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| St. George Musical Theater |
Written by Mayor Jon Pike
One year ago, St. George Musical Theater began rehearsing for what they called their “comeback season” after a six-year hiatus. The St. George City Council, staff, and I saw the value of having SGMT back in the St. George Opera House in historic downtown. With that in mind, we signed a two-year lease in hopes of bringing theater-loving people together in St. George again. I was delighted to see actors young and old in all five productions of this season: “The Sound of Music,” “The Odd Couple,” “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” “Moonlight and Magnolias,” and “The Music Man.” One of the things I love about SGMT is seeing people I know from the community become the characters in these plays and musicals. Where but in community theater could you find your dentist, teacher, healthcare worker, sales professional, and neighborhood kids magically bringing to life characters such as the Von Trapp family and the townspeople of River City?
My family and I sat mesmerized as the familiar songs from “The Sound of Music” came alive once again, and in my mind now, I’ll always see Varlo Davenport and Richard Hill instead of Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon as Oscar and Felix in “The Odd Couple.” Brodie Perry and Bruce Bennett will now have to convince me that they are not the dirtiest rotten scoundrels! I can totally see how Brent Palmer (aka Professor Harold Hill) could sell anyone a band instrument and teach them to play through the “think method.” I was particularly struck by the performances of the children in these productions. What an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and perform on stage in front of their friends, family, and community members! In past SGMT seasons, we enjoyed performances by other talented children who have since gone on to star in high school, college, Tuacahn, and even Broadway productions.
My congratulations to SGMT’s board members, volunteers, and cast members. I’d like to particularly thank Dan Olsen and Bruce Bennett for their tireless efforts to bring community theater back to St. George. I look forward to the upcoming season, which will include “West Side Story,” “Arsenic and Old Lace,” “Nuptials,” and “My Fair Lady.” For season tickets or more information, go to www.sgmusicaltheater.com.
We’ll see you at the theater!
