Tuacahn Amphitheatre

Just outside of Saint George, hidden up in the valley of 1500 foot breathtaking red rock cliffs, lies the Tuacahn Amphitheatre. Canyon of the Gods is the translation of the Mayan word Tuacahn, and once you make your way out there, you’ll understand why it is deserving of the title. Tuacahn is an outdoor amphitheater that hosts many events, but above all else it is known for the professional theatre shows that take place here. In fact, because the Tuacahn Theatre is such a popular attraction for both locals and visitors, you can find shows going on throughout much of the year. Tuacahn Theatre, which has become known as “Broadway in the Desert”, is an experience you won’t want to pass up.

The Past

Tuacahn began with the dual mission of providing quality arts education while also producing inspiring entertainment. The first performance to take place at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre was an original musical production called “Utah”. The performance was accurately described as “America’s Most Spectacular Outdoor Musical”. While Utah did well and ran for three years, Tuacahn Theatre decided to pursue a new direction. Instead of original playwrights, they began performing shows that had already been performed elsewhere. Some of the previous shows they have done are as follows: Footloose, Annie, Cats, Tarzan, Grease, The Little Mermaid, Spelling Bee, Hairspray, Aladdin, Guys and Dolls, Les Miserables, West Side Story, and more.

The Present

Today, the Tuacahn Amphitheatre and School for the Performing Arts consists of a 42,000 square foot facility featuring a 330 seat indoor theater, a dance studio, a black-box theater, a recital hall, a costume shop and scene shop, studios and classrooms, and a gift shop. In all reality, all of these were built to complement the 23 million dollar, 1920-seat outdoor amphitheatre, which was completed in the spring of 1995. Some of the shows and concerts you can expect to see are as follows: Mary Poppins, Elf – The Musical, Disney’s Mulan, Brian Regan, The Beach Boys, and more. You’ll definitely be able to find something to fit your fancy here.

Dinner and a Show

If you want to have dinner prior to the show, Tuacahn would be happy to oblige. For an additional cost of $12.50 for adults, and $9.50 for children 12 and under, you can purchase a pre-show dinner and view the plaza pre-show.  While dining in the ambiance of the giant red cliffs, Golden Corral will provide the dinner. While you wait to be seated in the main amphitheater, you will have the opportunity to watch the plaza pre-show which includes various actors performing energetic and nostalgic musical numbers.  

Tuacahn Christmas

Christmas in the Canyon is one of the favorites for locals. While the festival itself is free, the Nativity, complete with real camels and everything, is presented in the Amphitheatre for $2 per ticket or $10 per family. If that’s not your cup of joy you can simply relax while enjoying the lights and the cheerful holiday music out in the Tuacahn Plaza. Make sure you take a minute to visit with Santa Claus as he makes an appearance nightly.