Ever since I started reviewing regional theatre here in Utah I’ve heard all about Tuacahn Ampitheatre and the incredible productions they run there. Unfortunately for me I live about 5 hours away from the ampitheatre so I had never had a chance to see a show there… until this week! Despite it being near the end of their season they were kind enough to welcome me as a critic and allow me to review 2 out of 3 of their current shows (I was only in town for 2 nights so was unable to review the 3rd show The Wizard of Oz.) It was kind of amazing because since I saw Little Shop of Horrors at St George Musical Theatre all 3 shows of the weekend including The Little Mermaid and Newsies at Tuacahn feature music by Alan Menken! It was an Alan Menken lovefest! Anyway, I was able to see both of these 2 shows at Tuacahn and aside from weather getting in the way it was a wonderful experience and a great introduction to their company.

Let’s start with The Little Mermaid. Unfortunately I was only able to see the first act of this production because there was a terrific storm that night with thunder and lightning that caused Act 2 to be canceled. Frankly I’m surprised they went on with Act 1 because there was so much lightning all evening. I am sure such choices are difficult but it seemed risky to have an outdoor event that night.

Anyway, I did see Act 1 and it is an impressive spectacle. In such a large professional ampitheatre one expects big visual effects and singing and that’s what we get. Director Scott S Anderson involves many different elements including large sets, aquatic projections (this was especially cool for “Under the Sea” with the projected coral and marine life. Projection designer Brad Peterson) But not only that there are actual water effects for scenes like the storm when Ariel rescues Eric and after she gets her legs from Ursula. They even have flying sequences and use of black light and fluorescent costumes. Basically any way to wow the audience they do (immersive sound design by Josh Liebert.)

I say this admitting this stage adaptation of The Little Mermaid film is not my favorite, so the fact they are able to gush it with so much visual splendor takes something lame and makes it memorable. The cast is all great with the professional performances one expects at a place like Tuacahn. Kelsey Lee Smith is sweet and sincere as Ariel (they are all also very good with the scooters they ride for under water scenes.) Julie Cardia gives her own spin on Ursula not trying to imitate Pat Carroll from the animated film, which I appreciate.

Like I said, I only got to see Act 1 of The Little Mermaid but I enjoyed what I did see and would recommend the production if you get down to Tuacahn before it closes on Oct 25th.

Fortunately the next day the weather was better (still some wind but nothing that stopped the production) and I was able to see all of Newsies at Tuacahn. While this does not have the visual spectacle of The Little Mermaid it’s a perfectly enjoyable night of theatre.

After all the pizazz on stage I had seen the night before I was surprised Newsies has basically one set (an impressive 3 story scaffolding set but still one set) that is only changed out with props and projections (projections which are hard to see because of the scaffolding.) They also keep the choreography simple opting out of iconic numbers like the “Seize the Day” newspaper tap dance typically included in the show (also there is no typewriter in “Watch What Happens” which is an odd choice.) This is fine as it’s a sweet and entertaining show with a charismatic cast. It just surprised me with the previous evenings spectacle

The key to any production of Newsies comes down to that charismatic cast, and they have that in spades at Tuacahn. I love James Everts as Jack Kelly (he’s also Prince Eric in Mermaid) and he has great chemistry with the entire cast but especially with Abby Linderman as Katherine. I honestly think “Something to Believe in” is a pretty bland romantic ballad but their chemistry made it a fun scene. I also really enjoyed Ameena McKenzie as Medda and her spirited take on “That’s Rich.”

My favorite moment of the night, as directed by Sara Hartmann, is during “Santa Fe” when they lit up the red rock on the sides and behind the stage. It brought something to the production only Tuacahn could provide making it feel special and unique. Newsies is always worth a watch and a great learning experience for kids. It is playing through October 24th and tickets to it and The Little Mermaid can be purchased here.

The Little Mermaid has music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater with a book by Doug Wright based on the 1989 film and the classic story by Hans Christian Andersen. It premiered on Broadway in 2008. Newsies has music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein based on the 1992 film which is losely based on the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. It premiered on Broadway in 2012.

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