From the Director's Desk:

Well we are now down to about three weeks until our performance of The Other Wise Man by M. Ryan Taylor. As always I'm getting the pre-performance jitters, but that's to be expected. "Will the audience like it?" "The composer is going to be there...will he approve of this production?" You know, the typical stuff. The last production I directed (Dido and Aeneas) was nerve-racking, but I didnt' have the stress of the composer being in the audience. Henry Purcell died a LONG time ago. M. Ryan Taylor, on the other hand, is alive and well living in American Fork, Utah and HE'S COMING BOTH NIGHTS!!!!!

But enough of my personal fears...The cast is doing well. As with any show, we've hit some bumps, but thankfully, we've come over them virtually unscathed. My stage manager is ready to kill me. (She seems to think I expect a lot from her...Well, okay, I do.)

AUDITIONS - M. Ryan Taylor's The Other Wise Man

Auditions for the Utah/Idaho Performing Arts Company's production of M. Ryan Taylor's The Other Wise Man.

Sept 19 from 1 to 4 pm

Piano Gallery the Organ ("Lowry") Room

650 South State Street

Orem

Sept 22 from 7 to 9 pm (BY APPOINTMENT)

Joey's Home

Call for address

Midvale

Other times on the 20th and 21st may be available. Please call to schedule an appointment.

* Those auditioning MUST provide their own accompanist (or sing accapella). We will not provide an accompanist for you.

* Rehearsals will be limited. Music must be learned "on-your-own."

* We are unable to pay at this time.

* Singers will be responsible for obtaining their own music. (Music may be purchased here.)

* To schedule an audition for Sunday the 20th, Monday the 21st or Tuesday the 22nd, please contact Joey at 208.880.9515, 801.566.3426 or unipac150@gmail.com.

* If you have a headshot and resume, please bring a copy with you. (Or email with your appointment request.)

* Rehearsals will be held on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings in November. There will be one (or two) music rehearsals in October. There will be no rehearsal on Saturday, November 28th (Thanksgiving weekend). Tuesday, November 24th is still being decided upon.

* Performances will be held on Monday December 7th and Tuesday December 8th in Midvale at the Midvale Performing Arts Building.

* Tech/Dress Rehearsal will be held on Saturday December 5th (morning to afternoon)

The Other Wise Man

We are getting ready for our upcoming production of M. Ryan Taylor's The Other Wise Man. (Follow the link for more information about the opera.)

Auditions are tentatively scheduled for September 19th in Orem and Sept. 22 (confirmed date) in Midvale. For more information please call Joey at 801.566.3426 or email unipac150@gmail.com.

Cast requirements are a minimum of 1 tenor, 2 sopranos, 1 mezzo/alto, 1 baritone, 1 bass/baritone. (Most of the parts play multiple roles.) Depending on audition response, these roles may be divided. (Up to 15 singers!!)

The Other Wise Man : Synopsis

Scene 1, The Observatory : Artaban searches the heavens for the new star that will herald the birth of the King of Light. He attempts to persuade his fellow magi to join him on his quest, but is left to make the journey to Jerusalem alone.

Scene 2, The Wilderness : Artaban and his servant Vasda are stopped in their journey by the need to help a sick traveler. When the traveler awakes, he tells them to seek the Christ in Bethlehem.

Scene 3, Bethlehem : Artaban and Vasda arrive in Bethlehem too late. In order to save the child of Miriam from Herod’s soldiers, Artaban is forced to bribe a guard with one of his gifts, a precious ruby intended for the ‘King of Light.’

Scene 4, Egypt : Having scoured Egypt for traces of the child he seeks, Artaban is prepared to give up, but finds new hope in the words of a Rabbi.

Scene 5, The Damascus Gate : Artaban has grown old searching for his king, only to find him at Jerusalem in the hands of his enemies. Will Artaban be in time to offer up the last of his gifts, a precious pearl, as a ransom for his king’s life?