T-Minus Two Days: Boom’s sexual tension coming to SLC

On the tail end of their production of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America, Salt Lake Acting Company continues its fortieth season this week with Boom, a quirky, un-romantic comedy.

Boom, by San Francisco playwright Peter Sinn Nachtrieb, features a female journalism student named Jo and a male marine biologist, Jules, on an erotic, seemingly casual counter.

The facade of Jo and Jules’ nonchalance is quickly razed, being replaced by questions about fish tanks, a strange woman pulling levers in the corner, and the meaning of relationships.

As the title of the play suggests, Boom is explosive.

Nachtrieb is known for his ability to mix comedy and intensity.

“I love writing comedy,” he said in an interview with director Robin Wilks Dunn. “I think everything I’ve written so far is generally funny – with ranging bits of darkness in it.  I’m interested in that kind of way of getting people entertained and laughing, which allows you to be very visceral and intimate with an audience and approach deeper, more profound questions.”

Local actress Emily Bunworth is making her SLAC debut as Jo. A BYU graduate, Bunworth has recently performed with Pinnacle Acting Company, PYGmalion and Jackson Hole Playhouse.

Jules will be played by David Fetzer, who is returning to SLAC after a four-year hiatus. Fetzer is the founder of Salt Lake’s only experimental theater troupe, New Works Theatre Company. The company’s inaugural show, Go to Hell, opens this December.

Barbara, the mysterious lever-pulling corner-dweller, is played by Holly Fowers, who is also making her SLAC debut.
Also included in the cast is a goldfish named Judy, who plays a goldfish named Dorothy.

Some performances of Boom are already sold out and many only have limited seating remaining; reserve tickets ahead of time.

Where: SLAC’s Chapel, 168 W. 500 N., Salt Lake City
When: Nov. 3 to Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m. Wed.-Sat.,
2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sun.
Tickets: $23
Info: www.SaltLakeActingCompany.org or 801-363-7522