ABOUT

The Chocolatier ​is a collaboration with The Chocolate Conspiracy, SLC based creators of fine organic bean-to-bar chocolate. The beans are not roasted, to retain the cacao's nutritional content, and the chocolate is sweetened with local Utah honey rather than sugar. The show is inspired by this chocolate, the story behind it, and the shop where it was produced.
The Chocolatier had 3 iterations:
  • 8-week run November 2019-January 2020 at The Chocolate Conspiracy, under its original title Thank You Theobromine.
  • One-weekend preview March 2020, re-worked and rebranded as The Chocolatier. Was scheduled to open March 13, 2020 before the big COVID shutdown.
  • Within the unknown of the pandemic it was delayed and delayed, ultimately until Fall, 2021. During which time, The Chocolate Conspiracy had moved to a smaller location, unsuitable for the show. We re-designed The Chocolatier at the Lila studio and event center in Sugarhouse where it had a 6-week run, albeit modified amid the final traces of the pandemic.

PLAYBILL

Artistic Director Graham Brown
Conceived by Graham Brown and Rick Curtiss
Choreographed by Graham Brown in close collaboration with the cast
Written by Rick Curtiss, Mara Lefler, Graham Brown, Morag Shepherd, Michael Watkis, Molly Chrisman, and cast
Acting Coaches Sarah Shippobotham, Mara Lefler
Scenographer Joseph Wheeler
Composer Nick Foster
Chocolate Conspiracy Owner AJ Wentworth
Lila Studio Keeper Chanda Way
Promo Video Catherine Mortimer
Photography Ashley Thalman, Trent Nelson, Kathryn Mecham
ORIGINATING CAST
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THE HERO - Michael Watkis
later played by Barrett Ogden, and Emma Sargent
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THE REJECTOR - Rick Curtiss
later played by Jacob Baird, and Edison Corvera
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THE ALTRUIST - Lauren Payne
later played by Amber Golden, Landon Craczek, and ​Severin Sargent-Catterton
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THE LIBRA - Rebecca Aneloski
later played by Catherine Mortimer, Emma Sargent, and Chris Delporto
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THE DIVINE - Elizabeth Golden
later played by Nadia Sine, and Danell Hathaway
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THE GRANDPARENT -
​Sarah Shippobotham
later played by​ Joseph Wheeler, and Jack Foriska
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​THE CHILD -
​Bella Estrada-Brown
later played by Oliver Estrada-Brown, Reya Handman, Stormy Bradley, and Kai Jones
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SWING - Tyler Fox
Played the role of The Hero, The Altruist, The Libra, and The Child

PRESS


​"Layered with both sweet and bitter notes"
     -Salt Lake Tribune

Press from The Chocolatier (2021)

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Your Cre8tivity Podcast
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Review: Salt Lake Magazine
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Review: Utah Theatre Chat

Press from Pre-COVID Chocolatier Previews (2021)

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Utah Review - Top 10 Moments of The Utah Enlightenment in 2020
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Review - The Utah Review
Some Audience responses on social media:

"A great work that is unique and exciting in our city!"
     -Ai Fujii Nelson

"The dancing, the acting, the story, the characters play with your heartstrings all throughout."
    -Juan Carlos Claudio

"A gripping, chaotic, brilliant, sometimes disorienting production. Loaded with gut-wrenching moments and beautiful movement that illustrate the complexity of a shattered life. I could see myself in every character in a sometimes startling way, and each moment provided an invitation for self-reflection. I can't recommend this show highly enough."
     -Jaylyn Palmer

Press from Thank You Theobromine (2019)

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Review - The Utah Review
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Review - Utah Theatre Bloggers Association
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Review - Lovedancemore
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Feature: STUDIO The official magazine of the U of Utah College of Fine Arts
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Preview - Salt Lake Tribune
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Preview - The Utah Review

​"Kept me in thought for days"
     -Utah Theatre Bloggers Association; Excellence of 2019