New Eccles Center to Feature “Lion King” as Their First Production
SALT LAKE CITY, March 26, 2015 – Mayor Ralph Becker and Mayor Ben McAdams along with representatives of the George S. & Dolores Dore’ Eccles Foundation announced today that the first major production to be performed at the new Eccles Theater will be “The Lion King.”
The grand opening of the new Eccles Theater is expected in just 18 months and the foundation, along with several donors, were very pleased that the fourth longest running Broadway show of the Lion King will be the first major production at the theater.
Along with the announcement, they also unveiled the design of the new theater and the logo for the center.
“The theater is a way of celebrating the cultural core and the development of our city. It will add to the cultural vitality of downtown and the economic strength of our regions.” said Becker.
The Mayor then presented Spence Eccles with his very own hard hat and allowed him a moment to share his thoughts about the announcement and the upcoming completion of the new theater into the Salt Lake City community.
Mr. Eccles entertained the audience with a little song and dance and some comedy. He thanked everyone involved, especially the donors who have contributed nearly $27 million in gifts and grants to help make this dream a reality.
“I know I look forward to enjoying with all of you a variety of national and local performances. But to my mind all of the arts of our community and state are wrapped up here together and we intend that this fantastic, extraordinary new theater will help elevate the entire arts community, all of it, to a great new level of excellence and interested among all of our citizens,” said Eccles.
Mayor McAdams had a chance to share his thoughts as well stating: “Salt Lake City is already starting to feel the excitement of the new theater and are working hand in hand with all those involved. It will truly be another crown jewel in the arts and cultural offerings of Salt Lake County.”
“The Lion King ” will premier at the theater in 2017, after the grand opening in the fall of 2016.
The George S. and Dolores D. Eccles Theater, located downtown in the block of 200 South between State St. and Main St., will have 2,500 seats and is designed to suit traveling Broadway shows. The theater will also have a black box venue, with 200 seats, for experimental performances.
