.001-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/events/336674199685638/

The Covey Center for the Arts is hosting the kings of gospel, country and rock and roll; The Oak Ridge Boys!

Tickets for this event are SOLD OUT, however, you can still get tickets. There is only one thing the Oak Ridge Boys are famous for besides their jiving vocals and jammin’ guitar solos: their facial hair! Enter the Covey Center’s facebook contest: “Make Your Own Oak Ridge Boys Beard!” and you’ll be entered to win two tickets to their performance on February 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Here is how to enter:
1. Use any household materials to make wearable facial hair wigs that resemble the Oak Ridge Boys band members.
2. Take a picture of you, your friends or family wearing your beards and moustaches.
3. Either post your picture to the Covey Center’s facebook page or email your picture to sducharme@provo.utah.gov
4. With your picture, tell us what you made your facial hair out of and why you want to see the Oak Ridge Boys in Concert.
5. Winner will be picked based on their creativity and uniqueness.

Deadline for entries will be February 7th and the winner will be announced on our facebook page or emailed back on February 8th, 2012. Call 801.852.7015 for any questions. Good luck!

2012-01-03T11:53:00.002-07:00

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6G7Q58T

Follow the link & take our 10 Question survey and be entered to WIN FREE TICKETS to your choice of either:

Anne of Green Gables

Kurt Bestor and David Lanz in Concert OR

Dinner and Drama

We are conducting research to find out what YOU want to see. The Covey Center hopes to make every experience here a great one, so help us bring in the most memorable events by giving us your input.

Winner will be chosen in February and will be announced on our blog and facebook page. You will also be notified by e-mail. Thanks for your time, we hope we can better serve you and the community of Provo through the Arts.

2011-12-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of Christmas and Comedy...show us your funniest holiday photo and you'll be entered to WIN 2 tickets to The Thrillionaires: A Dickens of a Tale performance on Friday December, 23! Funny faces, ugly sweaters...whatever makes us laugh! Deadline is Thursday morning so hurry - visit our facebook page, like us and post your funniest holiday photo! We will let the winner know via facebook, Thursday at noon. Good Luck!

2011-11-21T12:08:00.003-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/user/CoveyCenter?feature=mhsn

Follow the link to our youtube channel, where you can watch the new trailer for Joyful Noise! A tradition at the Covey Center, Joyful Noise returns for the third year in a row.

A truly unique play written by Tim Slover and Directed by Dave Hanson, Joyful Noise is a story about redemption and the struggles that attend the making of a masterpiece. George Fredric Handel comes to life in a play about how he created his most famous sacred work, Messiah. It's heart-warming, exciting and clever.

Tickets are on sale at www.coveycenter.org or through our box office at 801.852.7007. Tickets are going fast, get yours soon!

Novemburrr full of performances in Provo!

2011-11-09T13:05:00.004-07:00

No one can say"Provo is boring"! Covey Center for the Arts has the remedy. Located right in downtown Provo it's easy to plan an evening full of good food and entertainment.

November is a great time to prepare for the holidays with the family and friends.

The Covey Center is ushering in this year's holiday season with The Nutcracker, performed by three different Utah ballet companies with performances through December 20.

Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband will join the Covey for their Christmas concert on December 2 - 3.

The light-hearted yet scandalous story of how Handel wrote Messiah comes to life in the performance of Joyful Noise, performed December 2 - 17 in the Brinton Black Box theatre.

Tickets are selling fast for these events and performances! Call the ticket office at 801-852-7007 to reserve a spot for you and your family.

Covey Center for the Arts

425 W Center St

Provo, UT

801-852-7007

www.coveycenter.org

https://secure.coveycenter.org/webtix/events.php

Happy Halloween !

2011-10-31T14:33:00.003-06:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Here in downtown Provo, you can bring your family from 3 till 6 p.m. along University Avenue and Center Street with participating stores and businesses giving away candies for trick-o-treaters!

Here's a link and more information for today's free and festive time of the month!

http://www.utahvalley.com/events/details.aspx?ID=1530

Have fun and enjoy your time!

Medea : production photos!

2011-10-12T09:59:00.007-06:00

A little insight into our production of MEDEA... here are some production photos of our original set. We can't wait til we get the lighting installed which will really add another measure of creepiness! Join us for Medea, October 21, 22 27 - 29 and November 3 - 5 . Perfect for Halloween!

Medea to be shown at the Black Box Theater @ the Covey Center!

2011-10-11T15:01:00.002-06:00

Brinton Black Box Theater Series
October 20-22, 27-29, November 3-5, 2011
7:30 p.m.
$12

The ancient tale of love,

betrayal,

revenge

and murder.

Perfect for Halloween.

Euripides’ classic,

updated
by Robinson Jeffers,

and directed by J. Scott Bronson.

For more background information about this play see:

http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/medea/a/111509Medea-Euripides.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medea_(play)

It should be interesting and a classic to watch in time for the Halloween season!

2 more days till Odyssey Dance: Thriller! Live at the Covey!

2011-10-10T15:52:00.002-06:00

Hey you all!

Have you bought your tickets yet for the Odyssey Dance: Thriller version? The folks at the Odyssey Dance have been on stage in Ogden, Park City and now headed down here to downtown Provo!

It starts on the 12th, Wednesday till Saturday,the 15th. Fun and exciting, scary and entertaining! A must see for the Halloween season! Tickets are sold at the Covey Center located on 425 W Center Street or call801-852-7007 for ticket information. Visit our website at coveycenter.org for upcoming events and performances!

Hope to see you here!

CCA

Follow us and keep updated!

2011-10-06T16:04:00.002-06:00

If you happen to have a Twitter, Facebook or Blogger account, you can stay updated on all the upcoming events here at the Covey Center!

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/CoveyCenter

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002206258807

Blogger: www.coveycenter.blogspot.com

Thanks for supporting!

-CCA

Mayor's Series 2011-2012

2011-06-17T11:08:00.006-06:00

I'm really excited to be gearing up for the 2011-2012 Mayor's Series!!! Here is the line-up:

September 9, 2011 - "The Three Musketeers," directed by Barta Heiner

October 14, 2011 - Odyssey Dance Theatre's Halloween favorite: "Thriller"

December 3, 2011 - Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband's amazing Christmas concert

January 27, 2012 - The Vibe (TV's Live to Dance semi-finalists)

February 9, 2012 - The Oak Ridge Boys

and, finally, last but certainly not least -

March 2, 2012 - Kurt Bestor and David Lanz

Season tickets are on sale now and the general public can purchase them starting July 1, 2011. We are doing things a bit differently this year. You get to choose your own Mayor's Series!!! If you purchase a season pass for four or more events/shows, you get to take $20 off each season pass.

Also, don't forget about our Brinton Black Box Season this year:
Medea - October 21 to November 5, 2011;
Joyful Noise - December 2 to 17, 2011;
Blind Date - February 3 to 18, 2012;
Anne of Green Gables - March 16 to 31, 2012; and, finally,
Delancey's Crossing - April 27 to May 12, 2012.

Call our Ticket Office should you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!

:(

2011-02-10T15:55:00.002-07:00

If you missed it, The Vibe made it to the Live to Dance finals, but did not win the competion.

We are so excited for this group and their opportunity to perform on the national stage. They will have studio shows in May and June this year at the Covey Center. Look for them in other performances in our 2011-2012 season!

As Seen on TV!

2011-01-06T13:31:00.002-07:00

The Vibe Performing Arts Studio usually performs their show Move every January here at the Covey Center. This January, The Vibe won't be lighting up our stage - instead they will be lighting up the Dance Dome in Los Angeles. Surviving auditions and countless call-backs, The Vibe is one of 18 finalists on Paula Abdul's new dance show Live to Dance seen on CBS!! We are excited for this group and wish them the best of luck.

You can see them on t.v. Wednesday January 12th and if they pass that round, they will continue on to Wednesday January 19th. The winner of the show will get $500,000. They need audience votes to win -- so please support the only Utah team to compete in this show and VOTE!!!!!

