Hale Center Theater Orem — Attraction in Orem

Last evening I had the opportunity to attend Hale's production of Peter Pan. I was already pleased to attend as I have a past student in the cast and he had hinted as to the fun it would be. I always expect wonderful things from Dave Tinney (the Director) so I was particularly anxious and excited to see what unique and wonderful things would be done. Nothing could have prepared me for the more than fabulous time that I experienced. I have rarely laughed so much or had such an absolutely mesmerizing time. The cast was wonderful - well polished, focused, and excellent in their characters. The steampunk oriented costumes were dynamic and original with their contemporary and Victorian blend. The set was visually delightful and most useful without being overwhelming. The clever use of the box on wheels was particularly effective. All in all...a really wonderful production of what I have usually found in the past to be a somewhat tedious piece of musical theatre. Let me say that David Tinney, without question, is brilliant! He is an absolute genius at creating magic and mayhem, unique thinking, and everything inside and outside of the box when it comes to the world of theatre on Hale's postage stamp stage. I seriously have never laughed so hard as I did during the mermaid scene. David was inspired in his concept and direction of the entire show, but that scene was beyond anything wonderful and creative. The gentleman sitting next to me was laughing so hard he was crying and gasping for breath. If he had passed out I would not have been surprised, and I would have been no use to help him as I was nearly incapacitated with laughter myself. It was a scene that I will never forget. All in all I found the entire production a total theatre experience like we only occasionally have and one that I crave and cherish. I am sure everyone in the audience felt the same way. Children in the audience were laughing, but it was the adults who were most hysterical. What a gift you have given to us fortunate number who will see this charming and exhilarating show. Thank you Linda, Cody, Anne, Cody, David, and the entire staff, cast, and crew who made a night that I will always remember with great fondness and a real belly chuckle. ...

EDIT! Brooke the box office manager helped us with this situation. Offered a gift certificate or a refund. We appreciate that she took care of this. Still not certain we will buy tickets again, however glad this turned out better. Have adjusted my review to 3 stars. . .

Super Disappointed with the CUSTOMER SERVICE and HUMANISTIC attitude of this theater. I have been buying season passes and tickets for my family and friends as gifts for the last few years. Saturday we took two of our grandkids to Seussical (the production was fabulous) but as I pulled my tickets up - I noticed that I had actually purchased 6 tickets - not 4. (I purchased them in December when I was putting my father on hospice and forgot that we had purchased 2 extra tickets to figure out closer to the show) I talked to the staff at the front to see if there was anything that could be done and they didn't care at all . . . told me they could try to "sell" them and I could get my money back if someone bought them. I called the main office on Monday morning thinking that whomever was the manager - perhaps they could listen and help us because the show wasn't sold out and we had been long time supporters of this theater! I thought that with our history of support, and our human circumstance - maybe the manager could have a different solution. They just said sorry - not our problem we tried to "sell" them and since it is after the performance there is NOTHING that we can do. I will NEVER be buying tickets to use as gifts and in the future will go to a theater that actually CARES about its subscribers. . . an example of a theater that DOES care about regular customers is West Valley Performing Arts. Check out my review of...

The magic of the Hale Center Theater that once thrived in its Orem location seems to have vanished in its new Pleasant Grove venue. The space feels sterile and uninspired, reminiscent of a lecture hall at a modern university rather than a cozy, welcoming theater.

The seating arrangement is awkward, with many seats requiring you to turn to the side to view the stage. The cold, white walls lack warmth and charm, leaving you longing for the inviting ambiance of the previous location. Even the modern fireplace in the entry fails to create a sense of comfort, and the vast, unused lobby space feels more suited for business conventions than a theater experience.

It’s hard not to wonder: Was this DoTerra trying to make a statement? Who was behind the design choices? The intimate magic of sitting close to the stage and feeling the actors' energy has been lost.

After attending one show, I find myself dreading the next. The constant movement of the stage's up-and-down lift left me dizzy, and the awkward seating gave me a kink in my neck. The glaring walkway lights were distracting enough that I had to shield my eyes with my hand. To top it off, the once-charming touch of complimentary soda with season tickets is no longer offered.

Sadly, this new theater feels like a missed opportunity to preserve the charm and intimacy that made the Hale Center...