BroadwayWorld.com Utah Stories

Review: BACK TO THE FUTURE at the Eccles Theater is Electrifying

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:58:22 PST

The national tour of BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL has arrived at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City with style and electrifying spectacle.

BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL (book by Bob Gale, music and lyrics by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard) is based on the 1985 film starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd. When Marty McFly accidentally travels back in time 30 years, he unwittingly stops his parents from meeting and has to find a way to restore his family and get back to the future before it’s too late.

Lucas Hallauer channels his inner Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly with strong pipes and exuberant physicality. David Josefsberg is a kooky but gentlehearted Doc Brown. Nathaniel Hackmann is flawless as Biff—a role he originated on Broadway.

Mike Bindeman and Kathryn Adeline make a great pairing as George McFly and Lorraine Baines. Cartreze Tucker is an energetic Goldie Wilson, and Sophia Yacap is sweet as Jennifer Parker.

It’s in many ways a traditional musical with fun period choreography (by Chris Bailey) and is at its best when it focuses on the heart of the characters and story. It doesn’t fare as well when the writing and direction lean into camp with out-of-place backup dancers and jokes.

While scaled down from the West End and Broadway, the set by Tim Hatley is still impressive and pairs well with his colorful 1950s and 1980s costuming. The lighting design by Tim Lutkin and Hugh Vanstone works with the video design by Finn Ross to create many exhilarating theatrical moments throughout the show. Adding Chris Fisher’s illusions into the mix means off-the-chart cinematic thrills that have to be seen to be believed.

Your heart will be racing 88 miles per hour as the DeLorean speeds through the streets right in front of your eyes. It’s an experience no BACK TO THE FUTURE fan wants to miss.

BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL plays the Eccles Theater for a limited engagement through Sunday, June 14, 2026. For tickets, call ArtTix at 801-355-ARTS (2787) or visit www.artsaltlake.org.

Photo Credit: Photo by McLeod9 Creative.

Around The BroadwayWorld: Top News, Reviews, Interviews & More from May 2026

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:03:21 PST

Around the BroadwayWorld is our monthly snapshot of the biggest stories making waves across the global theatre community. In this May 2026 edition, we're bringing you a fresh batch of standout reviews from regional stages across the country - from Brigadoon at Pasadena Playhouse in Los Angeles to The Phantom of the Opera at Seattle's Paramount Theatre and Pippin at Signature Theatre in DC.

Diane Paulus directs an immersive, David Bowie-inspired Life on Mars at American Repertory Theater, the producers of Japan's Gypsy revival walk back a planned title change, and we go behind the scenes with interviews spanning Adam Fields of the Beetlejuice national tour, The Muny's casting director Michael Baxter, Richard Kind on finally taking on Edna in Hairspray, and BWW's Kid Reporters chatting with the touring Von Trapp kids of The Sound of Music. Plus, get a first look at exciting new productions through performance videos and photos, including Anastasia at La Mirada Theatre, Dear Evan Hansen at Arden Theatre, Pippin at Signature Theatre, and the Manila cast of Jesus Christ Superstar - and so much more from across the BroadwayWorld.

Diane Paulus Will Direct Immersive David Bowie Inspired LIFE ON MARS at American Repertory Theater

Joshua Wright | Boston

Diane Paulus will direct Life on Mars, an immersive theatrical production set to David Bowie's music, as the inaugural production at the Goel Center for Creativity & Performance in May.

GYPSY in Japan: Producers Walk Back Title Change Ahead of 2026 Revival

Joshua Wright | Japan

The Japanese revival of GYPSY will retain its original title when it returns to the stage in 2026, reversing an earlier decision to present the production under the name 'Rose.'

Interviews

Interview: Adam Fields of BEETLEJUICE National Tour

Brock Mills | Jacksonville

For Adam Fields, returning to Jacksonville with the national tour of Beetlejuice the Musical isn’t just another stop, it’s a full-circle moment. The production will play in Jacksonville from May 12–17 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.

Interview: BWW’s 'Kid Reporters' Chat With THE SOUND OF MUSIC’s Touring Von Trapp Kids

Melissa Heckscher | Los Angeles

BroadwayWorld Los Angeles' kid reporters talk with the young touring cast of THE SOUND OF MUSIC to find out what it's like to be part of one of Broadway’s most iconic shows and what actually happens behind the curtain.

Interview: Chatting with The Muny's Casting Director Michael Baxter

James Lindhorst | St. Louis

Michael Baxter’s work will shine on The Muny stage during all 50 performances this summer. He led the efforts and had a hand in hiring every one of the 194 actors who will fill the principal and ensemble roles.

Interview: Richard Kind Talks Finally Taking on Edna in The Muny's HAIRSPRAY

James Lindhorst | St. Louis

When The Muny opens their production of Hairspray on June 15, 2026, the legendary Richard Kind will don Edna Turnblad’s housecoat and step into her fuzzy house slippers. Kind, star of stage, screen and film, calls it bucket list moments to get to perform at The Muny and play Edna all at the same time.

Reviews

Review: BRIGADOON at Pasadena Playhouse

Andrew Child | Los Angeles

Brava to Alexandra Silber for capturing all the heart and humor of Lerner’s original book with her thoughtful new adaptation and brava to Katie Spelman for dreaming up a Brigadoon that is as ebullient and spirited as it is deeply human.

Review: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Paramount Theatre

Shelley Dean | Seattle

It’s almost unbelievable for me to admit that this was my first time seeing The Phantom of the Opera. Of course, I knew the iconic songs and had seen countless clips over the years, but experiencing the production live on stage for the first time was entirely different, haunting, and spine-chilling in the best way possible. From the chandelier drop to the monumental set pieces, the show truly lives up to its legendary reputation. The 2026 tour, directed by Harold Prince, serves as a revitalized version of the original production, featuring Maria Björnson’s iconic designs, musical staging, and choreography by Gillian Lynne. It is absolutely ravishing, and Seattle audiences are lining up hours early to witness the spectacle for themselves.

Review: PIPPIN at Signature Theatre

Aidan O'Connor | Washington, DC

Certain facets of the human condition are foundational to our very existence – change, connection, desire. One such particularly toxic universal truth is a constant need to be something more than we currently are. To search for happiness in external achievement rather than within ourselves, in our simple joys. Pippin at Signature Theatre breathes within that precise virulence, relatively orchestrated by a troupe of impeccably costumed and choreographed players. A feast for the eyes in all senses, Matthew Gardiner’s production surpasses even the highest of expectations.

Videos

Video: Watch La Mirada Theatre's ANASTASIA Star Lena Ceja Perform 'Journey to the Past'

Michael Major | Los Angeles

La Mirada Theatre has released new video footage of Lena Ceja rehearsing 'Journey to the Past' from their upcoming production of Anastasia. The production features Dillon Klena as Dmitry, a role first played on Broadway by his brother Derek Klena.

Photos/Video: DEAR EVAN HANSEN At Arden Theatre

A.A. Cristi | Philadelphia

Arden Theatre Company is now presenting DEAR EVAN HANSEN as the final production of its 2025/26 season, with performances continuing through July 5. New production photos and video have been released from the Philadelphia production, including footage of Evan A. Kaushesh performing “Waving Through a Window.”

Video: Watch 'Corner of the Sky' From Signature Theatre's PIPPIN

Michael Major | Washington, DC

Watch a video of Brayden Bambino performing 'Corner of the Sky' in Signature Theatre's production of Pippin. The in-the-round production is now running through July 26 with tickets available now.

Photos

Photos: Get a First Look at JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR in Manila

Oliver Oliveros | Philippines

The 2017 Olivier Award winner for Best Musical Revival, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' has officially opened at The Theatre at Solaire.

Video: HARMONY Trailer Released as Show Plays Hale Centre Theatre

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:54:34 PST

Hale Centre Theatre has released a second trailer for its current production of HARMONY, offering a fresh look at the musical now running on the theatre's Jewel Box Stage in Sandy, Utah.

HARMONY tells the true story of a group of performers whose music brought joy to audiences during one of history's most turbulent periods. The musical features a book and lyrics by Bruce Sussman and music by Barry Manilow, weaving together themes of friendship, resilience, and hope against the backdrop of a darkening world.

The production marks a significant moment for Hale Centre Theatre, which is presenting the post-Broadway premiere of the show. BroadwayWorld's review called the production a riveting musical dramedy filled with stirring performances, lively humor, and the visceral dread of Nazi Germany, noting that it rivals the Broadway production itself in its ability to move audiences to both laughter and tears. Tickets are available at hct.org.

BroadwayWorld has followed the production closely since its earliest stages, with rehearsal footage released ahead of opening and an earlier behind-the-scenes look also drawing attention to the ambitious undertaking at the Sorenson Legacy Jewel Box Stage.

Click Here to Play!

DISNEY & PIXAR'S FINDING NEMO: A FAMILY MUSICAL Announced at Tuacahn Center for the Arts

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 12:06:53 PST

Tuacahn Center for the Arts has released a new promotional video offering audiences a first look at DISNEY & PIXAR'S FINDING NEMO: A FAMILY MUSICAL, the underwater adventure set to open at the outdoor Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Ivins, Utah, beginning May 1, 2026.

The production brings to life the beloved Pixar story of Nemo, a young clownfish swept far from home, whose anxious father Marlin joins forces with the irrepressibly forgetful Dory to mount a cross-ocean rescue. The musical features a score by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, with a book adaptation by Lindsay Anderson, and incorporates large-scale puppetry and visual effects to recreate the film's vibrant marine world for the stage.

Mara Newbery Greer directs the production, which runs through October 24, 2026, at Tuacahn's signature red-rock amphitheatre at 1100 Tuacahn Drive. The engagement marks a regional premiere for the venue, which has built a reputation for staging family-friendly spectacles against the dramatic canyon backdrop of Southern Utah.

Tuacahn announced DISNEY & PIXAR'S FINDING NEMO: A FAMILY MUSICAL as part of its 2026–27 season alongside LES MISÉRABLES, GREASE, HOLIDAY INN, and THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG. Tickets are available through the Tuacahn box office at (800) 746-9882.

Click Here to Play!

MY FAIR LADY Trailer Released for Hale Centre Theatre's New Production

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 11:50:52 PST

Hale Centre Theatre has released a new trailer for its current production of MY FAIR LADY, offering audiences a glimpse into the company's ambitious staging of the beloved Lerner and Loewe classic now running on the theatre's Centre Stage in Sandy, Utah.

MY FAIR LADY, with a book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, is adapted from George Bernard Shaw's PYGMALION. The musical follows Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower seller who undergoes an unlikely transformation under the tutelage of the imperious phonetics professor Henry Higgins. The score includes some of the most enduring songs in the American musical theatre canon, among them "I Could Have Danced All Night," "On the Street Where You Live," and "Get Me to the Church on Time."

The production plays on Hale Centre Theatre's Centre Stage, the company's flagship in-the-round venue, which places audiences in close proximity to the action and demands a particularly inventive approach to large-scale musical staging. The run continues through July 11, with tickets available at the theatre's website.

