Based on the acclaimed 1992 Disney film, Aladdin will be performed each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening, June 1–October 18. Tickets are now available at the Tuacahn box office, by calling (435) 652-3300/(800) 746-9882 or online at tuacahn.org.

The music for Aladdin is written by eight-time Academy Award winning composer Alan Menken (Tangled, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid); lyrics are by the late Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors), Tim Rice (The Lion King, Jesus Christ Superstar, Chess) and Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), who also crafted the new book for the show. Variety hailed this new full-length stage version of Aladdin as ‘fresh, funny and very entertaining.’

This new stage adaptation of Aladdin premiered at Seattle’s 5^th Avenue Theatre in July 2011 and incorporates all of the beloved songs from the film’s Oscar®-winning score plus never-before heard Menken/Ashman songs restored from early drafts of the score. It marks a return to the authors’ original vision: a loving homage to the Hope-Crosby road pictures with a score invoking the jazz sound of stars like Cab Calloway and Fats Waller.

Released in 1992, the animated film Aladdin received critical acclaim and grossed more than $504 million worldwide becoming the #1 film of the year. Adapted from the classic Middle Eastern and Asian folktales in One Thousand and One Nights, Aladdin tells the story of a quick-witted young street dweller that uses the magic wishes from an omnipotent Genie to pursue the hand of a beautiful princess. The beloved film featured the Oscar®-winning song, “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me” and was praised for its clever script and show-stopping score.

Scott S. Anderson, Tuacahn’s Artistic Director, will direct Aladdin. Anderson also helmed the Tuacahn premieres of The Little Mermaid, Tarzan, and Les Misérables and will assemble an eclectic cast, crew, and creative team of professionals from Utah, California, and New York to bring the show to life in Tuacahn’s typical thrilling fashion.

Aladdin is licensed through a special arrangement with Disney Theatrical Productions and Music Theater International in New York. Tuacahn is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Osborn, a graduate of Brigham Young University’s musical theatre program, is no stranger to the stage in Ivins. She previously spent five summers on the outdoor stage in a variety of productions including The Music Man, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. “It’s wonderful to return to the place where I performed throughout my childhood,” she says. “My journey as a performer started at Tuacahn, so returning here brings back a lot of great memories for me. There really is no place as beautifully unique as Tuacahn.”

Some of Osborn’s additional credits include Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Children of Eden, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. She also spent two years performing and touring with the BYU Young Ambassadors.

Regarding her new role as Frenchy, Osborn says, “I have always wanted to play a red head! Frenchy really is one-of-a-kind. She’s got such a kind heart, yet she’s still a little sassy. It’s such a fun and exciting role to play. Besides, who wouldn’t want to be a Pink Lady?”

Now you can experience Shayla Osborn as Frenchy in Tuacahn’s current production of Grease through October 20. Tickets are available online at tuacahn.org or by calling (435) 652-3300.

Tuacahn is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Admission and entertainment is free.  Patrons can stroll along the tree-lined walkways near the water feature and browse the displays by local painters, artists, and crafters.  Food, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, will be available for purchase.

To commemorate National Poetry Month in April, the Utah State Poetry Society is sponsoring a youth poetry contest.  Gardening classes on a variety of topics such as growing and using fresh herbs or raising plants for the patio will be offered by the Plant Lady.

Organizers will also highlight special events and themes throughout the year.  These include the Fiesta Festival, April 16; Polynesian Festival, May 28; Native American culture, June 11; and a classic car show, May 14.  Additional highlights include the Rubber Duckie Race  for Cancer, July 23; Fine Arts Festival, September 24; Crazy for Quilt Festival, October 8; and Pumpkin Festival, October 25.

Additionally, visitors to the market can enter to win free tickets to Tuacahn’s concerts and theatrical productions.

Chris Graham, Tuacahn’s Gift Gallery Manager and Saturday Market organizer, says this can be a great opportunity for people looking for something fun to do on a Saturday morning and for crafters who want to earn additional income in the current economic climate.  “This is a fun weekend activity for locals and visitors alike,” she says.  “When the public comes together to support local artists and crafters it really helps builds a stronger community.”

This announcement comes as Tuacahn is in the middle of its most successful season featuring Disney’s Tarzan, CATS and the Gershwin musical comedy Crazy for You. Tarzan, based on the Disney film is breaking all box office records with over $2 million in sales surpassing Tuacahn’s 2008 production of Les Miserables. “The success of Disney’s Tarzan has contributed to receiving the rights to produce Disney’s The Little Mermaid,” says Scott Anderson, Tuacahn’s Artistic Director.

