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Laney Hansen

Laney Hansen is a fourth year student at the University of Utah. Based in Cottonwood Heights, they enjoy being caught between the two greatest canyons and have a great interest in the niche arts culture Salt Lake City offers.

Utah Opera Opens The 2025-26 Season With ‘The Shining’

By Arts & Culture

The Utah Opera will premiere the stage production of The Shining on Oct. 11 through the 19 at the Capitol Theater. This is the first time the Opera has produced a horror story, and what better place for The Shining than a haunted theater? Featuring music by Pulitzer Prize winners Paul Moravec and Mark Campbell, this show is sure to be a chilling event.

Behind the stage

Written by Stephen King in 1977, The Shining follows main character, Jack Torrance, as he’s thrown into a spiral of insanity and embarks on a killing spree against his own family. But Moravec and Campbell view it as so much more than a thrilling slasher. “[The Shining] is actually a really good novel for an opera, it has everything that an opera needs,” Moravec said. He added that The Shining is a story of love, death and power—the basic aspects of an opera. The two describe opera as “irrational” and “dynamite” so this story fits into that narrative perfectly. “[Torrance] is caught in a terrible dilemma as he goes mad because he has to observe two sets of instructions that are diametrically opposed. One is to protect his family, and the others to kill them. So boy, is that operatic? There’s a story,” Moravec said.

Eric Simonson is the original director of the production, and when he initially approached Moravec with the concept, he was met with surprise. But as the pair began working, it became clear this was a story made for the opera stage. After bringing on Mark Campbell and receiving permission from King himself, writing began in 2013 and premiered three years later at the Minnesota Opera. 

Craig Irvin plays Jack Torrance in Utah Opera’s production of The Shining. Photo courtesy of Utah Opera.

This is the place for ‘The Shining’

Both Moravec and Campbell have a special relationship with Halloween, so the two working together was a dream come true. Utah Opera Artistic Director Christopher McBeth added that Utah’s history is filled with chilling ghost stories, making the production a fitting addition to the state’s October arts calendar. “Given the amount of enthusiasm that exists in our community for Halloween, fall seemed like the perfect time to stage the production,” added McBeth. Considering The Shining has sold out every show since 2016, it’s clear audiences connect with the production. “It’s a beautiful nightmare,” says Moravec. “It’s a world you kind of want to be in. You want to be part of this, that’s part of the appeal.” 

The Shining is Utah Opera’s season opener, and the cast and creatives as well as Moravec and Campbell are itching to get started. Campbell said he’s particularly proud of the finale of Act I. “Jack explains that he is the father, that of the family, that he is the man of the family, and that he’s only trying to do the right thing,” he said. “And as he’s doing that, his sanity is falling apart, and all the apparitions in the hotel come alive. We have like 20 voices singing different things at once, and then his voice rises above it, and it’s a moment you can only do in an opera. You could never do that movie. You could never do that in a play.”Moravec agrees: “How better can you create insanity, the feeling of insanity, with anything else but music?”

Don’t miss it!

This production has a run-time of two hours with an intermission. The cast and creative team includes director and concept designer Brian Staufenbiel, who previously directed The Shining in San Francisco with Opera Parallèle. Craig Irvin will play Jack Torrance and Kearstin Piper Brown is cast as Wendy Torrance. The Shining at the Utah Opera is a co-production by Opera Parallèle, Hawaiʻi Opera Theatre, and Portland Opera.

The Shining will open on Oct. 11 at the Capitol Theater, visit utahopera.org for tickets. 


Read more of our Theater coverage and get the latest on the Arts and Culture scene in and around Utah. And while you’re here, subscribe and get six issues of Salt Lake magazine, your curated guide to the best of life in Utah.

Utah’s Top 10 Haunted Attractions

By Arts & Culture

It’s the beginning of the season for trick-or-treating, horror movies and haunted houses. Halloween is the best time to cash in a sick day and explore the spooky corners of the city. We’ve compiled a list of the top haunts in town that are sure to fill your Halloween fix.

