On April 11th, at the Utah Valley University UCCU Center, a collaboration of talent came together to put on the show of a lifetime: the Utah Extravaganza. Dancing with the Stars champions Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy, along with world-class dancers and nationally recognized vocal soloists, under the direction of an internationally acclaimed conductor, put on a performance that could mark the beginning of a beloved annual tradition. The production featured singing, dancing, a 120-piece orchestra, and a 200-voice choir. The vision behind the show was to bring a family-oriented, Hollywood Bowl-caliber experience to Utah County.

Producer Carl Bacon is no stranger to putting on a spectacular show. Bacon co-founded Stadium of Fire in 1980 along with Utah Stars and Friends. He worked alongside Nate Keller and Cheung Chau for over a year, holding weekly meetings, rehearsals, and putting in countless hours of preparation to bring the Utah Extravaganza to life. Their goal was to create a show centered around local talent, with all proceeds going to the nonprofit organizations involved in the production.

But Bacon didn’t stop at the show. He also organized a gourmet dinner and silent auction beforehand. Every dollar raised from the auction supported the event. Items included gift baskets, $900 worth of gift cards, a night’s stay at the Park City Hotel, pies, an authentic BYU helmet, a football signed by the entire BYU football team, and more. The dinner and auction were a huge success and were thoroughly enjoyed by the VIP guests.

I had the opportunity to attend both the dinner and the show, and it did not disappoint. I consider myself a tough critic, and I was genuinely astounded by the talent showcased at the Utah Extravaganza. Accomplished singers delivered something for everyone, from classics like Fiddler on the Roof and Les Misérables to more modern hits such as Wicked, Hamilton, and even the award-winning TV show Wednesday. The massive audience was captivated by every number, with the show only getting better as the night went on.

My favorite performances were “Defying Gravity” from Wicked, sung by Jen Marco, and “Bring Him Home” from Les Misérables, performed by Daylyn Vail Bayles. The dancing, especially by Jenna, Val, and their fellow performers, added an electrifying layer to the evening. Before I knew it, the show was over. Normally with performances like this, I find myself zoning out or getting sleepy, but this time I was on the edge of my seat the entire night.

As the performers took their final bow, the crowd erupted in a standing ovation. VIP ticket holders were then able to meet the cast, which made the experience feel even more personal and memorable. I absolutely loved the Utah Extravaganza, and I am crossing my fingers that it becomes a yearly tradition.