Val O'Bryan

The Stage Door’s “All Shook Up” Gets the Town Moving

There’s something undeniably special about watching a group of young performers throw their whole hearts into a show—and that’s exactly what audiences will experience at The Stage Door’s production of All Shook Up, a jukebox musical full of Elvis-inspired flair, toe-tapping tunes, and just enough romantic mischief to keep things delightfully off-kilter. Set in a […]

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Hot Off the Press and Onto the Stage: Disney’s Newsies at Tuacahn

While many fans know Newsies from the beloved 1992 Disney film, Tuacahn’s stage musical (directed by Sarah Hartmann) offers a fresh, reimagined take on the story—with new character development, plot twists, and powerful additional songs that make it a thrilling experience of its own. Framed by Tuacahn’s towering red rock canyon walls, the production gains

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Blood Will Have Blood at Utah Shakespeare Festival’s Production of Macbeth

Popularly known as “The Scottish Play,” William Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a dark and gripping tragedy that explores ambition, fate, guilt, and the corrupting power of unchecked desire. In this production, directed by John DiAntonio, the story unfolds in medieval Scotland (no kilts here!) and follows the rise and moral descent of a once-noble warrior, Macbeth.

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Artist Feature: Musical Motifs of Stephen Sondheim

As someone who spent their formative years as a band kid, one of my favorite aspects of musical theater is the music. Nothing brings me more joy than a recurring musical theme or motif, especially with variation (theme changing as the plot rolls out—slower, faster, darker, lighter—depending on the story’s emotional arc). I love looking

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Once Upon a Stage: Into the Woods Comes to Life at The Stage Door

“I wish…” is how it all begins and, as every fairy tale fan knows, that’s precisely where things start to go wrong. In Into the Woods, the deceptively simple wishes of beloved storybook characters lead them into a tangled forest of choices, consequences, and unexpected truths. The Stage Door’s production of James Lapine and Stephen

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Icy Tale, Blazing Talent: LIGHTHOUSE Heats Up the Stage at Kayenta

If you are in the mood for something completely different from the regular theater scene in Southern Utah, you simply must check out LIGHTHOUSE: a new musical at Center for the Arts at Kayenta. While the minimalist stage–with its music stands and chairs–may suggest a simple staged reading, audiences will be blown away by the

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Tuacahn’s The Little Mermaid Makes a Big Splash!

I have been to Tuacahn many times, but there’s a special kind of energy in the air when Disney’s The Little Mermaid is on—an unmistakable wave of Disney magic that the audience brings with them. You’ll see themed Mickey ears, children in costumes and Disney-Bounders! Even before the show begins, there’s a buzz at the

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Artist Feature: Staci Martin

Staci Martin is a costume designer in Southern Utah. She has worked with St. George Dance Company, Santa Clara City Shakespeare in the Park, and St. George Musical Theater. She talks about her work in the interview below. Check out her work on Instagram: @stacikmartin https://www.facebook.com/staci.k.martin How did you first get interested in costume design? 

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