War of the Worlds

2010-09-23T16:02:00.005-06:00

The beginning of 1938 brought many new things into American lives. Walt Disney released the first full-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; Du Pont introduced its new synthetic yarn, nylon; ball point pens and Teflon are introduced; Action Comics the first Superman; and Abbott and Costello premiere “Who’s on First” on national radio. It was also the year that the German Führer, Adolf Hitler, was Time Magazine’s “Man of the Year,” Electric Shock Therapy is used in the treatment of mental illness, and a meteor exploded 12 miles above the earth’s surface above Chicora, PA (45 miles north-east of Pittsburgh, PA).

The Depression was still going strong in 1938. Over 9,000 banks had failed and work was hard to find. Hitler gave his closing address at Nuremburg which attacked the Czech people. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill counters Hitler’s speech with an address of his own to the American people. Churchill encourages Americans to arm with Britain to help bring peace to Europe. Americans felt the impending signs of war. A year earlier the Hindenburg, flying from Germany to New Jersey, exploded during the landing, killing 36 people. A radio reporter, who was on the ground covering the zeppelin’s journey, provided the first ever live radio newscast of a disaster. With 80% of homes in the U.S. owning at least one radio, the disaster was heard by many…

…And on October 30, 1938, the “boy-genius,” Orson Welles and his group “The Mercury Theatre” produced a radio program which is known as the “Panic Broadcast.”

Intended as a way to tell a story for adults on Halloween, Orson Welles had his staff writer, Howard Koch develop an adaptation of H.G. Wells’ science-fiction novel, War of the Worlds. In order to give the story more excitement, Welles and Koch turned it into a “breaking news story.” Many listeners, who had been listening to other radio programs, had switched during the commercial break to the Mercury Theatre’s program and missed the part in the show where they announced it was a DRAMATIC reading of War of the Worlds. The combination of “regular” programming with “Breaking news” flashes, gave rise to the panic. It wasn’t until the end of the broadcast that the Mercury Theatre group knew what kind of effect they had on America.

The Covey Center for the Arts will present this famous (or should I say infamous?) broadcast October 15- 30, 2010 in the Brinton Black Box as part of the Black Box Season. And although the radio script has been around for 72 years, this will be the first time you will be able to see “The Rest of the Story...” David Hanson, the director, has taken accounts and reactions from people who heard the broadcast and combined it with story behind the writing of the script and the radio script itself to create a spectacular show.

So if you like history, a fan of science-fiction, or just love going to the theatre, this is the show for you! Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the ticket office or online.

But wait, there’s more! You can come early on October 15 and 16th and have dessert with us! For only $3 more, you can enjoy dessert with the director as he discusses the production and answer questions. How sweet is that?!
There’s even more! October 29 and 30th only – War of the Worlds will be on the main stage! Tickets are $20 each and include dinner, dessert, and drama. This is one Dinner and Drama you won’t want to miss.

Tickets are now on sale!

Mousetrap!

2010-09-09T12:36:00.011-06:00

The world's longest running play comes to the Covey Center for 8 short nights!

With all of the murder and suspense you can expect from an Agatha Christie play, come see the Covey Center for the Arts' production of The Mousetrap.

Lunch Time?

2010-09-07T17:27:00.003-06:00

I was sitting at my desk today when I heard a big sound which sounded like water spilling. I turned around thinking Ben had spilled his water bottle... OH MY GOODNESS! I died laughing!

He shook his bottle of alfredo sauce and the lid wasn't on tight! SO funny!!!

It went EVERYWHERE!!!

Good times in the ticket office!!!

The Beach Boys...

2010-07-29T14:10:00.003-06:00

"Wouldn't it be nice" to hear the "Good Vibrations" of the Beach Boys? "Don't Worry Baby" because the Beach Boys are coming to the Covey Center! On November 4th, 2 of the original members, along with the rest of their band will perform here in Provo. Whether you are a "California Girl," a "Surfer Girl," or want to be "True to Your School," The Beach Boys Concert will be "Good Timin'."

If you buy the Mayor's Series Package - you can get an early start on buying tickets for this event- where you won't ever be this close to the Beach Boys in a concert... Otherwise, you will have to wait until August 9th to purchase your tickets.

So, drive on down in your "Little Deuce Coupe" for some "Fun, Fun, Fun."

I Got You Babe.

2010-06-22T17:17:00.009-06:00

Kenneth (or as affectionately known around the building as Kennayyyyyyy....)

We are so excited to show off our newest staff member. Kenneth Alton Cummins (son of Ben Cummins, ticket office manager). Kenneth was born on June 16, 2010. He was a little over 7 lbs. and 20 inches long.

With a name like Kenneth Alton, this kid is destined for the theatre!

Summer Band in the Park

2010-06-11T14:14:00.002-06:00

Are you looking for something relaxing to do on Sunday nights in June? Utah Premiere Brass is continuing is 28 year tradition by playing in North Park (500 W and 500 N, Provo) on Sunday nights in June! This is a free concert for everyone. The Concert starts at 7 p.m. So bring your blankets and join us on the grass for a great concert... 'cuz "me and free go together like peanut butter and jelly!"

This concert series is presented by Wells Fargo and The Covey Center for the Arts.

Need a Hand? ... or a foot, maybe a leg or two?

2010-05-18T16:05:00.003-06:00

Paul, the general manager of the Covey Center (see previous blog post for more information about him...), went on vacation. And, well, we had to do something to let him know that we missed him.

Provo is in Last Place for Fun? I think NOT!!!

2010-05-06T12:13:00.002-06:00

I read an article in the Daily Herald from Friday April 30, 2010 where it shows that Provo (population 522, 831 - so, all of Utah County...) placed in the Top 100 Fun Cities according to portfolio.com. It was in 100th place. I guess you could say that "it is just an honor to be nominated..."

The person who made the list used 6 categories: Shopping, Food and Drink, High Impact Sports (fitness centers, skiing centers, and recreational sports centers), Low Impact Sports (golf and bowling), Popular Entertainment (movie theaters...), and Culture (performing art companies, museums, and historical sites).

I've been to many of the cities in the Top 100. 37 to be exact. (39 if you count the airports...) I've lived in 5 of them, including Provo. They are great cities and they do have a lot to offer - but really, Bakersfield beat us in Fun??!! And I can't imagine how Las Vegas is less fun things to do than Portland Maine... Okay, I will give a point or two to the author of the piece, we don't have many drinking establishments. And our historical sites are only 160 years old (as compared to Philadelphia or Boston which sites are 360 years old...). Our recreational sports centers are outdoors and not in man-made structures... (I think there is a song about that, something about "They paved paradise and put up a parking lot..." but whatever...)

I think there is a lot to say about finding the fun treasures wherever you are. So, here is your goal... Come up with a list of 24 hours of Fun in Provo. Send me an email and I will use your suggestions in a blog... Maybe then we can stick it to "The Man" and show him what a fun place Provo really is. I can be reached at jmccall@provo.utah.gov I hope to hear from you soon!

Utah Best of State

2010-05-05T15:39:00.002-06:00

Did you catch Classical Ballet Academy this year? How about Jason Hewlett? If you did, you saw award winning performers! The results are in and two of our groups that perform at the Covey Center have won Best of State Awards.

Jason Hewlett won Best Specialty Act. He performed on our Mayor's Series for the Performing Arts series.

Classical Ballet Academy won for Best Youth Dance Group.

Congratulations!

Classical Ballet Academy will return to the Covey Center November 2010.

It's Raining, Its Snowing, I think Mother Nature forgot it was April!

2010-04-28T10:51:00.002-06:00

That's right people. Today is April 28th and it is raining and snowing in Provo! Crazy. Did no one tell Mother Nature that Spring has sprung?! Well, if you can't be outdoors, might as well be indoors at the Covey Center!

This week is Utah Valley Symphony with Special Guest Jenny Oaks Baker. They will be performing music from films. I am a personal fan of John Williams' scores - which they perform a lot of. Plus, Jenny Oaks Baker... can't beat that! Seats are still available for tonight and tomorrow's performances. And on Friday is Utah Premiere Brass. Come join us for the last 2 shows of the season for both the Utah Valley Symphony and the Utah Premiere Brass.