BroadwayWorld previously reviewed the production, calling it a pleasurably gratifying new exploration of a classic. Hale Centre Theatre is also currently presenting the regional premiere of HARMONY on its Jewel Box Stage, which earned a rave review from BroadwayWorld as a riveting post-Broadway premiere.

Click Here to Play!

BroadwayWorld Launches Producer Fantasy Game

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:00:05 PST

Ever watched the weekly Broadway grosses roll in and thought you could pick the winners? Now you can put it to the test. BroadwayWorld has launched the Producer Fantasy Game, a free, season-long competition that lets theatre fans build a roster of Broadway shows and earn points based on how those productions actually perform at the box office. The draft window is open now.

How It Works

The setup is simple. During the draft window, you pick any six Broadway productions that opened this season. Drafting is non-exclusive, so there is no need to race a rival for a hot title. Any number of players can roster the same show.

From there, your shows go to work for you. Every week, each production on your roster earns fantasy points based on its reported box office grosses and capacity percentages. When Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle nominations and wins are announced, your shows bank bonus points on top of that. And each week you can answer our Fantasy Forecast prediction questions for up to five bonus points per correct call.

Weekly Scoring

Each week, a show earns one base point for every $50,000 it grosses, so a $1 million week is worth 20 base points. On top of that, shows can earn bonuses: up to five points for filling seats (based on how close to full capacity the house ran), six points for grossing $2 million or more (or three points for grossing between $1 million and $2 million), and eight points if its gross jumped at least 15 percent from the week before. A show loses four points if its gross dropped at least 15 percent. If a show goes dark and reports no gross for a week, it scores zero for that week with no penalty.

The Fantasy Forecast

The Producer Fantasy Game is really two games in one. The first is the box office game: drafting shows and earning points from their weekly grosses and awards. The second is the Fantasy Forecast, a weekly set of prediction questions about what's happening on Broadway, where each correct answer is worth up to five points. You can play one or both.

We track them separately so you can shine at either. Your Producer score covers the box office game, your Forecast score covers your prediction results, and your Combined score adds the two together for the overall championship ranking. The leaderboard lets you toggle between Overall, Producers, and Forecasters, so a sharp predictor can top the Forecasters board even during a rough season for their roster, and a roster powerhouse can lead the Producers board without answering a single question.

Managing Your Roster

Your lineup stays at six shows all season, and you have plenty of room to maneuver. You get one free drop every week, three additional season drops to use anytime before the trade deadline, and free replacements whenever a show on your roster closes. New productions open throughout the season and become available the moment they start reporting grosses, so it pays to keep a transaction in your pocket for that buzzy new opening.

Join the Game

The Producer Fantasy Game is free for all BroadwayWorld users, and you can join any time the draft window is open. Draft within the first two weeks of the season and your roster is scored from opening week, so the earlier you get in, the more weeks you bank. Build your roster, make your predictions, and start climbing the leaderboard today.

A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS to Return for 12th Year With 39-City National Tour

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:57:07 PST

“A Drag Queen Christmas” will return for its 12th year, launching a 39-city national tour this November - December. The 2026 edition is hosted by returning fan favorite and theatre star Nina West, and features an all-new merry lineup of drag superstars from the Emmy-winning RuPaul's Drag Race franchise.

Artist pre-sale begins Wednesday, June 3 at 10 a.m. (local time) with the code “TWELVE,” and general on sale begins Friday, June 5 at 10 a.m. (local time) at dragfans.com.

This year's cast includes:

Myki Meeks, Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Nini Coco, Runner-up, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Darlene Mitchell, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Juicy Love Dion, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Discord Addams, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Crystal Methyd, Drag Race All Stars Season 11 (2026) & Drag Race Season 12 (2020)
Silky Ganache, Drag Race All Stars Season 11 (2026), Drag Race All Stars Season 6 (2021), Drag Race Season 11 (2019)

“A Drag Queen Christmas” is the world's premiere holiday drag showcase and a sensational theatrical experience that delivers high camp, over-the-top lip-sync performances, side-splitting comedy, elaborate costumes, Broadway-style staging, and a whole lot of heart—something we all seek during the chaos of the holiday season. With plenty of spectacular surprises in store, the show offers audiences a chance to see drag queens at the top of their game perform showstopping numbers of epic holiday proportions on revered theater stages across America. Each year, “A Drag Queen Christmas” provides an annual tradition for folks from all walks of life to come together and connect, find community, and celebrate the season with joy and laughter.

This dazzling, 18+ holiday extravaganza runs two hours and offers fans the chance to add-on a VIP Meet & Greet Experience—including early access to the venue, photos with the queens on stage, autographs, and exclusive tour merchandise.

A Drag Queen Christmas 2026 Tour Dates:

November 11 - Detroit, MI (Fisher Theatre)

November 12 - Rochester, NY (Kodak Center)

November 13 - Rutland, VT (Paramount Theatre)

November 14 - Portland, ME (Merrill Auditorium)

November 15 - Boston, MA (Emerson Colonial Theatre)

November 17 - Red Bank, NJ (Count Basie Center for the Arts)

November 18 - Morristown, NJ (Mayo Performing Arts Center)

November 19 - Washington, DC (Warner Theatre)

November 20 - Durham, NC (Durham Performing Arts Center)

November 21 - Wilmington, NC (Wilson Center - Cape Fear Community College)

November 22 - Philadelphia, PA (Fillmore)

November 24 - Pittsburgh, PA (Byham Theater)

November 25 - Columbus, OH (Palace Theatre)

November 27 - Chicago, IL (Riviera Theatre)

November 28 - Appleton, WI (Fox Cities Performing Arts Center)

November 29 - Omaha, NE (Orpheum Theater)

November 30 - Oklahoma City, OK (The Criterion)

December 1 - Des Moines, IA (Hoyt Sherman Place)

December 2 - Kansas City, MO (Uptown Theater)

December 4 - Denver, CO (Paramount Theatre)

December 5 - Salt Lake City, UT (Kingsbury Hall)

December 7 - Seattle, WA (Moore Theatre)

December 9 - Sacramento, CA (Channel 24)

December 10 - San Francisco, CA (Golden Gate Theatre)

December 11 - Stockton, CA (Bob Hope Theatre)

December 12 - Los Angeles, CA (The Wiltern)

December 13 - Santa Rosa, CA (Luther Burbank Center)

December 15 - Mesa, AZ (Mesa Arts Center)

December 16 - Tucson, AZ (Fox Tucson Theatre)

December 17 - El Paso, TX (Plaza Theatre)

December 19 - Austin, TX (ACL Live at The Moody Theater)

December 20 - Dallas, TX (Winspear Opera House)

December 21 - Wichita, KS (Orpheum Theatre)

December 22 - St.Louis, MO (The Factory)

December 23 - Knoxville, TN (Tennessee Theatre)

December 26 - Tampa Bay, FL (Straz Center for the Performing Arts)

December 27 - Fort Myers, FL (Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall)

December 28 - West Palm Beach, FL (Kravis Center for the Performing Arts)

December 29 - Jacksonville, FL (Florida Theatre)

Review: HARMONY at Hale Centre Theatre is a Riveting Post-Broadway Premiere

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:36:35 PST

The post-Broadway premiere of HARMONY on Hale Centre Theatre’s Jewel Box Stage is a riveting musical dramedy filled with stirring musical performances, lively humor, and the visceral dread of Nazi Germany. It rivals the Broadway production itself in its ability to grab a hold of the audience and induce them to both laughter and tears.

HARMONY (book and lyrics by Bruce Sussman, music by Barry Manilow) tells the true story of the Comedian Harmonists, a world-famous men’s singing group from Germany that toured internationally prior to the start of World War II. Near the end of his life, group member Rabbi Josef Roman Cycowski recounts and relives memories of that time that amuse and haunt him.

Director Dave Tinney, music director Rob Moffat, and choreographer Lindsey D. Smith have pieced together a production that is electric with energy and alive with deep empathy due to the careful choices they have made at every turn.

Rabbi, like all the leading men, is single cast. Ric Starnes weaves effortlessly among various, often comedic, characters in his memories while at other times leaving us heartbroken. Despite difficulty with some of the more complex melodies, he gives a tender, moving performance.

Every member of the Comedian Harmonists is extraordinarily talented with voices that routinely astonish and remarkable dramatic acting chops to boot. Landon Horton as Young Rabbi and Tanner Sumens as Harry especially stand out, but not far from the others: Brandon LaMar Buckner as Bobby, Anson Bagley as Erich, Jonathan Avila as Chopin, and Ben Hahn as Lesh.

Searing performances also come from Tearza Leigh Avila (double cast with Rachel Marie Fonseca) as Ruth and Teaira Burge (double cast with Megan Yates) as Mary.

The splendid scenic design by Jenn Taylor incorporates multiple levels, an exquisitely painted turntable, sheer curtains, abstract painterly video/projections by Madeline Ashton, and detailed props by Anj Snow. The costume design by Dennis Wright, complemented by Candice Cronin’s hair and makeup, leans into the stark contrast of period street clothing and glamorous performance wear. Marianne Ohran’s lighting design adds both subtle touches and bold streaks that magnify the atmosphere and feeling of each scene.

HARMONY is worthy of praise as one of the most well-crafted productions ever presented at Hale Centre Theatre. You will find it wrapping itself around you in an artful, emotional, and meaningful embrace.

HARMONY plays through August 1, 2026. For tickets, call the box office at 801-984-9000 or visit www.hct.org.

Photo Credit: Hale Centre Theatre.

Review: Lauren Alaina Kicked Off the SCERA Shell Season

Thu, 28 May 2026 16:31:32 PST

Country star Lauren Alaina kicked off the 2026 season at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre in Orem with a Memorial Day concert on Monday, May 25. There is no better summer tradition than for families and friends to gather on the grassy hill at the SCERA Shell for a concert, musical, or outdoor movie.

After special tributes to the armed forces and local firefighters, Alaina took the stage with firecracker vocals on both old and new favorites, belting her number one hits and previewing her upcoming album STAGES. The golden-voiced AMERICAN IDOL runner-up, who received fourth place on DANCING WITH THE STARS, showed well-honed showmanship and comradery with her band.

Alaina let her personality shine through as she interacted with audience members and even got teary eyed in a touching moment of mentorship for the young girls she saw enjoying the show. A highlight of her set list was “Boots on the Ground,” an original song she performed in honor of her late veteran father for Memorial Day.

If you missed out, be sure to attend upcoming concerts at the SCERA Shell, including Rachel Platten, Kings Return, Dancing Under the Stars, Diamond Rio, Simply Queen, and the much-anticipated Utah concert debut of Broadway star Heather Headley, who originated the roles of Nala in THE LION KING and the title character in AIDA. She’ll be performing with the Utah Valley Symphony like her predecessors Laura Osnes, Megan Hilty, Jeremy Jordan, and Aaron Tveit.

The live stage musicals at the Shell this year will be large-scale local productions of FROZEN, MATILDA, and GUYS AND DOLLS. The outdoor movie slate includes A GOOFY MOVIE, TWISTERS, NATIONAL TREASURE, ZOOTOPIA 2, BACK TO THE FUTURE, and WICKED: FOR GOOD.