Take a walk on the dark side of Utah’s Haunted Forest

Are you afraid of the dark? The Haunted Forest is an annual fright in American Fork. Known for its creeps and crawlies, guests are screaming for the chance to take a walk through this ghost-riddled forest. Take a few steps and you might discover something wicked.

  • General Admission: $20-$35
  • 6000 West 6400 North American Fork
  • 801-367-2300
Made up of six buildings and two underground tunnels, Fear Factory is one of Salt Lake’s largest haunted attractions. Photo courtesy of Fear Factory.

Stir some frightful memories at Fear Factory

On the west side of I-80 is an abandoned factory teeming with ghosts and ghouls. Now known as an award-winning haunted house, Fear Factory is back for another year of scary good Halloween entertainment. This haunted attraction offers several levels of spooks, including a VIP “Touch of Fear” experience.

  • General Admission: $30
  • 666 W 800 S, SLC
  • 801-692-3327

Hidden Lake will haunt your dreams

Tucked away in Bountiful, Hidden Lake is a decaying mansion full of mystery. The walls have never truly been emptied, having been haunted for many years. Although this year brings a new set of haunts as a carnival makes its way past its halls. The countdown begins, are you ready to enjoy the show?

  • General Admission: one non-perishable food item
  • 277 Hidden Lake Dr., Bountiful
  • hiddenlakehaunts.com 

Lagoon Park Frightmares has something for the whole family

For the finale of its season, Lagoon’s annual Frightmares is open to all ages of ghouls. Try to keep your cool as zombies, chainsaws and masked frights terrorize the park grounds.

  • General Admission: $109.95 or Season Pass
  • Lagoon Drive, Farmington
  • 801- 451-8000

You’ll lose more than your mind at Insanity Point Cornmaze

Feeling crazy? Or is it just Insanity Point? Lose your mind at Utah County Cornbelly’s Insanity Point Cornmaze. This attraction is one of many at Cornbelly’s. Go for a haybale ride, eat caramel apples or pick a pumpkin at the U-pick patch. But don’t miss out on the haunts at Insanity Point.

  • General Admission: $37.99
  • North Thanksgiving Way, Lehi
  • 801-794-FARM

Live your Ghostbusters fantasies with Salt Lake Ghost Tours

There’s something weird in the neighborhood and we’re calling you to check it out. Salt Lake Ghost Tours takes you around to Salt Lake’s most haunted. Beware, what you see may not be just a shadow.

  • General Admission: $17-$26
  • Tours start at 239 S Main St, SLC
  • 385-351-5525
Opened in 1990, Nightmare on 13th is one of Utah’s longest-running haunted houses. Photo courtesy of Nightmare on 13th.

Nightmare on 13th brings a chill to your spine

Spotlights in the night sky can only mean one thing—The fiends at Nightmare on 13th are back, and they’re waiting for you. Bring an arm or two to hang on to and keep your eyes peeled for spooks around the block.

  • General Admission: $27.95-$36.95
  • 300 W 1300 S, SLC
  • 801-467-8100

Attempt to crack the code at Mystery Escape Room

Exercise your brain with a horror-themed puzzle or two and get caught in a frightful evening at Mystery Escape Room. A challenge for all, put your minds together before it’s too late.

  • General Admission: $29.95
  • 130 South Rio Grande Street, SLC
  • 385-322-2583

Don’t look behind you at Night Stalkers Haunted Trail

Is somebody following you? Look over your shoulder, check left and right. You still won’t find them. Utah’s infamous haunted corn maze will send chills down your spine as you make your way past each corner.

Waivers are mandatory at Asylum 49

Check yourself in and wander the halls of Asylum 49. Each step is met by a whisper of the shadows who once roamed the place. Be a part of the experience or get voluntarily admitted to the asylum of frights. If you dare.

  • General Admission: $30
  • 140 East 200 South Tooele
  • 385-313-0698

Interested in some real-life ghost stories? Step inside Utah’s haunted ballrooms, and while you’re here, subscribe and get six issues of Salt Lake magazine, your curated guide to the best of life in Utah.

