KellieAnn’s “West Side Story (2021)” review from the Fan Effect Podcast. Skip to 15:12 on the podcast player, or read the review below.

“Fan Effect Podcast” Producer KellieAnn here, for the Theater Nerds perspective on “West Side Story!” (2021)

Wow, just wow!

We are used to not just ‘none and done’ performances in the theater world. We live for a production to be reworked in new revivals, interesting casting choices, transformative timelines, and characters in interesting cultures. While an average movie-goer might not understand the need for revisiting a classic like the 1961 original “West Side Story” film, we do. And obviously, Steven Spielberg does also.

Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story is a triumph of modern cinematography, which is both respectful and expansive of the original story, as well as the Shakespearean inspiration. It added deeper channels of feelings and layers onto the already classic story. Spielberg deserves a standing ovation for the way he handled this beloved story.

Now Andy has already gone over the plot of this remade tragedy, so I just want to take a minute to expand on some of his observations in his earlier review.

The story of “West Side Story” takes place on the Upper West Side in New York City in the 1950s, just as the post-war baby boomers are coming to age and massive upheavals of social and cultural identity are taking center stage in American politics. The original Broadway production was staged in 1957, with the film production coming out only a few years later in 1961. So essentially, these tellings were of the moment, including the socialite norms and expectations of the moment. Now, some 60 years later, as cultural ideals and technology have progressed, Speilberg is able to thoughtfully and skillfully tackle the story not only with more perspective due to passing time but in a way that showcases our continuing struggle to accept the “other” and ourselves.

He does this by shaking up, and waking up, some of the story elements that are only hinted at before. Tony is stated clearly to have gone to prison and why. The perils of both gangs, the ‘Jets’ and the ‘Sharks,’ are raised beyond a simple territorial dispute. Violence and blood are seen on the screen instead of just the stylized choreography, which, don’t worry – is still there as well. More monologues plunge into the depths of the motivations and backstory of the characters—even the use of Rita Moreno in a different way to the original showcases wiser, more reflective storytelling. Themes of identity, connection, and love are woven into the tapestry of the film in a beautifully delicate way that highlights the beauty of the original without dining the enlightening glow of the newly infused moments.

I am an outspoken love of Speilberg’s work since I was a young child obsessed with Animaniacs, to the now-adult whose favorite movie is Jaws, and loves to insert phrases like “Spielbergian” into her reviews. And this show reminds me why. There is a concept at the Disney parks called “plusing.” Where, as they continue to grow and develop, they don’t want to take that original magic away but add, or plus, the experience. That is exactly what Speilberg has done with HIS remake of “West Side Story,” plussed up the experiences of the original without removing its magic.

Using the lens of a camera, he added depth to a beautiful but flat stage. His casting choices and their performance chops added youth and life to the characters. There is a visual chemistry on the set beyond that of the performers, but the vibrant costumes, gritty streets, sweeping music, and textured lighting all added to the magic on the screen.

Now, I think that is all I can say without spoiling anything. Honestly, I could gush about this show’s beauty and storytelling. And have to friends and family. But I am biased; I went in expecting to love Spielberg’s work, and wasn’t disappointed. I have seen several productions of West Side Story and Romeo and Juliet, and was a Jet girl myself. Heck, when the dance scene choreography came on screen I still knew it! I guess it’s true what they say, when you’re a jet you’re jet all the way.

In the meantime, if you love Speilberg and even just tolerate the original “West Side Story,” go see this on the big screen. Give yourself to love and respect this remake like I do, and let its deeper themes sink into your very being.

Thanks for being patient with this gushing theater nerd!

And as always, I hope you join us again for real soon for another episode of Fan Effect.

I got to record Sister Harriet Uchtdorf and her daughter Antje Evans today for the Church News Podcast. We got a glimpse into a German Christmas celebrations! It was made even more special by some guests crashing the party, Boyd Matheson and Sheri Dew had to come to say hi. I have a cool job.

What’s even better? It was an idea I pitched! I just love celebrating my Scanda-Whovian-Euro-Whats-its Roots!

Listen to the episode now!

Christmas is a favorite time of year for many Christians across the globe as they cherish the opportunity to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ. Members of the Savior’s Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, each have unique and special Christmas traditions that come from their families, countries and cultures. This episode of the Church News podcast explores one family’s Christmas traditions and the beautiful way they share them with others. Sister Harriet R. Uchtdorf and Antje Uchtdorf Evans, the wife and daughter of Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, discuss how family traditions from their German homeland help them focus on the Savior during the holiday season. They also talk about how they are sharing some of these European traditions through their service with The Christkindlmarkt at This Is The Place Heritage Park. 

