Actor speaks out about vandalizing theater


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SALT LAKE CITY – A community theater group has closed for good after their set was vandalized and the entire cast quit the show.

“American Psycho: the Musical” was supposed to debut over the weekend at the Eccles Black Box Theater.

Ryon Sharette, an actor in the show, quit on opening day and vandalized the floor and backdrop of the set with profanity.

“Before I painted the set I knew that there were cameras everywhere in that building,” Sharette said. “I knew that I was not going to get away with it.”

Sharette claimed the cast was suffering emotionally and physically and it was unethical for the show to open in that state.

Sharette said he took matters into his own hands, hoping to shut the production down for the good of his cast members.

“I wanted to quit because I couldn’t stand the show and I couldn’t stand to watch people suffering anymore,” he said. “I had to take everyone with me. That’s what I felt.”

Sharette also posted a long message on Facebook with other allegations against the Utah Repertory Theater Company.

That post ultimately led to the entire cast quitting the show Monday.

After that, board members decided to close the theater company for good.

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“We regret that issues that occurred during the rehearsal process of American Psycho caused the cast the level of discomfort that they needed to walk out of the production,” Utah Repertory Theater Company Managing Director JC Carter told KSL Newsradio.

Sharette said when he got the news about the cast quitting, he was overwhelmed with emotion.

“I was so happy and so relieved and so proud of them,” Sharette said, tearing up.

Carter said it’s a shame the show will not go on.

“Utah Repertory Theater Company is grateful that we had seven years of being able to bring the type of shows to the Wasatch Front that we have done,” Carter said.

Officials with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office said Sharette could face charges for his actions and he admitted to vandalizing the set.

Sharette might also face lawsuits for his actions but said he felt like he had to do it and he would do it again.

“It is absolutely fair for the city to charge me with criminal mischief because I am a criminal,” Sharette said. “I did a criminal act.”

Those who purchased tickets for “American Psycho: the Musical” should contact ArtTix for a full refund.

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