Hale Centre Theatre: Hale Centre Theatre to Ring in 2011 with a Classic Comedy and New Year's Eve Festivities

Dec. 31 Premier of “Born Yesterday” to Include Live Music, Production to be Interrupted for Midnight Countdown

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (Dec. 21, 2010)—Hale Centre Theatre, Utah’s premier family theatre, will debut the 1940s comedy “Born Yesterday” with a festive New Year’s Eve celebration.

The production, which runs Dec. 31, 2010, through February 5, 2011, will be performed at 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Just before midnight, a pre-selected audience member will interrupt the show to lead holiday revelers in a countdown, the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” and a short celebration before resuming the show.

Pre-show entertainment starts at 9:15 p.m. with music by the band Lokalgrown and refreshments provided by The Iron Gate Grill. Games, party hats and noisemakers will enhance the festive atmosphere of the party.

“This show is a perfect way to kick off the new season – it’s a big-hearted classic comedy that still rings true today,” said Sally Dietlein, HCT executive director. “‘Born Yesterday’ has an interesting political edge that is almost uncanny in its relevance to the issues of today. It’s smart comedy.”

“Born Yesterday” stars Harry Brock, a loud-mouth uncouth businessman who travels to Washington, D.C., to break into the “special interest” business with an ethically challenged senator. With his showgirl fiancé, Billie Dawn, in tow, he quickly realizes that her ignorance is hampering his business dealings. Brock hires reporter Paul Verrall to give the seemingly dim-witted blonde a crash course in politics, history and literature.

Written and first directed by Garson Kanin, the show was adapted into a successful 1950s film and later remade in 1993. Actress and comedian Judy Holliday debuted the role of Billie Dawn on Broadway and starred in the 1950s film. The role earned her a Tony nomination and the film version was honored by both the Academy Awards and Golden Glove Awards.

“Born Yesterday” is directed by long-time HCT veteran Tamara Adams and stars Zac Zumbrunnen and David Stensrud as Harry Brock; Kylee Bird and Jennie Richardson as Billie Dawn; Jeff Dickamore and Josh Richardson as Paul Verrall; Jon Baty and Jeffrey Whitlock as Eddie Brock and Neal Barth as Senator Norval Hedges. Additional credits include Leslie Warwood, costume design; Kacey Udy, set design; Dan Morgan and Spencer Brown, light design; Dan Morgan, sound design; Michelle Jensen, props; and Tammy Morgan, production assistant.

Nightly performances after the New Year’s Eve celebration are Monday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and run through Feb. 6, 2010, except the evening of Jan. 1, 2010 when the theatre will be closed in observance of New Year’s Day. Matinee performances are each Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Ticket prices are Monday through Thursday and matinees: adult $23, child (5-11 years) $15; Friday and Saturday evening shows: adult $26, child (5-11 years) $16. Tickets may be purchased online at www.halecentretheatre.org, via telephone at (801) 984-9000 or at the Hale Centre Theatre box office, 3333 South Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City, Utah.

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HCT to Ring In 2011 with a Classic