For tickets to any of the upcoming SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre summer season, call the box office at 801-225-ARTS (2787) or visit www.scera.org.

Photo Credit: SCERA

SONIC LIVE IN CONCERT to Launch Global Tour With US and UK Premieres

Wed, 27 May 2026 20:59:39 PST

As Sonic the Hedgehog celebrates 35 years as one of the most iconic video game franchises of all time, Senbla and SEGA today announced Sonic Live In Concert (www.sonicliveinconcert.com). This new concert experience brings the music and moments of the beloved video games to the stage.

Featuring iconic moments and music from the very first game in 1991 through today, the production will debut in the U.S. at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on September 26, 2026, before making its European premiere at London's Eventim Apollo on September 30. The U.S. tour will visit more than 30 cities nationwide, and a UK tour will follow in February 2027. More European dates will be announced at a later time. Tickets will go on sale May 29, 2026, with pre-sale tickets going on sale on May 28, 2026.

As part of a global rollout celebrating the franchise's milestone anniversary, Sonic Live In Concert features the most recognizable music from the Sonic universe, performed by a live ensemble alongside rock musicians, vocalists, and electronic elements. The setlist includes fan-favorite tracks and an incredible array of music from the very first game through to today accompanied by synchronized HD footage of iconic levels, moments and boss battles from the franchise. Audiences can expect musical Easter eggs woven into the arrangements, adding an extra layer of discovery that brings Sonic's world vividly to life on stage.

The concert also highlights the creative legacy behind Sonic's music from legendary composers Jun Senoue and Tomoya Ohtani, whose work has helped define Sonic's sound across generations.

"Sonic has some of the most distinct and celebrated music in gaming," says Ollie Rosenblatt, CEO of Senbla. "We wanted to create a live show that stays true to what the fans love about Sonic's music, from the electronic and melodic themes to high-energy rock."

“Music has always been a core part of Sonic's identity, shaping how fans experience this world across generations," said Ivo Gerscovich, Chief Business & Brand Officer at SEGA of America, Inc. "With this concert, we're looking forward to celebrating that legacy in a live setting; bringing together the energy, emotion, and creativity of Sonic's music in a way that both longtime fans and new audiences can enjoy together.”

Since his debut in 1991, Sonic the Hedgehog has become a global entertainment icon spanning video games, film, television, and consumer products. With renewed momentum driven by recent film releases, new game titles, and a global brand campaign tied to the 35th anniversary, the franchise continues to reach new generations of fans worldwide.

The performance schedule includes:

September 20, 2026 – Spokane, Washington – First Interstate Center for the Arts
September 22, 2026 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre (preview)
September 23, 2026 – Portland, OR – Keller Auditorium (preview)
September 25, 2026 – San Diego, CA – San Diego Civic Theatre (preview)
September 26, 2026 – Hollywood, CA – Dolby Theatre
September 27, 2026 – Riverside, CA – Fox Performing Arts Center
September 29, 2026 – Mesa, AZ – Mesa Arts Center - Ikeda Theater
September 30, 2026 – London, U.K. – London Eventim Apollo
October 1, 2026 – Las Vegas, NV – Resorts World Theatre
October 2, 2026 – Fresno, CA – Saroyan Theatre
October 3, 2026 – San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic
October 4, 2026 – Reno, NV – Grand Theatre at The Grand Sierra Resort & Casino
October 6, 2026 – Denver, CO – Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre
October 8, 2026 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
October 9, 2026 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
October 10, 2026 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port
October 11, 2026 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion
October 13, 2026 – Wichita, KS – Orpheum Theatre
October 15, 2026 – Omaha, NE – Orpheum Theater
October 16, 2026 – Peoria, IL – Prairie Home Alliance Theater
October 17, 2026 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace Theatre
October 18, 2026 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory
October 19, 2026 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
October 20, 2026 – Mobile, AL – Saenger Theatre
October 22, 2026 – Brandon, MS – City Hall Live
October 23, 2026 – Huntsville, AL – VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
October 24, 2026 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
October 25, 2026 – Greensboro, NC – Steven Tanger Center for Performing Arts
October 27, 2026 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
October 28, 2026 – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston Performing Arts Center
October 29, 2026 – Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre
October 30, 2026 – St. Petersburg, FL – Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater
October 31, 2026 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Broward Center for the Performing Arts - Au Rene Theater
November 1, 2026 – Orlando, FL – Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
February 17, 2027 – Glasgow, UK – Royal Concert Hall
February 18, 2027 – Edinburgh, UK – Usher Hall
February 19, 2027 – Manchester, UK – Bridgewater Hall
February 20, 2027 – Birmingham, UK – Symphony Hall

For more information, tour dates, and tickets, visit www.sonicliveinconcert.com.

Ballet West Artistic Director Adam Sklute to Retire After 20-Year Tenure

Wed, 27 May 2026 15:46:22 PST

Ballet West Artistic Director Adam Sklute will retire at the conclusion of the 2026-27 season, his 20th year at the helm of the company. The announcement marks the end of the longest artistic directorship in Ballet West's history, surpassing even that of founder Willam F. Christensen.

Sklute joined Ballet West in 2007 and has since led the company through a period of sustained growth that has reshaped the company's national profile. During his leadership, the operating budget has nearly tripled, the subscription base has grown against national trends, and the company has expanded its touring presence to major venues across the country.

Sklute will remain in Salt Lake City following his retirement. Over his tenure, he has expanded the repertoire and introduced Ballet West audiences to some of the world's most significant and impactful choreographers and grown the dancer roster to reflect a broader range of backgrounds and experiences than at any point in the company's history.

An international search will be conducted by Michael M. Kaiser, Chairman of the DeVos Institute of Arts and Nonprofit Management and President Emeritus of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Arts, who will work with the Board of Directors in identifying an outstanding successor to Adam in the coming season. The 2026-27 season will serve as a celebration of Sklute's two decades with Ballet West.

RDT's Dance Center on Broadway to Host $10 All-Day Open House in Salt Lake City

Wed, 27 May 2026 05:11:47 PST

Repertory Dance Theatre will invite the public to experience the joy of movement at the RDT Dance Center on Broadway Open House on Saturday, June 27, 2026. This lively community event offers dance enthusiasts of all levels the opportunity to explore seven different dance styles in a single day for just $10.

The “Dance All Day for $10” event allows participants to drop in for any—or all—of the classes offered throughout the day. Attendees can also take advantage of an even better deal: FREE admission with the purchase of a 10-class punch card, available at the Open House for a special discounted price of $90—a savings of $50.

Beginning July 1, dance class pricing will be updated to support our teaching artists and program costs. Individual classes will be $15, and 10-class punch cards will be $110. We remain committed to keeping our classes accessible while providing high-quality training with exceptional instructors. So the pricing for the Open House on June 27 offers students the last chance to get this discounted rate.

“The Open House is all about making dance accessible to everyone,” said Nicholas Cendese, Executive/Artistic Co-Director and Dance Center teacher at RDT. “Whether you're a seasoned dancer or stepping onto the dance floor for the first time, this event is a wonderful way to try new styles, meet our talented instructors, and experience the welcoming energy of our dance community.”

RDT's Dance Center on Broadway offers a wide variety of adult dance classes (ages 16+) on evenings and weekends. All classes are available on a drop-in basis, meaning no pre-registration or long-term commitment is required. Each class is taught by professional instructors who create a supportive and engaging environment for dancers of all experience levels.

Held quarterly, the Open House provides a fun and welcoming opportunity to try new movement styles, connect with others, and celebrate the power of dance.

Kayenta Arts' Summer Arts Showcase to Celebrate New Work By Southern Utah Artists

Tue, 26 May 2026 15:05:05 PST

Kayenta Arts will present Summer Arts Showcase, a monthlong celebration of original work from Southern Utah artists, taking place throughout June at the Center for the Arts at Kayenta. This dynamic, multidisciplinary showcase features entirely new works spanning music, theater, poetry, film, and visual art-offering audiences a vibrant snapshot of the region's creative voices. Dates & details below.

Made possible by a generous grant from the Mellon Foundation, Summer Arts Showcase is part of Kayenta's Local Arts Ambassadors Program, which uplifts artists from within the Southern Utah community by providing resources, time, and space to create and share new work. Complementing this initiative, Kayenta's Creative Residency Program-also supported by Mellon-brings nationally recognized artists to the region to develop original projects inspired by the area's distinctive desert landscape and creative spirit.

Together, these programs are helping to build a thriving, interdisciplinary arts ecosystem-one that supports emerging artists, fosters experimentation, and connects audiences with the voices shaping today's cultural landscape.

"There is a rapidly growing arts scene in Southern Utah, and our Summer Arts Showcase is a direct investment in where that momentum can lead," said Miranda Wright, Executive Director of Kayenta Arts. "By launching new initiatives at Kayenta Arts, we're supporting regional and national working artists while creating the conditions for creativity, collaboration, and innovation to thrive. We are grateful to the Mellon Foundation for their investment in us."

Summer Arts Showcase artists include visual artist Addison Kanoelani, authors Sara Flannery Murphy and Amanda Empey, theater artist Ashlie Chaston, musicians Glenn Webb and Dylan Thomas Gavin, filmmaker Wendy Bird Womack, and others. All performance tickets are pay-what-you-choose $10-30. Details below.

SUMMER ARTS SHOWCASE PROGRAMMING

Addison Kanoelani: Thresholds: The Liminal Sky

Opening Social: Friday, June 5, 5-7:00pm
June 6-June 30, open during Center hours (9am-5pm daily)
Judy & Tim Terrell Lobby

Kayenta Arts presents Thresholds: The Liminal Sky by Addison Kanoelani, a visual art exhibit that explores the liminal space of transformation-an in-between state where identity shifts but has not yet resolved. Through layered abstraction and embedded fiber optic light, the work creates an immersive environment of change and quiet potential. Kayenta Arts will host a related Art Talk Friday, June 19, 7:30pm alongside a screening of Wendy Womack's short film, RE.

No admission price to attend the opening social or view the gallery. Artwork will be available for purchase. https://kayentaarts.org/portfolio/thresholds-the-liminal-sky/

Caught in a Loop LIVE with Dylan Thomas Gavin

Thursday, June 12, 7:00pm
Kayenta Outdoor Theater

Caught in a Loop LIVE with Dylan Thomas Gavin is a one-night-only live album recording experience! Audience members are invited to watch as every rhythm, harmony, and melody is built and layered in the moment by one-man-band Dylan Thomas Gavin.

Tickets: $10-$30 https://kayentaarts.org/portfolio/caught-in-a-loop-live-with-dylan-thomas-gavin/

Devised Music & Theater, Glenn Webb & Ashlie Chaston: The Delirium of Beethoven

Saturday, June 13, 7:30pm & Sunday, June 14, 3:00pm
The Lorraine Boccardo Theater

This devised theater piece (created from scratch by an ensemble rather from a pre-existing script) features new music and theater, created by local musician Glenn Webb, local theater artist Ashlie Chaston, and a company of musicians and actors. In The Delirium of Beethoven, a dissatisfied musician, Quinn stumbles upon the great composer & musician, Beethoven, who has strangely arrived to the modern world. Suddenly, Quinn's world is opened up to the possibility of something new. An avant-garde, collaborative production emerges from the power of original live music incorporated into unique contemporary theatre.

