This is neither the first nor the last time the U’s Department of Theatre will shine on and backstage of a production by one of Utah’s beloved performing arts organizations, Salt Lake Acting Company.
From direction and choreography to set and lighting design and performing, U faculty, staff, students and alumni are playing integral roles in the cast and creative team for SLAC’s production of Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience by Mo Willems and Deborah Wicks La Puma.
"The partnership between the University of Utah’s Theatre Department and Salt Lake Acting Company is one of our most cherished,” says Cynthia Fleming, SLAC’s Executive Artistic Director. “It gives students the invaluable opportunity to perform on a professional stage, bringing them closer to their dreams, while professors and alumni showcase their exceptional talents. Together, they help make SLAC shine as the vibrant jewel it is in our community."
This rocking musical for young audiences is about Wilbur and all his fellow naked mole rats in The Tunnel who have always been, well... naked. Wondering what other possibilities are out there, Wilbur discovers a love for clothing and style. When word of his new passion turns The Tunnel upside down, he proves to everyone that there's no need to be just like everyone else. A special lesson and rock show all in one, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience has energetic songs, quirky characters, and a story unlike any other that will bring joy to both the young and the young at heart.
Who could be better to direct this high-energy children’s-book-turned-play than the inimitable Penelope Caywood, Adjunct Assistant Instructor in U Theatre and Artistic Director of the award-winning Youth Theatre a the U!? That’s a rhetorical question, because: nobody!
“Directing Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed at SLAC has been pure joy,” Caywood said. “Mo Willems gives us a story that is silly on the surface and honest at its core, and the rock-driven score lets us lean all the way into that spirit. Our school previews have shown us that kids love the big choices and bold music. They have tracked every detail and love being in on the fun.”
Caywood went on to say, that “When we treat YTU [Theatre for Young Audiences] with real care and creativity, young audiences meet us with curiosity, confidence, and laughter that shakes the building. I am grateful SLAC continues to champion work that invites kids into theatre as full participants, not afterthoughts.”
Veteran set designer and U Theatre Professor Gage Williams was responsible for setting the scene, and explained why this project, though complex, has been so smooth and productive.”
“Taking a popular children’s book and reimagining it for the stage is always a challenge, but in this case, the mole rats needed a tunnel,” he said. “Once I was able to solidify that visual idea, the set design came together quickly.”
Who’s involved from the U:
Penelope Caywood, Director
Bryce Romleski, Assistant Director/Assistant Choreographer (BFA, MTP '24)
Gage Williams, Set Designer
Jesse Portillo, Lighting Designer (BFA, PADP '24)
Tahra Veasley, Production Manager (BFA, SM '21)
Katie Lobrot, Cast (MTP, BFA ‘25)
Alexa Shaheen, Cast (MTP, 4th year)
Sophie Jean White, Cast (ATP, BFA ‘23)
Matthew Tripp, Cast (MTP, BFA ‘22)
Joseph Paul Branca, Cast (ATP)
Show information:
Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience
Playwright Mo Willems & Deborah Wicks La Puma
Director Penelope Caywood
Salt Lake Acting Company168 West 500 North Salt Lake City, UT 84103
Show dates: December 5 – 30
Running Time 50-minutes
