Picture this. You’re standing before the Desert Star Playhouse in Murray Utah. A beacon of laughter for over 30 years.
The Desert Star Playhouse isn’t just a theater. It’s a living legend. Its history stretches back to 1923. Then it was a small movie theater called The Gem. It showed silent films. Western adventures were a favorite. Audiences flocked to see those cliffhanger endings every weekend.
In 1930 The Gem was replaced by The Iris Theater. Apartments and shops were added. The theater’s seating was rearranged. It now faced south just like today. The Iris Theater continued until 1954. It then became The Vista Theater. Even J C Penney was a tenant in this building.
The Desert Star Playhouse story begins in 1989. Mike and Alyce Todd had a dream. They wanted a live dinner theater. Their first show? It was outdoors at Pioneer Trail State Park. Imagine the challenges. A forest fire threatened one performance. Horses stampeded during another. Yet the show went on.
The Todds searched for an indoor venue. They considered The Vista Theater. They initially found it uninhabitable. They eventually leased it. The old movie theater seats were replaced with tables and chairs. The first full season opened in 1990. The theater was nearly demolished in 2000. The Todds bought the building. They renovated it. They added a restaurant. Desert Star Pizza followed. The theater’s lobby got its distinctive Old West look.
Today the Desert Star Playhouse continues its legacy. It’s a place where laughter echoes through the years. It offers original musical comedies. Outrageous parodies of classic movies and TV shows are featured. The ‘Olio’ variety show is a highlight. Two shows in one. Gourmet pizza and hamburgers are available. The Desert Star Playhouse is more than a theater. It’s a piece of Murray’s history. A testament to the enduring power of laughter. A place where memories are made. Come and experience the magic for yourself.