Your Week Ahead: September 29 – October 4

By Community

October is the best month out of the entire year. From fall weather to thrilling frights, this month is stacked with events for all. For even more events happening in Salt Lake City this week and throughout the month, visit our community events calendar! And stay in the know with our free e-newsletter, The Hive.

Monday, Sept. 29 

What: WitchFest 2025 at Gardner Village
When: 9/19-10/31
Where: Gardner Village

The trees are changing and spells are brewing at Gardner Village. Bring your family, friends or partner to Gardner Village for this year’s annual WitchFest. Ongoing now until Oct. 31.

What: Get to the River Festival
When: 9/29 at 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Legacy Nature Preserve Entrance, North Salt Lake
In need of an outdoor activity for the whole family. Come out to Get to the River Festival and take a walk along the river with festival coordinators and other community members. The ongoing festival will be ending tomorrow 9/30. 

Tuesday, Sept. 30

What: Grow the Flow x Post Office Place Fundraiser for the Great Salt Lake
When: 9/30 at 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Post Office Place 

Post Office Place is teaming up with local environmental organization Grow the Flow for an evening of cocktails, raffles, artwork and community engagement. This event is the capstone to the bar’s month-long activations centered around the Great Salt Lake, and their entry for our 2025 Farm-to-Glass Cocktail Contest: What Remains. Learn more about the cocktail, here

What: Alice in Wonderland Pop-Up at Lake Effect
When: 9/30 at 5 p.m.
Where: Lake Effect
Lake Effect’s basement speakeasy, the Rabbit Hole transforms into an immersive wonderland of inventive cocktails and surreal details. The $20 ticket grants you two-hour access to the experience, food and beverages sold separately. 

Wednesday, Oct. 1

What: The Roommate by Jen Silverman at Salt Lake Acting Company
When: 10/1 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Salt Lake Acting Company

Salt Lake Acting Company will open its 2025-26 season with the Utah premiere of The Roommate. “A coming of a certain age comedy about an unexpected, transformative friendship between two distinctly different women. Being bad never felt so good in this riveting one-act about second acts.” Tickets are on sale now and the show will be ongoing 10/1-10/26.

Thursday, Oct. 2

What: Premier of Plan-B Theatre’s Just Add Water
When: 10/2 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Rose Theatre
Plan-B Theatre presents Just Add Water, a whimsical dramedy in which the Great Salt Lake takes human form and set out on a hero’s journey to find answers about a climate crisis. The 90-minute show is part of the Wake the Great Salt Lake art initiative funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Salt Lake Arts Council. Showtimes available 10/2-10/19. 

What: Park City Wine Festival
When:
10/2–10/4
Where: Various locations in Park City
Vino enthusiasts rejoice! The Park City Wine Festival brings together industry experts and hobbyist sommeliers for a weekend of education, paired dinners and over 200 unique wines. The centerpiece of the festival is the Grand Tasting at Canyons village, but attendees can also purchase tickets to exclusive coursed meals curated by Park City restaurants. See the full schedule

What: Utah Mammoth vs. Los Angeles Kings
When: 10/2 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Delta Center
Hockey Season has just begun and the Utah Mammoth is up against the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night. Who will win? Find out at this week’s game at the Delta Center, you won’t want to miss it!

Friday, Oct. 3

What: A Little Party Never Killed Nobody
When:
10/3 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Vault at Bambara
Take a step back in time to the roaring twenties for an evening of Gatsby-level revelry at The Vault. The experience includes live music, dancing, small bites and curated cocktails. Get your tickets here

What: 2025 Tower of Terror Film Series
When: 9/12-11/1
Where: Salt Lake Film Society, Broadway Centre Cinema
Prepare for a ghoulish evening with Salt Lake Film Society this Friday for the Tower of Terror Film Series. Friday will feature The Thing at 7 p.m. and The Fly at 9:30 p.m. Audiences decide which film makes it out alive. If you dare.

