IVINS, Washington County — Beginning its 22nd year, Tuacahn's 2017 season brings "Shrek: The Musical," "Newsies" and "Mamma Mia!" to the red rock outdoor amphitheater this summer.
"Shrek" began May 26 and will play through Oct. 20. "Newsies" joins the lineup June 2-Oct. 18. "Mamma Mia!" opens July 4-Oct. 21.
Artistic director Scott Anderson, who's been with Tuacahn since 2005, is directing "Shrek," which he said he enjoys because it appeals to both adults and children.
"We try to always have a really younger family-fared show, a 12 and up show and then more of an adult show — not R or anything like that, (more) PG-13," he said in an interview with the Deseret News. "We always try to have family friendly shows, just depending if it's for younger families or older families."
"Mamma Mia!" is the show for older families, because of the '70s and '80s ABBA music that adults enjoy and some more mature content, directed this year by Odyssey Dance Theatre artistic director and Tuacahn regular Derryl Yeager. "Newsies" is the middle ground with its historical setting but fun, high-energy Tony Award-winning music, directed by Broadway veteran Jeffry Denman. "Shrek" brings the fantasy and fairy tale for the children and humor for adults.
"Because we're an outdoor theater, we do things a little differently than you might see when you've seen a show somewhere else," Anderson said. "We utilize our environment in the show."
This year, a documentary crew captured the creation of Tuacahn's "Shrek," and Anderson said they had to get used to having cameras follow them during their New York City auditions and during rehearsals. But even beyond the cameras, he said "Shrek" can be a big challenge with lots of complex costumes and sets. With the southern Utah heat and the long running time of Tuacahn shows, they have to design costumes that can last through the fall.
The costumes also provide a unique challenge for "Shrek" choreographer Mara Greer. She was involved with the first national tour of "Shrek," as well as the show's London run, and now is joining Tuacahn for the first time. She said she heard amazing things about Tuacahn before coming, and so far, it's lived up to the hype.
"I can't believe there's a theater in the middle of this gorgeous natural setting," she said. "Everyone I've encountered has been nothing but lovely and they seem to really love and care about this theater. It's very different from a lot of places I've worked."
Greer also appreciates that the large stage and cast allow her to do things with the choreography that she's never been able to do before — and give her the chance to throw in pyrotechnics and have live horses on stage.
But the big fairy tale costumes can sometimes force her to think differently about choreography — the pig costumes, for example, give the actors hooves instead of hands.
"It just changes the movement," she said. "It takes a while to figure out what kind of choreography works that's going to read amongst all the various costumes, no matter how big or small."
She loves the message of "Shrek" about accepting yourself and what makes you different.
"Just get ready for a fun evening of entertainment," she said. "There's going to be fun, flashy dance numbers; there's going to be some heartwarming scenes; there's great relationships — donkey is hysterical. … You're going to laugh. I think you're going to be touched and you're going to have a really great night."
If you go …
What: Tuacahn's "Shrek: The Musical," "Newsies" and "Mamma Mia!"
When: May 26-Oct. 21, dates and times vary
Where: Tuacahn Amphitheatre, 1100 N. Tuacahn Drive, Ivins, Utah
How much: $29-$89
Web: tuacahn.org