the mommy avenger

There is truly nothing quite like driving into Tuacahn Amphitheatre as the sun begins to dip behind the towering red rock cliffs. The natural beauty that surrounds this venue never fails to take my breath away, no matter how many times we make the trip to Ivins, Utah. As we settled into our seats and took in the magnificent scenery, glowing amber and rose in the evening light, we knew we were in for something special. That stunning backdrop was the perfect compliment to the magnificent production we were about to be treated to: Les Misérables.

The canyon walls seemed to rise right up out of the stage itself, framing the set in a way no indoor theater ever could. As twilight settled in and the lights of the amphitheater began to glow against the darkening cliffs, the atmosphere shifted from “beautiful outdoor venue” to “we are about to be transported to 19th-century France.” That is the magic of Tuacahn. The setting doesn’t just host the show, it becomes part of it.

For those who may not be familiar, Les Misérables is based on Victor Hugo’s sweeping novel and follows Jean Valjean, a man released after nineteen years of unjust imprisonment for stealing a loaf of bread. Haunted by his past and pursued relentlessly by the unwavering Inspector Javert, Valjean breaks parole and dedicates the rest of his life to redemption. Along the way, his path intertwines with Fantine, a desperate mother who sacrifices everything for her daughter Cosette, whom Valjean vows to protect and raise as his own. The story builds toward the Paris uprising of 1832, weaving together love, sacrifice, revolution, and grace into one unforgettable tale.

I am asked, constantly, what my favorite show is out of the hundreds I have seen over the years. It’s a hard question, because there are so many wonderful productions out there. But Les Misérables always finds its way near the very top of that list, and it comes down to one thing: the deep spiritual meaning woven through every act. This is a story about mercy triumphing over judgment, about a man transformed by one act of grace and spending the rest of his life paying it forward. It’s about the difference between law and love, and about hope persisting even in the darkest circumstances. That kind of redemption story never gets old, no matter how many times I see it performed, and I am always delighted to catch every production I possibly can. It is simply that good.

We were overjoyed to find that Tuacahn brought the very best out on their stage to share this incredible production with their audience. The talent on display was nothing short of incredible, and it was so well worth our time. From the soaring solos to the powerhouse ensemble numbers, every performer gave it everything they had, and it showed. Paired with that jaw-dropping canyon backdrop, the emotional weight of songs like “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” and “Do You Hear the People Sing?” hit even harder than usual. It is one thing to hear this score on a cast recording. It is another thing entirely to feel it echo off red rock cliffs under an open sky.

Here’s the important part: this is a limited engagement. Tuacahn’s 2026 season production of Les Misérables runs from May 15 through October 23, 2026, at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Ivins, Utah, and once the season closes, that’s it. If this show is anywhere on your bucket list (and if you love musical theater even a little, it should be), do not wait to grab your seats.

Tickets can be purchased directly through Tuacahn’s official website at tuacahn.org, where you can also look into season packages if you’re hoping to catch more than one show during your visit.

A word of advice from experience: outdoor amphitheater shows like this one tend to sell out, especially on weekends and toward the end of the run, so the earlier you book, the better your seat selection will be.

If you find yourself anywhere near St. George, Utah, this summer or fall, make the short drive out to Ivins. Bring a light jacket for the evening air, get there early to soak in that gorgeous canyon scenery before the show, and get ready to be moved. Les Misérables at Tuacahn is an experience I will be recommending for a long, long time.

_{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}