In May we kick of Dance Month at the Covey Center. May 1st is Expressions Dance, 3rd is Shelley School of Irish Dance, 5th is Orem Dance Theatre, 6th is Ivy Hall Academy, 7-8th Barlow Arts Conservatory, 14th and 15th Jive Dance Studio, 18th ConfiDance Club, 19th Hot Shots Dance Studio, 21-22nd Dance Conservatory, 24th Front and Center Dance, 26-27 Vibe Dance Studio, 28th Legacy Dance Studio, and finally 29th Jazz 'n Place. We have more dance than Spring Break in Florida (and it's better too!).

Don't forget the final Wasatch Chorale Concert on May 25th. This will be their last concert in Utah before heading out for the European Tour!

Come for the Set, Stay for the Show

2010-04-27T16:23:00.005-06:00

When you only have a 16'x14' of space, it can present a challenge to put in a set for a show. The Covey Center contacted the Theatre Department at Utah State University to see if they had any students up to the challenge of designing a set for Talley's Folly by Langford Wilson that could be acted on in the small space and be seen with the audience 3 sides. Paul Yeates signed up - and what he drew has come to life in the Brinton Black Box.

Paul gave us designs to work from and then at the Covey Center, Jarom worked his carpentry mojo and put it all together. Once the set was constructed - Lindy put her painting prowess to the max and painted the entire set, including the river! Did you know that each one of the lines on the wood planks were painted by hand?! Fortunately we were able to use a lot of our stock items for the show, and what we didn't have in stock - we borrowed, A LOT! (Special thanks to Utah State, Carrie Morgan, The Peaks Ice Arena, The Center, and Ben and Skye Cummins.) Next add a touch of romantic lighting and a lot of Spanish Moss... and you get one "*sweet" set!

** The set can also be described as lulu, solid, dynamite, sharp, or out of this world!

And if you thought the set was good, you should check out the actual production. Maybe I'm a tad impartial in this - but I love this show! The more I watch it, the more that I like it. There is always something new that I discover in this gentle romance. Talley's Folly is about a Jewish Accountant, Matt Friedman and Protestant Nurse's Aide, Sally Talley, who talk through the night about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. A Pulitzer Prize winning play, Talley's Folly is a "waltz, one-two-three, one-two-three; a no-holds-barred romantic story..." (opening lines from the show). Randy King is great as Matt Freidman and Carrie Morgan gives a wonderful performance as Sally Talley.

Talley's Folly will continue its run with shows on April 29-May 1, May 3, and May 6-8 at 7:30 p.m. with two Saturday Matinees May 1st and 8th at 2 p.m. The Brinton Black Box is general seating, so come early to get your favorite seat! Due to the nature of the theater, no one will be seated after the show has begun. For tickets, call the Covey Center Box office at 801-852-7007 or purchase them online at www.coveycenter.org

The 3 Wise Guys... and Paul

2010-04-27T15:31:00.009-06:00

I would like to introduce you to the Three Wise Guys plus Paul. The 3 are just part of the awesome technical crew that we have here at the Covey Center and Paul is our fearless leader.

Dan James is the Technical Director at the Covey Center. He was born and raised in Orem, Utah. Dan is the only son of four children, including a twin sister (no, they are not identical...). He married into a theatrical family- marrying the daughter of his high school theatre teacher! Together, Dan and Adi have 2 beautiful children and hamsters (unless the neighbor's cat got to them ;) Dan started at the Covey Center back in July 2007 and has worked hard building up the most-awesomest technical program here.

In the center is Pam Davis. She, too, was born and raised in Orem, Utah. Pam is Dan's right hand-(wo)man. Prior to working at the Covey Center, Pam worked at Utah Valley University's Ragan Theatre as a technician. She is the lighting designer for many of the productions held at the Covey. In her spare time, Pam rebuilds motorcycles and looks forward to the warm months when she can ride her motorcycle around town. She is also only 12 credits shy of her bachelor's degree in Theatre from Utah Valley University!

And our last, but not least, wise guy is Eric Kopp. Eric went to high school in Orem, Utah (Dan used to teach him technical theatre!). He is the youngest child in his family and recently got married to his sweetheart Erica. That's right Eric and Erica (everyone together now, "ahhh so cute!") Eric is one of our sound technicians and leaves us for the summer to work on the outdoor concert circuit with Poll Sound. No, this isn't a picture of Arnold Schwarzenegger in Junior, it's Eric!

But how can we forget Paul, the general manager of the Covey Center?! Paul has been with the Covey Center since before it was named the Covey Center. He was the ticket office manager at the Harris Fine Arts Center at BYU for 25 years prior to coming Provo's new art center. Paul is married to Paula (again, everyone together now, "ahhh so cute!") and the have 3 daughters and a grandson. Paul is a Disney FAN. He and his family travel to Disneyland as often as they can.

Well, that's just some of the people that work here... Check back to meet some of our other employees.

This Week at the Covey Center

2010-04-12T12:46:00.002-06:00

I attempt to write a new blog at least once a week. Well, that was my goal anyway... but you know how things go; someone drops by, the phone rings and you just get distracted. Here at the Covey Center, there are tons of things to help you get distracted!

This week (April 12-17) has everyone thinking about taxes. What's a better way to get distracted than an event at the Covey Center?! We have R-O-C (Remembering our Culture) on Monday and Tuesday. This is a multi-cultural dance group that performs around the area promoting cultural diversity and unity. Their show includes dances from Latin America, the Pacific Islands, Africa, Asia, and the rich Native American Culture. Similar to the traditions of BYU's Living Legends, this show will ROC your socks off!

On Wednesday, the Live Sound class from UVU will present Brandie Frampton. The 17 year-old country singer has delighted audiences around the state for many years (despite her young age). In 2006 she won the "Crossover Artist of the Year" at the New Music Awards. Winners that year included Rihanna, The Fray, Carrie Underwood, Taking Back Sunday, to name a few. This up-and-coming artist has 2 cd's to her name and each ticket comes with a free download of her latest album "What U See."

Friday and Saturday, Classical Ballet Academy under the direction of Jennie Creer-King will present Hansel and Gretel. The first half of the show will present this beloved children's show in it's classical form choreographed by Jennie Creer-King. The second half will be a contemporary version choreographed by Lindsay Folkman during the evenings and a daddy-daughter dance for the Matinee on Saturday. Whether you are already a fan of ballet or looking for a way to introduce yourself (or child) to the creative world of dance - this is a great show, back by popular demand.

Next week: Once On This Island, Jr. produced by Center Stage Youth Performers will delight young and old with their singing, dancing, and acting abilities.

As always - tickets to the events can be purchased at the Covey Center box office located on the main floor in the Covey Center 425 W. Center Street. The box office is open Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Friday's 10 a.m. -2 p.m. and 1 hour prior to performances. Tickets can also be purchase online 24 hours a day 7 days a week by visiting www.coveycenter.org

New Hours...

2010-03-15T18:02:00.004-06:00

To better serve the public, the Ticket Office at the Covey Center has changed its hours. The Ticket Office will now be open Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Covey Center and Ticket Office will continue to open 1 hour prior to the start of the performance.

For those wishing to pay their parking and or traffic tickets - please go to the Provo City Justice Court at 310 W. Center Street. Our ticket office doesn't handle those kind of tickets. :)

Young Artists...before they are Stars

2010-03-10T11:57:00.003-07:00

Did you know that Jenny Oaks Baker was a Utah Valley Symphony Young Artist? Ms. Baker just released her 9th album in January which debut #47 on Bilboard's Top 100 Classical Albums List. She has won numerous awards and is a favorite in Utah County.
Utah Valley Symphony is holding their annual Young Artists' Concert this week, March 10-11, 2010. These amazing young artists will perform with the symphony, just like Jenny Oaks Baker did many years ago. Come see them now... you never know when you might see the next Jenny Oaks Baker or Joshua Bell. You just never know...

