ST. GEORGE — Recently, members of the upper crust of Southern Utah society donned their sparkles and suits to enjoy an evening honoring the grand traditions, and golden future, of St. George Musical Theater.
Milling around the foyer of the Dixie Convention Center, guests nibbled on teriyaki chicken skewers, shrimp and meatballs, greeting friends and business associates, making small talk, and looking over printed descriptions of a variety of auction items on which to bid.
“This is our primary fund-raising event,” said Bruce Bennett, St. George Musical Theater president. “We don’t want to fatigue our patrons asking for money over and over, so this is our one big push each year.”
For the past three years, St. George Musical Theater has been raising money for the new theater space currently under construction on the southern portion of Main Street in St. George. Thanks to the generosity of so many, Bennett said they can see the light at the end of that financial tunnel and his cheerful demeanor matched his optimistic words when he expressed hopeful anticipation for the gala this year.
“We’re excited because we believe if the years prior are any indication, we should get very close to the money we need at tonight’s event,” he said.
Inside the Garden Room at the Dixie Convention Center, elegant, black-clothed tables adorned with white rose and carnation centerpieces and accents of gold provided an elegant setting wherein philanthropic community members waited to be entertained by some of the very musical theater talent their financial contributions will sustain.
As patrons tucked into their wedge Caesar salads, Bennett opened the night with gratitude to each person for attending, and the overwhelming support St. George Musical Theater has received.
“You’re going to hear the words ‘thank you’ a lot tonight, and it’s still not enough,” Bennett said.
Bennett’s remarks were brief, leaving room for a host of live entertainment, made possible by some of St. George Musical Theater’s stars including Jenny Davis, Jordyn Shurtz, Harper Griffith, David Brinley, Kramer Kwalick, Reed Laudie, Celeste Teal Larkin and Preslee Heppler.
As one would expect from a night promoting musical theater, the performances were superb, offering a taste of some of St. George Musical Theater’s past shows, and giving a sneak preview of what to expect in the coming year. The 2026 season lineup was revealed to include Daddy Long Legs the Musical, Kiss Me Kate, Jane Austen’s Emma the Musical, Once Upon A Mattress, a Best of Broadway review, and Can You Hear the Music? A world premiere of an Osmond Family Tribute.
As pork chops and mashed potatoes made their way to each table, Master of Ceremonies Ed Tracey highlighted the fact that since its re-opening, St. George Musical Theater has put on more than 75 productions. And recently, the organization re-launched the youth program, Center Stage, offering children and youth a place to perform, and to belong.
Before the auction could get underway, Gil Almquist, Washington County Commissioner and St. George Musical Theater board member took an opportunity to praise the caliber of people in the room as a representation of the high-quality people throughout Washington County.
“In this room is the power of Dixie,” Almquist said.
Although there was no direct mention of the recent national spotlight shining on the area as conservative political activist Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin was apprehended in Washington County just last week, those events seemed to be weighing on Almquist’s mind as he referred to recent challenges in the community and offered words of optimism moving forward.
“We can rise from the ashes,” he said. “We have seen people come together recently like never before.”
More directly to the cause of St. George Musical Theater, Almquist added, “Over time, we all rise together. Every one of you is a star.”
Then, the real work began.
Ed Tracey, master of ceremonies, turned auctioneer, took his place in the center of room, teasing, cajoling, and calling out people with just enough humor to entice them to raise their paddles and bid on one of nine different prize packages.
His persistence, and the audience’s generosity, ultimately paid off, with some in attendance heading home having purchased a weeklong trip to Hawaii, a private concert featuring Merrill Osmond, and a chance to go behind the ropes with the pros when the PGA Tour comes to Black Desert, among other things.
Ultimately the night yielded more than $250,000 to go toward the new theater and St. George Musical Theater operating costs, according to Bennett.
“We were just this little secret,” Bennett said of St. George Musical Theater’s humble beginnings. “Then people found out about us and they couldn’t wait to share it.”
The secret is definitely out, and thanks to the tireless dedication of St. George Musical Theaters founders, board members, artistic team, and staff, along with the generosity of so many donors, it will soon be even easier to enjoy the high-quality talent on display at the hands of this unique community theater.
