Draper Arts Council will stage the world premiere of "Zorro: A New Beginning!" at Draper Amphitheater on Friday, Sept. 11, Saturday, Sept. 12, and Monday, Sept. 14. No one has seen this show before.

The production marks the first original musical in the council's history. New Jersey playwright and actor John D. Smitherman wrote the show, and he will direct and play the title role. Composer and violinist Claudia Pellegrini created the Spanish-infused score.

The story is set in Spanish California and follows an aging Zorro looking to pass on his legacy. Smitherman, artistic director of the Broadway Theatre of Pitman, New Jersey, developed the concept during the COVID-19 pandemic when most theaters were closed. He chose Draper after seeing Facebook photos of the council's earlier production of "The Sound of Music" at the amphitheater, the Draper Journal reported. The outdoor venue suited a story whose action takes place largely outside.

Draper choreographer Jessica Yergensen, who had worked with Smitherman on a commercial, connected him with the council and sent the script to the group. She is designing the dance sequences and drawing on her flamenco training to fit the setting. A separate combat director is handling the swordplay.

Producer Tom Sharkey told the Draper Journal that staging an original work sets this production apart.

"Most community theaters put on shows that have been done before so we have an idea of what they're going to look like," Sharkey said. "With this show we have to be more creative, but it's also freeing."

Smitherman previously co-wrote "The Return of the Phantom" with composer Daniel Humbert, which premiered in 2017 at the Broadway Theatre of Pitman.

If you go

Gates open at 7 p.m., pre-show music begins at 7:30 p.m. and curtain is at 8 p.m. on all three nights. Tickets are available at the City of Draper's event page. The show runs rain or shine but could be canceled or postponed for severe weather; check the city's page for updates. ADA accommodations are available by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at (801) 576-6570 at least five days before the performance.

Upcoming community events

• Draper Farmers Market, Tuesday nights through October
• "Zorro: A New Beginning!" at Draper Amphitheater, Friday, Sept. 11, Saturday, Sept. 12, and Monday, Sept. 14