On a side note -- Jenny Oaks Baker will rejoin the Utah Valley Symphony as the Special Guest Artist April 28-29, 2010 when the Utah Valley Symphony presents: Songs for Stage and Screen. The last time Ms. Baker performed with the Utah Valley Symphony the show sold-out, so get your tickets early for this wonderful show.

About Art...

2010-03-05T11:55:00.004-07:00

When I was in 4th grade many moons ago, we were given an assignment to paint a sunset. So I painted a sunset the way I thought a sunset should look. My teacher told me that a sunset didn't look like my painting and that she couldn't give me full credit. I got a failing grade on a PAINTING. I was devastated. I am one of those people who hate failing at anything - and the failing grade on my painting still bothers me today. What can I say, I'm a goober. I came into work the other evening - and low and behold - the sunset looked EXACTLY like my painting. Take that Mrs. D ;) After feeling much vindication for this atrocity at such a young age, I look back on my life to wonder what life would be like without art in my life...
There is always a debate on whether funds should be spent on the arts. The answer is yes. There are some arguments that art doesn't help the mind the way that the core subjects do (math, science, history, and language arts). The other subjects make you well rounded and art is only for those who want it in their lives. That may be true for some people - but in today's society art is essential for growth. Art is creativity. Art allows the mind to go to places that may seem impossible now. Art helps those that are good at math and science see the world differently. It helps those who may not be as good in the math and science - understand that world. Art reaches all five senses. And it is AWESOME. Just working at an art center has taught me so much. If I had worked her before I took physics - I might have gotten a better grade! There is so many places that art overlaps with the core educational subjects that I can't imagine life without art. I don't think I would understand how light works or how trigonometry functions in the real world. I have a little brother that has never heard a record play, can't remember life without cell phones or dvd's, nor a time when he didn't have a computer or Google at his disposal. It is through innovation, creativity, and art that we are able to have these things in our lives.
Unleash your creative spirit. Draw the sunsets that are only in your mind. It doesn't matter if you have succeeded in art or failed in art - what matters is that you have art in your life.

Check Us Out!

2010-03-04T11:53:00.003-07:00

Well - if Mother Nature started Spring early in Utah County - I think it's only fitting that we do a little bit of Spring Sprucing here at the Covey Center. During February, Danae and other employees worked very long and hard to update the look of our website - and doesn't it look fabulous?! I also changed the blog - a little - to come a little bit closer to being as cool as our new website.

We hope you come and see us in person at the Covey Center. We have a lot of fun events coming up: Vocal Point, Utah Valley Symphony and the Amazing Young Artists Concert, Premiere Brass, Utah Lyric Opera with Special Guest Lisa Hopkins Seegmiller, and many more! You'll never guess who will show up at the Covey.

The Legend is Back

2010-02-25T11:37:00.003-07:00

I am fortunate to live in Utah County where I can wake up every morning to the gorgeous vista of Mount Timpanogos. When I first moved here I was told of the Legend of Timpanogos and how you could see a maiden on top of the mountain if you looked hard enough. This Indian maiden, in a Romeo and Juliet fashion, leap to her death so that she could be with her "Romeo" forever. And although the legend has many versions, each one tells a little bit of the lives of two individuals so madly in love with one another that the Great Spirit allowed them to remain together forever.
In their 30th year as Utah County's premier professional ballet company (one of two professional ballet companies in Utah), Utah Regional Ballet will present Legend of Timpanogos at the Covey Center for the Arts February 26-27, 2010. This local legend comes to life through original music and stunning choreography. A Utah Valley Tradition, Legend of Timpanogos is requested as much as The Nutcracker according to Utah Regional Ballet's Artistic Director, Jackie Colledge. This is one family tradition you don't want to miss. Tickets for this production are $16-$20 and can be purchased through the Covey Center Ticket Office.

Part 1

2010-02-24T12:20:00.004-07:00

I've decided to write a multi-part series on why we have some of the rules we have here at the Covey Center. This series is in response to stories or questions that have been mentioned in staff meetings (yes, we talk about everything...)

Part 1 OR Why It Seems As Though The Covey Center Hates Small Children:

a. We do not hate small children.
b. Children make noise. It is generally pretty cute - unless you are grocery shopping and your child is screaming at the top of his or her lungs or you are watching a performance. Many times your child will be disrupting you, the people around you, and the performers themselves. You have purchased your ticket as have the people around you. Leave your child at home with a babysitter and you and your neighbor will be getting their money's worth.
c. Theatre productions are loud. Dance concerts are louder. Prolonged exposure to high decibels can permanently damage your child's hearing. When you tell your child somethinging, you want them to pretend not to hear you - you don't want them to actually not be able to hear you.
d. Shows often last longer than a child's attention span. When their attention span runs out, so may your sanity. They might start talking, get fidgety, want to run around, scream, start biting, pester their older siblings (I would know, I'm the oldest), etc. When children run around in the theatre, the distract those around them. If someone were to need to leave in the middle of the performance, they may run your child over as the theatre is dark. I'm sure that neither you, your child, nor the random stranger want to deal with the aftermath of a mid-show collision.
e. We do not hate small children, but it is better to for them (and the economy*) to stay at home and play with the babysitter.

If you don't know if you should bring your child, please follow the guidelines below:
1. Call the Ticket Office (801-852-7007) to see if your child meets the age requirements. If your child doesn't meet the age requirements, both of you will not be allowed in the theatre.
2. Find out how long the performance will last. If you don't think your child can sit still the whole time, it's best to leave them at home. This information can be found on our website or by calling our ticket office.
3. When in doubt, throw it out... no, wait, that is for leftovers... If you don't think that your child will have a good time, they probably won't and neither will you. Support your local babysitter and leave them at home.

*How hiring a babysitter supports the economy: They take their money and spend it on movies, music, or save it for college. They in turn support everyone involved with making movies, music, or better the world around them. By hiring one babysitter - you may just save the world. Just something to think about.

Holiday Hours

2009-12-23T14:15:00.002-07:00

To allow our employees more time with their families over the holidays, the Covey Center will be observing the following hours:

Thursday December 24th - CLOSED
Friday December 25th - CLOSED
Saturday December 26th - CLOSED -- Thrillionaires have canceled their performance
Sunday December 27th - CLOSED (We are not open on Sundays anyway...)
Monday December 28th - OPEN with Special Holiday Hours: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Tuesday December 29th - OPEN with Special Holiday Hours: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Wednesday December 30th - OPEN with Special Holiday Hours: 10 a.m. - 2 .m.
Thursday December 31st - CLOSED
Friday January 1st - CLOSED (Gallery Stroll will be held January 8th 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.)
Saturday January 2nd - CLOSED - Thrillionaires have canceled their performance
Sunday January 3rd - CLOSED - which is normal...
Monday January 4th - OPEN with normal business hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

From all of us at the Covey Center, we hope that you and your kin have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

See you in 2010!

STOMP! Ticket explaination...

2009-12-23T13:36:00.003-07:00

For those of you who are still trying to get tickets for Stomp! there is still hope. As per our contract with the Stomp touring company, we are required to hold a number of seats for the company's use. There is a good chance that they will not use all of these tickets and they have given us permission to sell these tickets to the general public 48 hours prior to each performance.

What this means for you... on Saturday January 9 at 10 am- a limited number of seats will be available for sale for the January 11 show. Again on Sunday January 10th at 10 am - another set of tickets will be available for the January 12th show. Same with Monday January 11 - tickets for the January 13th show will be available...

These tickets will ONLY be available through our website at www.coveycenter.org

If you don't feel like you want to risk it - check Craigslist or KSL, some of our ticket office employees have spotted tickets for sale there, this is also not a guarantee, but... whatever... These options are at your own risk. We are not responsible for any fraudulent sales on outside websites or second-hand buyers.

If you have further questions, please contact our ticket office at 801-852-7007. Please note that we will have limited hours during the holidays.

Those Blinky Lights

2009-12-10T16:32:00.003-07:00

As you drive by the Covey Center - you will see a new display outside... That's right - Blinking Christmas Lights! In celebration of this Holiday Season - Provo City has put together a new light display that dances to holiday music. As you stop by, turn your radio to 107.1 FM to listen to the music.

