By Nicole Kimzey
The premiere of any show is exciting and brings an extra dose of energy with it. That is the case with the Hurricane Valley Theatrical Company’s southern Utah premiere of “Ghost the Musical,” based on the 1990 hit film of the same name starring Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze.
Kyle Myrick, who is the company’s artistic director as well as the director of the show, is enthusiastic about bringing “Ghost the Musical” to audiences who might not be familiar with it.
“Many people do not know the movie was made into a musical, but for those who do, they will be running to the theater to see it.”
The story centers on longtime couple Sam and Molly who are happily in love and living together in Brooklyn. Walking back to their apartment one night, they are mugged at gunpoint, and Sam is murdered. Sam then becomes trapped between this world and the next as a ghost, unable to leave Molly — who he quickly learns is in grave danger. He enlists the help of a storefront psychic named Oda Mae Brown as he tries to communicate with Molly in the hope of protecting her.
To the delight of many, The Righteous Brothers’ classic “Unchained Melody,” which was famously used in the movie, remains in the stage version of “Ghost.” In addition to that classic are a host of other songs that audiences will fall in love with. The songs range from ballads to the show-stopping numbers of Oda Mae Brown, played by Demyia Browning.
Browning said her initial attraction to the show came from listening to the soundtrack.
“Oda Mae is a very out-there character. Her numbers are very high energy, and it has been quite an experience to play her.” While the music was the initial attraction, her favorite part of the show is being directed by Kyle Myrick and working with Chance Steglich (Sam) and all the other incredibly talented cast members.
This is Steglich’s second production with the Hurricane Valley Theatrical Company, having played Radames in last year’s “Aida.” This time around, he is playing the lead role of Sam, and according to Steglich, it’s not easy filling Patrick Swayze’s shoes.
“Playing an iconic role like that creates a lot of pressure,” Steglich said. “Some people feel strongly about how it should be done, but I do think people will come and genuinely enjoy the show.”
The part of the production that Steglich has enjoyed the most has been the people he has been working with.
“I have really loved the way this production has been directed and how amazing the cast is,” he said. “They have truly blown me away! Demyia has amazing energy, both actresses that play Molly are remarkable, the dancing is incredible, the ensemble … all of it blows me away! Some people might not expect this much talent in Hurricane, but this show is amazing.”
Many people look for a spooky kind of ghost this time of year, but Hurricane Valley Theatrical Company is betting that their “Ghost” will upstage all the others, please audiences, and become a fan favorite.
“Ghost the Musical” runs every Friday, Saturday, and Monday Oct. 6–28 at 7 p.m. with Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. Performances will be at The Hurricane Fine Arts Center at 92 S 100 W in Hurricane. For tickets, visit hurricanetheatrical.com or call (435) 668-9753.
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