A Beloved Theater's Identity in Crisis: Performers Fight to Preserve Their Legacy
A wave of discontent is sweeping through St. George, Utah, as performers and community members rally against a decision that feels like a betrayal. The St. George Musical Theater, a cherished institution, has announced a name change, sparking outrage and a passionate petition to restore its original identity. But here's where it gets controversial: this isn't just about a name; it's about transparency, community voice, and the very soul of a theater that has thrived for years.
The timing couldn't be more fraught. Just months before the grand opening of their new downtown venue, the theater's longtime president, Bruce Bennett, was abruptly fired. Mattea Denney, a performer with the theater, captures the sentiment: 'It's like the rug was pulled out from under us. We're left wondering who's making these decisions and why.' The cast, like the rest of the community, learned about both the name change and Bennett's dismissal through social media, feeling sidelined in a process that should have included them.
The proposed new name, Dimon Legacy Theater, honors Dimon McFearson, a former board chairman known for his generosity. Kristine Carter, a board member, praises McFearson's contributions: 'His family's support has been invaluable, not just financially but in time and dedication.' Yet, many see this as an overreach. Denney questions, 'Why erase the name that represents years of hard work by so many? It feels like a power play.'
And this is the part most people miss: the theater isn't just a building; it's a community-funded endeavor. Residents contribute through the Recreation, Arts, and Parks (RAP) Tax, a 0.1% levy that supports local arts and culture. Ticket sales, averaging $35, further sustain its operations. Performers and patrons alike feel their investment—financial, emotional, and creative—is being overlooked.
The petition to restore the original name has garnered over 300 signatures, and a recent rally drew 60 participants. Denney reflects on Bennett's impact: 'Bruce made the arts thrive in a place where they could have easily faded. His sudden removal feels like a red flag, a sign of abusive authority.' Carter, however, insists the firing and name change are unrelated, emphasizing that the Dimon name was chosen years ago. 'We need to communicate better,' she admits, 'but these are two distinct issues that unfortunately coincided.'
Costume designer Tina Forsyth plans a march to advocate for Bennett's return, a community representative on the board, and the preservation of the 'St. George Musical Theater' name. 'This theater belongs to all of us—donors, patrons, volunteers,' Forsyth declares. 'Naming it after one person discounts the collective effort of thousands. It’s our legacy, and we want to honor it.'
Is this a case of honoring a benefactor or silencing a community's voice? The debate rages on, leaving many to wonder: Can the theater heal this rift, or will it lose the very people who made it a success? Share your thoughts—do you think the name change is justified, or is the community's outcry warranted? Let’s discuss in the comments!