Speaking of dancing (insert segue here...), The Nutcracker is back! Utah Regional Ballet will present The Nutcracker December 12, 17-19, 21-22. Tickets range $16-$26. Continue (or start) your family tradition with this beloved classic this year at the Covey Center.

The Nicest Kids in ... the Covey Center!

2009-11-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

"Who needs to read and write, when you can dance and sing?" Not only can the men of BYU's Vocal Point dance and sing, but they can dance and sing AT THE SAME TIME! Oh my heck! (oh, and I understand that they can read and write too... but I am not sure if they can read, write, dance, and sing all at the same time...)

Vocal Point will have their first public solo concert (a solo concert with 9 singers...) for the 2009-2010 season this weekend Friday November 20th and Saturday November 21st here at the Covey Center. (So if you have tickets for the BYU vs. Air Force game on Saturday - you can go to the performance the night before. We are just looking out for our BYU fans!)

Many of their hits include: Michael Buble's "Home," Michael Jackson's "Thriller," and "I Wish" by Stevie Wonder.

When you come see Vocal Point this weekend - you will see why they are the "Nicest Kids in Town."

P.S. If you can name the musical that the lyric is from (without the help of the internet...) you are truly a Vocal Point Fan! Pat yourself on the back!

Take that Swine Flu!

2009-11-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

I read a posting on the internet where a guy asked his girlfriend, after both of them were recovering from swine flu, if she wanted to "get together and eat bacon for revenge!" Of course it made me laugh - but then I thought about the ways that the Covey Center is working to combat this year's germ season and get revenge on those nasty germs.

1. If employees exhibit signs of the flu, they are sent home immediately. They will not be able to return until they are symptom free for 24 hours.
2. Every day, while the security people are being securitish (securiticious?), they will be going around around and disinfecting everything that is touched by the public and performers.
3. We keep hand sanitizing solution available at the box office for employees and patrons.
4. During this busy holiday season, it is easy to get stressed. We intend to have fun in order to ward off the damaging effects of stress. We think it is a good idea to come to the Covey Center to have fun with us too!

We are doing all that we can to ward off Cold and Flu germs - but we need your help in the fight! If you feel that you are sick with the flu, please stay home. You can exchange your seats for another night - just call the box office before 5 p.m. the night of your show and they will exchange your tickets (if possible) to another night.

Please cough or sneeze into your elbow. Not only will this prevent you from spreading germs when you high-five your seat neighbor, but you can clap at the same time as sneezing! Try it sometime, you'll look funny doing it but you will amuse your friends ;)

Get plenty of rest. This will this help your immune system and it will help keep you from falling asleep during a performance - because nothing is more awkward that drooling on your date's shoulder (or even the stranger next to you)!

Drink plenty of liquids. I'm not sure what this does, but I heard somewhere that it flushes out your system - whatever that means. And just to help you out with your liquid consumption, the box office sells bottled water.

Can you think of anything else to fight germ war? Do it! Tell us your great ideas!

If you try not to get us sick - we will try not to get you sick either. And remember: "Germs are Not for Sharing!" Deal? Deal.

The Velociraptor Comes to the Covey Center

2009-10-30T20:57:00.000-06:00

No, not THAT velocirapter! It's Jason Hewlett! Former BYU basketball player turned Las Vegas Impersonator brings family-friendly comedy to Provo on Friday November 6, 2009. This non-stop laughter show will have you grabbing tissues. From the velociraptor, to Alvin and the Chipmunks, to Elton John -- Jason has it all! (Including my favorite - face exercises - so you too can make crazy faces just like Jason!)

Tickets are still available for this concert which will include a live band! Jason Hewlett is the 2nd show in the 2009-20010 Mayor's Series for the Performing Arts. Visit our website to purchase tickets.

Black and White!

2009-10-24T15:13:00.000-06:00

"What do you get when you cross a vampire with a snowman?" Answer: "Frostbite!" How about "What do you get when you cross Bambi with a ghost?" Give up? Answer: "Bamboo!" One more: "What do you get when you cross a vampire, mummy, and Frankenstein?" Answer: "A really fun weekend at the Covey Center!" The Covey Center will host its first annual "Black and White Halloween Film Festival" October 29-31, 2009. Each night will feature a different Universal Pictures' Monster. Thursday we will meet The Mummy with Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955) and The Mummy (1932). Friday night is Frankenstein night with Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) and Frankenstein (1931). We will finish the weekend off with Dracula and Bela Lugosi in Dracula (1931) and Son of Dracula (1943). On Thursday and Friday, the first show will start at 7:00 p.m. and the second will begin 8:30. On Halloween, Dracula will begin at 8:00 p.m. (to give you plenty of Trick-or-Treat time!). Each night is $6 for both movies! So grab a date and come on down!

There's more! At 12:00 p.m. on Saturday October 31 there will be a FREE matinee of Hold That Ghost with Abbott and Costello. Following the film - the kids will be released (along with their parents) along Center Street for the annual Trick-or-Treat to the Downtown Provo businesses.

But wait - there's even more!!!! During the intermission (or break between movies) we will be giving away free tickets! 2 tickets to 13 shows, including Stomp!!! That's right, 2 free tickets to Stomp EACH NIGHT!! Come to all 3 nights for more chances to win!

Tickets can be purchased online at www.coveycenter.org, by phone: 801-852-7007, or in person at 425 W. Center Street, Provo. See you there!

6 Degrees of Separation at the Covey Center

2009-09-29T11:29:00.000-06:00

In 1929 - a Hungarian Short Story Novelist wrote that two individuals could be connected to one another through 5 people. This belief has brought us Facebook (and similar networking services), games, films, plays, and songs. So I want to play a little game of "The Six Degrees of Separation- Covey Center Style."

Covey Center and Kevin Bacon:
Covey Center hosted Kenny Loggins. Kenny Loggins sang the lead song in Footloose. Footloose starred Kevin Bacon.

Covey Center and Donny Osmond:
This one has three different directions -
1. Marie Osmond practiced her piece for "Dancing with the Stars" in our studios. Marie is Donny's Brother.
2. Brandon Osmond performed (and won) the MormonTimes Showcase in March 2009. Brandon is the son of Donny...
3. David Osmond has performed, and will perform a solo concert on November 14, 2009, at the Covey Center. David is the son of Allan, who is the brother of Donny.

Covey Center and David Archuleta:
Kendra Lowe performed at the Covey Center. Kendra was a backup artist for David on tour...

David made a special guest appearance September 28, 2009 at the Kendra Lowe Concert!!!!!
That's right. The Covey Center is only one step away from David Archuleta!
You too can play this game at home. Just think of the Covey Center and a performer and try to connect the dots. You can see these performers and more at the Covey Center. Just check out our website -- you never know who might show up or who might be famous soon!

Do you have any connections? Let us know! And stay tuned for more information and pictures from the Kendra Lowe Concert.

That New Light Smell...

2009-08-26T11:48:00.000-06:00

Thanks to a grant from the Department of Education, the Covey Center has NEW LIGHTS!!!!!!!!!! In order to keep up with the changing of technology and many of the requirements of the Mayor's Series the Covey Center has purchased new lights.

Dan, the technical director, is like a kid at Christmas! (Chris, one of the technicians, said he would be very disappointed if he got lights for Christmas -- but not Dan!)

Now is a great time to see a show at the Covey Center and to check out our new and improved lighting system!

Melodrama Feedback!

2009-08-20T14:12:00.000-06:00

We got some great feeback from the dinner theater so far. Thanks to everyone who has come and enjoyed the dinner and the Thrilionaires show. And thanks to our hard-working staff for cooking all that delicious food. Yum!

Here's what some of our guests have said:

"It was all great!"

"It was all very fun and delicious. Keep it up!"

"Great improv - wonderful food. We'll come again!"

"Food and funny, awesome, spectacular show! You all rock!"

"The atmosphere was so fun! Do another one!"

