Murray Arts in the Park heats up for summer

Murray Arts in the Park continues to sizzle with a wide variety of activities. Registration for the summer drama camps or tickets for the evening series can be purchased at the Murray Parks Office or at the gate 45 minutes before the show. Tickets will also be available at Day Murray Music for The Wizard of Oz.   “Ballet Under the Stars,” presented by the Ballet Centre in Murray, will run July 15-16 at 8:30 p.m. It features a variety of classical and contemporary pieces, including Russian Dance from Swan Lake, Divertissments featuring solos from famous ballets, and Matryoshka Dolls, a traditional folk dance from Russia.  The original ballet, Snow White, choreographed by artistic director Michelle Armstrong, will conclude the evening. Tickets are $8 adults and $6 children and seniors.  

“The Wizard of Oz” runs July 28-30 and Aug. 1-3, all shows at 8 p.m. in the Murray Park Amphitheater. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance at the Karaoke Shop at Day Murray Music, and at the Parks and Recreation office. Group tickets can be arranged by calling 801-571-3223. Gates open at 7 p.m.

One of the most beloved children's musicals on the screen and the stage, Dorothy and Toto will encounter a host of fascinating characters as they make their way down the Yellow Brick Road. A Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion accompany them to the Emerald City as they all seek an opportunity to meet the great and powerful Oz whom they believe has the power to grant their greatest wishes. Witches - both good and wicked - along with Flying Monkeys, tiny Munchkins, and others will help and hinder them in their quest for finding the wizard.  A large cast will sing and dance to such popular songs such as "Over the Rainbow," Ding Dong the Witch is Dead," the Lollypops Guild," "Follow the Yellow Brick Road," and many more.  Produced with permission by Tams-Witmark and with funding assistance by Salt Lake County ZAP, Stephen Schmid directs the show with Susan  Thompson as music director, Kara Black choreography, and Gary Jensen as orchestra director.  Cast members include Jen Chapmen as Dorothy, Trevor Joseph Blair as the Cowardly Lion, CJ Strong as Scarecrow, Toren Jensen as Tin Man, Marilyn Galloway as Glinda, and Allison Jensen as the Wicked Witch of the West.  

The free Lunch Concerts Series held every Tuesday at noon in Murray Park Pavilion #5 will feature Lucarelli Flander Guitar and Sax Duo (July 19), American Irish Trio (July 26), and concluding with Usual Suspects (Aug. 2).  The free Children Matinee Series held every Friday at 2 p.m. at the Murray Park Pavilion #5 will feature Puppet Players presentation of The Treasure Chest (July 15), Premier Productions music and dance (July 22), Magic N' Storytelling by Carol Esterreicher (July 29), and concluding with Polkatonics (Aug. 5). The free Family Night Series held the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Senior Center outdoor plaza will feature Kevin Flynn and the Svengali Jazz Quartet (Aug. 8). They combine the swing and groove of jazz with the rollicking spirit of traditional Irish music to get everyone's toes tappin' and fingers snappin'. Kevin has created a unique style of playing the soprano saxophone that mimics the sound of the Irish bagpipes.

Summer Drama Camps will begin Aug. 2 in Murray Park Pavilion #2. Under the direction of instructor Wendy Smedshammer, enjoy an introductory theater experience in improvisation, singing, storytelling, vocal exercises, actors warm-ups, drama games, creative problem solving, teamwork, auditioning (for older students), and stage presence. At the end of each session, there will be a presentation by the actors for family and friends.  Camps for children ages 9-14 will run two weeks, Monday through Friday, from 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 2-12.  Camps for children ages 5-8 will run one week, Aug. 8-12, from 11 a.m. to noon.