Brigham’s Playhouse: Family legacy of uplifting entertainment; new theatre, debut show in Washington City

Behind the scenes of Brigham's Playhouse, Washington City, Utah, 2013 | Photo courtesy of Kylee Ogzewalla

WASHINGTON CITY – Brigham’s Playhouse, a new theatre company in Washington City’s historic district, seeks to create career opportunities for local performers while continuing a family legacy of providing wholesome, uplifting entertainment to the community.

Behind the scenes of Brigham's Playhouse, Washington City, Utah, 2013 | Photo courtesy of Kylee Ogzewalla
Behind the scenes of Brigham’s Playhouse, Washington City, Utah, 2013 | Photo courtesy of Kylee Ogzewalla

Jamie Young left his 19-year career as a professor of musical theatre to create a performing arts group dedicated to reviving family-friendly stage productions that have been appreciated and loved by generations.

“I researched many markets and found there is a high demand, but a low supply, of theatre here,” Young said. “We want people to have a great experience. We hope to be a long-standing part of the community.”

The group’s debut production of “Little Women, a Little Musical by Jay Richards” will run Feb. 14 through March 29, followed by a production of “Annie” running April 4 through May 17. Both will be performed Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m., plus Saturday matinées at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $18 for general admission, $16 for seniors or $12 for students, and are available online or by calling 435-251-8000.

“Our community can count on quality entertainment and wholesome performances from Brigham’s Playhouse,” publicity and marketing director Kylee Ogzewalla said.

Behind the scenes of Brigham's Playhouse, Washington City, Utah, 2013 | Photo courtesy of Kylee Ogzewalla
Behind the scenes of Brigham’s Playhouse, Washington City, Utah, 2013 | Photo courtesy of Kylee Ogzewalla

However, Brigham’s Playhouse is more than a business venture for Young. It’s the fulfillment of a dream he’s had since being a student himself, and a way to honor the legacy of his great-great-great grandfather, 19th century Mormon church leader and pioneer Brigham Young, who established the Salt Lake Theatre in 1861.

Since making his onstage debut at age 10, Young has been directly involved in more than 100 professional, amateur and academic productions. He holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Idaho and a Bachelor of Arts in musical theatre from Weber State University. The owner of the Better World Entertainment Company, he worked as director of the musical theatre program at College of The Albemarle in North Carolina, managed a performing arts training company in Elizabeth City, N.C. and most recently served as the head of Western Wyoming College’s theatre program.

After moving to Southern Utah in July 2013, Young approached Washington City with the intention of leasing a facility and worked with city officials to find a suitable venue, eventually settling on the old town hall in Cottontown Village. The group has spent the last few months renovating the building, finding costumes, props and equipment, and rehearsing in anticipation of their grand opening and debut performance.

Behind the scenes of Brigham's Playhouse, Washington City, Utah, 2013 | Photo courtesy of Kylee Ogzewalla
Behind the scenes of Brigham’s Playhouse, Washington City, Utah, 2013 | Photo courtesy of Kylee Ogzewalla

Unlike local performing arts groups The Space Between Theatre Company and Same Difference Inclusive Theatre Company, Brigham’s Playhouse is a business rather than a nonprofit organization, with 11 full-time employees and nearly $100,000 invested so far. It also provides a place for thespians to hone their craft, with classes and open auditions planned for the near future. Every member, including Young, performs.

“Throughout my career, I’ve found that my students are highly trained performing artists, but after leaving college, they have very limited opportunities to use their skill to make a living,” Young said. “It’s my hope to provide such opportunities to local people who want to work in the performing arts.”

“Not only will it create job opportunities, but it offers something to people who are thinking of relocating to our community,” Washington City Mayor Ken Neilson said. “I think it’s wonderful and I’m excited about it.”

Event details and contact information

  • Date: Feb. 14 – March 29 (“Little Women”), April 4 – May 17 (“Annie”)
  • Time: 7:30 p.m. (Tuesday-Saturday shows), 2:30 p.m. (Saturday matinées)
  • Location: Brigham’s Playhouse, 25 North 300 West Building C-1, Washington City
  • Admission: $18 general admission, $16 seniors or $12 for students
  • Contact/more information: Brigham’s Playhouse – 435-251-8000 or www.brighamsplayhouse.com

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2014, all rights reserved.

Behind the scenes of Brigham's Playhouse, Washington City, Utah, 2013 | Photo courtesy of Kylee Ogzewalla
Behind the scenes of Brigham’s Playhouse, Washington City, Utah, 2013 | Photo courtesy of Kylee Ogzewalla

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!

1 Comment

  • Keith Smith March 19, 2014 at 12:07 pm

    My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed “Little Women”. We retired in Saint George about two years ago. One of the big draws for us was Tuachan as we enjoy theater especially musicals! Little Women was as good, or even better than the productions at Tuachan.

    Thank you for a great venue, and for the great talent that you have put together. We will be coming back again and again. We are also letting everyone we know to come and enjoy your show!

    Thank you again!

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.