"It was great! Thanks for a truly enjoyable night!"

"It was all wonderful! Dinner was delicious and the drama was delightful!"

"So much wholesome fun!"

"Very fun! Good food! Lots of fun!"

"I loved the improv songs! Hilarious! The whole thing was wonderful! Keep going!"

""It was fun. Up close and personal. A great value for the money. Loved being onstage."

Thanks again to everyone who has come and enjoyed dinner with the Covey Center. And we can't wait to see the rest of you!

Don't forget, due to popular demand another show has been added for Saturday night, August 22nd! If you didn't get tickets yet and you want to attend this amazing night of dinner and theater, get your tickets now before they sell out.

Dinner and Drama

2009-08-12T10:01:00.000-06:00

"Help Me! Help Me!" The cries of a damsel in distress are barely heard over noise of the gathering crowd. The token masked villain (complete with a mustache and black top hat) carries our poor damsel away. And just when all hope is lost, a man on a shiny white horse appears. Does this story seem familiar? Every summer, theaters across the West perform these classic Melodramas. For many, it was family tradition to go to Jackson Hole or Bear Lake and see actors play out these fun stories of the evil villain (where the audience would shout "BOO!"), the damsel in distress ("Oh, No!), and the hero ("Hooray")!

Now this family tradition comes to the Covey Center August 18-21st!

The Covey Center Staff has joined up with the resident improv troupe, The Thrillionaires, to bring you a dinner theatre experience you won't want to miss! With tables set-up on the main stage at the Covey Center, audience members will experience theatre up close and personal! Prepared by our soon-to-be-famous cooks, Deann Morin and Gaye Cook (her name says it all...), this great Western dinner will include roast beef, Dutch oven potatoes, beans, salad, homemade root beer and rich chocolate brownies. And after dinner - The Thrillionaires will come out on stage and improvise a melodrama with the help of the audience. With dinner starting at 6:30 and the damsel-in-distress rescued around 8:30 - these are 2 hours you won't want to miss.

Tickets are $15 a person and must be purchased at least 24 hours in advanced. You may purchase your tickets at the box office Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., over the phone at 801-852-7007, or online at www.coveycenter.org

Whether it has been a family tradition for years or you looking to start a new tradition - come and have Dinner and a little bit of Drama with us!

July 4th

2009-07-01T17:46:00.000-06:00

I can't help feeling a little bit patriotic this time of year. Its the time when we can reflect on the events that have happened in our lives that make us who we are today. They may be great big events - or maybe just a lot of little things that has made all of the difference. It might have been something that you yourself have done, or something that your ancestors did for you. Paul Sweeney wrote: "How often we fail to realize our good fortune in living in a country where happiness is more than a lack of tragedy." Even with uncertainty looming all around us - we can do all we can now to take charge of our future and to help those that will go behind us.

May everyone have a good and safe Fourth of July weekend.

The Covey Center will be open July 2-3 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. There are no events scheduled July 4th. We will reopen Monday July 6th with regular hours. If you wish to purchase tickets while the box office is closed - feel free to purchase them online through our website.

Staff Meeting

2009-05-18T14:25:00.001-06:00

I just came from our weekly staff meeting where we welcomed back our fearless leader, Paul, from a week-long vacation in California. Our staff members are known for their pranks - before you leave on vacation, beware: your office will not be the same when you return. When he came in this morning, he found the glass office transformed with aquatic images... enhancing the already fish bowl appearance.

We let him off easy this time, as before, when he went to California and was there during an earthquake, he came back to a disaster zone of an office that was roped off and had tiles falling from the ceiling.

In the meeting, we discuss various facets of the building and events. It came to the attention of our community outreach director, Kathryn, that for some time, Paul has been signed up for our Middle Eastern belly dancing class, but has yet to pay. After missing three weeks of said class, she thought she would let him know how important attendance is at the Covey Center :)

Volunteers Needed!

2009-05-18T12:13:00.001-06:00

Saturday, June 6^th, the Provo Arts Council is holding their 27^th Annual Children’s Celebration of the Arts (CCOTA). This event provides opportunities for children to experience a wide variety of activities in the arts.

The Provo Arts Council depends on over 300 volunteers to make this event a success. No artistic skills are necessary. Volunteers will be given instructions on how to make simple arts and crafts that they can help the children create. There will be 1-3 volunteers per booth. We are looking for volunteers between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 12:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. We ask that volunteers commit to at least one shift. To volunteer, please call (801) 852-7013 or email coveycenter1@gmail.com. The CCOTA takes place at Pioneer Park in Provo (500 West Center Street).

The Arts Council anticipates over 30 booths this year, each inviting children to release their “creative powers” with a variety of arts and crafts. Activities include face painting, jewelry making, origami and much more. There will also be various entertainment and guest artists. The event welcomes children of all ages, and most activities are geared toward children between ages three and twelve.

Check it out:

2009-05-07T11:11:00.000-06:00

The Covey Center's current exhibit, "A Plethora of Photographs," was featured in the Daily Herald's UV Review this week. Copy and paste the link below to check out the great quotes by our fabulous photographers:

http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/308118/137/

Dear Tyla,

2009-04-29T10:53:00.000-06:00

Congratulations on your graduation from BYU! We are so proud of your accomplishments. While you were celebrating with your family, we cleaned the backstage and dressing room areas. Yes, it wasn’t on the to-do list, it just sort of happened. You see while we were backing down a truck to unload for a production - the truck driver decided he knew what he was doing and took the ramp a little too fast. Mind you this wasn’t just a pick-up truck, but a giant box truck. Despite numerous attempts to get the driver’s attention he sped right through into a fire sprinkler head. With the damage to the pipe and surrounding vent - the sprinkler went off, all over Dan.

The broken sprinkler skewing water in the tunnel.

The fire department was called and some very nice policemen came by to help us get the 3 inches of water off the carpet and backstage area. We were able to get the carpets cleaned, the water out, and the plastic folding chairs dried off. So if anyone asks, we clean the backstage often and keep our chairs very clean. Don’t worry; Pam took lots of pictures for you as she got wet, but you are worth the sacrifice.

The firemen who helped save us.

Well, we are glad you had fun with your family. Sorry you missed the cleaning party we had on Saturday; we will try to invite you next time.

Love,

The Covey Center Technical Staff

Workshop for Students

2009-04-08T15:16:00.000-06:00

Calling all high school students! We are offering an amazing opportunity to get hands-on experience with sound and lighting for the theater. At an all day workshop, you'll learn about sound for concert and theater and lighting for film, television and theater. Our instructors have taught at BYU, UVU and Utah State. At the end of the night, the students will be set loose and run all technical for a live performance in the main hall and will meet local professionals in the industry. This all day workshop is only $75, but students are able to apply for a $25 scholarship.

Go, Dog. Go!

2009-03-31T11:30:00.000-06:00

Don't forget to get your tickets to see "Go, Dog. Go!" - There's only two nights of this performance.

Help Save Children’s Celebration of the Arts

“Go, Dog. Go!” Proceeds go Toward Annual Children’s Celebration

(PROVO, Utah) BYU Young Company’s production of “Go, Dog. Go!” opens March 31 at the Covey Center for the Arts. Based on the beloved book by P.D. Eastman, “Go, Dog. Go!” is theatre for young audiences that brings you dogs that drive, work and even play baseball!

Proceeds from this event will go to help support the annual Provo Children’s Celebration of the Arts. Now in its 27th year, Children’s Celebration is dealing with the common fiscal realities of shrinking budgets and higher costs. However, the benefits of this Provo City tradition make it important to continue.

“Children’s Celebration enables children to have a hands-on experience with many different types of art that helps develop both the left and right sides of the brain,” said Kathryn S. Allen, Covey Center community outreach director. “And more than that, Children’s Celebration is just plumb, plain fun—a great event for the whole family!”

Participant at Children's Celebration 2008

Come support this community tradition, and enjoy a fun night of entertainment. “Go, Gog. Go!” opens March 31 and runs through April 1 at the Covey Center for the Arts. Performances begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 and are available at the Covey Center ticket office (open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) located at 425 W. Center St. in Provo, by calling 801-852-7007 or online at www.coveycenter.org.

