‘Now is our time’: St. George Musical Theater breaks ground on performing arts venue

Written by Jessi Bang
July 19, 2024

ST. GEORGE — Exciting developments are underway as construction begins on a new musical theater. This state-of-the-art venue will boast an intimate and immersive 400-seat theater complete with full concessions, a dedicated box office and much more.

Speakers from the St. George Musical Theater groundbreaking ceremony turn over dirt to celebrate the building of a brand new performing arts venue, St. George, Utah, July 18, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Speakers from the St. George Musical Theater groundbreaking ceremony turn over dirt to celebrate the building of a brand new performing arts venue, St. George, Utah, July 18, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

“We’ve had sell-out audiences for a number of years, produced over 67 full productions in that 10-year period,” St. George Musical Theater President Bruce Bennett said. “Over 250,000 patrons have come through our doors, and because of that demand and the amazing generosity of our local community members, we embark on a new chapter, and that is to build the first brand new performing arts venue that will be community-centered and community-run since the opera house was built in 1875.”

The groundbreaking ceremony marks just the beginning. With over half of the required $16 million already raised, the organization is actively seeking additional investments to fund the new facility. 

Bennett said the new arts facility, while relatively modest compared to others statewide, fills a significant void in St. George as the last major city without a dedicated performing arts venue. The organization is confident in achieving its goal to raise the remaining $8 million needed to complete the project. Much of this confidence stems from the generosity shown by the public toward the organization.

Although the project is a partnership involving the city, county and state, he said it stands as a testament to the unwavering support of local community members. Click here for ways to donate.

He recounted a story about a family who had faithfully attended every show for the past 20 years and wanted to contribute, despite not being wealthy. The family’s patriarch, an elderly man with a pilot’s license and his own private plane, though no longer flying much due to his age, was deeply moved upon hearing about the new theater being built.

St. George Musical Theater President Bruce Bennett speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new performing arts theater that will soon be built, St. George, Utah, July 18, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
St. George Musical Theater President Bruce Bennett speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new performing arts theater that will soon be built, St. George, Utah, July 18, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

“He sold his family’s private plane and donated $150,000 to St. George Musical Theater and wanted to demand that he and his wife stay anonymous,” Bennett said. “And I have hundreds of stories. I see things every day –  these miracles that happen.”

The new location of the facility on Main Street holds special significance, Bennett said, adding that the objective was to remain as close to downtown as feasible. Main Street’s allure lies in its potential for revitalization, being an underdeveloped area in need of new projects. With the addition of the performing arts venue and the ongoing renovation of the old Cinema 6 theater across the street, which will soon be the Performing Arts Campus, the area is poised to be revitalized, potentially becoming a vibrant hub for restaurants and cultural activities.

Cinema 6 Theater renovation

When the city offered St. George Musical Theater 2 acres of land for their new venue, Bennett said he couldn’t help but glance across the street at the old movie theater where he had enjoyed countless films in his years as a movie critic. A self-proclaimed “film guy” to this day, he felt a pang of sadness knowing the theater had permanently closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, never to reopen.

Following discussions with the nonprofit’s board and local artists, it became clear that there was a significant shortage of facilities for rehearsals and other presentations. This realization sparked the idea for the renovation project.

A rendering of the new St. George Musical Theater is shown | Photo courtesy of Bruce Bennett, St. George News
A rendering of the new St. George Musical Theater is shown | Photo courtesy of Bruce Bennett, St. George News

They intend to integrate rehearsal spaces within the theater itself. One of the auditoriums will serve as a versatile performance venue for tribute concerts, youth programs, comedy nights, magic shows and other smaller productions. Additionally, new dance studios will be established to meet the growing demand for arts education, particularly as school art programs are reduced. Furthermore, the renovated theater will house an accessible, community-oriented professional recording studio.

“It’s going to be a really cool, multi-purpose, community-driven space,” he said. “And we’re so thrilled.”

The Performing Arts Campus is scheduled to open this September, with a formal concert announcement expected in the coming weeks.

About St. George Musical Theater

St. George Musical Theater, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, was founded 28 years ago by Don and Dawna Kenworthy, driven by their desire to perform when community theater was scarce. By what he calls “fate or destiny,” Bennett moved to St. George from California, residing just down the street from the founders, which led to his early involvement with the organization.

Throughout its history, the organization has navigated growth, setbacks and transitions across various venues. They faced the loss of their downtown theater and a six-year hiatus before Bennett was invited back in 2014 to spearhead the theater’s revival. Subsequently, the city granted permission to return to the St. George Opera House they had previously occupied, where they have remained for the past decade.

A show is put on by the St. George Musical Theater, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Bruce Bennett, St. George News
A show is put on by the St. George Musical Theater, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Bruce Bennett, St. George News

Bennett said the St. George area has amazing facilities, including a world-class hospital, an airport, a university, city, county and state buildings that are something to be proud of, six golf courses including a PGA-certified golf course and resort and amazing trails surrounding the area, but there is not a performing arts venue that is owned, operated and run by the local community.

He said the facility’s groundbreaking is huge not only for the performing arts but also for the community as a whole.

“You get one shot sometimes at a dream,” he said. “And now is our time. Now is the time for the city. The timing is right. It’s taken us a long, long time to get to this spot. Twenty-five years is a long time.”

The Social Hall, established in 1867, was the first public performing arts facility in St. George. He sees their work as carrying on the enduring spirit of the pioneers who initiated this longstanding tradition.

The new St. George Musical Theater, expected to open in 2026, will feature 375-400 in-the-round seats. This layout, similar to the beloved current theater but three times larger, offers reserved seating with a rectangular stage surrounded by circular seating. The goal is to create an intimate, immersive experience with LED walls, a lobby, a green room, dressing rooms, concessions and a box office.

For more information on St. George Musical Theater, including current and upcoming shows, visit their website. Stay up-to-date by following them on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

Photo Gallery

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessi Bang was born and raised in Utah and has a passion for nature and the great outdoors. She graduated from Kaplan University in California with a degree in criminal justice. She has extensive experience in marketing, content creation, photography and copywriting. You can find her showcasing outdoor adventures through her blog, “The Rambling Raccoon.” In her free time, she enjoys climbing mountains, trail running, working out and cuddling her two lovable pups.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!