Audiences, cast celebrate the opening of two stellar musicals at Tuacahn
IVINS, Utah (May 18, 2026) — In just a few days, the answer to the question, “Do You Hear the People Sing?” will be a resounding “Yes!” echoing off of the red rock walls of Tuacahn with an energy and enthusiasm that can only come from the opening of two fantastic musicals.
Beginning May 15, from their vantage point in the Outdoor Amphitheatre audiences can “Look Down” on the justice, mercy, and forgiveness so beautifully portrayed in Les Misérables, and then look down even deeper — below the surface of the water — to enjoy the delightful oceanic adventure in Disney & Pixar’s Finding Nemo: A Family Musical.
“I hardly have words. It’s going to be so amazing,” Shari Jordan, associate artistic director for Tuacahn, said of the truly epic season about to unfold.
With these two productions, Tuacahn manages to hit the mark on two very different stories, with two very different audiences, in a setting that is very different from what many people have ever seen.
“Walking out my front door just takes my breath away,” said Malia Monk, who lives on site as one of the cast, playing the role of Coral in Finding Nemo and the understudy for Eponine in Les Misérables. “You just can’t believe it’s real.”
Equally surreal to the natural splendor of the area, is the combination of vocal, acting, dancing, and technical talent displayed by the cast and crew of each of these productions. But like the natural landscape, all of that skill parading across the stage is very much real.
“We have just been blown away by the talent we’ve been able to assemble,” said Sarah Hartmann, director for Les Misérables.
Hartmann, who directed Anastasia at Tuacahn in 2024 and Newsies in 2025 is no stranger to bringing sweeping historical pieces to life, and she is excited to share the result that months of hard work has produced.
“I’m always so attracted to shows rooted in history, so my approach with Les Mis is rooted in that history,” Hartmann said. “I did some boots on the ground research in Paris, and me and my creative team have all read the novel and have drawn so much from the depth of Victor Hugo’s writing.”
From the robust storyline surrounding the French Revolution, to the tense and pensive moments between Jean Valjean and Javert, and comic relief provided by the despicable yet somehow endearing Thénardiers, Les Misérables is a treasure trove of emotions and thought-provoking situations.
“If I were to have a bucket list of shows that I wanted to do in my life, Les Mis would be right at the top,” said Scott Anderson, artistic director for Tuacahn. “The story and the music are one of the better things ever written for the stage.”
While not steeped in quite such a storied history, the inclusion of one of Disney and Pixar’s beloved tales is equally monumental for Tuacahn, considering this is the first time Finding Nemo has been produced outside of one of the Disney Parks.
“Finding Nemo is being done using our main core of actors, with live orchestration and all the spectacle people love at Tuacahn,” Anderson said. “The only difference, it’s a much shorter show.”
Shorter by quite a bit. Disney & Pixar’s Finding Nemo: A Family Musical is less than 70 minutes with an intermission, making it much more palatable for a younger audience members and their families.
“The show will get over around 10 p.m., but it will lack for nothing in production.” Anderson said. “People should be really excited to see how it all comes together.”
Opening in previews at the beginning of May with brightly colored costumes, a lineup of enchanting songs, and remarkably designed sets, Finding Nemo is quickly finding a large fan base, with people of all ages delighted by this cast of quirky aquatic characters.
“I can tell we’re heading in a great direction,” said Janna Cardia, who plays the forgetful but loveable Dory in Finding Nemo. “They’ve collected incredibly talented people in this team who all lead with kindness and generosity. It’s really going to be a great season.”
Disney & Pixar’s Finding Nemo: A Family Musical officially opens May 22, with Les Misérables on May 23 and the seasons continues through Oct. 24. Tickets are going fast, reserve your seats today at www.tuacahn.org or by calling the box office at 435-652-3300.
