WEST JORDAN, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Days before a community play is scheduled to open their theater is shut down for safety. The Sugar Factory Playhouse in West Jordan at 8201 South 2200 West has been deemed a danger to the public.
Mayor Melissa Johnson says, “There is the potential for catastrophic injury.” That’s why the Sugar Factory Playhouse now sits empty. Warnings are posted outside the building that's been deemed unsafe. Johnson says, “This building has unreinforced masonry walls, it's got a concrete roof that's not attached to the wall and the wall isn't attached to the foundation.”
Those are just a few of the hazards and based on the findings the Utah Risk Management Mutual Association writes, "I feel the facility poses a significant risk to the general public in its current conditions and the risk of injury to employees, volunteers and the public is great." The city's Building Official says, "I have no choice but to tag this building "unsafe" and keep people out of it."
This all comes just two days before the play "See How They Run" is scheduled to open. That play, and the youth theater's production of "Wonderland" are now left without a venue.
Some parents do not agree with the city's decision to lock the doors and think it's all an over reaction. DarylAnn Ashby says, “I think it's a bunch of hog wash.” She claims this is a move by Mayor Johnson to shut down the theater arts program because of funding issues. Ashby says, “I've been in there, I’ve been in plays myself and no, I haven't had concerns.”
Mayor Johnson’s own children are part of the theater program. She says this has to do with safety and nothing else. She is currently working on trying to find a temporary venue to house both plays. Johnson says, “If anyone has an idea of places we can relocate until a more permanent home for the performing arts that would be ideal.”
