From Deseret News archives:
Covey arts center opens in Provo
Cultural facility includes theater, dance studios
The Provo Arts Council offered a sampling of coming attractions at the Grand Opening Gala, and a Utah Valley society-page audience roared with laughter at an improvisational play that lampooned center namesakes Steven R. and Sandra M. Covey, who donated $2 million.
An audience member suggested the name "Seven Habits" for the spontaneous musical by the improv group Thrillionaires, who did not disappoint.
"I want to sharpen your saw," the lovesick loser of a protagonist told his chosen after changing for the better in the wake of reading Steven Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People."
One of the biggest laughs came after the young man asked the girl to be his and she swooned, "I've been waiting for a proactive question like that my whole life."
The quartet and pianist did so well that Steven Covey stood at the end and signaled a touchdown.
The new home of the Utah Valley Symphony, the Wasatch Chorale and full-length productions by the Utah Regional Ballet has hosted several events, soft openings, since July. But Thursday night's gala was the citywide celebration of a project conceived more than a quarter of a century ago.
That's why Utah Valley Symphony director Bryce Ritting chose a section of Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 as fitting for the occasion — after a storm in the middle section, Beethoven wrote in the score that the final section was of "feelings of thankfulness after the storm."
In a video shown before Thursday's program, Sandra Covey said the center would be a central place for all of Provo's art interests to meet. The program appeared designed to prove it.
A piano and vocal medley by Jeanne Madsen and Jennie Bangerter Larsen was followed by the Utah Lyric Opera, the Utah Regional Ballet, the Thrillionaires and the symphony. After intermission, the Wasatch Chorale, the Utah Pipe Band and the Utah Valley State College ballroom dance team took the stage.
The center features a 670-seat theater and three dance studios. The building also has a large general purpose studio, recording capability, an art gallery and full orchestra pit.
The building is located at 425 W. Center, next door to the Provo City Center and police station.
The Covey's donation was buoyed by $1 million from USX, formerly U.S. Steel, in a deal that involved the cleanup of the city's Ironton section.
