A Far, Far Better Musical
By Casey Elliott
“It was the best of times, and it was the worst of times!” What a true statement, for almost any time! And what a brilliant writer (and actor) – Charles Dickens.
The year was 2008, and I was living in New York, rehearsing for the first Broadway tour of Aida in China. At the end of our last rehearsal before flying to China, one of the producers for Aida mentioned that he was also one of the producers for a new show called ‘A Tale of Two Cities’. I had heard of the book, but I had never read it and I didn’t know anything about the story. He mentioned that the show was in the last week of previews on Broadway and that he had some extra tickets for anyone who wanted to go. This was also when ‘In the Heights’ had just graced the Broadway stage and was getting every accolade in the book. Everyone else in the cast was planning on seeing ‘In the Heights’ that night and I was torn. I knew that ‘In the Heights’ was a critically acclaimed show, but I didn’t know anything about ‘A Tale of Two Cities’. I was leaning toward seeing ‘Heights’ with everyone else, but decided to consult a wiser power – my wife, Zerelda.
“Hey honey. Do you know anything about the ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ story?” (Long gasp from Zerelda) “I love ‘A Tale of Two Cities’.” This exclamation was followed by several minutes of the most enthusiastic appraisal of the story that Dickens himself could ever hope to hear. Needless to say, I was easily swayed and decided to go to ‘A Tale of Two Cities’.
Being an actor you sometimes watch other actors and productions with a more critical eye. You often watch the show from a more analytical perspective, rather than letting yourself get wrapped up in the emotion and story of the show. As I sat and watched the show, I had a very unique theater experience; I forgot about “watching a play” and was wrapped up in the story. I laughed, I cried, I was happy, I was sad – I was moved. By the end of the show, I was completely overcome by the story that had just been told. And I wasn’t the only one. As the curtain fell, there was a sort of reverence in the audience. People spoke in hushed tones, and many just sat in silence to absorb the moment. I sat next to a woman who summed it up perfectly. “That was beautiful”, she said softly.
Once outside the theater, I called my wife and said, “Zerelda. You nailed it on this show! It was absolutely incredible.” At that moment, I knew that I HAD to be in this show some day. When I heard that Hale was doing ‘Tale’ I turned to Zerelda and before I even said anything, she knew what I was going to say; and by the look in her eyes, she approved.
So, here we are, just a few weeks from the opening of the regional premier of ‘A Tale of Two Cities’. The rehearsal process has been exciting, challenging, exhausting, and uplifting. The cast is inspiring and is comprised of some of the finest actors and singers in Utah. I am certain this show will leave a lasting impression on those who see it.
