A little taste of Egypt is making its way to southern Utah as Tuacahn opens the Elton John, Tim Rice musical, "Aida," Aug. 25-Oct. 17.
The outdoor theater among the red rocks adds the musical to its summertime lineup of "Footloose" and "Annie."
Tuacahn will be using its water feature for a little river called The Nile, and the production will also feature live animals, including a camel that was ridden by Will Smith in "Independence Day."
The show stars Jacqueline Rene as Aida, Josh Adamson as Radames and Laura Dickinson as Amneris.
"Aida" runs in repertory with the other Tuacahn offerings. Tickets are $20-$49 (800-746-9882 or www.tuacahn.org).
Here are this week's other openings:
"The Fantasticks," Davis Arts Council, Aug. 26-31, Ed Kenley Amphitheater, 403 Wasatch Drive, Layton.
The world's longest-running musical, which ran for 42 years and more than 17,000 performances, will spread its magic in Davis County.
The musical, filled with memorable tunes such as "Try to Remember," will transport audience members into a romantic, nostalgic fairy tale.
Two fathers want their kids to fall in love, so they build a wall to keep them apart, knowing the children will do the opposite of what their parents want.
After they find out about their fathers' ploy, they head off to experience the world on their own. The show stars Jake Trumbo, Lindsay Hickman, William Richardson, Scott Hill and Bob Aamodt.
Shows are nightly, except Sunday, 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 (801-546-8575 or www.davisarts.org).
"Mission the Musical," WestofEast Productions, Aug. 28-Sept. 12, Post Theatre, 245 S. Fort Douglas Blvd., Building 636, University of Utah campus.
This is an original musical about two young men from different worlds. One has just turned 18 and is trying to decide what to do with his life. His mom wants him to go on a LDS mission.
The other has always wanted to go on a mission. The two men, with very different mind-sets, head out on their two year mission, meeting interesting characters and learning valuable lessons.
Shows are Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m., with 1 p.m. Saturday matinees. Tickets are $4-$6 (sites.google.com/site/missionthemusical/Home)
"Snooty and the Beast: A Twisted Fairy Tale," Aug. 27- Nov. 7, Desert Star Theater, 4861 S. State St., Murray.
Written by Ben E. Millet, the classic fairy tale gets a reboot in this parody. A beautiful but stuck-up young woman finds herself held captive in the castle of an enchanted beast. The Beast hopes she can break his spell, but she's a bigger monster than he is. The evening also includes one of Desert Star's musical olios, the "Monster Mash" olio features comical monsters, and great songs and comedy.
Shows are nightly, except Sundays and Tuesdays, times vary, with matinees available, $8.95-$14.95 (801-266-2600 or www.desertstar.biz)
"Urinetown," Aug. 28-Sept. 19, Heritage Theatre, 2505 S. Hwy. 89, Perry.
Don't let the name scare you away — this is one of the funniest musicals in recent years, complete with greed, corruption, love and revolution. An evil corporation controls the town's water, and residents are forced to pay to use toilets.
The president's daughter falls in love with the leader of the pee-for-free rebellion. The show spoofs many great American musicals and won three Tonys. It stars Bryce Day, Paul Naylor, Mary Ellen Lykins, Roger Brunker and Heather Brown.
Shows are Monday, Friday and Saturday nights, 7:30 p.m., with matinees available, $8-$9 (435-723-8392 or www.heritagetheatreutah.com)
e-mail: ehansen@desnews.com