It’s that magical time of year when theatre companies across Utah start unveiling their upcoming seasons. The big titles drop, posters get teased, and theater lovers (including us!) start mentally penciling in their calendars. We love what we’re seeing, and think that theatre goers will as well!

But for those of us on the Utah Theatre Bloggers Association (UTBA) staff—who review more than 200 shows annually and spend countless hours talking about the ones we didn’t see—it also becomes the season of wistful dreaming. What didn’t make it onto a playbill this year that we hope will appear next year? What hidden gems, long-lost favorites, and bold programming choices are we still waiting to see in the Beehive State?

While it’s too late to sneak into this season’s lineups, we thought we’d share our critics’ theatre wish lists in hopes that directors and season selection committees might take a peek. Some are deep cuts. Some are passion projects. All are shows we’d love to see reviewed in the near future.

Maren Scriven Swensen, UTBA President

“I’d love to see a revival of Mame. It was the first show I ever did, and I haven’t seen it since. Also on my nostalgia list: Quilters and Working. These shows speak to resilience, community, and identity—and they deserve another life on stage.”

Alissa Frazier, UTBA Board Member

“Let’s shake up the Sondheim canon a bit. I’d love to see more Follies, A Little Night Music, Sunday in the Park with George, or Merrily We Roll Along—rather than just Into the Woods on repeat. Also? Bring on some Mamet or Beckett. I’m ready to think.”

Darby Turnbow, UTBA Scheduler

A trio of heartfelt, under-produced plays:

  • The Diviners by Jim Leonard Jr. – “I love the script and almost produced it myself.”

  • The Curious Savage by John Patrick – “My all-time favorite. A charming and empathetic gem.”

  • The Taste of Sunrise by Suzan Zeder – “A bilingual ASL/English production that’s stunningly beautiful. These plays center characters with disabilities as the most joyful and generous souls—reminding us that empathy is theatre’s superpower.”

Maggie Dudley, UTBA North Area Editor and Scheduler

Princess Academy – “BYU did an adaptation that I missed, but I’ve always dreamed of seeing it staged. A new take on this beloved book would be so welcome.”
The Real Inspector Hound – “Tom Stoppard’s meta-whodunnit satire. Hilarious, smart, and especially delightful since the main characters are theatre critics!”

Belle Frahm Menzie, UTBA South Area Editor

The Awesome 80s Prom – “Interactive theatre that’s a total blast. Approachable, energetic, and fun for all audiences.”
Blood Brothers – “A gritty, emotional British musical that feels both classic and fresh. Plus, the dialect work would be a great challenge for Utah actors.”
A New Brain – “A lesser-known William Finn musical that’s personal, quirky, and beautifully human.”

Emily Clark, UTBA Contributor and Podcast Host

“Give us more plays! More farce! More comedy! Utah has the musical talent, but we’re ready to laugh and see great storytelling in other forms too.”

Lisa Grady Larson, UTBA’s exclusive Southern Utah Based Reviewer

Shenandoah – “A moving story that needs a new moment in the spotlight.”
Utah! (Tuacahn’s original production) – “I keep asking Tuacahn to bring it back—just for a short run!”
Aida – “Still a favorite. Epic music, stunning design potential, and a meaningful story.”

Scott Savage, UTBA Vice President

Pippin – “Amazing music, fantastic storytelling, and oddly absent from Utah stages. UTBA has never reviewed it, and to my knowledge, it’s only been produced here four times in the last 20 years.”
The Arkansaw Bear – “A beautiful and tragic one-act often overlooked. A university or TYA company could stage it brilliantly—maybe even as part of a double bill with another show using the same cast and set.”
Mary Jane – “Fresh off Broadway and incredibly moving. If you loved Silent Sky, this is next-level storytelling.”

2025-2026

This is, of course, in addition to the great things coming down the pipe! Our monthly previews showcase much of what is coming up and everything that we’re going to be reviewing. Utah is producing Broadway favorites, thrilling new works (including some by local playwrights!) and a host of great shows that we’re excited about. 

So… Who’s In?

We know programming is a careful balancing act of rights, budgets, casts, and community appeal—but we also know that bold choices often lead to unforgettable productions. Whether you’re planning next year or dreaming a few seasons ahead, consider this your lovingly curated list from the folks who sit in the audience week after week, cheering you on.

We’ll be right here, pencils ready to mark our calendars.