A SMALL THEATER IN LOGAN PROVES IT’S THE LITTLE THEATER THAT COULD
By Melissa Allison,
Cache Valley Daily
Published: Saturday, June 4, 2016
The Utah Theater came to life Friday night as it welcomed the many benefactors who made the renovation possible.
Ben Clawson is a member of the board of directors for the theater.
“It’s been 10 years in the waiting,” Clawson said. “We’re really excited for this event and these opportunities.”
As the lights lowered, the 2004 movie production of The Phantom of the Opera began to play on the movie screen. Michael Ballam is the visionary and founding director of the Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theater and thrilled the audience as he rose from the belly of the stage sitting at the Wurlitzer organ accompanying the theme song of the musical.
Ballam’s vision marries old theater fly systems with cutting-edge technology for lighting and sound. The audiences were treated to scenes from the silent film, You’re Darn Tootin’ and Star Wars, as well as live performances of songs from Show Boat and Ragtime to show off the diverse capabilities of the theater.
The patrons erupted in applause as Peter Pan, played by Adam Biner, flew over the audience for the grand finale.
Barbara Fjeldsted is a member of the advisory board.
“I grew up just down the street so I came to the Utah Theater a lot,” Fjeldsted said. “I am so glad that they restored it and kept it in our community.”
Kelly Hubbard is one of many benefactors.
“It’s a wonderful place and everyone should be proud of such a great theater, great facility and great opportunities here in Cache Valley,” Hubbard said. “For a town that sometimes falls off the map off the freeway, it has spectacular offerings.”
The grand opening is scheduled for June 24 with the stage production of Peter Pan.