In 1980, when the Murray Arts Council started putting on shows in Murray Park, it was a bit of an ordeal. There was no permanent facility, so the stage and lights had to be imported from other cities or built onsite. And because the rented equipment was valuable (and portable), it couldn’t be left overnight, so police cadets had to sleep in the park during the duration of rehearsals and the performance.

And yet, they persevered. The first musical performed on a temporary stage was “South Pacific.” Incidentally, “South Pacific: In Concert” was the first production of the 2024 season, in celebration of the Murray Park Centennial. 

Through community support and fundraising, the first dedicated amphitheater was built in the park in 1985. It was upgraded in 2017, then again in 2023 with stadium seating and cupholders.

These days the amphitheater is in use nearly nightly hosting summertime music concerts, musicals and plays. Two Broadway-esque shows are on the schedule for the 2024 season. 

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame”

The show will run July 18-20, 22, 25-27 at 8 p.m. 

Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” this performance will contain much of the recognizable Disney music, but it isn’t exactly the Disney version, meaning this one doesn’t end with a happily-ever-after. 

“It’s not your typical princess show,” director Candy Tippetts said. “There’s some dark subject matter: prejudice, discrimination and people die.” 

The production is ambitious, even for Tippetts, who has previously directed five shows at the Murray Amphitheater, along with directing and performing in productions at the Hale Centre Theatre, The Grand Theater, Riverton, Draper, Midvale, and Bountiful Performing Arts.

“There are a total of 53 actors in the show, and about 30 of those are in the choir and will be on the stage the entire run-time,” Tippetts said. “I haven’t directed a show with the choir on stage before, but here’s a shoutout to our set designer Dwight Western. He’s the brains behind the elaborate set and it will be phenomenal.”

The cast has been practicing on a flat surface at the Murray Senior Center since April, but the actual set will be six levels to accommodate all the performers on stage at the same time. “We won’t get on the actual stage until June 24, so I’m hoping no one will fall off during the show,” said Tippetts with a chuckle.

More earnestly, Tippetts continued, “What makes community theater special is support from the community itself. Community theater is, for the most part, not a paid gig, so you create a family with the cast, and you enjoy all the hours you spend with them. In turn, the audience enjoys the show.”

Layne Willden, who plays Frollo, agreed. “We have extremely talented people in the cast and I hope lots of people are able to experience this moving and entertaining show.”

“Peter and the Starcatcher”

This show will run Aug. 8-10, 12, 15-17 at 8 p.m.

“Peter and the Starcatcher” has an interesting premise. As a prequel to the beloved and well-known “Peter Pan,” the screenplay is based on a series of books written by Dave Barry (not to be confused with author J.M. Berrie of the classic) and Ridley Pearson. 

“It’s full of characters people already know and love from ‘Peter Pan’ but in ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’ they’ll learn the backstory,” director Adam Wilkins said. “Of course, there are orphan boys and mischievous pirates, but you also see how Peter Pan gets his name, how Captain Hook gets his hook, and how Tinkerbell is found and becomes one of the gang.”  

Compared to Hunchback, the cast is relatively small with only 16 actors, but “the nontraditional production is created with great choreography, vibrant movement, and showmanship with the help of my amazing assistant and choreographer Madison Howell,” said Wilkins, who is directing for the second time at the Murray Amphitheater and who has acted in many shows across the valley.

Volunteer actors put in so much time that it’s like a part-time job, rehearsing up to 20 hours a week for months before the curtain rises. “Plus, there’s line memorization and character study outside of rehearsal,” Wilkins added. “That’s what it takes, though, and we’re lucky to have such talent willing to give their time.”

Cici Caps, who is studying English at the University of Utah, and who plays Molly Aster, agrees. “I don’t begrudge the time spent or lack of pay. I love it.”

Trinity Medina, who plays Peter Pan, graduated from Cottonwood High a year ago. She’s currently at Westminster, studying to be a theater teacher. “I love stepping into somebody else’s shoes and putting myself into a situation I wouldn’t otherwise ever be in,” Medina said. “I’m a big storyteller, and I love to put it all out there on stage.” 

Tickets for both shows are $12 for adults and $8 for children. They are available in advance at the Murray Parks & Rec Office or online at www.strideevents.com/murray-park-amphitheater/event-information.

Tickets are also sold on the night of the show at the amphitheater ticket office, approximately one hour prior to showtime and are subject to availability. λ