This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I am disappointed that the Hale Centre Theatre in West Valley wants to move to Sandy to develop an intimate 1,900-seat, "state of the art on steroids" theater in the round ("Hale Centre Theatre dreams of fanciful future in Sandy," Tribune, Nov. 28).
My visits to the current theater have always been well rewarded with a personal and exciting theater experience. The productions are great. It is fun to see the almost state-of-the-art stage transform.
Even with a full house, the ambiance is unique among Utah theaters. There are no bad seats. This is partly due to the limited size, which adds to the quality of the theater experience. I wonder if the Hale management folks really understand what a gem they have.
Then there is the loyalty question. West Valley City provided the financing vehicle for this theater to exist. By bonding for the theater, it became a willing partner to Hale, shouldering a potentially risky venture.
Years ago, patrons and residents donated personal funds to get the venture going by "buying" bricks of support. It is a true community theater that serves the region.
Bigger doesn't always mean better.
John Janson
Salt Lake City