Drum roll please! Get ready! After a two-year hiatus, and in grand style, it is time to get out and mingle, offer an ear-to-ear smile and enjoy the arts in public spaces—live—with family and friends as well as strangers.
Artistic public rituals, such as live theater, live music or dance concerts have long contributed to the integration and stability of communities and society. Now, live again, and artistically dazzling, southern Utah is growing with new artistic opportunity, offering the community a distinctive and diverse mixture of artistic experiences, with an exhilarating lineup of cross-cultural activities to engage in this summer.
TUACAHN CENTER FOR THE ARTS
tuacahn.org
Artistic bragging rights are permitted, because there is absolutely no other place like Tuacahn! Nestled in the red rocks of Snow Canyon, Tuacahn Center for the Arts produces an eclectic mix of theatrical shows in a visually stimulating and inspiring venue for attendees. This year’s season will showcase the following lineup:
Wonderland
Billed as a modern-day retelling of a classic story, ”Wonderland” follows a woman, Alice, living in current-day New York City, juggling a failing marriage, motherhood and intense work environment to the point of challenging her own sense of identity. In a dream, she aligns herself with the famed Alice of Alice in Wonderland, hilariously skewing reality, meanwhile working through obstacles of unexpected characters: a Cheshire Cat with a Latin flair, a delightfully dotty Queen of Hearts and of course, a malicious Mad Hatter. Alice finds a new sense of balance and strength within herself as she realizes the power of true love. This production features original music by Frank Wildhorn (“Jekyll & Hyde,” “The Count of Monte Cristo”) and lyrics by Jack Murphy.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
From the musical genius of Andrew Lloyd Weber (“Phantom of the Opera”) and Tim Rice (“Beauty and the Beast”) comes one of the most popular musicals of the last 50 years. This telling of the biblical story of Joseph and his brothers is filled with great music, fabulous costumes, laughter, joy and heart. Using many different styles of music from pop/rock to country to musical comedy, this sparkling show follows young Joseph as he faces adversity and triumphs through his dreams and his strong, unwavering faith. Joseph includes the unforgettable classics “Any Dream Will Do” and “Close Every Door.” This show has entertained tens of millions of people and is guaranteed to have your family members belting out tunes at your next summer sing-along party!
Mary Poppins
What a precious and timeless classic! The magical story of the world’s favorite nanny is triumphantly and spectacularly brought to the stage with stunning choreography, incredible Tuacahn effects and unforgettable songs like “Jolly Holiday,” “Step in Time,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “Feed the Birds” and more. “Mary Poppins” is a wonderful reminder of what the world needs most at this moment—a fresh imagination to believe in goodness and a renewed belief that anything can happen if you let it.
SPIRIT OF POLYNESIA—SIVA PASEFIKA
sivapasefika.com
Expect lots of audible oohs and ahhs as audience members experience an imaginatively artistic trip with Siva through the beautiful islands of Polynesia! Witness the Hula of Hawaii, the Fire Knife of Samoa, the Kailau of Tonga, the Meke of Fiji, the Otea of Tahiti, and the infamous Haka of New Zealand.
“Spirit of Polynesia” is southern Utah's only Polynesian dinner and show. This incredible, family-friendly show will run on Saturday nights from July through August at the majestic O.C. Tanner Amphitheater located at the foot of Zion National Park.
Siva Pasefika, founded in 2006 and located in southern Utah, has garnered fame and imprinted the hearts of many with their delivery of music and dance from the exotic islands of Polynesia.
THE GREENSHOW
Utah Shakespeare Festival
bard.org
Leave the noise and stress of the world behind by attending one of Utah Shakespeare Festival’s free outdoor entertainment shows: “The Greenshow.” Join a celebration on the green with three different shows on alternating nights. With songs, stories, dances and audience participation, there is something to please every guest, seasoned attendees or newcomers alike. “The Greenshow” will remind us what it means to be, and live, joyfully together.
