The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater, known as “The Ruth,” just opened in Pleasant Grove. Linda Hale is one of four founders of the original Hale Center Theater Orem, opened 35 years ago. The beloved small theater has an incredible legacy that wouldn’t have been possible without Linda, her husband, Cody Hale, and their nephew Cody Swenson, and his wife Anne. The four of them have been through hundreds of shows, and many years of ups and downs together. Linda has specialized in props for the past 35 years, and has now shifted over to the Youth Department at The Ruth. She also feeds the entire cast and crew with her homemade meals on days when everybody has to do multiple shows. Even with a brand-new theater, they’re keeping up with the personal touches that have made them successful for so long. The theater just opened on doTERRA campus in Pleasant Grove three months ago, and currently is playing Cinderella and Jersey Boys.
The Flop Meeting my one true love in the little town of Grover, Utah. I was spending the summer with my grandpa — he had just returned from his mission — now here we are 49 years later!
Hand You Were Dealt I have lived a relatively charmed life. I know many have terrible struggles and hard things to overcome. So, my challenges seem a little silly. But, I guess my greatest challenge is not having enough time. Theater business can be all consuming. I have tried to prioritize and use my time wisely. I wish I could say that I have made the right choices all the time. But, I haven’t. It is still something I am learning.
Shuffle the Cards When I married Cody Hale, I really had no idea we would end up running a theater. One day Cody’s parents, Ruth and Nathan Hale said to us — “how would you like to open a theater in Utah County? Cody and Anne would be great partners to work with. What do you think?” I said, “I don’t know a thing about theater, but I know how to work.” Ruth said, “That’s all you need.” So, here we are 35 years later in this gorgeous new theater.
Ace Up Your Sleeve Building and making props. I glittered every item that went into the show Xanadu. We did one show that required a dozen deviled eggs a night, I got so good at making boiled eggs.