Tuacahn Amphitheatre thriving in its 10th year

Scott Anderson, artistic director of Tuacahn Amphitheatre and Center for the Arts, expected the nonprofit to experience a downturn this summer.

Matching last season's record-setting year would be tough; plus, the 2009 summer theater schedule hits in the middle of a recession.

"We were preparing for a downturn," says Anderson, who also directs "Annie," one of this season's productions. "But so far, we're having our second-best year, which is where we want to be."

Tuacahn's 10th Broadway in the Desert season, featuring "Footloose" and "Annie," kicked off June 8 and runs through Aug. 16. It will continue Aug. 25 through Oct. 17 with Elton John and Tim Rice's "Aida."

Despite the unlikely venue for Broadway shows -- Tuacahn is near St. George, Utah -- the theater company has carved out a solid following in the region, attracting about 10,000 Las Vegans a year. It also has built a reputation among equity actors, something Anderson made a priority when he became artistic director in 2004. Currently, 10 to 15 equity actors contract with them.

"I wanted to bring in more professional actors," Anderson says. "Last year, we went to New York for casting and we had no Broadway veterans audition. This year, we had dozens."

Each year, they try to stage productions that have wide appeal, Anderson says. People may have seen the shows before but the Tuacahn setting adds a whole new dimension to them, making them fresh. The stage itself is about 100 feet wide with a 1,500 foot red rock cliff serving as a backdrop.

"It's quite a spectacle," Anderson says.

Their casts are bigger, too. A typical Broadway show might feature 20 actors; a Tuacahn show about 50.

Then there are the fringe benefits of Tuacahn, Anderson says.

Several interactive attractions provide guests with entertainment options before the show. A mechanical bull offers rides on "Footloose" nights. There's a plaza area with picnic tables and people are allowed to bring food and drink. A catered, pre-show dinner is available, too, with service starting at 6:30 p.m. The meal is buffet-style and costs $9.50 for children and $12.50 for adults.

"Annie" is staged Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and "Footloose" Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. All shows start at 8:30 p.m. but will start earlier as the sun begins to set earlier, Anderson says.

Ticket prices for "Annie" and "Footloose" are $25 to $49, depending on the seats.

"Disney High School Musical 2" will be staged in Tuacahn's indoor theater starting July 9 and running through Aug. 1. Show times are Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. with 3 p.m. matinees on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets cost $15.50 for adults, $12.50 for children.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564.