After a long five-year absence, when many wondered if community theater would ever return to St. George, the folks at St. George Musical Theater, a nonprofit, nearly all-volunteer organization, are finally returning to the stage. The oldest, and at one time the most successful, community theater in Southern Utah is back, delivering its family-friendly, affordable theater in the round, restarting where they performed 15 years ago, the historic St. George Opera House.
“We are so grateful to Mayor Pike and the other city staff, including the city council, who have supported our return and entrusted us with such a wonderful facility,” said executive director Bruce Bennett, an 18-year SGMT veteran.
“The outpouring from the community has been so wonderful, and we believe their patience will pay off,” artistic director Juli Wiest said. “Our first production, ‘The Sound of Music,’ is going to be memorable in every way.” SGMT is transforming the Opera House, which was not designed for theater in the round, in order to produce an incredible, intimate experience that can’t be found anywhere in Southern Utah.
“We can’t wait for people to walk into the Opera House and be transported to another place and time. If so, then we’ve done our job,” managing director Dan Olsen said.
