If you’ve heard people talking about the amazing theatrical productions they’ve seen in Ivins, Utah, you can be certain they’re talking about Tuacahn plays.
A bit of history
Nestled in an amphitheater made of stunning red rock landscape, Tuacahn plays have been going on since the venue opened in 1995 as the home of an original production called “Utah!” It told the story about the settling of Southern Utah and the efforts of Mormon Pioneer Jacob Hamblin to make friends with the Native Americans. However, after staging “Utah!” multiple times, it was clear the venue needed more than a single show to continually attract audiences to Tuacahn plays. Broadway musicals were added, earning the nickname “Broadway in the desert.” A list of some of the popular titles during that era includes “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” “Les Miserables” and “Beauty and the Beast.” The latter marked the beginning of what has proved to be the beginning of a prosperous relationship between Tuacahn plays and Disney productions.
Disney and Tuacahn plays
Based on the success of “Beauty and the Beast,” Tuacahn plays have subsequently included regional and world premiers of several Disney productions including two different seasons of “Tarzan,” two versions of “The Little Mermaid,” successful runs of “Mulan,” “Aladdin” and “Mary Poppins.” The Tuacahn plays lineup even included a world premier of Disney’s “When You Wish” — featuring highlights from a variety of Disney shows including “Tangled,” “Hercules,” “Tarzan,” “Little Mermaid,” “Jungle Book” and more.
Tuacahn plays 2017
The remarkable success of some of the past Tuacahn plays may prove to be only a drop in the bucket compared to the current season of Tuacahn plays. Disney’s “Newsies,” “Shrek the Musical” and “Mamma Mia!” are all now in full swing on the Tuacahn stage.
Each play offers a different appeal, but each includes the high-quality talent, technological splendor and overall immersive experience that audiences have come to expect at Tucahn plays.
As if that weren’t enough, the 2017 lineup of Tuacahn plays also includes the premier of “Fairytale Christmas,” a light-hearted children’s tale that incorporates a variety of villains from popular fairytales; pitting the against the big man of Christmas himself: Santa Claus.
More than just Tuacahn plays
Several years ago it became clear that leaving this 2,000-seat amphitheater dormant whenever the summer season came to a close was simply not the best use of resources. Thus, the idea of enticing various musical artists to perform concerts under the star was born.
As time goes by, word spreads about the unique venue available in this little corner of Utah. Musicians and entertainers including Martina McBride, Willie Nelson, Amy Grant, Air Supply, Vince Gill, Jay Leno, REO Speedwagon, Brian Reagan and more have found a way to fit Tuacahn into their touring schedule. And they all are in awe of the beautiful surroundings and the appreciative crowds.
More on the current season
Disney’s “Newsies”
Opening to crowds almost panting with excitement, to say the regional premier of Disney’s “Newsies” is highly anticipated would be an understatement.
The story is based on the true events of the 1890s. The newsboys of New York City decided to take on newspaper giants Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hurst by going on strike. This version of history, however, is filled with high-caliber dancing and singing. Plus a scenic backdrop larger than even Tuacahn plays audiences have ever seen.
According to Tuacahn plays set designer Brad Shelton the replica of the Brooklyn Bridge is particularly awe-inspiring. All the sets are 2-3 times larger than a traditional theater venue. It’s necessary to fill the 80-foot stage, and to not be completely dwarfed by the towering red rock canyon.
“Shrek the Musical”
Meanwhile, “Shrek the Musical” is known for being one of the most demanding technical shows on Broadway, second only to “Spiderman” as far as scenery and technical needs. In fact, Shelton calls the “Shrek” set, “just enormous.”
Seems fitting, to have an enormous set as the backdrop for a larger than life character like the ogre Shrek. And larger-than-life talent as well.
“Each year the level of talent just bowls me over,” says Scott Anderson, artistic director for Tuacahn.
Anderson says he is especially excited about the message in “Shrek.”
It’s the whole idea of embracing and accepting everyone and trying to get along, he says.
“Mamma Mia!”
The mid-summer opener, “Mamma Mia!” is another Tuacahn plays that has audiences dancing with enthusiasm. That enthusiasm is due, at least in part, to a score comprised entirely of hit ABBA songs.
“There’s just not a bad song in the show,” says Derryl Yeager, director and choreographer for “Mamma Mia!”
The set includes a turntable stage that lights up at night. Everything about the choreography and set design reflects Yeager’s goal to make this version of “Mamma Mia!” “bigger, bolder, brasher.”
Suffice it to say, when it comes to Tuacahn plays, you don’t want to miss any of them this season.
“Newsies,” “Shrek the Musical” and “Mamma Mia!” are all playing now on alternating nights Monday through Saturday, through Oct. 21. Ticket prices range from $29-$89. Plus you can add the pre-show dinner, or grab a bite in the new Snow Canyon Café. For tickets, show dates, times and more information, log onto www.tuacahn.org or call 435-652-3300.
Imagine living close to a theater capable of producing this kind of high-caliber shows. Well, that could be a reality. Check out listings for Ivins, Utah here.