'Shelter, The Musical' Comes To Murray Theatre by Kimberly Perkins

'Shelter, The Musical', A Story Of Hope And Healing At The Murray Theatre Through May 28th 

Local theater-goers are in for a treat this week, as a powerful, upbeat, and thought provoking musical takes the stage at the historic Murray Theatre.

"Shelter", written and scored by budding playwrights Brittany Bullen and Newell Bullen, and directed by Brighton Sloan, not only has a social conscience, it also puts its money where it mouth is. Proceeds from the week long production will go to ten different homeless advocacy groups throughout the Salt Lake Valley.

Set both inside and outside of a big-city woman's homeless shelter, the poignant musical focuses on the travails of a young social worker during her first day on the job as a shelter counselor. In the course of her emotionally charged day, 'Jeanine', played by Jessica Pearce, not only comes to know the true tragedy of homelessness, but also comes to grips with her own troubled past.

Filled with a tapestry of colorful characters, this contemporary musical has a broad appeal and a bit of a take-away for everyone who sees it. Audiences are not only treated to a tender and thoughtful performance, but also learn what it means to be part of the solution in helping end homelessness. As one character put it, "If it changes nothing else, maybe it will change your heart."

An anonymous Utah couple, who's collective heart was touched by the uplifting production, is now offering to sponsor free tickets (2 per family) for the first 50 people to reserve seats for this week's performances Monday through Thursday, May 23rd to the 26th. All they ask in return is that the recipients of the free tickets consider making a donation to the ten non-profit organizations who work every day to ease the burden of the area's homeless population. (Those non-profit service providers include, The Road Home, Fourth Street Clinic, YWCA, Rescue Mission, South Valley Sanctuary, Catholic Community Services, Salt Lake City Mission, Family Promise, Safe Harbor Women's Shelter, Volunteers of America’s Center for Women and Children.)

Those who would like to qualify for free tickets should send an e-mail ASAP to sheltermusical@gmail.com stating the night they'd like to attend. Tickets will be awarded on a 'first response' basis and winners will be notified by e-mail if they've been selected. Tickets will then be left at the will call window and a donation box will be set up in the Murray Theatre's lobby for any and all wishing to donate.

"Shelter" runs through May 28th at 7:00 pm with a matinee, Saturday, May 28th at 3:00 pm.