Ellen Eccles Theatre Is at the Heart of the Arts in Cache Valley
The Ellen Eccles Theatre was close to being razed‚ but after a publicly supported $6 million renovation completed in 1993‚ it has reclaimed its status as one of the artistic gems of the region.
Part of the Cache Valley Center for the Arts‚ the theater hosts 10 to 15 touring acts per year and is the home venue for a number of regional arts groups‚ including Utah Festival Opera‚ Cache Valley Civic Ballet‚ Cache Regional Theatre and Valley Dance Ensemble. According to Wally Bloss‚ executive director of the CVCA‚ it’s truly a gem.
“It really is very nicely done‚ well-appointed with decorative ornamentation in keeping with the 1920s when it was built and when theatergoing was a grand art‚” Bloss says. An ornate grand foyer‚ sweeping balconies and two exquisitely restored murals of the mythological Phoenix – appropriate given the theater’s near brush with destruction – grace the interior.
Built by the Thatcher family after the original Thatcher Opera House burned in 1912‚ the theater originally hosted vaudeville and traveling shows as well as films. After the renovation‚ it was renamed for a prominent early Logan resident and philanthropist‚ Ellen Stoddard Eccles. It is owned by the city of Logan and managed by the CVCA.
Last season‚ the 1‚100-seat theater sold out two nights of each touring production‚ and Bloss is trying to book a third night whenever possible due to the strong interest.
“It’s a unique place‚ a gathering place for the community‚” Bloss says.