In its production of Disney’s Tarzan, Tuacahn has ten fly lines that carry actors over the audience, across the stage, and 867 feet above the canyon floor.  The production also makes use of the venue’s famous waterworks.  “The unique ability we have to move more than 18,000 gallons of water per minute creates the flood scene that sets the stage for the beginning of Tarzan,” says Kevin Warnick, Tuacahn’s Managing Director. Tuacahn plans to enhance and add to its waterworks effects for The Little Mermaid.

In preparing for Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Tuacahn has assembled a creative team who are developing several unique production elements that will take full advantage of Tuacahn’s outdoor environment.  “Audiences coming to see The Little Mermaid will see the stage and surrounding area shift between underwater and land scenes through a combination of exciting special effects that have never before been used together in the production of a full-length Broadway musical,” Mr. Anderson said.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid will perform each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from June 2 through October 21, 2011 and Grease will perform every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from June 9 through October 20, 2011.  Ticket prices for adults will range from $29 to $59 and for children from $23 to $49.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid is based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen.  Book by Doug Wright.  Music by Alan Menken.  Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater.  Tuacahn’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid will be directed by Scott S. Anderson, and is presented at Tuacahn through special arrangements with Music Theatre International and Disney Theatrical Productions.

Tuacahn opened in 1995 and has been entertaining audiences with professional, Broadway-caliber theatrical productions each year.  The amphitheatre, which has 1,920 seats, is also used for Tuacahn’s annual spring and fall concerts.  This year more than 160,000 guests will visit Tuacahn as new attendance records have been established with its productions of Disney’s Tarzan, Cats, and Crazy for You, the Gershwin musical comedy.  Tuacahn is located in Ivins, Utah, near St. George in the southwest corner of the state.  Tuacahn is approximately 120 miles north of Las Vegas near Interstate 15.

Tuacahn Amphitheatre is a major contributor to the Southern Utah economy as nearly 60% of Tuacahn’s guests visit from outside the region.  These guests stay in hotels, dine in restaurants, shop at local businesses, sightsee and participate in many of the additional tourism activities the area has to offer.  “With our record-breaking attendance this season, we anticipate that guests visiting Tuacahn this year will contribute more than $40 million to the area economy,” Kevin Smith, Tuacahn’s CEO said.  “The impact to the area’s economy could reach more than $50 million next year as we expect even more guests with great shows like Grease and Disney’s Little Mermaid,” Smith added.

Tickets for Tuacahn’s  2011 seasons are on sale now and may be purchased online at www.tuacahn.org or via telephone at 435-652-3300 or toll free 866-321-8051.

Kevin Smith, Tuacahn CEO has been pleased in the company’s partnership with Golden Corral this year. “We really enjoy having the option of offering dinner to our patrons before the shows. It creates a more memorable experience and also is very convenient to them. This summer’s menu seems to be making everyone happy.”

The surroundings of the beautiful red rock in Padre Canyon lend an ambience best for eating outside, but guests have an option of choosing indoor or outdoor dining. The dinners start two hours prior to the nightly shows, which vary in performance times.

The offerings includes a salad bar, baked ham, lemon chicken, potatoes, rolls, vegetables, and delicious peach and black forest cobbler. Dinner tickets for dinner are $12.50 for adults and $9.50 for children 12 and under.

uacahn’s current productions include Annie and Footloose . The venue’s fall production of Aida begins performances August 25. For more information contact the Tuacahn Box Office by calling 800-746-9882 or 435-652-3300 or visit www.tuacahn.org .

Tuacahn also plans an additional canned food item donation night on September 15.

Last year Tuacahn donated more than 7,348 lbs. of canned food items to Dixie Care and Share following two canned-food drive performances in July and August.

“We’re committed to benefiting the local community whenever possible,” says Kevin Smith, Tuacahn’s CEO, “and during the summer months, donations plummet at the Care and Share. This gives them a much-needed boost to keep food on hand at a time when they really need it”

Smith says the food bank was appreciative of the donations received last year.  “It’s a great partnership,” he says. “We fill up the seats in the theatre, our patrons save a lot of money, and we are able to give food to those in need.”