The Church News Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners to make a journey of connection with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints across the globe. Host Sarah Jane Weaver, reporter and editor for The Church News for a quarter-century, shares a unique view of the stories, events, and most important people who form this international faith. With each episode, listeners are asked to embark on a journey to learn from one another and ponder, “What do I know now?” because of the experience. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

I am honored to work with all these amazing women! Take a listen to this week’s Relentlessly Resilient podcast to learn more about the wonderful Amanda Dickson. Seriously, I had a hard time selecting the best-of audio for this one because she was just so insightful.

KSL NewsRadio’s morning host Amanda Dickson’s cheerful voice and joyful disposition have made the radio waves along the Wasatch Front a welcoming place for decades. But behind that iconic voice, there is a story of resilience that many listeners have not been aware of. Amanda Dickson joins Jennie and Michelle today to share the story about her childhood as a student-athlete who went off to boarding school at the tender age of 12, the medical problem that stopped her from competing, her journey to Utah and radio, and the work it takes to create a loving blended family. For her, resilience is more than continuing the climb, it’s about pulling yourself up from wallowing in your trama, and even though you will still feel hurt, loving anyway. 

Even though we live in challenging times we can become Relentlessly Resilient as we lean on and learn from one another’s experiences. Hosts Jennie Taylor and Michelle Scharf are no strangers to overcoming adversity; Michelle lost her husband to cancer, while Jennie’s husband Major Brent Taylor was killed in the service of our country. Their stories bond them together and now listeners can join them weekly as they visit with others enduring challenges and who teach us how they are exercising resiliency, finding value in their grief, and purpose in moving forward. 

Listen to the Relentlessly Resilient Podcast regularly on your favorite platform, at kslpodcasts.com, kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSL App. Join the Resilience conversation on Facebook at @RelentlesslyResilient and Instagram @RelentlesslyResilientPodcast. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.

Listen to the deep dive podcast now!

“Encanto” is the latest Disney animated family-friendly film, but will it become another gem in Disney’s crown? Producer KellieAnn Halvorsen is joined by Natalie Mollinet from the Pop Knowlege Blog to dive into the magic of the new movie. After all, “Encanto” means both charm and charming and that is exactly what this story is as it’s poised to bring families together this Thanksgiving. As usual, the first segment of this episode is spoiler-free. 

Beyond Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming and Tech, the brains behind Fan Effect are connoisseurs of categories surpassing the nerdy. Brilliant opinions and commentary on all things geek, but surprising knowledge and witty arguments over pop culture, Star Trek, MARVEL vs DC, and a wide range of movies, TV shows, and more. Formerly known as SLC Fanboys, the show is hosted by Andy Farnsworth and KellieAnn Halvorsen, who are joined by guest experts. Based in the beautiful beehive state, Fan Effect celebrates Utah’s unique fan-culture as it has been declared The Nerdiest State in America by TIME.   

Listen regularly on your favorite platform, at kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSL App. Join the conversation on Facebook @FanEffectShow, Instagram @FanEffectShow, and Twitter @FanEffectShow. Fan Effect is sponsored by Megaplex Theatres, Utah’s premiere movie entertainment company. 

BOYD IS MOVING TO A LONGER TIME SPOT!

The sad part is I won’t be able to go with him as his producer due to my Deseret News commitments. I have worked on and off with this inspiring man for a few years now and grown so much in my career and as a person as he encouraged his listeners and myself to “See something that inspires. Say something that uplifts. Do something that makes a difference.”

Right now I feel that bittersweet sadness that comes at closing night of a theater production. You are so proud of the stories you have told, the audience you have inspired, and the cast members that have grown to become family. And even though this production is coming to an end, you know you have grown from working with each other’s talent and there is a good chance you will be working with them again. 

I am lucky that I will still be working with our larger DMC family and I get to regularly check in with my radio friends. I am lucky I will continue to even work with some twice a year on conference specials. And there is no way I am stoping my Fan Effect podcast fun! In fact it sounds like I’ll have time to do more nerdly things I love with them, DNews, and more. 
It was scary learning to trust my media creation capabilities when I started this second career into the world of broadcasting. But man how I have grown! As a writer, creator, confident person, and more. It forced me to face my demons, medicate my anxiety, and love my own unique voice like never before. 