Tickets: $10-$30 https://kayentaarts.org/portfolio/the-delirium-of-beethoven/

Short Film Screening & Art Talk - Thresholds: Art in Between

Friday, June 19, 7:30pm
The Lorraine Boccardo Theater

The short film RE by filmmaker Wendy Bird Womack tells the story of two sisters who reunite three years after escaping an abusive cult and discover that recovery looks different for everyone. At this special preview screening, audiences will get a first look at the film and have the opportunity to share feedback. The film runs 15 minutes and will be presented alongside Addison Kanoelani's Art Talk, Thresholds: Art in Between.

Tickets: $10-$30 https://kayentaarts.org/portfolio/short-film-screening-art-talk/

Musetrap: Sara Flannery Murphy

June 21-27 Open Installation
Friday, June 26, 5PM Workshop
Center for the Arts at Kayenta

This generative, interactive, and tongue-in-cheek installation invites participants to tap into the collective, messy force of human creativity by setting a trap for muses. Audiences can experience this installation two ways: join creator Sara Flannery Murphy on June 26 for a guided workshop with hands-on exercises and a lecture. Or, visit this "thrift store of ideas" during the open installation period, following your own instincts.

Tickets: $10-$30 https://kayentaarts.org/portfolio/musetrap/

Poetry Jams: Thresholds with Amanda Empey

Saturday, June 27, 8PM
Kayenta Outdoor Theater

Join Kayenta Arts for a collaborative poetry jam with local poets and musicians, hosted by local author Amanda Empey. Expect an engaging mix of spoken word, community energy, and creative expression. The theme is "Thresholds".

Tickets: $10-$30 https://kayentaarts.org/portfolio/poetry-jams-thresholds/ion.

Review: Hale Centre Theatre’s MY FAIR LADY is Pleasurably Gratifying

Sun, 24 May 2026 09:19:55 PST

MY FAIR LADY on Hale Centre Theatre’s Centre Stage in Sandy is a pleasurably gratifying new exploration of a classic.

MY FAIR LADY (book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, music by Frederick Loewe, adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s PYGMALION) is a classic in every sense of the word. The original 1957 Broadway production won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and its 1964 film adaptation won eight Oscars, including Best Picture. Dialect expert Henry Higgins takes on the challenge of passing off Cockney flower girl Eliza Dolittle as a duchess, but he doesn’t foresee the impact their lessons will make.

Scout Smith is incandescent as Eliza Dolittle (double cast with Lisa Zimmerman). Though her vocal style varies from the traditional expectation of the character, she provides a refreshing viewpoint and a layered performance, as does the compelling Kelton Davis as a harried but somehow tender Henry Higgins (double cast with Keith McKay Evans).

The enjoyable Mark Pulham as Colonel Pickering (double cast with Mark Knowles) is a crucial linchpin in the leading triangle.

Other strong supporting characters include Linda Jean Stephenson as Mrs. Higgins (double cast with Barta Heiner), Doug Wadley as Freddy Eynsford-Hill (double cast with John Donovan Wilson), Duane Stephens as Alfred P. Dolittle (double cast with Daniel Hess), and Lori Rees as Mrs. Pearce (single cast). The mostly single-cast ensemble is stellar across the board, with Lucas Morley a particular highlight.

The direction by Ryan Simmons, choreograpy by Afton Wilson, and scenic design by Nate Bertone work together seamlessly to keep momentum moving and add variety and new perspective to the scenes. The set is another marvel that allows for both architectural splendor and the simplistic movement of a turntable on an empty stage that Hale is beloved for.

The gorgeous costume design by Joy Zhu and hair/makeup design by Krissa Lent span both grandeur and grittiness with equal success, and the lighting design by Jaron Kent Hermansen ties it all together for a truly captivating production.

MY FAIR LADY plays through July 11, 2026. For tickets, call the box office at 801-984-9000 or visit www.hct.org.

Photo Credit: Hale Centre Theatre.

Utah Symphony Music Director Designate Markus Poschner Mentors High School Students

Thu, 21 May 2026 05:38:35 PST

For conductor Markus Poschner, the music of Anton Bruckner is more than repertoire—it's a lifelong pursuit. Utah audiences will experience that passion firsthand as Poschner returns to the podium May 22 and 23 at Abravanel Hall to lead the Utah Symphony's Masterworks season finale, including Bruckner's Symphony No. 4—one of the composer's most beloved and cinematic masterpieces.

Known for its soaring brass fanfares, sweeping landscapes, and the thrilling "Hunt Scherzo,” Bruckner’s Fourth Symphony transports audiences into a world of nature, medieval romance, and triumphant orchestral power.

Bruckner’s music has become a defining part of Poschner’s artistic identity. In 2024, he completed one of classical music’s most ambitious recording projects, the definitive 18-album Bruckner: The Symphonies – Complete Versions Edition with the Bruckner Orchestra Linz and the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra—an internationally celebrated project that earned a Special Achievement Award from the International Classical Music Awards and further established him as one of today’s leading interpreters of Bruckner. The May 22 and 23 concerts will mark Poschner’s first opportunity to share his expert interpretation of Bruckner with his Utah Symphony audience.

Joining Poschner for the season finale is pianist Youl Sun, winner of the 2024 Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation International Artists Piano Competition, performing Camille Saint-Saëns’ dazzling Piano Concerto No. 5, “Egyptian.” Inspired by the composer’s travels along the Nile, the concerto blends shimmering virtuosity, exotic color, and lyrical beauty.

(In 2026-27, Poschner will lead three Masterworks concerts with the Utah Symphony, amid a busy season that also includes his debut with the Berlin Philharmonic—one of the top orchestras in the world—in February 2027.)

With each visit to Utah since he was announced Music Director Designate in 2024, Poschner has fallen more in love with the symphony’s home venue, Maurice Abravanel Hall. He also finds great importance in orchestras reaching beyond the concert hall and engaging in a variety of ways with their community. For that reason, Poschner enthusiastically looks forward to his debut at the Deer Valley® Music Festival, the summer home of the Utah Symphony in Park City. He will be the first Utah Symphony Music Director in two decades to lead performances there, marking a major new chapter for the festival and the orchestra.

For Poschner, the festival represents more than a summer performance venue—it reflects his vision for creating musical experiences that feel welcoming, inspiring, and connected to the community. “The Deer Valley® Music Festival gives us a perfect opportunity to get in touch with new audiences, with young audiences, with every part of our society,” Poschner says, adding that he expects that natural beauty of the backdrop in the great outdoors of Park City will add a layer of inspiration to the concert experience for both artists and audiences. “It’s a magic place. You can feel it immediately—the view of the mountains, the atmosphere, the acoustics. In my mind, I’m just thinking how to grow this kind of venue here and develop it.”

Poschner opens the summer season July 17 and 18 with one of the most iconic works in the orchestral repertoire: Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Performed beneath the open skies of the Wasatch Mountains at the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater, the natural setting will only enhance the power of Beethoven’s Romantic masterpiece. The monumental work builds toward the triumphant “Ode to Joy,” as the orchestra, chorus, and soloists unite in one of music’s most unforgettable finales.

On July 17, the opening night of the Deer Valley® Music Festival, Utah Symphony | Utah Opera will also host pre-concert and post-concert gala events in Park City—a celebration of artistry, community, and the future musical excellence. (For more information, click here.)

Poschner continues to carry forward his vision for Deer Valley® Music Festival the following weekend, leading Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, bursting with energy and beautiful orchestral colors. This program also marks the return of the jazz-inspired, genre-defying string trio Time for Three, performing Contact by Kevin Puts, winner of a GRAMMY® Award for Best Contemporary Classical Composition.

Conducting for the first time at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on July 22, Poschner leads an all-Mozart program—featuring Utah Symphony Concertmaster Madeline Adkins in Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 2 and concluding with Mozart’s radiant Symphony No. 41, “Jupiter.”

Before taking the podium for the Bruckner season finale this weekend, Poschner has spent the early part of this week mentoring and conducting the next generation of musicians through Utah Symphony’s annual Side-by-Side program. In one of the symphony’s longest running education programs, 47 high school students from across Utah spent weeks rehearsing and participating in coaching with Assistant Conductor Jessica Rivero Altarriba, Creative Partner David Robertson, and Utah Symphony musicians. This week, their work culminated in a final rehearsal and performance alongside the Utah Symphony, with Poschner at the podium.

The Side-by-Side program gives students an in-depth view of what it's like to work as a professional musician, and reflects the Utah Symphony's long-standing commitment to music education and cultivation of the next generation of musicians. That work is deeply personal for Poschner. The son of a conductor and music teacher, some of his earliest childhood memories are of listening to piano lessons from beneath the instrument—a formative experience that shaped his lifelong belief in the power of music to build connection and community.

“I’m here to share my love of music, because I deeply believe in the power of music to bring people together,” Poschner says. “This creates a community. It seems more important today than ever before to bring people together.”

Video: Inside Rehearsals for HARMONY at Hale Centre Theatre

Wed, 20 May 2026 12:24:26 PST

Hale Centre Theatre has released rehearsal footage of HARMONY, the regional premiere of Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman's acclaimed musical, now playing through August 1, 2026 at the Sorenson Legacy Jewel Box Stage.

Hailed as a New York Times Critic's Pick and called "impossible to forget," HARMONY is based on the true story of the Comedian Harmonists, six remarkably talented young men who formed a singing group in Berlin in 1927 and took the world by storm. They sold millions of records, starred in major motion pictures, and performed on the grandest stages across the globe before disappearing from the public eye by 1935. With music by the legendary Barry Manilow and a book and lyrics by Bruce Sussman, the production arrives at Hale Centre Theatre just off its acclaimed Off-Broadway run.

Tickets range from $51 to $71 for adults and $25 to $35 for youth ages 5 to 17. For tickets and information, visit Hale Centre Theatre online or call 801-984-9000. Hale Centre Theatre is located at 9900 South Monroe Street, Sandy, UT 84070.

Click Here to Play!

Exclusive Photos: First Look at FINDING NEMO Regional Premiere at Tuacahn Center for the Arts

Tue, 19 May 2026 14:03:18 PST

Disney & Pixar's Finding Nemo, a 70-minute family musical, is now being presented at Tuacahn Amphitheatre. Get an exclusive first look at production photos here!

Dive into the enchanting underwater world of Marlin, Dory, and Nemo in Disney & Pixar’s Finding Nemo: A 70-Minute Family Musical, a brand new regional premiere at Tuacahn Amphitheatre! Join this e journey beneath the waves as Marlin searches the ocean for his kid, Nemo, encountering colorful characters, thrilling adventures, and heartwarming moments along the way.

This vibrant one-act musical brings the beloved story to life with a full professional cast, puppetry, and whimsical special effects. Performances are running now through October 24.

