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2 combine talents to offer dinner and theater


Deseret News, 4 May 2003

Article Summary:

The Alhambra was a single-screen movie theater, which closed due to increased competition from nearby multiplexes.  Suzanne Kirby remodeled the theater in July 1999 and ran it for two years as the Little London Dinner Theater.  She closed it in early 2002 because costs were outstripping revenues, although show attendance was reportedly good.  

Gayliene Omary and Jan Shelton will re-open the 160-seat theater as the Grove Theater on 8 May 2003.  The opening production will be "Once On This Island," a musical adaptation of "The Little Mermaid."

Gayliene Omary is a business woman who has dreamed of owning a theater since she played Minnie Foy in 'Hello Dolly' at the Alhambra when she was 16.  "I've tried to buy a couple of theaters before this," Omary said. "This one just came with everything the stage, the tables, the lights. It's in wonderful shape."

Jan Shelton is a drama teacher at Lehi High School and an accomplished actress, director and playwright.

Their business plan is to combine live theater with education and 'aftershows' entertainment, like karaoke, improv, and live-band music.  "We want to do cutting-edge quality productions and classes," Shelton said.  Stage plays will be aimed at the Utah Valley family audience and will be proceeded by a catered dinner, served buffett-style at both ends of the stage.

The Grove Theatre will offer drama classes for wannabe actors and actresses, from 3-year-olds to senior citizens.  They want to have the academy accredited within five years.