I am (nervously and joyfully) looking forward to the next step of my career, and will continue to declare my life motto; “Be Creative. Be Bold. Be Inspiring.”

Who has left their fingerprints on your life?: Knowing Grandpa Jack Halvorsen

I had the wonderful opportunity to share the story about my late grandfather’s life on “nside Sources with Boyd Matheson, ” the radio program i produce. I am so grateful I got to brag about this wonderful man! He has been one of the most influential people in my life and I already miss him dearly. For the podcast version of the radio segment, I got to add even more content from an interview i did with him a few years before he passed. I am humbled and grateful to get to share this with you at this time.

Listen to the podcast at this link.

Multiple Meaningful Specials

Inside Sources tackled a lot of interesting topics in 2021, we put together a three-hour Pioneer Day special “Celebrating Utah’s pioneering legacy: Our past, present, and future” held numerous Candidate Conversations and hosted the “Utah’s 2020 GOP Gubernatorial Forum” with World Trade Center Utah.

Developed a Brand Focus

‘Our job is to divide rage from reason, connect the dots, challenge current thinking, elevate the dialogue and provide perspective so our audience can make the news make sense…We are committed to transcending divisive rhetoric, creating space for critical conversation and challenging our listeners to engage with action – “in search of higher ground.” – Inside Sources Brand Charter

Even amidst a pandemic, we challenged “weariness,” reminded people that it is “Not a new normal, but a new now,” and explained how “history has its eyes on us as well.” We celebrated Utahans doing amazing things, our “relentlessly resilient” veterans, candidates who “unite to promote civility” and business leaders who are not afraid to take on the “critical conversations” of the day.

We should probably call out some of the unique conversations with guests like the late-great Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich from Rome during early days of pandemic, The Reverend Theresa Dear from the NAACP on racial compassion, Elder David A. Bednar apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on religious liberty, and even Rev. Amos Brown (last student of MLK) on a new word we all should learn.

We challenged our listeners to “Do something that makes a difference‘ with the 5 million mask challenge,
55-day moonshot challenge, and the Utah Refugee Connection’s virtual holiday drive.

Quotes from radio and Deseret News Articles that was on brand for Inside Sources

Launched Our Social Media

#KSLInsideSources

We launched and created a content cycle on our social media channels, shared stories about #WhatsBoydThinking, and cross-promoted with Boyd’s other content feeds like Deseret News “Therefore, What?” Podcast, weekly newsletter, Deseret News pieces, Boyd’s Twitter and more. We published our podcast with unique covers to make them stand out when we wanted to highlight them.

Unique Podcast Covers so highlighted segments stand out.

Still Found Time for Fun

We also found time to find inspiration in the playful, like the ‘Wisdom of Winnie the Pooh” and “Looking to OZ for why we do what we do.”  We took on national and international days, made Boyd read “The Night Before Christmas” on Christmas Eve, and celebrated some interesting #ThisDayInHistory moments like the day Francis Scott Key penned “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

With all the excitement and lessons learned in 2020, we are joyfully facing the challenge of 2021.

Featuring Salt Lake City Weekly’s John Saltas, Spike150’s Max Chang, Utah Refugee Connection’s Amy Dott Harmer, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square’s Scott Barrick, Days of ‘47’s Greg James, This is the Place Heritage park’s Ellis Ivory,  KSL Newsradio’s own Doug Wright, and from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, historian Rick Turley, General President of the Primary Sister Joy D. Jones, Elder Ulisses Soares, and Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles President  M. Russell Ballard.

‘Inside Sources with Boyd Matheson,’ Opinion Editor at Deseret News, takes you inside the latest political news and current events, providing higher ground for today’s discussions. Listen live Monday through Thursday from 11 am to noon at 1160 AM and 102.7 FM, online at KSLNewsradio.com, or on the app. Listen on-demand as a podcast on your favorite platform or web browser. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 

Want more Boyd? Don’t forget to listen to his Deseret News podcast ‘Therefore, What?,’ sign up for his weekly newsletter, and follow him on Twitter.

I purchased an Apple Ipad and the Procreate App in early Spring to prepare myself for the #MerMay Challenge. My first venture into using my new toys for digital art was the #SixFanartsChallenge where tyou draw six pieces of fan art of favorite characters.

Of course I choose some kick-butt-hero-babes to feature! I present to you my #sixfanarts post! #hermionegranger #HarryPotter #Leela #Futurama #WonderWoman #LoreOlympus #Persephone #BobsBurgers #Tina #StarWarsRebels #Hera