Rock on Mormons! Rock on!

2009-03-20T11:39:00.000-06:00

The "Coolest Dad in the World" award goes to Donny Osmond for flying in yesterday afternoon for 20 minutes to watch his son's sound check for that evening's Mormon Times Showcase Concert Competition and immediately flying back out for a Las Vegas performance. It was the good luck charm that Brandon needed to win the $5,000 grand prize.

During sound check, Donny was the devoted dad and afterward he gave his well wishes to the technical crew. Actually, he came up behind Jenni, our star-struck scheduling coordinator and startled her when he grabbed her shoulders, asking her to take good care of his son. Jenni shook her head and immediately sent out a dozen text messages to a handful of star-obsessed friends and family who enjoy a good laugh: "Donny Osmond touched me!"

Disclaimer: Jenni thrives off of sarcasm and will do anything to make others laugh.

“Bye Bye Birdie” at the Covey Center

2009-03-18T11:26:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(PROVO, Utah) “Bye Bye Birdie” comes to the Covey Center for the Arts April 8 as part of the Mayor’s Series for the Performing Arts. This is a professional production by Windward Theatricals, a national touring company based in New York City.

With music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Lee Adams, this four-time Tony Award winning musical is one of the most captivating musical shows of our time. It tells the story of an Elvis Presley type singer, Conrad Birdie, who has been drafted. His agent, Albert and Albert’s secretary, Rosie, cook up a publicity stunt where Birdie will give an all-American farewell kiss to a typical teenage girl on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Kim McAfee, of Sweet Apple, Ohio is selected, although she has just become the steady of local boy Hugo. The arrival of Birdie in Sweet Apple causes people of all ages to swoon and the quiet little town to go into a spin.

Including musical theatre classics like “Put on a Happy Face,” “A Lot of Livin’ to Do,” and “Kids,” “Bye Bye Birdie” is a satire done with the fondest affection. It gives an insight into the everyday life that is very much part of us all.

“Bye Bye Birdie” is April 8 at the Covey Center for the Arts. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Individual tickets are $20 - $25 and are available at the Covey Center ticket office (open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) at 425 W. Center St. in Provo, by calling 801-852-7007 or online at www.coveycenter.org.

Vocal Point

2009-03-09T12:40:00.001-06:00

Last Friday and Saturday we had BYU's Vocal Point perform here. Two out of their three shows sold out! Congratulations, boys! For all who attended, they had a great run! And as our technical director said, this show was "One of the top three shows we've had at the Covey Center." You can view the entire performance on YouTube.

Happy Birthday Mr. President

2009-03-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

(Left to right) Pam, Lincoln, wifey, Chris

Provo City held a celebration in February for Abraham Lincoln's birthday. Our Covey Center technicians attended the event and they really got into it. They even had him autograph the photo.

Last Week to see "Polly"

2009-02-19T16:08:00.000-07:00

Don't forget that this weekend is your last opportunity to see "Polly" at the Covey Center! Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $10. We've heard nothing but good things about this performance.

2009-02-19T15:50:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Artists Not Affected by the Economy

“Tactile Song” Art Exhibit Opens at the Covey Center

(PROVO, Utah) “Tactile Song” exhibit opens at the Covey Center for the Arts March 6. This exhibit will display paintings and jewelry reminiscent of the surrounding Utah area by local artists Brittany Golden and Aaron Fritz.

As a silversmith artist, Golden finds the affect of the changing economy a benefit to her craft.

“I have started exploring other metals and non-traditional materials,” she said. “The possibilities are endless!”

"Island Park" by Aaron Fritz

She said that she finds much of her inspiration on mountain paths and slopes at Sundance Resort where she is the resident artist and silversmith instructor.

At first, she found the business daunting, but she advises other to “do what you love and the money will follow! Never lose faith, just because things don’t happen on your time frame doesn’t mean that they will never happen.”

She said the most challenging part of making a living out of jewelry design is becoming attached to her pieces. However, she has fun seeing others wear her work.

Golden has had her work featured in the Sundance Gallery and the Thanksgiving Point Art Institute Gallery.

“I recently observed someone complimenting someone else on a ring of mine that they were wearing and the person replied that it was their favorite ring,” she said. “Neither of them knew the artist was watching the interaction. Those moments are rewarding.”

Boulder Opal Reticulated Silver and Stone by Brittany Golden

Fritz said that when artists create, “In that creation they pour a little of their soul.” He finds inspiration from music, emotion and the great outdoors where he spends much of his time. Both Fritz and Golden said their work reflects what they listen to – as suggested in the title of the exhibit.

His paintings are contemporary impressionistic, with thick paint and deliberately evident brush strokes. There is a soft focus effect with no hard lines or edges. The overall feeling is almost dream-like. The colors are fresh and alive. Features are suggested rather than tightly rendered.

Fritz has had one-man shows in the Kimball Art Center, the Tierra Montana, the Coda Gallery, the Wasatch Frame and Artists and Heirlooms, as well as other shows in the Springville Spring Salon, Ogden Arts Festival, and a “sold out” show at the Park City 2005 Festival.

The opening reception for “Tactile Song,” is scheduled for March 6 from 6 - 9 p.m., and is free and open to the public. This exhibit will run from March 6 - 31. The Covey Center art gallery is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and admission is free. The Covey Center is located at 425 W. Center St. in Provo. Visit us online at www.coveycenter.org or call 801-852-2002 for more information.

###

2009-02-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

For all of you who can appreciate the technical aspect of theater, here are two of our sound guys looking at a light plot - they have no idea what they are doing. We thought this was a bit ironic.

American Idol

2009-02-05T14:37:00.000-07:00

For those of you haven't heard, David Osmond and Austin Sisneros were sadly cut from the running during the second day in Hollywood. We wish them both luck in their music careers and welcome everyone to the Covey Center Nov. 14 for a concert with David Osmond.

American Idol

2009-02-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

What would you do if you had a 50 foot screen and a projector? Play video games? Watch sports? Well, if you are at Covey Center for the Arts, you watch American Idol! That’s right, 50 feet of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi; the new judge… oh and of course our favorite American Idol hopefuls. Over 100 people joined us in watching America’s #1 show on February 3 for day one of Hollywood Week.

David Osmond performing with his band.

Winners and contestants of American Idol have won everything from an American Music Award to a Grammy, and even an Academy Award! Last year the runner-up was Murray’s own David Archuleta! This year’s hopefuls include David Osmond from Provo, and Austin Sisneros, from Riverton (and class president of Riverton High). And on the big screen we watched both David and Austin pass day one! To celebrate, both Austin and David performed for the pumped up crowd. Let me tell you, the concert was awesome. Both singers are a lot of fun to see perform, and I believe that they will do well in this year’s contest. I know that I am excited to watch every week and I, along with everyone at the concert, will be voting for our favorite Utahns as this season progresses!

American Idol hopeful Austin Sisneros.

I have to hand it to our technicians though, they made everyone look and sound great! After a short sound check with a few of the performers (the group Alpha Reign and singer Maddie performed before Austin took the mic and David took stage with his band – and not all of them were able to make it to the sound check), the technicians took to their boards and no one was the wiser about what little time they had to set everything up. Here at the Covey Center, the world is their stage and they make it ROCK! So congratulations to the tech crew, you deserve every accolade that you get!

American Idol hopeful David Osmond

- Jenni

“Polly,” a One-woman Musical

2009-01-26T14:09:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(PROVO, Utah) Reliving a lifetime of memories within the span of only two acts, Johanne Frechette Perry single-handedly brings audiences to their feet. The remarkable one woman musical “Polly,” in which Perry stars, opens at the Covey Center for the Arts Jan. 29.

Written by Cedar Hills composer and playwright Steven Kapp Perry for his wife, “Polly” is based on the life of Polly Matilda Merrill Colton, Steven's great-great-great-grandmother. The musical tells the story of the Merrill family’s conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, their experience crossing the plains, their settlement in Provo and the miracle of the seagulls devouring the crickets.