The cast of Finding Nemo at Tuacahn

THE NOTEBOOK North American Tour Adds 26 Cities to 2026-27 Route

Tue, 19 May 2026 08:13:15 PST

The North American Tour of THE NOTEBOOK hasannounced engagements for the 2026-27 season, adding 26 cites to the previously announced route, including stops in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, and Houston. The tour began performances on September 6, 2025, at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio, and has welcomed over 500,000 patrons to date.

Read the reviews for the touring production of The Notebook.

Allie and Noah, two people from different worlds, share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart in a deeply moving portrait of the enduring power of love. Based on the book that has sold millions of copies worldwide and a film that is one of the highest-grossing romantic dramas of all-time, the musical adaptation of THE NOTEBOOK played Broadway at the Schoenfeld Theatre from March 2024 to December 2024 following a critically acclaimed world premiere engagement at Chicago Shakespeare Theater in the fall of 2022.

THE NOTEBOOK features music and lyrics by multi-platinum singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson and a book by playwright Bekah Brunstetter (writer and producer on NBC's “This Is Us,” The Cake). The production is directed by Michael Greif (Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal, RENT) and Schele Williams (Aida, The Wiz), with choreography by Katie Spelman (Associate Choreographer on Moulin Rouge! The Musical).

The creative team for the tour includes scenic design by David Zinn and Brett J. Banakis, costume design by Paloma Young, lighting design by Ben Stanton, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Mia Neal, and projection design by Lucy Mackinnon. The production's music supervisor is Carmel Dean, who also collaborated on arrangements with Ingrid Michaelson and on orchestrations with John Clancy, and the music director is Tina Faye. Casting by The Telsey Office, Patrick Goodwin, CSA.

The production was recognized with three 2024 Tony Award nominations (Best Book of a Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical), Drama League Award nominations for Outstanding Production of a Musical, two Distinguished Performance Awards and the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing, Drama Desk Award nominations for Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical, and an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical.

2026-2027 Tour Dates:

Detroit, MI — Fisher Theatre
September 22 – October 4, 2026

Dayton, OH — Schuster Center
October 6 – 11, 2026

Grand Rapids, MI — DeVos Performance Hall
October 13 – 18, 2026

East Lansing, MI — Wharton Center
October 27 – November 1, 2026

Richmond, VA — Altria Theater
November 3 – 8, 2026

Pittsburgh, PA — Benedum Center
November 10 – 15, 2026

Schenectady, NY — Proctors
December 1 – 6, 2026

Boston, MA — Emerson Colonial Theatre
December 8 – 20, 2026

Oklahoma City, OK — Civic Center Music Hall
December 29, 2026 – January 3, 2027

Houston, TX — Hobby Center
January 5 – 10, 2027

Dallas, TX — Winspear Opera House
January 12 – 24, 2027

New Orleans, LA — Saenger Theatre
January 26 – 31, 2027

Hershey, PA — Hershey Theatre
February 3 – 7, 2027

Providence, RI — PPAC
February 9 – 14, 2027

Rochester, NY — Auditorium Theatre
February 16 – 21, 2027

Fayetteville, AR — Walton Arts Center
February 24 – 28, 2027

Huntsville, AL — Von Braun Center
March 2 – 7, 2027

Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Broward Center
March 9 – 14, 2027

Ft. Myers, FL — Barbara B. Mann Hall
March 16 – 21, 2027

Naples, FL — Artis—Naples
March 23 – 28, 2027

North Charleston, SC — North Charleston PAC
March 30 – April 4, 2027

Birmingham, AL — BJCC Concert Hall
April 6 – 11, 2027

Atlanta, GA — Fox Theatre
April 13 – 18, 2027

Tucson, AZ — Centennial Hall
April 27 – May 2, 2027

San Jose, CA — Center for the Performing Arts
May 4 – 9, 2027

Sacramento, CA — SAFE Credit Union PAC
May 11 – 16, 2027

Video: HCT Releases New Look Inside HARMONY Rehearsals

Fri, 15 May 2026 15:54:43 PST

A first look inside rehearsal for ‘Harmony’ at Hale Centre Theatre. The production opens May 25 through August 1. Tickets at hct.org.

Harmony tells the tale of the most successful entertainers you've never heard of. . . until now. In the 1920s and 30s, The Comedian Harmonists sold millions of records, made dozens of films, and sold-out the biggest theaters around the world. Their heavenly harmonies and musical comedy antics catapulted these six talented young men from singing in the subway tunnels of Berlin to international superstardom. What happened next is the story of Harmony.

Harmony features an original new score by the legendary Manilow with lyrics and book by Sussman.

Click Here to Play!

Review: ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at The Ruth is Joyous

Thu, 14 May 2026 21:59:59 PST

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND in the Lindsay Legacy Theater at The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater is a joyous celebration of Caribbean culture, the bounties of the earth, and love in all its forms.

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, music by Stephen Flaherty), from the songwriting team of RAGTIME, ANASTASIA, and SEUSSICAL, is somewhat a retelling of Hans Christian Anderson’s original fairy tale THE LITTLE MERMAID set in the French Antilles. Ti Moune is a peasant girl who yearns after an upper-class boy from the other side of the island. When the gods of the island offer her the opportunity to give herself for a life with him, can she refuse?

The Tony-winning Best Revival in 2018 was intensely captivating and contained many immersive elements like real sand, water, and fire. This production has borrowed some of the same vocabulary while creating a language that’s wholly unique.

Watching the cast dance barefoot in the sand that fills the stage is exhilarating, and the use of water is inspired, leaving us wanting more. Artful staging by Lisa Hall, exuberant choreography by Izzy Arrieta, and clever illusions make for a brilliant theatrical experience.

The set by Carter Thompson and costumes by Candice Nielsen provide an explosion of colors and patterns that transport us to the Caribbean via the shimmering lighting by Michael Gray. The well-crafted props by Megan Heaps and hair/makeup by Bekah Wilbur complete the striking design.

Sibley Snowden is a crystal-voiced Ti Moune (double cast with her sister, Blythe Snowden), and Corey Stefon Johnson as Daniel (double cast with JRay Kuhn) matches her youthful vitality.

The gods are enthralling in their interactions and singing, including Malia Morris as Erzulie (double cast with Anya Sulimoni), Beatriz Melo as Papa Ge (single cast), Brittany Andam as Asaka (double cast with Aria Love Jackson), and Kiirt Banks as Agwe (double cast with Yahosh Bonner).

Rosemay Webster carries the weight of the world as Mama (double cast with Koryn Sobel), and Nicholas Warren is a protective Tonton (double cast with Oba Bonner).

They are joined by Paola Molina Guzman as Andrea (single cast), Sean J Carter as Armand (double cast with Chad Brown), and Heidi Malia Warren as Little Girl (double cast with Nahla Fernelius).

It is wonderful to see a local production of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND cast entirely with persons of color.

It does have to be said that the performances are a bit uneven with some not quite at the level of quality you’d typically expect at The Ruth. But, conversely, some of them really are stunning, all the actors are endearing, and the production overall is quite satisfying.

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND plays through July 3, 2026. For tickets, call the box office at 801-226-8600 or visit www.theruth.org.

Photo Credit: Photo by Lauri Baird.

THE SEAGULL Will Come to New World Shakespeare Company

Thu, 14 May 2026 05:21:10 PST

New World Shakespeare Company will present its next show, an adaptation of Chekhov's The Seagull by Élise Hanson. The show will run May 23 - June 27, 2026 with shows at 7:30 p.m. and one matinee June 13, at the Alliance Theater Blackbox, 602 East 500 South.

The creative team includes Director Shea Potter; Playwrights Anton Chekhov and Élise Hanson; Producers Blayne Wiley and Élise Hanson; Assistant Director Annie Potter; Stage Managers Sofia Webley and Tanner Larsen; Photographer Élise Hanson; and Costumers Eric Jensen, Amber Heinrich, and Élise Hanson.

The cast features Amber Heinrich as Irina Nikolayevna Arkadina, Jackson Eastmond as Konstantin Treplev, Jeffrey Owen as Pyotr Nikolayevich Sorin, Kate Potter as Nina Zarechnaya, Tom Jones as Ilya Shamrayev, Élise Hanson as Polina Andreyevna, Lisa Thurman as Masha Ilyinishna Shamrayeva, Zach Reynolds as Boris Alexeyevich Trigorin, Blayne Wiley as Yevgeny Sergeyevich Dorn, Joey McDonough as Semyon Semyonovich Medvedenko, Tanner Larsen as Yakov, and Annie Potter as the Maidservant.

A statement from NWSC says: "The Seagull is, first and foremost, deeply human. Anton Chekhov was a humanist playwright, one of the pioneers of modern storytelling in which the flaws and foibles of ordinary people are brought to the foreground. Here you will find no heroes and villains, but bewitching, wretched, and wonderful people. His tragicomedy on the lives and loves of actors and writers in 19th century Russia has been treasured for over a hundred years, and it is our great joy to share it with you in a compact, intimate space, befitting how Chekhov designed the staging to confine these characters in an effort to force confrontation with themselves and one another.

"Playwright Élise C. Hanson's tractile, tremendously performable adaptation of this play reverences Chekhov's work while drawing out vitality in characterization and weaving in structural alterations, a creative effort in line with New World's mission to offer classical pieces with intentionality and resonance to modern audiences. In Hanson's refitting, the late-stage Victorian rhythms and Chekhov's voice remain intact, but are rendered to mesmeric, robust, refreshing life and potent, vibrant color. Shea Potter makes his first foray into the world of directing, lending his acumen for comedy and a mindful deliberation to the piece. We hope you will join us."

New World Shakespeare Company began in 2012, sustaining its effortful commitment to provide truly meaningful and enriching artistic experiences to artists and audience members in the Salt Lake Valley. Each production focuses on a charitable cause that highlights a theme in the play. For The Seagull, NWSC is partnering with Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors.

StageMag Launches Programmable PDF Editor for Digital Theater Programs

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:04:02 PST

StageMag, the digital show program platform from BroadwayWorld, today launched its new PDF Editor to all producers and stage managers using the service. The tool gives editors granular, real-time control over how their digital program renders as a downloadable or printable PDF - the format most often used in lobby printouts, accessibility packets, and press kits.

Until now, the StageMag-to-PDF path was a one-shot export: whatever fit, fit. The new editor turns the export into a configurable surface. Each section of a program including the cast list, song list, director's note, bios, advertisements, sponsor pages, articles, listings and more — can be individually told how to paginate. Editors choose between three strategies per section:

Flow: natural pagination, sections may split across pages.
Own page: start the section on a fresh page.
Fit one page: start fresh and scale the section to occupy the whole page.

A live preview pane re-renders the PDF on every change, so editors see the final printed result as they work rather than guessing and re-exporting.Beyond the strategy picker, the editor exposes a set of advanced controls familiar to anyone who has hand-tuned a long-form print document: hide-element selectors (drop sponsor strips or vestigial nav from the print version), forced page breaks before or after named elements, a draggable section-order list, custom header/footer/watermark text, and a custom-CSS escape hatch for theaters whose programs follow a house style.

The release also includes paper-level controls including US Letter or A4, portrait or landscape, three margin presets, three type scales, and a "booklet" mode that adds a binding gutter for stapled lobby printouts.

