As if the spectacle happening on stage at Tuacahn wasn’t enough, at some point during nearly every musical in the Outdoor Amphitheatre, the audience will want to look up to see one more element that makes this venue so special.

Fireworks.

“It makes me feel good to think that what I’m doing is adding to the show.”

~ Taylor Schroath, Pyrotechnics Technician

Taylor Schroath, special effects coordinator for Tuacahn, said that, depending on the show, audiences can expect anywhere from 12 to 26 fireworks lighting up the sky each night. And on the July 4 and 24 holidays, the firework numbers jump to around 500.

“People love the color, the loud noises, the patterns and the way they light up the night sky,” Schroath said. “It makes me feel good to think that what I’m doing is adding to the show.”

Not surprisingly, safety is of the utmost priority when dealing with pyrotechnics. That means strategically placed water extinguishers on each side of the stage, as well as specific instructions for cast and crew members so they know where each explosion will come from and how much distance they need to maintain.

“We are able to run through everything and let them get a feel for how it will be,” Schroath said.

This year, Schroath said Wonderland has the most fire and pyro elements sprinkled throughout the evening, while Mary Poppins has “curtain call fireworks” sending a shower of light over the entire canyon while the cast takes its bows.

Don’t miss any of the excitement, the music and the special effects in any of this season’s Broadway musicals at Tuacahn. Tickets are on sale now for Wonderland, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins at TUACAHN.ORG or by calling 435-652-3300.