More than 250 musicians, performers and crew members from renowned stages across the nation have been working for months to perfect their performances for Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre’s 21st season.
The season begins July 10 at 7:30 p.m. with the premiere of Richard Wagner’s “The Flying Dutchman,” the Nordic tale of a ghostly pirate ship, curses and treasure. The long-awaited “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” by legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber opens July 11, Verdi’s “Otello,” the composer’s operatic interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic play “Othello,” begins July 12 and the Broadway classic “Fiddler on the Roof,” starring Founding Director Michael Ballam as Tevye, opens July 13.
The four main stage productions continue in repertory along with 28 accompanying interactive academy classes taught by industry experts, as well as backstage tours, breakfasts with the stars, literary seminars and seven special concerts. In all, 129 events comprise the annual festival.
Concerts include:
- 8 Hands 2 Pianos July 13,
- Tribute to Irving Berlin July 18 and Aug. 3,
- International Opera Semifinals July 23,
- Pioneers and Patriots July 24,
- Operafest combined with the International Opera Finals July 31
- Beethoven’s massive “Missa solemnis” Aug. 7 conducted by Dr. Craig Jessop and featuring the American Festival Chorus, special soloists and the Utah Festival Orchestra.
An additional highlight is the rare opportunity to witness a reading of a revised musical being evaluated for a possible return to the Broadway stage. Even more unique is the fact that the lyricist, Tony Award-winner Sheldon Harnick, and script writer Sherman Yellen will be in attendance along with representatives from the Rodgers and Hammerstein organization. This reading of “Rex” will be held July 31 at 1 p.m.
All Mainstage Productions and concerts are held in the Ellen Eccles Theatre, 43 S. Main St. in Logan. Performance tickets are available online, by calling 435-750-0300 or in person at the Utah Festival Box Office located in the Dansante Building at 59 South 100 West.
Academy tickets are not available online. Mainstage Production tickets are $12-$76, concert tickets are $10-$40 and Academy tickets are $10. Other event prices vary. Discounts are available for season ticket purchases and groups. Youth and students of all ages get tickets half-price with ID.
For more information, see the community calendar.