Tuacahn Magic Touches Mesquite Chamber Luncheon

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

The Mesquite Chamber of Commerce luncheon took advantage of the beautiful spring weather on Wednesday, April 14, being held outdoors in the poolside setting of the Casablanca Hotel and Resort.

The featured speaker was Kevin Smith CEO of the Tuacahn Center for the Arts in Ivins, Utah. Smith must have brought some of the Tuacahn magic with him, as the stiff breeze slowed down for a while during his speech.

Smith has been with Tuacahn for twenty years now. His talk enlightened the audience about the many little-known facts about Tuacahn.

Smith reminded everyone this was Tuacahn’s 25th Season and that Tuacahn is the first professional theatre in the country to open after COVID. The fact that it is outdoors is a major factor in that, he said.

Smith explained that the complex spent $250,000 to comply with COVID testing in order to open, and had all their performers vaccinated. People may sit shoulder to shoulder in the theatre, but audience masks are still required.

“Broadway actors have been out of work for a year, and we are open,” said Smith. “So guess who is auditioning for our productions. Even before COVID the professional actors came to us because they like our beautiful setting.”

The stunning red-cliff box canyon is the unique setting from which Tuahcahn creates many magical moments.

Smith said that Tuacahn has become a major tourist attraction. Over 300,000 people per year come to Tuacahn, he said. About 25 per cent are people who have not visited before. Sixty percent are from out of the area.

Tuacahn has a relationship with Disney Theatrical. They are the first to get Disney off-site musicals. They also work closely with Disney for learning the special effects. Tuacahn is a member of the Equity Actors Guild.

“ Tuacahn means ‘Canyon of the Gods’,” Smith said. “And we try to match the majestic of the canyon in all that we do.”

Reminding the audience that April is National Poetry Month, Smith recited a couple of thought-provoking poems associating life in the small towns of Mesquite, Nevada and Ivins, Utah. One of the poems was entitled “It isn’t your town, it is you.”

All in all, it was a magical luncheon, a beautiful day, excellent food, good company and informative – all made possible by the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce.

Tuacahn will open with Beauty and the Beast on May 7, 2021. For a full lineup go to www.tuacahn.org for Broadway Musicals, the 2021 Concert Series and Christmas in the Canyon. They offer group discounts for clubs and organizations. Call 800-746-9882 for information.

Tuacahn Café offers Patrons a chance to make a full evening of it, arrive early and have dinner. Café opens at 5pm on Production nights. They offer burgers, hot sandwiches, soups, and salads.

Tuahcahn is handicapped accessible with an elevator and a handicapped seating section accommodating wheelchairs.