"The story takes place during the pioneer era," Steven said. "But Polly's story is the timeless human struggle to reconcile faith with the experiences of our lives, fighting through the day-to-day and ordinary to the larger vision. Plus, there's this cow she just can't seem to get rid of."

Originally, Steven tried creating a story for his wife from scratch. However, he came across his ancestor’s history while researching and immediately made a connection.

"The show was a gift to my wife,” Steven said. “Johanne is a world-class singer and actress and she'd turned down so many good roles for our family's sake.
“Polly” first appeared on stage at BYU and became an immediate hit. The musical went on to perform more than 120 times throughout the country from North Pole, Ala. to Phoenix to Atlanta.

“Johanne's delightful performance makes ‘Polly’ unforgettable,” said Laurie Sowby, reporter for the Daily Herald. “It all makes for a good mix of drama, laughs and solid entertainment as the actress easily conveys emotions, from excitement and enthusiasm to annoyance and frustration to misery and grief.”

“Polly” runs Jan. 29-Feb. 21 in the Covey Center for the Arts’ Brinton Black Box Theatre. Performances are every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening beginning at 7:30. Individual tickets cost $10 and are available at the Covey Center ticket office (open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) at 425 W. Center St. in Provo, by calling 801-852-7007 or by visiting www.coveycenter.org.

Introducing Jenni McCall, Scheduling Coordinator / Photographer Extraordinaire

2009-01-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

Jenni with her siblings (far right). Next to her is the brother whom she used to torture by posing him and taking photos... look at him now!

I bought my first camera when I was 11. It was about the same time that my parents announced that we were moving from our small town in the beautiful Pacific Northwest to a city in Pennsylvania. I mean, I couldn’t even spell Pennsylvania – how could I move there?! So I bought my camera to record images of my friends and the beautiful town that I was leaving behind. I continued to take pictures in Pennsylvania with that same camera. I took pictures of the carpet in our new home, because my friends in Washington would not believe that anyone would have carpet as ugly as the one in my house (light brown shag with dark brown stripes that resembled a day at the Monster Truck Rally – I am not kidding – I have the pictures to prove it!).

Our family grew in PA. I would think of fun poses to put my new little brother in and then take his picture. See, we are 12 years apart and I felt it was my duty as his older, much more creative sister, to use what subjects I had to explore the wide world of photography. I have this one picture of Evan sitting in a pile of all our stuffed animals (like the movie E.T.) screaming his head off. I wasn’t the only one who suffered for my art! (Don’t worry, I haven’t scarred him for life, he loves to have his picture taken – you should see his Facebook page, crazy kid…)

As the years passed, I continued to take pictures. My subjects have grown from torturing my little brother to places I have been and things I have seen. I love to travel and I love to say, “Have camera, will travel.” I will never turn down an opportunity to get out of Provo and explore what is around me. I love to take pictures of things that, if I were to explain to someone else what I saw, they would never believe me.

A few years ago in April my sister and I drove to Rexburg, Idaho so she could attend school. We stopped in Idaho Falls for dinner. I grabbed my camera and started to take pictures of the waterfalls and the Canadian Geese. It was spring and I was expecting to see the little goslings, but there weren’t any. Just as we were about to leave, my sister and I spotted THE GOSLINGS. There were 2 adults and a few (50 or so) little goslings. I am not kidding – I had to take a picture, because no one would believe me. It is one of my favorite pictures I have ever taken.

I have taken pictures from Washington State to Washington D.C. and many places in between. I focus on new things to improve my skills. Most recently I take pictures of events here at the Covey Center. I am so excited for my May gallery show that I am doing with my friends. It will bring in photographs from different views and experiences that we have all had. Even after the show, I hope to continue to capture those moments that no one would believe unless they saw the picture.

P.S. I look back on my time in Washington very fondly, but I definitely consider myself a Pittsburgher. Go Steelers!!

Thrillionaires with Kirby Heyborne DVD

2009-01-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

You can now purchase a DVD of The Thrillionaires with Kirby Heyborne Jan. 16 performance at our box office for $15!

Kirby/Thrillionaires performance

2009-01-21T16:55:00.001-07:00

Kirby Heyborne's performance with The Thrillionaires last week was one of the funniest shows they have ever had! The audience was great! The first act consisted of a play, never before performed nor practiced (due to its improv nature), and titled, "The Importance of Being Frenetic." The story opens with a young man and woman arguing, apparently breaking off their relationship. The man asks for the pendant back that he gave the woman, who gave it away to some stranger in the library who helped her reach a book on the highest shelf. This stranger turns out to be a young man named Frenetic (played by Kirby Heyborne), who's father urges him to "force to court." It ended with the birthrights of Frenetic being given away and the scorpion pendant being returned to the rightful owner.

The second act was a musical, again, never before seen or heard, titled, "Pale Blue Eyes." With the never before heard song, titled "Lights down Yonder." A young man returns from years of fighting the Huns in combat. His pale blue eyes identify him as a best friend and brother. Throughout the musical, his brother, with matching pale blue eyes, searches for him by scent. Both brothers are ashamed for the murders they caused and reunite together in this end with the help of this shared element.

The audience was welcomed up to the stage after the performance to take photos with the cast and Kirby.

Kirby is coming!

2009-01-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

Kirby Heyborne will be performing with The Thrillionaires this Friday (Jan. 16) in our main hall! We are all so excited! Check out the press release for this amazing event!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Thrillionaires to Feature Kirby Heyborne at the Covey Center

(PROVO, Utah) For one night only, entertainer and accomplished singer/songwriter Kirby Heyborne will appear with The Thrillionaires at the Covey Center for the Arts Jan. 16. This event is the fourth in the Mayor's Series for the Performing Arts, presented by Provo City.

Heyborne is best known for his roles in many LDS films, including his critically acclaimed role in the award-winning “Saints and Soldiers,” the lighthearted family comedy “The R.M.” and the award-winning comedy “Pirates of the Great Salt Lake.” He has had starring roles in ten features and two short films. Recently, Kirby was seen as a recurring character on the hit FOX sitcom "Free Ride."

As a musician, he released three solo albums, performed across the country and had songs featured in three films. Heyborne’s recently released album, "Merry White Tree in the Night," received rave reviews and will be featured in the holiday film, "Together Again for the First Time" in which he also stars.

“By the end of my 9th grade year, I was performing my original songs (along with plenty of Beatles covers) to groups of 40 or 50 people in my friend’s backyard,” Heyborne said. “This became a frequent event for the rest of my high school experience.”

Heyborne earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Utah and enjoys water and snow skiing, watching movies, writing songs, playing guitar and spending time with his wife and two children in Los Angeles. As a long-time friend of Thrillionaires members, Heyborne is pleased to join them for this special event.

For those not familiar with The Thrillionaires, cast members invite the audience to choose the plot and characters, and even contribute props for the performance. They then put together fully improvised musicals and plays, complete with accompaniment, all right before the audience’s eyes.

"There is something exhilarating about seeing performers improvise. There is an incomparable energy to it," said co-founder Maclain Nelson.

The Thrillionaires were created more than a year ago by Nelson and other local performance veterans Jacob Suazo, Hailey Smith and Brett Merritt, The Thrillionaires are what Smith calls “the perfect union of theater and improv.”

“It’s a style of entertainment that doesn’t exist here right now,” Suazo said. “People in Utah Valley want something smart and sophisticated but that is also clean and appropriate for any age.”

Do not miss this chance to experience the excitement, the humor and the fun of The Thrillionaires and Kirby Heyborne Jan. 16 at the Covey Center for the Arts! The performance begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12-$15 and are available at the Covey Center ticket office (open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) at 425 W. Center St. in Provo, by calling 801-852-7007 or online at www.coveycenter.org.

Welcome! Welcome!

2009-01-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

It's a new year and a new start. Enjoy our blog as we keep you updated with all the latest and greatest events. Check it out frequently for new events so you can be the first in line for tickets. We welcome your comments and insights!