26 | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | A&E
Qsaltlake.com |
Issue 294 | FEBRUARY 14, 2019
SLAC presents ‘The Cake’: will a gay marriage get a piece of the American pie? Salt Lake Acting Company, a leading Utah destination for brave, contemporary theater, presents the Utah premiere of The Cake by Bekah Brunstetter (writer/ producer on NBC’s This is Us). The timely socio-political dramedy, ripped from the headlines, opens at SLAC after successful runs throughout the country, and concurrent with a run Off-Broadway in New York. The premise of The Cake regards Della, a woman who is the best baker in her politically red North Carolina town, who is faced with a decision that pits her Christian faith against family. Will she bake a wedding cake for two women – one of whom is as close as a daughter? A refreshing examination of both sides of a passionate debate, The Cake has already charmed theatergoers around the country. In a recent review on theatremania.com, “Brunstetter builds relatable characters whose pasts inform their present decisions so that audiences can
q scopes FEBRUARY BY SAM KELLEY-MILLS
ARIES March 20–April 19
There is not much activity going on and boredom has a way of creating false problems to worry about. Avoid creating conflict with others and keep perceptions in check. Not everyone is out to get you, so take a moment to enjoy the lack of drama. Alone time works when imagination is used.
TAURUS Apr 20–May 20
Someone you work with is feeling down. Do something to help perk them up. Your capacity to satisfy is abundant. Be cautious of providing too much help to someone you don’t like much. They may develop excessive expectations. It helps to be good at what you do, but don’t compromise.
GEMINI May 21–June 20
How you react to an intense person can have a long lasting effect. Don’t fear taking action but be careful. A fight may cause pain and
comprehend why the characters react in their manner.” In a July 2018 interview, Brunstetter explained her inspiration for writing The Cake. “I see both sides of this issue and couldn’t have written the play if I couldn’t see both sides. My parents share the same beliefs as this baker, so I can’t turn my back on it. And I can’t turn off my empathy, so I’m stuck trying to figure out what to do.” The production continues SLAC’s commitment to bringing cutting-edge new plays, many of which have explored queer issues and how they relate to religion, to Utah audiences. “When I first read The Cake, I was charmed by its quirky writing and the incredible love I felt for these characters,” said SLAC’s Executive Artistic Director Cynthia Fleming. “This is Us turned the network family drama format on its head. Bekah’s writing in The Cake does the same for contemporary stage drama.
pain can spread. A personal matter should keep it close to home. There is confusion regarding a family matter. By sorting things out, gratitude will come.
CANCER June 21–July 22
It is a happy time. Passions rise and so do you. Don’t let others snow on your parade. It might become necessary to put someone in check, so stay calm and do so. An important person will ask for some help regarding an issue that makes you uneasy. Smile, nod, but move them right along.
LEO July 23–August 22
An abundance of opportunity can open doors but remember to prove your worth. There is always someone to compete with. Balance modesty and pride to look your best. Cheer and satisfaction can come in the form of non-verbal communication, leading to some very pleasing associations.
VIRGO August 23–Sep. 22
Priorities are good to have, don’t allow them to trap you in a method that isn’t working. Adapt and do what the moment requires. A relationship is in trouble. Take time
“It’s a play with incredible heart, and a successful new work in that it holds a mirror up to an extremely timely issue in a well-balanced manner.When looking for plays for our 48th season, my goal was to find uplifting works that wouldn’t leave our audiences feeling isolated in their own viewpoints, and most importantly, to encourage empathy for the world around us.” The Cake runs through March 10 at Salt Lake Acting Company, 168 W. 500 North, Salt Lake City. Tickets available via tickets.saltlakeactingcompany.org, in person at the SLAC box office, or by calling 801-363-7522. Q
to simply enjoy this person, and make them enjoy you too! If fun is not the main focus, there is not much point in continuing.
LIBRA Sept 23–October 22
It is possible to fall and get up, but the pain of doing so should be avoided. There seems to be some confusion over what is really important. Step back from a situation and revisit when the dust has settled. Personal matters suck, but sucking can become amazing if you try hard enough.
SCORPIO Oct. 23–Nov. 21
What makes sense to you baffles someone else. Don’t let this discrepancy become an issue. Agree to disagree. Much can be learned from alternate perspectives. Get behind this person and see life from their point of view. But don’t spend too much time back there. You risk losing yourself.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22–December 20.
A vital task feels like pushing a hard rock uphill. Break up a burden and tackle it a little bit at a time. Consider whether it is worth the effort. Examine a clear goal and make changes. The heart may break but it is better to
get priorities figured out now and not half way up the hill.
CAPRICORN Dec 21–Jan 19
There is never a perfect situation, no matter how amazing a change may seem at the time. Don’t be quick to go back to an old way of doing something. There is always a reason for your actions, even if you don’t understand the choice at the time. It can take time for things to feel right.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20–Feb. 18
Romantic feelings could develop with a co-worker or casual friend. Not much has changed, but a little change in the heart can create a big difference. Put faith in feelings and don’t fear exploring a new outlook. Life is about change, even when the routines seem to be the same.
PISCES Feb 19–Mar 19
It could be hard learning skills needed to overcome a problem. Don’t fear asking for help from a buddy. Learn new ways to accomplish goals. A financial situation takes a toll. Spend wisely during this time. Luckily, your wish list is on the light side, so hold off on big purchases until later.Q