Dixie Care and Share’s Director, Kara Coop, said the food donation in 2008 was a welcome sight. “Last year’s donation was wonderfully overwhelming.  We have a huge need for additional supplies during the summer months because we see a sharp increase in the number of children needing meals,” she says.

Tuacahn’s current productions include Annie and Footloose. The venue’s fall production of Aida begins performances August 25. For more information contact the Tuacahn Box Office by calling 800-746-9882 or 435-652-3300 or visit www.tuacahn.org.

Tuacahn Amphitheatre and Fabulous Freddy’s have joined forces to create Tuacahn satellite ticket counters in all Fabulous Freddy store locations in St. George, Utah and Summerlin, Nevada. To celebrate this new partnership, Fabulous Freddy’s is offering a free car wash when you purchase tickets to Annie, Footloose, Aida or Disney High School Musical 2 in the store now through August 31st 2009, some restriction apply.

With some of the most convenient locations in town, and with roughly 1,000 people entering each location every day and thousands more passing by, the North Bluff Street and the River Road locations are perfect for people wanting to buy tickets without having to travel to secluded Padre Canyon in Ivins.

“It will save time and gas for the majority of Washington County residents,” states Kevin Smith, Tuacahn Amphitheatre’s CEO. “You leave with a clean car and with genuine, printed tickets in-hand, so you can avoid the line at our box office before the shows.”

“Fabulous Freddy’s thrives on delivering on our Mission Statement. We want to provide a Fabulous Experience to our customers,” says Brett Warnick, general manager of both St. George Fabulous Freddy’s locations. “Tuacahn does an excellent job with its programs.  This a great partnership that allows Tuacahn and us to serve the community together.” As part of this partnership Fabulous Freddy’s will also be providing valet services at all Tuacahn events.

All Tuacahn Amphitheater event tickets can be purchased at St.George Utah locations on Bluff Street (806 North Bluff), River Road (134 South River Road), or the Summerlin store in Las Vegas, Nevada (9611 Trailwood Dr.).

Tickets prices range from $19.50 – $44.50 depending on the event and seat location. All concerts are now on sale online at tuacahn.org or by calling 435-652-3300.

Four of your favorite American Idols will come together for a unique and exciting spring break concert. Gina Clocksen, Chikezie Eze, Melinda Doolittle, and Phil Stacey will appear together at Tuacahn on Friday, May 1 at 8:00 p.m. Taylor Vaifanua, from Hurricane, Utah, will be on hand to welcome the performers to the stage. Taylor was a recent contestant on the current season of American Idol.

Gina Glocksen is best known as the ninth-place finalist on season six of American Idol. Although she was often referred to as the “rocker chick,” Gina’s musical influences and abilities range far beyond the realm of rock. Her original music infuses the passion and attitude of a rock and roll rebel with the precision and soul of a modern ‘diva.’ Since her time on Idol, Gina has toured North America on the American Idols Live Tour and continues to perform around the country.

Chikezie was born Chikezie Eze in California to Nigerian emigrants and began singing at the age of 13. He first auditioned for season six of American Idol and advanced to Hollywood Week, where, unfortunately, he failed to make the top 24. Undeterred, he returned and successfully auditioned again for Season 7 in San Diego, impressing the judges with “All the Woman I Need,” by Luther Vandross. This earned him a ticket to Hollywood once again, and he ultimately made it all the way to the top ten.

Melinda Doolittle knew how to ‘bring it’ from an early age. Humble but blessed with keen performing instincts, she recalls teachers telling her she had charisma even before she could actually fulfill the musical promise others had seen in her. “I was tone deaf all the way up until 7th grade,” she remembers. “The chorus teacher would invite me to sing because I looked like I knew what I was doing. They’d tell me to stand in the middle and just mouth the words. I loved music so much; I would pray that I got better.” Nothing could have braced her for American Idol. Melinda became a household name as a sixth season finalist, garnering millions of weekly votes. “I still to this day have no idea how that happened. I’m just very grateful.”

Phil Stacey’s defining moment on American Idol came well into the competition. “Country Week was the first one that had anything to do with my background,” he says. “It was my chance to sing music I could really relate to, that drew on who I am and what I’d grown up around.” His performance of Keith Urban’s “Where The Blacktop Ends” impressed even Simon Cowell, who acknowledged that the Kentucky-born singer had at last displayed his true identity in convincing style. That night, a national audience got a close-up look at a singer who had truly hit his stride.

