THE ESSENTIAL A&E PICKS FOR DEC. 26 - JAN 1 

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Shrek the Musical
It's not uncommon to find a highly successful blockbuster film translate into a hit Broadway show, and then, in turn, morph into a popular touring musical. That's practically an everyday occurrence within today's entertainment environs. Consequently, it's hardly surprising that the superb stage production of Shrek the Musical—based on DreamWorks' hit animated Shrek film series (which was itself originally adapted from an obscure 1990 children's picture book)—reaped reams of critical acclaim after making its debut on Broadway in 2008 and subsequently throughout the world, with a book by playwright David Lindsay-Abaire and songs by Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori (Kimberly Akimbo).

And yet, there's a far more important lesson to be learned as well, given this tale of a young green ogre who, despite the odds, embarks on a life-changing journey with his wisecracking donkey pal as he attempts to rescue a precocious princess. It's all about overcoming persistent prejudice and emerging virtuous and victorious, by simply staying true to oneself. In a world where doubt, distancing and distrust seem all too common, the musical's innocent and unassuming namesake offers audiences some much-needed inspiration, while also demonstrating the rewards of patience and perseverance in pursuit of honorable intents. Given its great music and superb staging, it not only brings this adventure back to its roots, but provides an exceptionally entertaining, family-friendly offering as well.

Live at the Eccles presents Shrek the Musical at Delta Hall at the Eccles Theater (131 S. Main St.) Dec. 27 – 29 (showtimes vary). Tickets cost $19.50 - $67.50 at saltlakecountyarts.org. (Lee Zimmerman)

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Brenda Hattingh Peatross: Perfectly Imperfect
One could list all the many artistic talents of Utah resident Brenda Hattingh Peatross, but it would almost be easier to list the artistic endeavors in which she's not engaged. As an actor, she's performed regularly with local companies, including Pygmalion Productions and the Salt Lake Acting Company. As a visual artist, she applies her skills to painting, textile art and illustration. She entertains kids of all ages as a clown and magician, and she's ventured into making short films. And now, she's added children's book author to her résumé, after writing and illustrating the new release Perfectly Imperfect.

"From the time I was a kid, everything I did had to be perfect," she shares about the origins of the story. "But as I got older, I realized how limiting that actually is. ... So this book is really a letter to myself. But when I finished writing it, I spoke to a friend, whose 4-year-old daughter was struggling with perfection. She was getting frustrated with kids in her class not coloring inside the lines. And I thought to myself, this book is for her too. I actually think it's for all children, including the little kid inside of many of us who was always 'pushing' to be perfect."

Brenda Hattingh Peatross visits The Golden Braid bookstore (151 S. 500 East) on Monday, Dec. 30 from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. to read from and sign copies of Perfectly Imperfect. The event—which is free and open to the public—will also include an interactive magic show for attendees. Visit goldenbraidslc.com for additional event information. (Scott Renshaw)

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New Year's Eve Celebrations
Whether your personal 2024 was terrific or you're joining with many for whom it proved deeply depressing, there are reasons either to wish the year a fond farewell or hope the door smacks its ass on the way out. Around the Wasatch Front and Back, there are several solid options for making that experience a communal one.

In Salt Lake City proper, the big party takes place at The Gateway (400 W. 200 South, atthegateway.com) with Last Hurrah 2024, free and open to the public. Co-sponsored by The Gateway and Downtown Alliance, the event on the main plaza at the north end of the mall begins at 8 p.m., and includes pop-up bars, food and drink options at Gateway merchants (with extended operating hours), buskers and headline music performances by Juniper Honey and Indigo Waves, all culminating in the city's only official midnight fireworks display.

In Lehi, Thanksgiving Point's holiday Luminaria display at Ashton Gardens (3900 Garden Dr., thanksgivingpoint.org) turns into a New Year's Eve celebration where the programmable light show and music gets capped off with a midnight fireworks display. The event begins at 9:30 p.m., and tickets are $20 - $27.

Every year, some of the most popular New Year's Eve celebrations take place at local resorts. Park City Mountain Resort at The Canyons (4000 Canyons Resort Dr., Park City, parkcitymountain.com) offers live music and fireworks, with events kicking off at 2 p.m. Snowbird Resort (Little Cottonwood Canyon) offers fire pits and hot chocolate from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., with a torchlight parade and fireworks from 6 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Contact other resorts for their offerings. (SR)