The PDF Editor is available now to all StageMag-enabled productions at no additional cost, under the Share PDF tab in the program editor. Existing programs render with sensible defaults; the new controls are opt-in and per-production.

About StageMag

StageMag is BroadwayWorld's digital playbill platform, used by Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional, university, and community theater productions to publish interactive programs that audiences open on their phones from a QR code in the lobby. StageMag is offered as a free service to participating productions.

About BroadwayWorld

Founded in 2003, BroadwayWorld is the largest theater website in the world, covering Broadway, the West End, and theater news, reviews, interviews, and resources across all 50 US states and 45 countries.

Video: Rehearsals for MY FAIR LADY at Hale Centre Theatre

Tue, 12 May 2026 13:51:22 PST

Hale Centre Theatre has released new rehearsal footage of LERNER AND LOEWE'S MY FAIR LADY, the six-time Tony Award-winning musical making its debut on the company's world-class Centre Stage, running May 18 through July 11, 2026.

The beloved Broadway classic follows Eliza Doolittle, a common flower girl who blossoms under the tutelage of the imperious Professor Higgins in a story of transformation, independence, and choice. The show's iconic score includes 'On the Street Where You Live,' 'I Could Have Danced All Night,' 'Get Me to the Church on Time,' and 'I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face.'

Several performances are already sold out, with availability selling quickly across the run. Tickets are priced at $73 to $81 for adults and $36 to $40 for youth ages 5 to 17. No children under 5 are permitted.

For tickets and information, visit Hale Centre Theatre online or call 801-984-9000. Hale Centre Theatre is located at 9900 South Monroe Street, Sandy, UT 84070.

Click Here to Play!

Review: THE WIZARD OF OZ at The Ruth is Darlingly Delectable

Sat, 09 May 2026 20:33:22 PST

THE WIZARD OF OZ in the Smith Grand Theater at The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater is a darlingly delectable morsel of a production that whisks the audience away to the merry old land of Oz.

THE WIZARD OF OZ (music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg) was adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company from the 1939 motion picture based on L. Frank Baum’s novel. When Dorothy’s house is carried by a cyclone from Kansas to the magical land of Oz, she travels to see the Wizard in the hopes that he’ll be able to help her find a way back home.

Taylor Ann Jaeger (double cast with Madeline Clifford) is sheer perfection as Dorothy. This is a remarkably difficult role to play, as it is forever tied to Judy Garland’s iconic performance. Jaeger walks the fine line of playing homage without falling into caricature, reminiscent of Garland but drawing from real emotion. She is like a magnet that both pulls together the show and pulls in the audience.

Enchanting supporting acts include Stephen Kerr as the Wizard (single cast), Debra Hahn as Glinda (double cast with Michelle Blake), and Ian Webb as the puppeteer for Toto (double cast with Brigham Ker). The dog is a character of its own as never before in nearly every scene, emoting and even dancing with the others.

Other top roles include Chase Daynes as the Tin Man (double cast with Collin Larsen), Nick Garner as the Scarecrow (double cast with Logan Neville), Scott Rollins as the Cowardly Lion (double cast with Geoff Reynolds), Brett Myers as the Guard (double cast with Marshall Lamm), and Emily Llewellyn Sellers as the Wicked Witch (double cast with Shaunna Thompson).

The choreography by Eric Sciotto is delightful, from the Tin Man’s tap routine to an exhilarating “We’re Off to See the Wizard” jig to the tremendous ensemble’s ever-present, high-energy, multi-style dancing throughout the show.

“Jitterbug” is a cut song from the film that can be difficult to integrate seamlessly into the storytelling, but it works astonishingly well here due to the brilliant choreography, frantic lighting (though it could have turned up the dial even more), and dazzling gender-neutral costumes.

Readers of L. Frank Baum’s Oz book, and now audience members at The Ruth, know that Munchkinland is blue and Winkie Country is yellow but the Emerald City is green because of green glasses worn by its citizens and visitors. The attractive costume design by Lexi Goldsberry draws inspiration from the books with multiple gasp-worthy twists on expectations throughout the show.

The eye-catching set by Danny Rash, lit pleasantly by Danny Rash, includes WICKED-inspired pieces like Glinda’s bubble and the Wizard’s talking head. Director Ashley Carlson’s production runs the gamut of Ozian touchpoints in a way that feels like a warm tribute to all that’s come before while making it a fresh experience in and of itself.

THE WIZARD OF OZ plays through May 23, 2026. For tickets, call the box office at 801-226-8600 or visit www.theruth.org.

Photo Credit: Photo by Lauri Baird.

Verdi's LA TRAVIATA Closes Utah Opera Spring Season

Fri, 08 May 2026 22:24:17 PST

Utah Opera will conclude its 2025-2026 season with Giuseppe Verdi’s LA TRAVIATA. The production stars Lydia Katarina, Isaac Hurtado, and Weston Hurt, with conductor Robert Tweten leading his 20th production for the company. Performances run May 9-17 at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre.

Utah Opera will close its 2025-2026 season with Giuseppe Verdi’s LA TRAVIATA, running for five performances from May 9-17 at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City.

One of the most frequently performed operas in the repertory, LA TRAVIATA follows the story of Parisian courtesan Violetta Valéry and her relationship with Alfredo Germont. The production highlights music including “Brindisi” and “Sempre libera,” while drawing attention to the opera’s influence on films such as Pretty Woman and Moulin Rouge!.

The cast is led by soprano Lydia Katarina as Violetta Valéry, tenor Isaac Hurtado as Alfredo Germont, and baritone Weston Hurt as Giorgio Germont.

Additional cast members include Julia Holoman as Flora Bervoix, Stephanie Chee as Annina, Aaron McKone as Gastone, Rodney Sharp II as Marquis d’Obigny, Christopher Clayton as Baron Douphol, and Kevin Nakatani as Doctor Grenvil.

“Few operas balance musical brilliance and dramatic truth as completely as La traviata,” said Utah Opera Artistic Director Christopher McBeth in a statement. “Its emotional power lies not simply in its tragedy, but in Verdi's ability to illuminate the inner life of a woman navigating love, sacrifice, and society's expectations.”

Director Garnett Bruce and choreographer Daniel Charon return to the staging first created for Utah Opera in 2019, incorporating choreography and movement throughout the production. Six Utah-based dancers were selected following an open call to participate in the opera’s party and dream sequences.

“We wanted the movement to feel like an extension of Violetta's emotional life – her memories, her desires, even her isolation,” Bruce said. “Dance allows audiences to experience parts of [Violetta's] story that words alone cannot fully express.”

Conductor Robert Tweten will lead his 20th production with Utah Opera, joined by the Utah Opera Chorus and Utah Symphony.

Photos: TOO MANY VOICES Musical Gets Public Reading at Harrington Center New Works Festival

Tue, 05 May 2026 20:57:29 PST

Production photos have been released from the reading of TOO MANY VOICES at The Harrington Center’s Exploration of New Works. The new musical by Tyler Thompson was presented as part of the New Works Festival. The event included a talkback with Broadway producer Phil Kenny and other collaborators.

Photos have been released from the public reading of TOO MANY VOICES, a new musical written by Tyler Thompson, presented at The Harrington Center’s Exploration of New Works.

The reading marked the musical’s second public presentation and was part of the Harrington’s New Works Festival, which featured new projects in development. The event concluded with a talkback featuring Tony Award-winning Broadway producer Phil Kenny, composer Jonathon Keith, and director Tim Threlfall.

TOO MANY VOICES follows college best friends Alex and Jenna as they navigate the pressures of daily life and mental health struggles. As Jenna supports Alex through increasingly difficult moments, a deeper truth begins to emerge that alters their relationship.

The cast for the reading included Rebekah Thorn, Noah Hurley, Natalie Makin, and Isabel Ownby.

“This is something that can be produced everywhere and anywhere,” said Kenny during the talkback.

The Harrington Center’s Exploration of New Works highlights emerging musicals and plays as they move toward future development, with TOO MANY VOICES among the works continuing to evolve.

Rebekah Thorn, Noah Hurley, Natalie Makin, Tyler Thompson, Isabel Ownby

Phil Kenny and Tyler Thompson

Tyler Thompson, Phil Kenny, Jonathan Keith, Tim Threlfall, Lynn Spector, Rae Covey

Natalie Makin, Noah Hurley

Noah Hurley, Rebekah Thorn

Rebekah Thorn

Exclusive: Utah’s Preston Taylor Reflects on Taking Chances and Being in THE GREAT GATSBY on Broadway

Mon, 04 May 2026 14:37:03 PST

You may have seen Preston Taylor in BYU’s Young Ambassadors or INTO THE WOODS (Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf), Hale Center Theater Orem’s THE DROWSY CHAPERONE (Robert Martin), Sundance’s JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Joseph), Tuacahn’s FROZEN (Hans), or Hale Centre Theatre’s NEWSIES (Jack Kelly) or LES MISERABLES (Javert). Or you may have seen him the ensembles of the MOULIN ROUGE touring company (understudy for Christian and the Duke) or THE GREAT GATSBY on Broadway (understudy for Tom and Wolfsheim), where he has been dazzling audiences for the last year. Also a model and influencer, he is featured in the recently unveiled marketing campaign for this year’s Broadway Bares charity event.

Taylor spoke openly and genuinely with BroadwayWorld about making the leap from Utah to Broadway and working hard so you’re ready for the unexpected.

How did your time in Utah prepare you for what you're doing now on Broadway?

My road to Broadway was very different than a lot of people's. A lot of people come to New York when they're very young—you know, 18, 19, 20—and they just kind of hit the pavement before they even join the union. They are showing up and waiting in line for eight hours for every single audition and just for years and years and years, auditioning like crazy and traveling all over the country doing whatever regional production they can get because of life circumstances. When I decided to go to BYU it was because I had decided I was not going to pursue musical theatre as a career. After a year at BYU and doing Young Ambassadors for that first year, I decided that my life without musical theatre was not my life. It's such a part of who I am. And so I decided, What am I doing? This is what I'm supposed to be doing with my life. These are the gifts that I feel I've been given, and it would be foolish of me to not cultivate those gifts. Studying at BYU, I got really amazing training there and met some incredible people. And fortunately, Hale Centre Theatre at that time of my life gave me some really amazing opportunities. The first show that I did at the Hale was NEWSIES, when I played Jack Kelly. I had never worked at Hale Centre Theatre, and for them to cast such a taxing, demanding role with someone who they had not worked with yet, they took a huge chance on me. I would say I knew, and I think they knew, that I was very ready for that chance and very ripe for it, but they didn't know me, you know. So that was kind of my first experience of being cast somewhere where they didn't know me, but I felt how good it feels to have that vote of confidence put on you. Of showing up, being prepared, being ready for the moment, and people giving you that chance.