Following the lineup of former American Idol contestants, Tuacahn welcomes one of the hottest comedians on the live comedy circuit for three sold out performances. Brian Regan will perform May 7-9 at 8:00 p.m. for what will surely be three very enthusiastic audiences.

Critics and peers agree, Brian Regan has distinguished himself as one of the premier comedians in the country. The perfect balance of sophisticated writing and physicality, Brian fills theaters nationwide with fervent fans that span generations.
Brian’s standard of excellence was set from the beginning. Watching such masters as Johnny Carson, The Smothers Brothers and Steve Martin, Brian was enthralled with the world of comedy and tried stand-up right out of college at a Ft. Lauderdale club an hour from his hometown of Miami. Touring the country constantly through the late 80’s and 90’s, Brian won the 1996 American Comedy Award for Best Comedian, starred in two Showtime specials and performed on all the leading late night shows, including his life-long dream, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson .
With his first appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman in 1995, Brian solidified his place on the show and has returned at least once each year since to visit Dave. He now includes regular visits to Late Night with Conan O’Brien on his schedule.

Through prolific writing and tireless touring, Brian is the rare comedian to make the leap from comedy clubs to theaters without the exposure of his own TV show or film. It is the quality of his material, relatable to a wide audience and revered by his peers, which continues to grow Brian’s fan base.
Because all three performances by Brian Regan are sold out, a waiting list for cancelled tickets will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Tuacahn Box Office.

Friday, May 15, brings the final performance of Tuacahn’s Live09 Spring Concert Series to a close with the popular rock duo America at 8:00 p.m.

In the midst of their fourth decade of music making, America have been perennials on the concert circuit for 34 years, pleasing their loyal fan base and attracting new generations of followers. America’s journey has found them crossing a wide variety of musical terrain. Their best-known tunes, which also include “I Need You,” “Ventura Highway,” “Don’t Cross The River,” “Tin Man,” “Lonely People,” and “Sister Golden Hair” were cornerstones of 70’s Top 40 and FM rock radio. Yet beyond their impressive catalog of hits, listeners would discover there was always much more to America than surface perceptions. The combination of Gerry Beckley’s melodic pop rock and Dewey Bunnell’s use of folk-jazz elements, slinky Latin-leaning rhythms and impressionistic lyric imagery contrasted well with Dan Peek’s more traditional country-rock leanings and highly personal lyrics.

America’s albums—six certified gold and/or platinum, with their first greatest hits collection, History, hitting four-million in sales—display a wider range of the trio’s talents than do their singles. Their material encompasses an ambitious artistic swath; from effects-laden rockers to oddball medleys to soul-bearing ballads, America displays a flawless blend of disparate genres and styles as wide-open as the great American plains.

Following these live events in May, Tuacahn will present Annie and Footloose starting June 8. Featuring a cast of actors from throughout the region and New York City, these popular Broadway-style musicals will be performed in the Tuacahn Amphitheatre through October. Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida joins the mix on August 25. Enjoy these live events in the 2000-seat Tuacahn Amphitheatre by calling 435-652-3300 or by visiting tuacahn.org.

Tickets prices range from $19.50 – $69.00 depending on the event and seat location. All concerts are now on sale online at tuacahn.org or by calling 435-652-3300.

Tuacahn Artistic Director Scott S. Anderson is pleased to present such an eclectic mix of seasoned professionals this year. “Never before have we been able to offer such a diverse and popular concert season. We are dedicated to bringing the very best people to perform here, and we are always mindful to remember that as a non-profit organization it is the support of the community that keeps us in business.”

Julianne Hough, a triple threat as a singer, actress, and dancer, will perform in the amphitheatre Thursday, April 2 at 8:00 p.m. Hough is already known to millions of fans as the two-time professional dance champion on ABC-TV’s top-rated Dancing with the Stars. The show, which pairs professional dancers with music, sports, film and television celebrities, has become a cultural phenomenon and Julianne its top star. Hough’s performance at Tuacahn will mark her Utah headlining debut, and her charm will surely captivate all who come to witness her talent in person.

Called “brillant…funny, emotional and full of spirit” by the Evansville Courier Press, pianist Jim Brickman will perform at Tuacahn on Friday, April 17, at 8:00 p.m. for the first time.

Brickman revolutionized the sound of Adult Contemporary music with his pop-style solo piano. His career began as a college student writing commercial jingles, first for clients in his native Cleveland, then nationally. In 1994, he turned his talents to the art of the romantic popular song.

