Timp Arts Production of “Hello, Dolly!” • February 9, 2026 • Valentine Theater, American Fork
These are exciting times for theater in Utah County. The Timpanogas Arts Foundation has begun a new chapter. Here is the Press Release with all the exciting information. On the other end of the press release, we’ll share our review of “Hello, Dolly!”, which we had the opportunity to see on February 9.
* * * * *
The Timpanogos Arts Foundation is entering a bold new chapter, officially reintroducing itself to the community as Timp Arts. The new nickname reflects a comprehensive evolution of the organization, including new leadership, a refreshed brand identity, a redesigned website and a renewed commitment to their mission: to connect and elevate the Timpanogos community by providing enriching opportunities to create, perform and experience the arts.
While the foundation’s various programs were previously independently managed, they will now be run as one connected organization with shared season tickets and discounts. This mindset extends beyond just internal synergy, seeking to be a unifying voice for accessible arts throughout the community, working together in a coalition with other like-minded entities.
Rather than seeing other local arts organizations as competitors, Timp Arts hopes to boost and support them with cross-promotional marketing, as well as initiatives for shared spaces and resources. Additionally, they will provide opportunities to connect patrons and artists with shared interests.
This reintroduction is anchored by the appointment of a new Executive Director, Chip Brown, and a new Board of Directors, including Gabriel Jaquier, Meagan Christensen, Ron Harris, Aaron Williams, Matt May, Morgan Chertudi, and Megan Murff as President of the Board.
They provide vision and governance for all eight of Timp Arts’ artistic programs, including: Timp Arts Theater, Timpanogos Youth Theater, American Fork Symphony, Vivace Youth Orchestras, Timpanogos Singers, Timpanogos Youth Choirs and Timpanogos Visual Arts.
With its new public identity as Timp Arts, modernized digital presence and strengthened leadership team, it is positioning itself as a cultural anchor – one that supports artists, engages families, partners with schools and contributes meaningfully to the region’s creative and educational landscape.
Timp Arts will launch this new chapter with a full-scale production of the beloved Broadway musical “Hello, Dolly!” opening Feb. 6 at the Valentine Theater in American Fork. Under the direction of a new Theater Program Manager, Andrew Jefferies, the production serves as a flagship moment for the organization – a clear signal of the quality, scale and creative direction audiences can expect moving forward.
“This is more than a name or visual update – it’s a reintroduction,” said Chip Brown, Executive Director of Timp Arts. “We are honoring the legacy of the Timpanogos Arts Foundation while building something bold, welcoming and forward-looking that we anticipate will have a significant impact in the area’s art scene. ‘Hello, Dolly!’ represents the standard we are setting for our future.”
Opening night will be designed as a celebratory community event, with complimentary invitations extended to members of the media, local officials, school board representatives, educators and community influencers. The evening is intended to mark the beginning of a renewed relationship between Timp Arts and the broader Utah County community.
Additional performances of “Hello, Dolly!” will run through Feb. 21. Ticket information, production details and organizational updates can be found at TimpArts.com.
* * * * *
Exciting times indeed. Choosing “Hello, Dolly!” as the first production of Timp Arts was a great idea. It’s a classic beloved by theatergoers and a great musical to showcase the type of production this organization can stage.
Casting standouts include Ben Dunford-Cable as Cornelius Hackl and Jake Shelley as Barnaby Tucker. These are characters that have been cast many times over. So to bring a fresh and fun take on these roles says a lot about both the casting of these actors and their portrayal of the parts. Shelley stood out as a particular highlight and crowd favorite. It was good to see Cable in another production after seeing him in one of my favorite productions that I’ve seen on a community theater stage, Sentinel Theater’s “Bright Star.”
Speaking of “Bright Star.” It was also great to see Kailey Simmons as Dolly Levi. She was amazing as Alice, the lead role in “Bright Star”, and once again impressed as Dolly. She showed her versatility as an actor. It was necessary to look twice to realize that it was her. Her voice is always worth the price of admission. Her take on the role is an added bonus. She was perfectly cast.
I thought the costumes were very well done. I enjoyed the way Cornelius and Barnaby coordinated with the girls. And Dolly’s dress in “Hello, Dolly” was amazing. It’s not always easy to costume well at the community theater level. I thought these costumes were really good. My compliments to Kaeley Hope and the costuming crew.
The choreography by Stephanie Cole was excellent. I loved seeing how well they used the stage. The stage was not big. And there were up to what looked like 20 people dancing at certain points in the show. The stage never looked crowded. I thought the spacing was great and aesthetically sound.
The staging was simple but effective. It was enough to tell the audience where the characters were. Not strong enough to pop, but not too simple that they were an unwanted distraction. I thought they set the actors up in a way where they had the opportunity to be featured.
This is the third show directed by Andrew Jefferies. He has never disappointed. If you see Jefferies name tied to a production, do not hesitate. Go see it. You’re guaranteed to see a quality production. He seems to know how to bring out the best in the cast and give his productions more life than what might be expected. I believe he has big things in his future. So see one of his shows so you can say, “I remember seeing a show he directed for Timp Arts!”
This show is a good time for young and old. Be part of this new chapter in Timp Arts. “Hello, Dolly!” is playing at Valentine Theater in American Fork until February 21. For information about the show and to purchase tickets, click here!