And you know, every single job that I had leading up to my Broadway debut with THE GREAT GATSBY absolutely prepared me for this opportunity, just in terms of keeping my work ethic up and keeping up my talents. But the thing that prepared me most for Broadway was doing the MOULIN ROUGE tour and getting my first taste of what it feels like to do an eight show a week schedule. There's no other way to prepare yourself for the rigor of doing eight shows a week than just doing eight shows a week. You can talk about it, you can think about it, but doing it in practice really takes so much, and there's no way to figure out how to do it beyond just actually doing it. But my time in Utah as an actor was absolutely essential for preparing me to be on Broadway, and it was working as an actor in Utah that I started to catch the vision that there really was a path for me. I always knew from a young age that I was going to be on Broadway. I just felt it, and life circumstances took me in a lot of different directions for many years, and I started to believe that that was not going to be possible for me, because, again, I wasn't following that kind of cookie cutter path to Broadway that you typically hear about. But I think this is true for everyone, the circumstances of your life are exactly what they're supposed to be. Just keep following your intuition and your heart, and you're gonna end up where you're supposed to be, and you'll be ready for it.

Tell me about booking MOULIN ROUGE. How did that come about?

Libby Lloyd was playing Nini on the Moulin Rouge tour, and I was like, Oh my gosh, it's so cool that this girl I went to BYU with, my friend, is playing a principal role in the first national tour of MOULIN ROUGE. It just was so cool to me. And so it's late 2022, there was overlap between LUCKY STIFF at Hale Centre Theatre and THE LITTLE MERMAID at Hale Centre Theatre. They were in different theatres, but I was doing both, which was crazy. And at that time, both directors of the shows, Jim Christian and Ryan Simmons, as I was working with them, would just look at me and say, independent of each other, What are you still doing here, man? You gotta get out of Utah, you need to go to New York, you need to be auditioning. I knew at that time in my life that I needed to get out of Utah, but I was terrified to leave, and so they were both kind of nudging me. I started looking at all the auditions that were being posted on Playbill.com. Just every single day, I would refresh the page, and I would see what auditions there were.

And one day I saw that there was an audition for MOULIN ROUGE, the tour, and I didn't even know if it was for a position that I would be right for. I believe the breakdown was very general, but I just kind of said, I think I'm gonna fly out to New York for this. I wasn't even a member of the union at the time, and so I reached out to my friend Libby on the tour, just to ask her advice. I think I literally just said, Hey, I saw that there's this audition. Do you think it's worth it for me to fly out to New York just for this audition and hope to be seen because I'm not a member of the union? And I think I also asked, You're in the show, any advice? And then she did what I never expected. She said, Actually, I know exactly what position is opening up, and I think you're perfect for it. Would you just send me your headshot and resume and vocal reel, and I'll send it along to the team. Which she did not have to do, she really did not have to do that. I wasn't expecting that, but she completely changed my life because that day, she sent my stuff along to the team, and they wanted me to send in some tapes. And then within two hours of sending my tapes, they're like, Okay, yeah, come to New York, we want to do a session with you. And it was a complete whirlwind. I flew out to New York, I had my callback a couple days later, and within a couple days, they called and said, We don't know where you came from, but you just kind of landed in our laps, and you're perfect for this, and we'd love for you to come do the tour. And it blew my mind. I was like, None of these people know me. They don't know anything about me, and they're giving me this incredible opportunity, and it completely changed my life. And it literally was just because I was really stubborn and checking job listings every day. It wouldn't have happened if I hadn't been doing that. The classic case of this was supposed to happen and it was gonna happen no matter what.

MOULIN ROUGE and THE GREAT GATSBY are two of the most lavish musicals on Broadway. What's that been like?

I love a party. Let's just say that if there's a musical about a big party, I'm going to be there. Literally, both musicals open with a number that's all about, We're here in this cool place having a cool party. I have to say, I feel so grateful because there's something about both of those musicals that really, really speaks to fans and creates a very loyal fan base. So both in the case of MOULIN ROUGE and THE GREAT GATSBY, I feel like I'm a part of something that is much bigger than me and that really genuinely speaks to people and has helped people in their lives. I love being a part of musicals that are both very commercially successful and these lavish, big Broadway shows, but also that that really make you think. That's why I'm an actor. I'm an actor because I want to make people think. I want to make people reflect on the human experience in a way that actually shifts things and actually makes this world a better place. So yeah, I feel very lucky to have been a part of both of those.

Tell me about making the leap to New York and Broadway with THE GREAT GATSBY.

I moved to New York January 13, 2025, and I didn't have an apartment. I didn't have a job lined up, like not even a side hustle or anything, which was terrifying. Pretty shortly after I got here, my agent emailed me that I had this audition for THE GREAT GATSBY, which was my fifth audition for THE GREAT GATSBY. At that point, I was like, okay, they keep bringing me back. There might be something here. So two and a half weeks after I moved to New York, I had my audition for THE GREAT GATSBY, and then a couple days later, I found out I got it. Which, again, I know it is not typical to move to New York and immediately book a show. When I moved to New York, I didn't have a job lined up, but I knew that I absolutely had what it took to book a Broadway show in my first year. I just knew I had enough confidence in myself and my abilities that I knew that I deserved and could book a Broadway show within my first year. I didn't feel like anyone owed me anything, and I didn't feel like I was just gonna waltz in and it was gonna be easy. I knew how hard it was gonna be, and I knew I was willing to work hard. But then, you know, GATSBY was always there waiting for me. I just had to get here. I know it’s such a blessing to be able to figure out how to live in New York as you're doing a Broadway show. It's been an adventure. I love every single day. Every single day is new and exciting.

What's that daily routine like?

For me, it's pretty rigorous, but it's how I prefer to live my life. I wake up, I drink 50 to 70 ounces of water to front load my hydration for the day, and then I work out. I have to go exercise every single day. The level of activity that I'm doing in the show just feels so much easier when I keep my physical and mental health sharp. So yeah, I wake up, I drink a ton of water, I work out, I go to PT, I have voice lessons. I sometimes have to carve out time for auditions, for TV and film things or other theatre things that might come up. And I either do one or two shows every single day, except for my day off, and we at THE GREAT GATSBY are a very social bunch, and we really genuinely enjoy each other, so we all hang out and do a lot together, as well. Which is funny because we see each other all the time, but it's hard to have a social life outside of your cast because they're the people you see all the time, and so, of course, you want to hang out with the people you see all the time. I think it's only natural. There's something about doing theatre with people that just bonds you very quickly with each other because you really have to lean on each other to tell that story. That's pretty much my life, day to day. I try and throw in things to keep me creatively fulfilled, like I'm currently working on writing a little one man show that I'm hoping to do either this year or next year. And I do photo shoots with photographers and kind of scratch that creative itch. And I try and watch a lot of current film, just to keep up with where we are as an industry and what I'd like to do as an actor. But yeah, that's my day to day.

How do you balance performing, modeling, social media, being a dad—everything you have on your plate?

I think, as cliche as it sounds, knowing what your main priorities are and keeping that in mind with everything you do is ultimately what helps me keep everything straight. I have certain obligations that won't change. I'm a father, that's never going to change, I never want that to change. I am employed by THE GREAT GATSBY, and so I show up eight times a week. There are certain things that are fixed and non-negotiable. And so then it just becomes the question of, okay, these are the things that have to happen in my life. I have to show up for my kids. I want to show up for my kids, but I also have to, and part of that is making money to support them. So making money to support them not only includes showing up to work to do the job I've been hired to do, but it includes all the things I have to do every single day to be able to do that job and do it well. But all that's not just to provide for the kids. It's also to be able to make a good name for myself. I never know who's in the audience. There could be someone who has come specifically to see me, to see if I'm right for some other project that they're working on, and if I am not doing everything that I do every single day to be able to show up at my very best, then I'm not doing myself or my kids any favors. So it's kind of a rigorous way to live. I am regimented, but it's important to me.

And when it comes to social media, social media has been a big door opener for me. I would say it is not the only thing that matters in this industry, but it does matter. We're living in a time where people want to feel like they know the person they're watching, and so it's been important for me to share myself online. It can be tricky sometimes, because you don't want to give too much attention to it, and you don't want to give too much attention to all the things people say in comments or DMs or whatever. The internet is a very loud place, so I try and use it as a tool to further my career as an actor and as a model and to make connections with people. But I try not to get too bogged down in all the mess of it, because it could be very easy to get lost in social media. So yeah, I can't say I navigate it all perfectly, and this first year in New York has been like 10 times as much to navigate. But I think if you know what your priorities are, and you kind of just lead with love in all the connections you make, you can't really go wrong.

What do you have to say to people who aren't sure they should reach for their dreams?

I heard a quote yesterday, and it really encapsulated a lot of how I feel. It was basically to try and think of 85-year-old Preston or some older version of yourself, and try and imagine the things that you would regret doing and the things that you would not regret doing, and go from there. Because, if you really think about it, the people who are either on their death bed or towards the end of their life, and they have a chance to reflect, no one regrets chances that they took, even if it was a disaster. Nobody regrets taking a chance on themselves. No one regrets expressing to someone how they really feel. No one regrets investing in the things that you actually want. What people do say they regret is caring too much what people thought or spending too much time worried about what may or may not happen. I reached a point in my life where it was either life continues or it does not, and thankfully, I chose for life to continue. And once I chose to be alive, once I made that choice, I realized I didn't want to get to the end of my life and regret anything, and I know it's impossible to get to the end of your life and not have some things you regret. But as dumb and cliche as it may sound like, your life really can be exactly what you want it to be.

There are a lot of things you won't be able to control, especially in an industry like this. As an actor, I can't make people cast me. I can't force things to happen, but I can choose to show up. I can work really, really hard and make sure I'm ready in case there is an opportunity, and I'm going to show up time and time and time and time again to put myself up for opportunities and chase what I actually want, because I'm confident and I know that it's what I want. So first you gotta know yourself well enough to know what you actually want, and then just run. Like, don't look back. Just go and do it. If Broadway or acting, or anything, is something that you know you want to do but you're scared, the only way to get over that is to just do it. There's no amount of sitting around and waiting for life to come to you that is going to make life come to you. This is my Broadway debut, and I'm so grateful for it, and I'm staying with GATSBY right now. My plan is to stay, but I'm so excited to see where things go from here. I have a lot of dreams, and I have a lot of plans and things that I that I'm going to do within my own control to build a career, but I'm excited to see what unexpected things are next. I think that's what life is all about.

Is there anything else you wanted to mention?

One other thing I do want to say, and I mean this from the bottom of my heart. We were talking about Utah and how it prepared me for this. I get some of the sweetest messages from so many people in Utah who express, I have been following you ever since 2018 when you played Jack Kelly in NEWSIES, or I've been a fan of yours ever since I saw you as Javert in LES MIS, and I just want to let you know that I believe in you. There are so many people in Utah who just are so generous with their support and their love and who have built me up in the most beautiful ways and supported me so much as an artist. I'm so grateful to be from Utah and to have so many people in Utah who have really been cheering me on for years, and it helps a lot. I'm very grateful for it.

Photo Credit: THE GREAT GATSBY. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade. Preston Taylor. Photo by Justin Patterson.

OPERATION MINCEMEAT Reveals 2026-27 Tour Dates and Cities

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:12:44 PST

OPERATION MINCEMEAT has announced the full 2026/27 season dates for the North American leg of its world tour. The news comes as OPERATION MINCEMEAT celebrates its 500th performance on Broadway this Saturday, May 2, after hitting 2,000 performances worldwide - now playing simultaneously in the West End, on Broadway, and on tour across the UK. Following the North American leg, further stops on its international journey will include Australia, China, Mexico, and New Zealand.

