Broadway's Brian Stokes Mitchell and Megan Hilty to Headline Eccles Theater Grand Opening

The long-awaited George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City's new performing arts center, will open its doors to the public on Friday, October 21 with an array of national headliners and local talent.

The evening performance will feature Tony Award-winning performer, Brian Stokes Mitchell and "Smash" television actress and Tony-nominated Broadway performer, Megan Hilty.

They will be joined on stage by a myriad of Utah's finest performing artists including Ballet West, the University of Utah Department of Theatre, Repertory Dance Theatre, and Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company.

According to Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski, the event will serve as a historical moment for the city and beyond. "The opening of the beautiful Eccles Theater will bring new opportunity for the arts right in the heart of the downtown cultural core," said Mayor Biskupski. "This space will bring with it unique creative energy helping further establish Salt Lake City as the arts and culture destination it is today."

Brian Stokes Mitchell is a Utah favorite making his return for the Eccles Theater Grand Opening. Dubbed "The Last Leading Man" by the New York Times, Stokes has enjoyed a rich and varied career on Broadway, television and film. A versatile and in-demand singer, Stokes has performed at venues spanning jazz, opera, pops and musical theater worlds. His Broadway career includes performances in "Man of La Mancha," "Ragtime," and his Tony-winning lead role in "Kiss Me, Kate."

A native of Seattle, Megan Hilty made her New York City Broadway debut as Glinda in "Wicked" and went on to perform the role in both the national tour and in Los Angeles. Hilty received high praise for her portrayal of Doralee Rhodes in Broadway's "9 to 5: The Musical" and was nominated for a 2016 Tony award in the Broadway revival of "Noises Off." On television, she is recognized for her portrayal of seasoned triple-threat Ivy Lynn in NBC's musical drama "Smash."

The Friday evening performance will be accompanied by the 50-piece Ballet West Orchestra and music directed by award-winning conductor/arranger Kurt Bestor. The evening will also feature a performance by Ballet West, and a first-of-its-kind jointly performed work from Repertory Dance Theatre and Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company. The University of Utah Department of Theatre will perform a fully staged musical number from one of Broadway's most exciting recent musicals.

"The stars will come out for all of us who love to be spellbound by music, dancing and theater," said Ben McAdams, Salt Lake County Mayor. "The Eccles Theater will be the newest venue where memories are made for Utah families and visitors."

Additional cast members and entertainment elements will be announced in the near future. The evening performance kicks off a three-day celebration, presented by Delta Air Lines. The Grand Opening weekend is being produced by the Baruch-Gayton Entertainment Group.

The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 21. Tickets range from $50 - $200 and may be purchased through www.ecclestheateropening.com or by calling 801- 355-arts. Black tie is encouraged. All ticketholders are invited to join a post-show celebration on Regent Street. To learn more about the full line-up of performers and other Grand Opening weekend events, visit www.ecclestheateropening.com. To learn more about the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater, visit www.ecclestheater.com.

The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater is Salt Lake City's newest performing arts center. The state-of-the-art theater features the 2,500-seat Delta Performance Hall, an intimate black box theater, event and rehearsal spaces, a multi-story grand lobby, the outdoor McCarthey Plaza, and a galleria which will connect the theater to the adjacent 111 Main office tower. Designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli, co-owned by Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County, and operated by the Salt Lake County Center for the Arts, the Eccles Theater is a remarkable artistic venue in the heart of Salt Lake City.