Theatre Lives Here: Reflections on the 2025 PTC Gala

SALT LAKE CITY — On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Pioneer Theatre Company hosted its annual Gala—a luminous evening of celebration, artistry, and heartfelt community connection. Held in support of Utah’s flagship professional theatre, the event brought together patrons, artists, alumni, faculty, and arts advocates in a collective show of support for live theatre.

From the moment guests arrived, the energy in the room reflected the joy and passion that has long defined the PTC community. Attendees included Zions Bank President and CEO Harris Simmons, joined by many members of the Simmons Family—whose support has been pivotal to PTC’s programming and outreach efforts—as well as members of the PTC Guild (past and present), Board members, University of Utah Theatre Department faculty, and PTC alumni who have made their mark both onstage and behind the scenes. The evening also honored major donors, including Sandi Behnken, whose legacy is quite literally etched into the new Meldrum Theatre, where the stage bears her name.

The night was guided by the endlessly engaging Deena Marie Manzanares, whose charisma and warmth as emcee kept the evening moving with laughter, charm, and just the right amount of theatrical flair. Her presence set the perfect tone: celebratory, generous, and inclusive.

The artistic centerpiece of the gala was the incredible performance by Judy McLane, whose career spans decades on Broadway and whose deep connection to PTC and Artistic Director Karen Azenberg brought an extra layer of meaning to her performance. McLane delighted the audience with a lively and nostalgic Mamma Mia! medley, bringing the crowd to life with familiar tunes and palpable energy. She followed with a breathtaking performance of “I Miss the Mountains” from Next to Normal, a haunting and emotionally rich number that drew audible reactions from the audience and reminded everyone of the transformative power of live performance.

 As the evening continued, another performance captured the spirit of the night in a different but equally powerful way. Students from the University of Utah closed the program with a moving rendition of “Welcome to the Rock” from the musical Come From Away which will conclude the upcoming 2025-2026 season. Their performance served as a poignant reminder of the benefits of housing a professional theatre company within a major research university. These students—poised, polished, and deeply connected to their craft—are learning in real time what it means to work at a professional level, and how meaningful storytelling can change lives. It was a moment that clearly resonated with many in the room and spoke directly to the mission of PTC.

I was thrilled to walk in at the same time as legendary Utah theatre critic Nancy Melich who immidiately helped me navigate a classy environment was listened intently as I talked about my experiences teaching so close to Pioneer Theatre Company. One of the evening’s highlights for me was the opportunity to sit at a table with The Utah Review’s Les Roka, PTC Patron Services Director Jenifer Christensen, and Marketing and Communications Coordinator Autumn Coulter. Our lively conversation about local theatre, arts journalism, and PTC’s unique role in the community was a reminder that this company isn’t just about what happens on stage—it’s about the relationships, values, and shared aspirations that surround it.

Also present was Dean John W. Scheib of the University of Utah College of Fine Arts, whose attendance signaled strong support for the symbiotic relationship between the university and PTC. That collaboration enriches both organizations and helps elevate Utah’s national profile in the arts.

Of course, no gala is complete without recognizing the practical impact of such an event. As Adrian Budhu, PTC’s Managing Director, shared after the event:

“The Gala is PTC’s most important fundraising event of the year—raising vital unrestricted support that fuels everything we do, from bold productions on stage to transformative programs in our community. This year, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we raised over $200,000. But beyond the dollars, the evening was a powerful reminder of why we gather. It was a chance to celebrate extraordinary individuals and organizations, elevate the visibility of Pioneer Theatre Company, and reaffirm our role as Utah’s flagship regional theatre. Events like the Gala help bridge the gap between ticket sales and the true cost of producing world-class theatre. More importantly, they reflect the community’s enduring commitment to the arts—and to keeping theatre accessible, vibrant, and alive for all.”

On a personal note, As someone who taught theatre for years at Glendale Middle School—Utah’s most diverse and economically disadvantaged public school—I saw firsthand how Pioneer Theatre Company changes lives. Through the generosity of PTC and its supporters, my students—many of whom had never seen a play before—were welcomed into the world of professional theatre. From student matinees to direct involvement in productions, PTC didn’t just provide access; it offered representation, inspiration, and belonging. The impact of those experiences continues to ripple through the lives of my former students, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

That sense of purpose was felt throughout the evening. Whether in the performances that reminded us of why we love theatre, or in the conversations that reminded us of its future, the night was a beacon of what is possible when a community invests in its artists and institutions.

The 2025 Pioneer Theatre Company Gala was not simply a fundraiser—it was a celebration of impact. It was an evening that honored past achievements, showcased present excellence, and built momentum for a bold, inclusive, and vibrant future. In a time when the arts face increasing challenges, gatherings like these offer more than inspiration—they offer tangible hope and enduring commitment.

And in every corner of that room, the message was clear: Theatre Lives Here in Utah. And thanks to the generosity, passion, and partnership of the PTC community, it always will.