IVINS, Utah (March 30, 2026) — The first thing actors notice when they arrive at Tuacahn is, of course, the striking scenery. But soon after they gaze in awe at the unique red mountain peaks and the amphitheatre carved into the actual canyon, there is something else just as striking about the experience: the feeling of openness and support that welcomes them into the Tuacahn family.
“I was so excited as soon as I learned I had this contract,” said Malia Monk, who will be playing Sandy in this season’s Grease, as well as understudying the role of Eponine in Les Misérables. “There is no other theater in the world like Tuacahn, and I knew it would be a totally different experience than any other job that I’ve done.”
The happy news of landing such a sought-after contract came to Monk during a New York City snowstorm when the city had all but shut down. With trains cancelled and businesses closed, Monk and her boyfriend were holed up in their apartment when she got the call. After joyfully sharing the news with him, she quickly realized the only disappointing thing was that she couldn’t run out to celebrate because of the storm.
Fast forward a couple of months, and it was anything but a winter storm that greeted Monk and her fellow actors as they made their way to the Southern Utah town of Ivins. Even though Monk arrived after 10 p.m., the air outside felt much warmer than New York. The following morning, in the light of day, she was able to see even more clearly just how different her new home would be.
“It took my breath away walking out of my door,” Monk said. “To walk down the steps and you’re in this insanely beautiful canyon… you just can’t believe it’s real.”
In addition to picking her jaw up off the ground that first morning, Monk’s days since arriving have been busy learning the ins and outs of this particular venue, starting with an actor orientation where they met the many teams of people working to bring this theater season together.
“This is such a big place with so many moving parts,” Monk said.
From horse stables to tunnels beneath the stage, Monk and her fellow cast members caught a glimpse of some of the behind-the-scenes elements that make Tuacahn tick — including an introduction to the area’s culture and the sense of community the organization tries to foster across all departments. For actress Janna Cardia, several elements of that introduction stood out.
“I really appreciated Kevin Smith’s (Tuacahn CEO) up-front approach, talking about how it’s going to be wonderful and hard over the next seven months,” Cardia said. “He really stressed the aspect of family, and meeting problems at their core, rather than allowing things to fester.”
During the opening remarks, Cardia said it was also helpful to hear Shari Jordan, associate artistic producer, speak about the importance of respecting the beauty and majesty of the canyon, and how remarkable it is to perform in such a setting.
“It was all part of a big day of meetings and meet-and-greets and so much excitement,” Cardia said.
Janna Cardia, not to be confused with her twin sister Julie Cardia — who played the Wicked Witch in last year’s Wizard of Oz — hasn’t been to Tuacahn since 2013, so returning feels almost like a first-time experience. Still, she remembers enough to be ecstatic about the opportunity and is thrilled to be part of the 2026 cast as Madame Thenardier in Les Misérables, Dory in Disney & Pixar’s Finding Nemo: A 70-Minute Family Musical, and Miss Lynch in Grease.
“I was over the moon to get this contract,” Cardia said. “For starters, it is such a great season!”
Cardia has never had the opportunity to perform in Les Misérables, though her twin sister has toured with the production for years. To her, it feels like a rite of passage as an actress to add this iconic show to her resume. She’s especially excited about the new production of Finding Nemo.
“I love Dory. I think my personality is kind of like Dory,” Cardia said with a laugh. “I’m very forgetful, but strong in the wrong. I’m just super excited to help develop this show.”
As for her role as Miss Lynch in Grease, Cardia said it feels like a natural progression in her experience with the show.
“I’ve done Grease three times, playing Marty and Rizzo, and now Miss Lynch,” Cardia said. “That’s the beauty of theater — you kind of work your way through different roles, age-wise. They need all the demographics.”
Now that the actors are settling into on-campus housing and a routine that includes long days of singing, dancing, and blocking rehearsals, all that remains is to bring the productions to life for eager audiences. It’s a tall order — opening two shows at the same time and adding a third within a few weeks — but from what Monk and Cardia have seen, this cast and crew are ready.
“Already it is coming along so well,” Cardia said. “Tuacahn has collected incredibly talented people who lead with kindness and generosity… I can tell we are heading in a great direction.”
“It is evident that everyone who is part of this theater cares so much and loves their job — it’s just an amazing place to work,” Monk said. “In a way it feels a little like a grown-up summer camp. We’re all working, but we are so lucky that our work feels like play because everyone has so much passion for what they do. It feels like the best job in the world.”
Come see what the Tuacahn team has in store this season beginning May 1 and running through Oct. 24, featuring Les Misérables, Grease, and Disney & Pixar’s Finding Nemo: A 70-Minute Family Musical. For tickets and information, visit www.tuacahn.org or call the box office at 435-652-3300.
