‘Wonderful to Have it Back’: Curtains rise again on Westgate Theatre in West Yellowstone
WEST YELLOWSTONE, Montana (KIFI) — For decades, the Westgate Theatre has been a cherished summer tradition in West Yellowstone. Now, after an extensive renovation, the curtain is rising once more on West Yellowstone's long tradition of live entertainment while creating new experiences for future generations.
Honoring a 100-Year-Old Legacy
The road to reopening has been a massive undertaking, building upon a rich history that dates back more than a century. The 100-year-old building has been a staple of family entertainment since 1961, when Lynn Benson, alongside partners from Ricks College and family, transformed a rundown West Yellowstone drugstore into a small theatre.
Originally built on a "shoestring budget" of just about $600 apiece from the original partners, the theatre faced tough times early on. In the weeks of renovation, Lynn’s grandson, Kyle Benson, previously shared that the first ten years were incredibly rough, noting that his grandmother would regularly ask if each season would be their last. Lynn’s response was always, "Let's try it one more time."
That perseverance paid off. Over the decades, the venue grew into a landmark destination treasured by residents and the thousands of tourists who pass through West Yellowstone annually. Before the current grand reopening, crews gutted the 100-year-old building down to the bare studs for a hefty facelift—even unearthing historical remnants of the theatre's past hidden within the walls during construction.
A Labor of Love
Inside the theatre, the sounds of construction have finally given way to opening week prep as crews put the final touches on the facility.
"These are the seats in the boxes that these guys are so gung-ho on installing," said Westgate Theatre Production Director Jeff Carter, pointing to the newly upgraded seating areas designed to give audiences a whole new view.
For the Carter family, who work to develop the productions inside the historic theatre, the project is about much more than just modernizing a building. It is about reviving a community cornerstone.
"This location means a lot to a lot of people, and we wanted to honor and elevate what that meant," explains Westgate Theatre stage manager Cam Carter.
Standing on the brand-new Lynn Benson Stage, creative director Lisa Carter emphasized that the renovation preserves West Yellowstone's deep historical roots while creating something for future generations to enjoy.
"West Yellowstone has had a long history of theatre and live performance," said Lisa. "In the early part of the twentieth century, Las Vegas performers would come to West Yellowstone in the summer when it was too hot to perform in Las Vegas."
"It's really wonderful to have it back"
Even before opening night, local residents and longtime visitors expressed their excitement over the return of live performances to the area.
"I think it's fantastic," one visitor remarked. "It's always fun to come into town and see the show, and they're doing such a great job. We love it."
"It's always been part of the community, and we missed it when it was gone," a local resident added. "It's just really wonderful to have it back."
More than just a summer job
The revival has also struck a chord with the cast members, many of whom traveled from across the country. For them, the Westgate is more than just a summer job, it's a rare and special place to work.
"They're keeping live theatre alive in this town, which I think is a really beautiful thing," said cast member Liberty Miller. "For the Bensons and the Carters to rebuild this theatre, make it safe, and bring it back the way it should be—it's a beautiful thing, and I'm grateful to be a part of it."
Another member of the company, Madison Stensrud, echoed that sentiment, noting the significance of the venue's history.
"It's so cool to be part of the legacy of this town and this theatre, and to continue that legacy of the arts in this community. It's really important," said Stensrud.
Bringing the historic theatre back to life required a true team effort and transforming the renovation into a labor of love.
"Lynn Benson said, 'If you want to have a happy life, make beautiful memories.' That's what we're trying to create here—beautiful memories for us, for our cast, and especially for our audience," said Lisa.
The Westgate Theatre is currently open with performances of “Annie Get Your Gun,” held Monday through Saturday nights at 7 p.m. For more information about the theatre, click HERE.
Editor’s Note: This story was adapted from an original on-air broadcast report with the assistance of AI. All content is thoroughly reviewed and verified for accuracy by the Local News 8 editorial team.
