Feature: AFTERGLOW Author/Original Director and State Senator at Utah Rep's Regional Premiere of Off-Broadway Sensation

Continuing the popularity that AFTERGLOW enjoyed off-Broadway, Utah Repertory Theater Company's regional premiere production is a sensation, with the entire run sold out before opening night.

The celebrated author, S. Asher Gelman, who also directed the premiere of AFTERGLOW, was able to join the company for the Salt Lake City opening-night festivities, along with Utah state Senator Jim Dabakis, who champions theater in Utah and recommended the show's production to Johnny Hebda, founder and artistic director for the company's first five successful years.

Gelman participated in a lively post-show talkback with the enthusiastic audience. The panel also included the show's director, Josh Patterson, and cast members Johnny Hebda (Josh), Sterling Shane Allen (Darius) and A.J. Neuschwander (Alex).

How did a Utah audience respond compared to the New York City theatergoers? "They laughed much harder at the Bible joke," Gelman responded.

He also wrote on his personal Facebook page about a comment at the talkback, " 'My son is a power bottom': Best. Line. Ever. Salt Lake City, you are full of wonderful surprises."

The Utah Rep staging was the first opportunity Gelman had to see an AFTERGLOW production that he had not been directly involved with.

The playwright/director traveled to Utah with AFTERGLOW's original managing director, Evan Bernardin, and Gelman made it clear in his comments that the success of his play can be attributed to the skilled production team Bernardin assembled and headed.