Letter From The Editor:
The Art’s Are Alive in Southern Utah
– By James McFadden –
When you were young, did you imagine yourself on the big screen as I did? Did you want to be the star of your own movie or show?
The mind of a child is so full of excitement and wonder and for many, the dreams are big. I imagined myself the star of some amazing show where the man gets the woman but dies tragically and all around him are broken hearted and filled with tears. But alas, I grew older, and some would say stupider, and the young child became a punk kid who thought he was cool and just wanted to be a rock and roll star. I was even in a real live band as I became a young man and we cut our first CD by the time I was in my early 30’s and like most bands, we went nowhere.
I had forgotten the young boy who dreamed of being a star, I became a young adult, fell in love, started having children and the mystery and awe faded away, hidden behind responsibilities and the quest for professional success.
That is until one day, thirteen years ago, I found myself living in southern Utah. Fast forward, several years later, and I started going to see shows and plays at the many theaters here in our area.
I think it was after my 10th or 11th show, I was at Brigham’s Playhouse to see South Pacific and I had no idea, one of my friends was in the show. She did such an amazing job, and it was her first time on stage. I was inspired and intrigued and thought to myself… gee, wouldn’t that be fun?! And then, a couple of months later and I saw another, much younger young lady of 12 years old, the daughter of a family friend, perform as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and something in me called me to that stage.
One month later I was auditioning for the play “Wait Until Dark” and I somehow landed the role of Carlino. I made some amazing new friends and much to my surprise, and that of my families as well, I actually did a pretty damn good job up there and I was hooked. Less than a month after that play concluded, me and my daughter performed in “Yes Virginia, There Is A Santa Clause” together and now, pretty soon here, I’ll be performing in an original play written by a local artist and resident of southern Utah. But more on that later!
Now, I don’t mean to be braggy, that’s not what this is about, I’m just sharing this narrative with you as a foundation to the more overriding desire I now have to not only expand my own horizons but to share with you just how many opportunities there are here in southern Utah for anyone who has ever dreamed of doing anything in the arts. Whether it is the performing arts, or the act of putting a brush to canvas, a chisel to stone, or maybe hands to clay. Southern Utah is not devoid of amazing talent and opportunities to express those talents for the fulfillment of self and the enjoyment of others.
Over the next few weeks and months, that’s exactly what I hope to accomplish, as we delve into the many groups, organizations, venues, and companies that are here in southern Utah, ready to help you find your inner artist.
So, buckle up, strap yourself in and follow us here at The Independent as we step things up a notch or two to bring you all of the events and opportunities waiting just around the corner to lift and enrich you and your life here in southern Utah.
We hope you enjoy our April Issue!
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