Imagine, if you will, a night in October 1962. The air crackles with anticipation. Tonight is the dedication of the Pioneer Memorial Theatre.
The Pioneer Memorial Theatre stands as a modern counterpart to the old Salt Lake Theater. This theater embodies Utah’s rich theatrical heritage. It honors the pioneers. They found joy within those hallowed walls.
Construction began on July 1 1960 and the Pioneer Memorial Theatre opened on October 10 1962. The opening production was Hamlet. The Pioneer Memorial Theatre was dedicated as the professional State Theatre of Utah.
David O. McKay conceived the idea for the Pioneer Memorial Theatre in 1945. Leaders from commerce industry and education made it a reality. Their combined efforts gave Salt Lake City a much-needed center for performing arts.
The Pioneer Memorial Theatre’s construction cost about $1.75 million. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Kennecott Copper Corporation and the State of Utah all contributed. Private donors also helped.
For $200 families could purchase a plaque for a seat. These plaques honored pioneer ancestors.
The dedication audience was a sight to behold. It was a theatrical first night. Photographers captured every moment. Television cameras broadcast the event live. The audience was formally dressed. It was one of the rare statewide occasions when there wasn’t a child present.
The dedication ceremony commenced with music. The University of Utah’s A Cappella choir performed. Governor Clyde spoke of the community’s sadness after the old Salt Lake Theater’s demolition in 1928. He also expressed hope for the future.
President McKay offered a prayer. He honored the pioneers’ sacrifices and their desire for aesthetic culture. After the prayer the audience sang The Star Spangled Banner. Then the first production Hamlet began.
During intermission guests enjoyed complimentary grape punch. They also searched for the names of their pioneer ancestors on the seat plaques.
The Pioneer Memorial Theatre was designed to be both intimate and luxurious. It was built large enough to accommodate any type of play. The main auditorium seats 932 people. Aisles were wide. Rows were spaced far apart. The stage was designed to speed up scene changes.
The Pioneer Theatre Company is one of Utah’s four professional theater companies. It is the only fully professional theater in Salt Lake City. The company was formed in 1962. It performs at the Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre. The Pioneer Theatre Company produces seven plays each season.
The Pioneer Theatre Company was the first regional theater company to produce Les Misérables. The show had 82 sold-out performances in 2007. The company has premiered revised versions of Paint Your Wagon and The Producers.
In 2022 Pioneer Theatre Company premiered Shucked. This marked the first time a Utah-based theater company produced an out-of-town tryout for a Broadway musical.
So, as you stand before the Pioneer Memorial Theatre remember its rich history. Think of the pioneers. They are the people who paved the way for the arts in Utah.