Read the reviews for the Broadway run here.

Producer Jon Thoday for Avalon said, “Launching our third OPERATION MINCEMEAT production, the North American leg of the world tour, as the show reaches 500 performances on Broadway and passes 2,000 worldwide is incredibly exciting. With its continued international growth and an expanding fanbase, we look forward to welcoming new audiences across the continent.”

The North American leg of the Mincemeat World Tour will launch at the Providence Performance Arts Center (Providence, RI), on September 20, 2026, before crisscrossing North America this upcoming season, with stops including Chicago, Boston, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC.

Operation Mincemeat Tour Dates:

Providence, RI – Providence Performing Arts Center
September 20–26, 2026

Chicago, IL – CIBC Theatre
September 29–October 11, 2026

Boston, MA – Colonial Theatre
October 13–25, 2026

Toronto, ON – Theatre TBD
October–December 2026

Philadelphia, PA – Forrest Theatre
December 15–20, 2026

Columbus, OH – Ohio Theatre
January 5–10, 2027

Detroit, MI – Fisher Theatre
January 12–24, 2027

Minneapolis, MN – Orpheum Theatre
January 26–31, 2027

Eugene, OR – Hult Center
February 3–7, 2027

Seattle, WA – 5th Avenue Theatre
February 10–21, 2027

Tempe, AZ – ASU Gammage
February 23–28, 2027

Salt Lake City, UT – Eccles Theatre
March 2–7, 2027

San Francisco, CA – Orpheum Theatre
March 9–28, 2027

Los Angeles, CA – Pantages Theatre
March 30–April 18, 2027

San Diego, CA – Civic Center
April 20–25, 2027

Hartford, CT – Bushnell Center
May 4–9, 2027

Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center
May 11–16, 2027

Greenville, SC – Peace Center
May 18–23, 2027

Fayetteville, AR – Walton Arts Center
May 25–30, 2027

Tampa, FL – Straz Center
June 1–6, 2027

Washington, DC – The National Theatre
June 8–20, 2027

Buffalo, NY – Shea’s Performing Arts Center
June 22–27, 2027

Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
July 6–11, 2027

Memphis, TN – Orpheum Theatre
July 13–18, 2027

Fort Worth, TX – Bass Performance Hall
July 20–25, 2027

About Operation Mincemeat

In OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL, it's 1943, and the Allied Forces are on the ropes. Luckily, they've got a trick up their sleeve. Well, not up their sleeve, per se, but rather inside the pocket of a stolen corpse. Equal parts farce, thriller, and Ian Fleming-style spy caper (with an assist from Mr. Fleming himself), OPERATION MINCEMEAT tells the wildly improbable and hilarious true story of the covert operation that turned the tide of WWII.

Written by triple Tony Award nominees SpitLip (comprised of David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts), OPERATION MINCEMEAT began performances on Broadway on February 15, 2025, and continues to play at the historic Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street), where it has been extended eight times and will soon celebrate its 500th performance. The West End production, which has been playing at the Fortune Theatre since March 29, 2023, is widely recognized as one of the best-reviewed shows in West End history, holding the record for the most five-star reviews for a new musical, with a tally of 131. OPERATION MINCEMEAT has just launched its world tour, beginning with a UK leg before heading across the pond.

Olivier Award nominated Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky's Edge, National Theatre – Best New Musical Olivier Award winner) will reprise his work for the tour, while Olivier Award nominated Jenny Arnold (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) continues as Choreographer. The creative team will include Olivier nominated Set and Costume Designer Ben Stones (Standing at the Sky's Edge), Tony and Olivier winning Lighting Designer Mark Henderson (The History Boys), Tony nominated Sound Designer Mike Walker (Charlie & The Chocolate Factory), Tony nominated Orchestrator Steve Sidwell (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), and Olivier nominated Music Supervisor Joe Bunker (Spring Awakening). Georgie Staight is Associate Director and Paul Isaiah Isles is Associate Choreographer. Production Stage Management is by Geoff Maus, Casting is by Carrie Gardner, CSA, and General Management is by TT Partners.

OPERATION MINCEMEAT has been nominated for 64 awards since opening at the 77-seat New Diorama Theatre in 2019, winning 13, including Best Musical 3 times, from the Olivier Awards, WhatsOnStage Awards, and Off-West End Awards. On Broadway, the show was nominated for 4 Tony Awards in 2025, including Best Musical. The production won Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Jak Malone's portrayal of Hester Leggatt, who previously won the Olivier Award in the same category. The production has also received nominations for Outstanding Production of a Musical at the Drama League Awards, Outstanding New Broadway Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Best Musical at the BroadwayWorld Theater Fans' Choice Awards, and Favourite New Musical at the Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards.

LEGEND & LORE, LAUGHTER, EMERGE, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN CHOREOGRAPH Set for Repertory Dance Theatre 2026–2027 Season

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:57:14 PST

Repertory Dance Theatre (RDT) has announced its 2026–2027 Season, titled Season 61: A Season of Gratitude, highlighting the artists, audiences, and supporters who have contributed to the company’s history while introducing new creative initiatives.

The season introduces two multi-year initiatives: Living Landscapes, which revisits works inspired by Utah’s natural environment, and Honoring Linda C. Smith, celebrating the legacy of the company’s Director Emerita through new commissions and restaged works.

LEGEND & LORE

October 1–3, 2026

The season opens with LEGEND & LORE, exploring myths, stories, and natural forces of the American Southwest and Great Basin. The program includes Dark Meadow Suite (1946/2016) by Martha Graham, Liquid Interior (1994) by Margaret Jenkins and Ellie Klopp, a new commission by Penny Saunders, and Castor and Pollux (1956) by Elizabeth Waters.

LAUGHTER

November 19–21, 2026

LAUGHTER will feature works celebrating humor and energy in modern dance, including Scherzo Fantastique (2025) by Norbert De La Cruz III, Come Rain or Come Shine (2025) by Nicholas Cendese, Bluegrass (1998) by Susan Hadley, Time Out (1980) by Tim Hadel, and a new commission by Francesca Romo, along with a community-focused piece.

EMERGE

January 8–9, 2027

EMERGE 2027 will showcase choreography by RDT dancers and artistic staff, highlighting artists from across the Utah dance community.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN CHOREOGRAPH

March 6, 2027

The event will invite community members to create original works with mentorship from RDT dancers, focusing on collaboration and creativity.

LUMINARY

April 15–17, 2027

Closing the season, LUMINARY will launch the Honoring Linda C. Smith initiative and feature a new commission by Ihsan Rustem, alongside Concerto Grosso (1945) by José Limón and Outdoors by Noa Zuk and Ohad Fishof.

Special Season Add-On: JOURNEY: AMERICA IN MOTION

March 12–13, 2027

RDT will also present JOURNEY: America in Motion, a 60-minute educational performance tracing the history of modern dance in the United States through live performance, multimedia, and narration.

Ticketing Information

RDT will continue its tiered ticket pricing model, with single tickets increasing by $2 for the new season. Subscription packages and single tickets will be available, with season tickets on sale now and single tickets available beginning August 15.

LEGEND & LORE, LAUGHTER, EMERGE, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN CHOREOGRAPH Set for Repertory Dance Theatre 2026–2027 Season

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:57:14 PST

LEGEND & LORE

October 1–3, 2026

LAUGHTER

November 19–21, 2026

EMERGE

January 8–9, 2027

EMERGE 2027 will showcase choreography by RDT dancers and artistic staff, highlighting artists from across the Utah dance community.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN CHOREOGRAPH

March 6, 2027

The event will invite community members to create original works with mentorship from RDT dancers, focusing on collaboration and creativity.

LUMINARY

April 15–17, 2027

Special Season Add-On: JOURNEY: AMERICA IN MOTION

March 12–13, 2027

RDT will also present JOURNEY: America in Motion, a 60-minute educational performance tracing the history of modern dance in the United States through live performance, multimedia, and narration.

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A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS to Return for 12th Year With 39-City National Tour

This year's cast includes:

A Drag Queen Christmas 2026 Tour Dates:

Review: HARMONY at Hale Centre Theatre is a Riveting Post-Broadway Premiere

Review: Lauren Alaina Kicked Off the SCERA Shell Season

SONIC LIVE IN CONCERT to Launch Global Tour With US and UK Premieres

Ballet West Artistic Director Adam Sklute to Retire After 20-Year Tenure

RDT's Dance Center on Broadway to Host $10 All-Day Open House in Salt Lake City

Kayenta Arts' Summer Arts Showcase to Celebrate New Work By Southern Utah Artists

Addison Kanoelani: Thresholds: The Liminal Sky

Caught in a Loop LIVE with Dylan Thomas Gavin

Devised Music & Theater, Glenn Webb & Ashlie Chaston: The Delirium of Beethoven

Short Film Screening & Art Talk - Thresholds: Art in Between

Musetrap: Sara Flannery Murphy

Poetry Jams: Thresholds with Amanda Empey

Review: Hale Centre Theatre’s MY FAIR LADY is Pleasurably Gratifying

Utah Symphony Music Director Designate Markus Poschner Mentors High School Students

Video: Inside Rehearsals for HARMONY at Hale Centre Theatre

Exclusive Photos: First Look at FINDING NEMO Regional Premiere at Tuacahn Center for the Arts

THE NOTEBOOK North American Tour Adds 26 Cities to 2026-27 Route

2026-2027 Tour Dates:

Video: HCT Releases New Look Inside HARMONY Rehearsals

Review: ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at The Ruth is Joyous

THE SEAGULL Will Come to New World Shakespeare Company

StageMag Launches Programmable PDF Editor for Digital Theater Programs

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Video: Rehearsals for MY FAIR LADY at Hale Centre Theatre

Review: THE WIZARD OF OZ at The Ruth is Darlingly Delectable

Verdi's LA TRAVIATA Closes Utah Opera Spring Season

Photos: TOO MANY VOICES Musical Gets Public Reading at Harrington Center New Works Festival

Exclusive: Utah’s Preston Taylor Reflects on Taking Chances and Being in THE GREAT GATSBY on Broadway

OPERATION MINCEMEAT Reveals 2026-27 Tour Dates and Cities

Operation Mincemeat Tour Dates:

About Operation Mincemeat

LEGEND & LORE, LAUGHTER, EMERGE, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN CHOREOGRAPH Set for Repertory Dance Theatre 2026–2027 Season

LEGEND & LORE

LAUGHTER

EMERGE

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN CHOREOGRAPH

LUMINARY

Special Season Add-On: JOURNEY: AMERICA IN MOTION

Ticketing Information

LEGEND & LORE, LAUGHTER, EMERGE, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN CHOREOGRAPH Set for Repertory Dance Theatre 2026–2027 Season

LEGEND & LORE

LAUGHTER

EMERGE

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN CHOREOGRAPH

LUMINARY

Special Season Add-On: JOURNEY: AMERICA IN MOTION

Ticketing Information