Utah Canyon Stages "Les Misérables" Amidst Desert Heat

A distinctive production of "Les Misérables" is captivating audiences from a natural amphitheater in southern Utah's red-rock canyon. The show begins late in the evening to mitigate the oppressive desert heat, with many performers utilizing ice packs beneath their costumes. Even on a recent 102-degree Fahrenheit day, the venue attracted 2,300 patrons.

This staging of "Les Miz" is poised to be the highest-grossing production in the Tuacahn Center for the Arts' 31-year history. The musical's popularity is currently surging across North America, partly due to the availability of licensing after a major tour concluded. Many regional theaters, facing financial challenges, are seeking titles with proven audience appeal.

The Tuacahn Center for the Arts, a prominent nonprofit professional theater in Utah, selected "Les Misérables" for its beloved music, message, and melodrama, anticipating strong ticket sales. The show, based on Victor Hugo's 1862 novel, is an epic story set against a historical French rebellion and has a storied global performance history.

Producers are experiencing significant demand, with over 100 new productions licensed recently. "Les Misérables" is renowned for its ability to draw large audiences, with many regional theaters eager to stage their own interpretations of the classic musical. The current production in Utah exemplifies the show's enduring appeal and its capacity to fill seats in diverse settings.

Amidst rising production costs since the pandemic, Tuacahn's "Les Miz" production is costing approximately $4 million. The theater, which relies heavily on patron revenue, aims to maintain affordability while ensuring its financial stability. Their commitment to family-friendly shows and strong community support, bolstered by this successful production, underscores their ongoing mission.