Photos courtesy Sundance Mountain Resort

Summer is back in all our favorite ways this year at Sundance Mountain Resort, where it is time to kick off your Sunday shoes and relax under the stars as music and theater return with the 19th annual Bluebird Café Concert Series and a Sundance Summer Theatre production of “Footloose: The Musical.”

Just a stone’s throw from picturesque Park City, Nashville’s finest singer-songwriters and musicians will descend on Utah this summer, brought to Sundance in partnership with the renowned Bluebird Cafe. This limited eight-show series, held Friday and Saturday nights starting July 9, will feature three artists per show who will not only sing, but also share the stories behind their songs.

The Bluebird Café series lineup:

• July 9-10: Doug Johnson, Elvie Shane and Jeffrey Steele
• July 16-17: Bob Dipiero, Victoria Shaw and Shane Minor
• 20-21: Marc Beeson, Adam Hambrick and Kelly Archer
• 27-28: Lance Miller, Jessi Alexander and The Warren Brothers

As one of the most iconic movie musicals in recent history, “Footloose: The Musical” bursts onto the Sundance stage as a thrilling live performance starting July 22 and will run through Aug. 14, with shows on Mondays, Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.

The 1998 musical is based on the original 1984 film, which was filmed locally at the Lehi Roller Mills. “Footloose” is the story of Ren McCormack, a teenager from Chicago, who moves to a small farming town after his father abandons him. Upon his arrival, Ren finds himself at odds with most of the town, including the Rev. Shaw Moore, who has convinced the town to outlaw dancing. With the help of the reverend’s daughter, Ariel, and his new best friend, Willard, Ren tries to convince Rev. Moore to let the teens dance — and in the process helps the town heal from a tragedy that affected them all.

The show features the movie’s No. 1 soundtrack, which boasts more than 17 million copies sold, and includes well-known favorites including the “Footloose” title track, “Holding Out for a Hero,” “Let’s Hear it for the Boy,” “Almost Paradise” and more.

The Summer Theatre is produced in partnership with Utah Valley University, which has partnered with Sundance for shows since 2008 and have included “The Sound of Music,” “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Mamma Mia.”

Additionally this summer, Sundance Resort has a lineup of free concerts on Sunday and Wednesday evening on Ray’s Lawn (see calendar of events for updated musical guests) as well as music at the Owl Bar. While the resort does not allow any outside food or drink at these events, restrictions are a bit more loose for the free concerts and do not have any chair height restrictions, and dogs are permitted on the lawn.

Sundance Resort will continue to follow current COVID-19 protocols as detailed by the state at the time of each event.

TICKET INFO (Hurry! Tickets are already selling out!):

• New this year, you now can choose your own seats when you purchase your tickets online. The box office will be taking calls only for issues with purchasing online.
• Pricing for “Footloose” ranges from $42 for “prime” bench seats to $26 for lawn seats. Group rates (20 or more) are also available.
• Pricing for Bluebird Café concerts range from $60 for prime bench seating to $50 for lawns seats.
• Make it an evening! Sundance also offers a barbecue dinner (6-8 p.m.; adult, children and group rates available) to add on to your night at the show.

SUNDANCE FAQs:

What does “general admission lawn” seating mean?

Lawn seating is general admission, which means seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early! Amphitheatre gates open at 7 p.m.

Can I bring a chair to sit on the lawn?

Only beach chairs that don’t exceed 24 inches in total height from the ground to the top of the chair are permitted. Blankets are also permitted and highly recommended for lawn seating. NOTE: Bench seating does have back rests.

May I take food and drink into the Amphitheatre?

Sundance does not allow any outside food or drink at the resort.

What kinds of concessions are sold?

Sundance is hopeful to offer concessions inside the theater, but at this time, current state guidelines don’t permit it. However, a barbecue dinner is available for purchase pre-show.

How do I get to the theatre once at Sundance?

The amphitheater is located about 500 yards up the hill from the base of Ray’s Lift. Guests are welcome to either walk or ride the tractor-pulled ride up the hill to the theater. Sundance representatives will be present to direct guests. For all guests who park in the upper parking lot, a shuttle ride will be available from the parking lot to the base. These same services will be available after the shows.

For complete details and answers to even more FAQs for all Sundance events and happenings this summer, visit the web at sundanceresort.com.