It never ceases to amaze me just how much talent there is here in Southern Utah.

Last night I went to the opening of "Disney's Beauty and the Beast" by the St. George Musical Theater. I had never been to an SGMT show before — I have seen enough amateur theater to last a lifetime, or so I thought. In my time in LA, I saw enough bad theater to definately sour me against non-pro productions. The LAST thing I want to do on one of my rare free evenings is listen to a wannabe opera singer warble her way through some musical I've seen a dozen times or listen to some gawky teen stutter his way through half-forgotten lines.

There was none of that here. I was totally, utterly wowed.

I'm not just saying that because they are a local theater and they gave me free tickets. I went to write a review and I have every intention of being honest and unbiased. I actually went expecting it to be at best so-so.

Never have I been happier to be proven wrong. These "amateurs" at SGMT did a better job than most professional troupes I've seen. The singing was strong and beautiful, the costumes were exquisite (although there is one I'm still trying to figure out what they were) and the sound and lighting was spot on.

My only gripe was with the audience.

It was opening night at the theater. There were ladies in business suits and semi-formal gowns and gentlemen is sport coats and suits. There was also a whole family in jeans and T-shirts — and was that one kid in basketball shorts? — and there were many others in tank tops, mini skirts and other non-dressy apparel.

What ever happened to dressing up for the theater? This isn't a movie, people. These actors and support staff have practically killed themselves to put on a beautiful performance and you can't put on slacks instead of jeans? You don't have to wear a tie, but at least put on real shoes, not flip-flops.

Let's have a little pride in our theater.