Loren Allred • Homestead Cicrus • September 26, 2025 • Murray Theater
The Murray Theater is officially reopened! I think when doors closed back in 2017, the plan was to begin renovations shortly after. There were a few snags along the way, and then, of course, just like so many other things, COVID-19 created issues that delayed plans to renovate even more. During that window of time, I had no knowledge of this. I just knew the venue was closed. It had been closed so long that I sort of just figured it was closed permanently. So when I heard that the theater was being renovated, I was excited to see what it looked like when it opened.
Prior to its reopening, I had only seen a few shows at the Murray Theater. And no, unfortunately, I was not part of the lucky audience who got to see Adele in 2009, before she exploded into super stardom. My sister, however, was there and she has recounted that story many times. She shared that, as expected, Adele was amazing, and she mentioned how hot it was inside the theater. Oh, to have been there!
I remember seeing the Punk band Against Me! in 2014. What I remember from that long ago was how rundown the theater had become and that there weren’t any seats. It was a fun show. The only other event I remember seeing at the Murray Theater was a night of boxing matches. Possibly ultimate fighting. Not something I would have expected to see in such a historic venue. I wonder how many boxing matches have taken place at Murray Theater since its 1935 opening. But flash forward to 2025, and I was eagerly awaiting the chance to check out the theater’s updated look.
I walked in and made my way through the lobby into the theater. I was fortunate enough to be escorted by people who had been involved with the theater renovation project. They pointed out that the bathrooms and much of the theater design were restored to their original look. The theater looked completely different from the last time I walked through its doors. It’s a beautiful performance space.
Homestead Circus
The night began with Murray City Mayor Brett Hales addressing the audience. The audience was very excited to be there, and they enjoyed hearing stories of what it took to get Murray Theater to the point of this highly anticipated reopening. Mayor Hales then introduced the first performers of the evening, Homestead Circus.
Their incredible acrobatics entertained and stunned the audience. They made everything look effortless, and yet I could not come close to doing any part of their performance. I loved hearing the “Ooooohs” and “Aaaahs” each time a performer moved to a new position. I did not know that Homestead Circus would be at this reopening, but I’m glad they were. They brought a great energy to the show.
Homestead Circus
Next up was headliner, Loren Allred. She was the perfect choice to be the first headliner for the reopening of the Murray Theater. Allred grew up in Murray. She performed in the area for years before she went on to perform throughout the world. She shared with us that she remembered singing the National Anthem at Murray Park and competing in Murray Idol. Following up by saying, It’s the only singing competition I’ve ever won.” Referring to her appearances on TV competition shows, “The Voice” and Britain’s Got Talent, in which she received the Golden Buzzer from Simon Cowell.
“I’m so excited to be here. It’s such an honor to reopen such a beautiful space. Since I grew up in Murray, so many of my dreams have come true. And one of those dreams had to do with being involved with the movie The Greatest Showman. Do we have any Greatest Showman fans out there?” As you might expect, there was a large ovation from the audience. She then began her show with “A Million Dreams”.
Loren Allred provided the singing voice for the character Jenny Lind, played by Rebecca Ferguson in the movie. She sang the incredible song, “Never Enough.” That song has taken her around the world. Allred’s voice is amazing on that track. I had the opportunity to see Loren Allred when she was a featured soloist on Andrea Bocelli’s 2021 tour. Her performance of that song in the Delta Center was one of the most incredible performances I have ever seen. It was hard to believe that we were getting to see her perform a homecoming show inside the Murray Theater.
The show continued with excellent performance after excellent performance. I think my favorite songs were the two she sang from James Bond films. “Skyfall”, originally performed by Adele. And “Goldfinger”, originally performed by Shirley Bassey. I loved Allred’s take on these songs. Especially “Goldfinger.” She gave a few Bassey-like notes, which I loved.
I can imagine consecutive performances, being back where she grew up, and the excitement of it all could make a vocalist a little tired. Allred did have some moments where her voice was a little worn out. Which she acknowledged and was very good-natured about. The audience was so supportive that it almost felt like an intended part of the show. I thought Loren recovered from any weariness quite well, and the show continued and concluded with such a positive and happy feeling.
It was great to have Loren Allred back in town. It’s so great to have the Murray Theater reopened. I can’t wait to go back. They have a calendar full of great shows coming up. Take the opportunity to check out a show there when you can.