St. George Premieres Can You Hear the Music? - A First-of-Its-Kind Tribute to the Osmond Family
The production tells the story of George and Olive Osmond and the upbringing of their nine children, tracing the family’s journey from modest beginnings to international stardom. While none of the original Osmond members perform on stage, the show was developed with the involvement of lead vocalist Merrill Osmond, who described the musical as “more than a musical” and “a tribute to our parents George and Olive Osmond and to the faith, love, and sacrifice, and music that shaped our lives.” The musical’s run in Southern Utah gives the region a unique opportunity to experience the tribute before it potentially travels to other audiences worldwide.
The Osmonds are one of the most recognizable musical families in the United States. According to Wikipedia, the group, which originated in Ogden, Utah, rose to prominence in the 1960s and has performed for over six decades. The family has released 47 gold and platinum records and sold more than 77 million records worldwide. The show’s writer, Mike Freckleton, and director, Robert Craig, have worked to incorporate as many of the Osmond’s popular songs as possible. Craig noted that the production crew “have worked in as much of the popular Osmond music into the show as they could.” Choreography is by Shellie Thomas, and music direction is handled by Melesa Kohler, who recalled her earliest memory of an Osmond song as a child.
Tickets for the premiere start at $35 and are expected to sell quickly. Several performances are already almost sold out, prompting the theater to encourage interested patrons to purchase tickets early. Tickets can be bought directly from the St. George Musical Theater website.
The musical’s creators emphasize that the production is a family tribute rather than a conventional biopic. Merrill Osmond, who has spoken about the importance of carrying on his parents’ legacy, said, “With so many of the siblings passing away, it’s very important to me as the middle brother to carry on and listen to the songs. It really means a lot to me.” The show’s narrative spans key decades of cultural change, highlighting how the Osmond family’s faith, love, and music shaped their lives.
The St. George Musical Theater is positioning the production as a potential touring vehicle. The PAC’s management has indicated that the show may travel to audiences and Osmond fans around the world after its Southern Utah run. If the musical continues to draw strong ticket sales, a broader tour could follow, bringing the family’s story to a national and international audience.
The premiere is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 20, with performances running through the evening. The show will feature a mix of original Osmond songs and newly composed material that reflects the family’s history. The production team’s goal is to honor the Osmond legacy while presenting a fresh theatrical experience.
As the run progresses, the theater will monitor ticket demand and may add additional dates if necessary. Fans of the Osmonds and musical theater enthusiasts alike are encouraged to secure tickets early to avoid missing the opportunity to see the tribute before it potentially expands beyond Utah.
In summary, Can You Hear the Music? offers a unique theatrical homage to the Osmond family, combining the group’s extensive catalog with new creative work. The show’s premiere in St. George marks the first time the family’s story has been staged in a full‑scale musical format, and its success could pave the way for a broader tour. Ticket sales are already strong, and the production team is preparing for the possibility of additional performances and future travel.