What: Battle at the Beehive Concert Series
When: 10/3 at 7 p.m.
Where: The Beehive
Four bands will battle it out at the Beehive this Friday. $10 for entry is all you need to cast your votes for your favorite local. This is an ongoing event every month. Don’t miss it!

Saturday, Oct. 4

What: BooLights at the Hogle Zoo
When: 10/4 at 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Hogle Zoo

The Hogle Zoo’s annual event BooLights is back for another year. As the animals go to sleep and the moon shines above, Hogle Zoo will open its gates for an evening of spooks and scares for all ages of ghouls. Bring out your inner monster at this year’s BooLights, ongoing 10/3-11/1.

What: Craftoberfest 2025
When: 10/4 at 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Oakland Avenue

South Salt Lake Arts Council presents: Craftoberfest!! A one-of-a-kind arts event, this weekend will host local bands, vendors, artists and craft beer. Bring the family or your partner and enjoy the company of local community and art

Sunday, Oct. 5

What: Queer Book Fair Bonanza
When: 10/ 5 at 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Under The Umbrella Bookstore 
Kick off Banned Books Week with Under The Umbrella’s 2nd Annual Queer Book Fair Bonanza! Bring a friend, or two or three, and support local, queer authors and community members.


Read more stories like this and all of our Community coverage. And while you’re here, subscribe and get six issues of Salt Lake magazine, your curated guide to the best of life in Utah.

The Blocks Art District Unveils Mural Dedicated to Children’s Creative Abilities

By Arts & Culture

ABSLTLY AMZNG ANMLS is on display in Salt Lake City, created by Children in our Community

A three-hour creative workshop with local kids and celebrated artist Dallas Graham has blossomed into a sculpture mural downtown.

On Friday, The Blocks Arts District and artist Dallas Graham unveiled ABSLTLY AMZNG ANMLS, “a whimsical, large-scale art installation.” Located at The Aster on 265 S State St., the palette-rich public mural is a portmanteau blending threatened and thriving animals created by medically fragile children.

Dallas Graham is a long-time artist and creator of the Red Fred Project, which publishes children’s books created by children with rare diseases. Expanding on the project, Graham collaborated with five local kids to co-create this public artwork, which they saw for the very first time on Friday morning.

The Salt Lake-based artist believes in children’s creative abilities no matter their situation, adding that they are more than their disease or situation, “they just want to be known for their brains and their hearts and their ideas,” he said.

An “I believe in you” moment

Friday morning’s event was in collaboration with The Blocks Art District and Creative Mornings SLC, a local organization that connects creative leaders with community members. Creative Mornings hosts a monthly lecture series to spark interesting conversations and unique collaborations—September’s theme is ‘blossom.’ As the speaker and co-host of the unveiling, Graham reflected on how the prompt became a galvanizing force in his own artistic journey. After losing sight of his creative spark during the COVID-19 pandemic, Graham lost touch with many of his ongoing projects, and in turn, himself. Cut to 2025, and Graham has felt called to revisit his artistic expression and connect with a new generation of blossoming artists. In his words: “I’m ready to activate.”

“All of us have unique adaptations, and it’s important to celebrate that and to figure yours out,” Graham said. 

The fantastical creatures on display, combining threatened and thriving species, include a butter bear, skor, feruse, cougote, big bumble horn and a spoard. Each one is inspired by existing animals such as the American bumblebee, cougar, coyote, sagebrush lizard, spotted bat and several others. These are all species native to Utah, rooting the public mural in a sense of place and community.

“It felt unbelievable that so many people collaborated together to create something for animal awareness and something that we’d all enjoy,” Maddie, a student artist said. “It was something that I didn’t think we’d be a part of.”

With the support of local organizations and artists, these five budding artists are ready to blossom. See ABSLTLY AMZNG ANMLS for yourself at The Aster building on 265 S State St., SLC. The mural will be on display for a year.


Get the latest on the arts and culture scene in and around Utah. And while you’re here, subscribe and get six issues of Salt Lake magazine, your curated guide to the best of life in Utah.