Jim’s remarkable career includes six Gold and Platinum selling albums, three #1 and twelve Top 10 Adult Contemporary radio hits, consistent debuts at #1 on Billboard Magazine’s New Age chart, a 2003 Grammy nomination in 2003, a Canadian Country Music Award for “Best Vocal/ Instrumental Collaboration,” and a Dove Award presented by the Gospel Music Association for “The Gift.”

Taking his popular live concerts to more than 125 cities each year, Brickman has received international acclaim as a concert performer. Jim has also taped three concert specials for PBS including Jim Brickman at the Magic Kingdom—The Disney Songbook (2005), My Romance, An Evening With Jim Brickman (2000) and Love Songs and Lullabies (2002).

A few days later after Brickman’s performance, the canyon will ring with some of yesterday’s most familiar rock tunes when the legendary band Foreigner performs Wednesday, April 15 at 8:00 p.m.

Celebrating their 30th anniversary, Foreigner’s show promises to be bigger and more powerful than ever before. “This band is really enthusiastic, and we worked very hard (over the past 2 years) to reestablish Foreigner as a major force in the USA,” says band founding member, Mick Jones. “This is the most dynamic lineup since the early days.”

Garnering accolades from press and fans alike, the current line-up of Foreigner is led by founder/chief songwriter/guitarist/producer, Mick Jones, drummer Jason Bonham, lead vocalist Kelly Hansen, bassist Jeff Pilson, keyboardist Jeff Jacobs and rhythm guitarist Tom Gimbel. “There are few times as a musician where you have an opportunity to play with a group of people that click so well,” explains lead vocalist Kelly Hansen. “We’re extremely fortunate that this is the case with this lineup of Foreigner.

Throughout the 70′s and 80′s, Foreigner were universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world, racking up scores of smash hits, multi-platinum albums, and sold out concert tours. From “Cold as Ice” to “Hot Blooded,” “Urgent” to “Jukebox Hero,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You” to the chart topper “I Want To Know What Love is,” Foreigner’s thrilling mix of blustery blues and impeccably crafted pop continues to captivate generation after generation of music fans. “Our music has touched a lot of people worldwide,” attests Mick Jones. “That our music has brought a lot of comfort, happiness, and fun is one of the best rewards.”

Motown legend Gladys Knight next takes to the stage on Friday, April 17 at 8:00 p.m., bringing with her some of the greatest hits of her decades-long career.

Singing professionally since the age of four ,Knight collaborated for many years with her group The Pips. Together they scored numerous hits such as “Every Beat of My Heart,” “I Heard it Through the Grapevine,” “If I Were Your Woman,” “I Don’t Want To Do Wrong” and “Neither One of Us.”

In 1974, Gladys—a woman in possession of one of the most instantly recognizable and beloved voices in popular music—stepped away from her group to embark on a successful solo career. Thirty-five years later, the lady who can plumb misty watercolor depths of emotion from any lucky song she chooses to sing, continues to dazzle audiences around the world with her incredible talent and dedication to her focus on the golden era of song.

Rick Springfield will perform in the amphitheatre Monday, April 27 at 8:00 p.m. Springfield, former heartthrob on TV’s General Hospital, catapulted to international stardom and Grammy-winning success in the 1980s with a string of successful radio hits such as “Jessie’s Girl,” “I’ve Done Everything for You,” “Human Touch,” and “Affair of the Heart.” To date, he has sold over 19 million records with 17 top-40 hits. He has performed for millions of devoted fans over the last three decades and continues to play over 100 shows a year, attracting new fans wherever he goes with his unique brand of audience interaction, unstoppable energy, and unforgettable songs that have become part of the soundtrack to people’s lives.

Tuacahn’s producers agree that Springfield, Gladys Knight, and the other musicians in the venue’s April lineup are remarkable in many ways. “These musicians are the very best,” Anderson says. “Our audiences make them feel so good, and many of them are eager to return to us again. We’re thrilled to continually have such a great response to this vibrant concert series.”

Following these events the Live 09 Spring Concert Series will continue in May with performances by four of your favorite American Idols live in concert, comedian Brian Regan, and the legendary rock duo America. Enjoy these live music events in the 2000-seat Tuacahn Amphitheatre by calling 435-652-3300 or by visiting tuacahn.org.