Key Takeaways
- The Yellowstone Westgate Theater in West Yellowstone, Montana, is reopening on June 4 after a full refurbishment.
- The theater has a rich history, dating back to the early 1960s when it was first launched by Lynn Benson and his colleagues.
- The reopening is a full-circle moment for the Benson family, with Lynn’s grandsons, Kyle, Travis, and Mark, joining forces with a local couple to bring the theater back to life.
- The theater will stage a classic melodrama, a straight play, and a musical each summer, with this season’s lineup including "The Great Western Melodrama", "See How They Run", and "Annie Get Your Gun".
- The brothers aim to honor their grandparents’ legacy and create a fun entertainment option for tourists visiting Yellowstone National Park.
Introduction to the Yellowstone Westgate Theater
The Yellowstone Westgate Theater, located at 29 Madison Avenue in West Yellowstone, Montana, is a historic theater space with deep local roots. The theater is being brought back to life by a new generation, with a scheduled reopening date of June 4. This marks a significant moment for the Benson family, whose patriarch, Lynn Benson, and his colleagues at Ricks College launched a theater in the same building in the early 1960s. The reopening is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Benson family and their contribution to the local community.
The History of the Theater
The Yellowstone Westgate Theater has a rich history that spans over six decades. In the early 1960s, Lynn Benson and his colleagues at Ricks College started a theater in the same building, which ran for 25 years. The theater was a beloved institution in the community, providing entertainment and cultural enrichment to the local population. The Benson family’s involvement in the theater is a significant part of their legacy, and the current generation is eager to revive this legacy and bring the theater back to its former glory.
The Reopening and New Ownership
The reopening of the Yellowstone Westgate Theater is a collaborative effort between the Benson brothers, Kyle, Travis, and Mark, and a local couple, Jeff and Lisa Carter. The Carters are "theater people through and through," according to Kyle Benson, and their expertise and passion for theater will be invaluable in bringing the theater back to life. The brothers are excited to partner with the Carters and are looking forward to creating a fun and entertaining experience for the millions of tourists who visit Yellowstone National Park every year.
The Theater’s New Season
The Westgate Theater plans to stage a classic melodrama, a straight play, and a musical each summer. This season’s lineup includes "The Great Western Melodrama", "See How They Run", and "Annie Get Your Gun". The theater will also feature a balcony out front, where skits and entertainment will be performed pre-show, adding to the overall experience. The brothers are committed to providing a high-quality entertainment option for visitors and locals alike, and their enthusiasm and dedication are evident in their plans for the theater.
Honoring the Legacy
The Benson brothers are reopening the theater to honor the legacy of their grandparents, Lynn and Fern Benson. The theater was an important part of their grandparents’ lives, and the brothers want to continue this legacy and create a lasting impact on the community. By reviving the theater, the brothers aim to provide a fun and entertaining experience for visitors and locals, while also preserving the history and cultural significance of the theater.
Conclusion and Future Plans
The reopening of the Yellowstone Westgate Theater is a significant event for the community, and the Benson brothers are excited to bring this historic theater back to life. With a rich history, a talented team, and a commitment to providing high-quality entertainment, the theater is sure to be a success. Auditions for this summer’s shows will be announced soon, and tickets are already available. The brothers are looking forward to a successful season and are eager to share their passion for theater with the community. As the theater prepares to reopen its doors, the Benson family’s legacy will continue to live on, entertaining and enriching the lives of all who visit.
