A short time after we moved to Payson we went to the showing of Chocolat Starring Juliette Binoche, and Johnny Depp it was one of the most uncomfortable film I had ever been to the show stopped a couple of times and could not be heard during others due to technical difficulties the old theater on 98 W. Utah Avenue, Payson, UT 84651
The old theater had seen better days it opened on April 16, 1949, by the David Huish family. The original seating capacity was for 816, all on a single floor. In 1985 Paul Mower bought the 600-seat theater and because it was a one screen theater the he could pick and choose movies reflected the community values .
As films moved beyond the old equipment's ability the decision was made to close and the theater entered the dark days. It was slated to be a Gym but that fell through and was a place that paint ball wars could be waged. There was a fire during this time and it was also used as a place where second hand goods were sold after being purchased at past due storage units. For the longest time the fate was questionable.
Despite the dark days there was hope for the old historical monument, because in the heart of Payson, people love to entertain and others love to see a good show. For example...
In the summer of 1968 four Payson High School decided to put on a show. They went to the city to seek some funding and they were turned down because they had no adult adviser. That small fact did not shake the resolve Jay Jolley, Janie Marvin, Lemuel Harsh, and Robin Anderson found Doris Gasser to direct them and the group received $300 from the City. The production of "Little Mary Sunshine" ran for 3 performances and the seed money was paid back to the city. There has been a show every year since.
These productions have traditionally taken place at the high school but as you drive by this structure it inspires dreams of what if… A dream stirred in Karen Taylor and during the last days of her life she put into action a plan to purchase and bring back to life the dying structure. She loved the performing arts and in her mind's eye saw this location as a place where the payson community theater could perform along with other sideshows including business meetings, trade shows, product demonstrations, dance and music recitals and competitions, social events, wedding receptions, family reunions, etc
On her deathbed she made Gordon her husband and former Mayor of Payson promise her that he would purchase and bring back to life this vacant theater. His reaction was "Do you realize what a job this is going to be? I'm 80 years old," He thought he ought to live like a "retired gentlemen”
The purchase has been made and work is going forward they have great plans but they are short on funds. There is a gofundme account that I will make a link to below. They also have fundraising events and performances. The next one is titled “A night on Broadway” and will be next week Feb 23rd & 24th they will perform at the Payson high school auditorium the cost is $7.00 and it is general admission so pre-purchase your tickets and show up early.
https://www.paysoncommunitytheater.com/donate
https://www.gofundme.com/27z6xzr9
https://www.paysoncommunitytheater.com/donate
