Showing posts with label utah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label utah. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Exploring the Arts in Salt Lake City

There are many things to see and do in Salt Lake City. Specifically, the arts and entertainment scene is full of hits for you and your family.

Ballet West's annual schedule includes 100 performances in Salt Lake City and Utah, and a rigorous out of state touring program. Their 2010 through 2011 performances include Carmina Burana, 2010 Ballet West Gala, The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Bolero and Innovations.

The Capitol Theatre is home to the Utah Opera Company, Ballet West and Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company. Many other touring live performances and Broadway plays are also performed here at this magnificent theatre.

Check out their upcoming performances which include La Boheme, Hansel and Gretel and Little Women. You can buy tickets online or at the ticket stand in Salt Lake City; just make sure you do not miss your chance to enjoy some of these fabulous shows.

The Cultural Celebration Center was newly opened in 2003 by West Valley City, the Utah Cultural Celebration Center is a unique facility. The Center is dedicated to enriching and strengthening communities by promoting the expression of the arts, education, opportunities for economic development and the celebration of human diversity; you can learn more about their special activities online.

The Desert Star Playhouse specializes in family friendly entertainment with original musical melodramas that are characterized by audience interaction. Come and cheer the hero or boo the villain; either way, you are sure to laugh up a storm.

The Grand Theatre is located at the Salt Lake Community College and is another great venue which hosts a slew of artistic performances throughout the year. The Theatre offers various musicals, comedies and plays throughout the year.

You can currently buy tickets for Oliver, The Messiah, The Class Menagerie, The Marvelous Wonderettes and Urine Town the musical. You can purchase tickets online or at the establishment; either way, you will not want to miss out on the entertainment.

The Hale Centre Theatre is another venue on the expression scene. This place is also committed to producing family oriented comedies and musicals.

The Jordan Commons offers world class establishments, the unprecedented Cricket Super Screen in 70 mm, arcade and kid's theatre. Jordan Commons is also home to the gorgeous Mayan restaurant.

This 40,000 square foot theme restaurant will take you to undiscovered Mayan ruins with talking animals, daring cliff divers and tree top dining. This is more than just a meal; it is an adventure through the jungle with great food to accompany.

The Off Broadway Theater (OBT) is Salt Lake's downtown hot spot for comedy. From great Broadway style shows to wild and wacky spoofs and parodies to amazing improve comedy, there is one thing you can count on with OBT- something funny is always happening.

Their 2010 season includes The Wicked Wizard of Ahhs, Star Ward, Robin Hood- Boyz in the Hood, H.M.S. Pinafore, Y-Light, Miracle on Third and Main and Laughing Stock. Be sure to check out the scheduling and ticket availability of these shows while you are making your plans in the Salt Lake City area.

The Pioneer Theatre Company produces a seven play season running from September through May, including a mixture of classics, large scale musicals and contemporary dramas and comedies. You will not want to miss the performances they put on.

Also, the Repertory Dance Theatre is dedicated to the creation, performance, perpetuation and appreciation of American modern dance. If this is a type of art form you enjoy, you will not want to miss the world class skills of those who perform with Repertory Dance.

The Utah Symphony is another group you will not want to miss in the Salt Lake City area. Founded in 1940, the Utah Symphony has become a vital presence on the American music scene through its distinctive, international performances and its well known recording legacy.

The Symphony performs in the gorgeous Abravanel Hall. They are constantly holding new, special performances for holidays and such.

They have the Deer Valley Music Festival, the Patriotic Celebration at Scera Park and Peter and the Wolf and other Familiy Frolics playing in the near future. Be sure to check their schedule and ticket availability while you are planning your trip to Salt Lake City.

Terry Daniels has been writing about things to do in cities across America. He recommends (www.thingstodo.com) for things to do in your area.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Things to Do in Salt Lake City

If you are headed to Salt Lake City, you are in for a treat. This beautiful city is full of exciting things to do.

From outdoor adventures to historical sites, there is plenty for you to enjoy. Whether you are visiting for a few days or you are a local, this article will give you plenty of ideas of things to keep you entertained.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Salt Lake City is Temple Square. This 10-acre block is located in the middle of downtown Salt Lake City and is home to the temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Also located at Temple Square are two visitor centers, the Tabernacle, and the Assembly Hall. The Square is also home to beautiful gardens and pathways to walk along.

Free forty-five minute tours are offered daily. During the Christmas season Temple Square is filled with hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights.

It is quite the site and should not be missed. Just outside of Temple Square are more gardens and a reflecting pool.

Also located outside of Temple Square is the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. In this building visitors will find the Legacy Theater which shows a featured premier film daily.

Tickets are free but should be reserved in advance. Also located at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building are two restaurants on the top floor.

Not only do they serve a nice meal, but they also provide views of the Square. Also located in close proximity to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building is the Church Office Building.

Which is the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One interesting thing to do at this building is to head to the observation deck on the 26th floor.

The views are magnificent and will surely add to your visit. Another building to visit while in Salt Lake City is the Utah State Capitol.

The main floor of the Capitol offers unique exhibits and provides free guided tours Monday through Friday. If you have children they may enjoy visiting the Museum of Church History and Art.

There are interesting exhibits and activities for children including puppet shows and films. A few other great places to take children are the Hogle Zoo and Wheeler Historic Farm.

The Hogle Zoo has plenty of animals, gift shops, a train and a carousel. Wheeler Historic Farm also has farm animals, wagon rides, special events and picnic areas.

Both attractions will definitely be fun for the whole family. Located across the street from the zoo is This is the Place State Park, which is a historic pioneer village.

Live the life of a pioneer as you visit the houses, shops, schools and churches. If you love shopping, one of the best places to shop in Salt Lake is the Gateway Mall.

This outdoor mall has plenty of shops and restaurants. Also located in the mall is a large fountain where plenty of families gather during the summer to play and cool off.

The mall is also home to the Clark Planetarium, a large movie theater, and Discovery Gateway Children's Museum. Some other places to shop are Gardner Village (which is especially enjoyable during October when the whole village is decorated for Halloween), Trolley Square, and the Tanger Outlet Mall in Park City.

A few other enjoyable sites for children are the Living Planet Aquarium and Tracy Aviary, which is home to 500 different birds. Salt Lake also has many unique museums.

A few to check out are the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, the Utah Museum of Natural History, the Pioneer Memorial Museum, Utah's Historic Governor's Mansion, and the Museum of Utah Art & History. During the summer a few fun places to visit are Lagoon theme park and water park, Raging Waters, Red Butte Gardens, and Boondocks Family Fun Center.

During the winter it is always fun to visit the many ski resorts and the Gallivan Center which has an outdoor ice skating rink. For those sports fans, Utah has plenty of sports games to watch.

Visitors can enjoy a Utah Jazz basketball game, a Salt Lake Bees baseball game, a Real Salt Lake soccer game, a Utah Blaze football game, or a Utah Grizzlies hockey game. With plenty of sports teams, you are sure to find one you will like.

There are so many great things to do in this diverse city. You will have a great time whether just visiting or living in Salt Lake City!

Terry Daniels has been writing about things to do in cities across America. He recommends (www.thingstodo.com) for things to do in your area.