Fall Arts: Utah Opera

Utah Opera is set to feature a rich blend of passion, power, and poignant storytelling with its upcoming 2024–25 season. With four distinct productions scheduled for the season, opera enthusiasts can expect an emotional journey through tales of revenge, love, sacrifice, and resilience, all performed at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City.

Sweeney Todd: A Tale of Dark Revenge (October 2024)

Kicking off the season in October is Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, a dark and gripping tale set in the heart of Victorian London. Just in time for Halloween, this production transports audiences to a world of revenge, twisted justice, and infamous meat pies. The opera follows the story of Sweeney Todd, a barber wrongfully exiled, who returns to seek vengeance on the corrupt Judge Turpin. With the help of the cunning Mrs. Lovett, Todd’s quest for retribution takes a macabre turn, leading to a series of gruesome events that blur the lines between justice and savagery.

Director Doug Scholz-Carlson brings this chilling tale to life, while audience-favorite conductor Robert Tweten returns to guide the music. Michael Mayes stars as the vengeful Sweeney Todd, with Audrey Babcock as the resourceful Mrs. Lovett. The production also features former Utah Opera Resident Artists Amy Owens and Christian Sanders in the roles of Johanna and Toby, respectively.

“Sondheim’s genius lies in his ability to use the chorus as a character itself, delivering messages of morality with a clever twist,” says Dr. Sharon Bjorndal Lavery, Utah Symphony | Utah Opera Chorus Director & Opera Assistant Conductor. Sweeney Todd is a classic that has enthralled audiences for decades, and this Utah Opera production promises to be no exception.

Hansel and Gretel: A Family Favorite Returns (January 2025)

In January 2025, the Utah Opera presents Engelbert Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, a production that has become a staple in the company’s history. This enchanting opera, based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, is known for its appeal to audiences of all ages. The story follows the adventures of siblings Hansel and Gretel as they navigate a treacherous forest and confront a menacing witch. The opera’s themes of power and resilience are beautifully portrayed through its folk-inspired music and heartwarming narrative.

Conductor Stephanie Rhodes Russell returns to the podium, while Kyle Lang directs this magical tale. Former Utah Opera Resident Artist Sarah Coit takes the stage as Hansel, alongside Maureen McKay as Gretel. Grammy-award-winning Frederick Ballentine will portray the Witch, adding a touch of menace to this otherwise whimsical story.

“It’s a story about coming of age, and perhaps one of the first ‘stranger danger’ tales in opera,” notes Christopher McBeth, Utah Opera Artistic Director. Hansel and Gretel will also feature a collaboration with The Madeleine Choir School, continuing a long-standing partnership that adds depth to this beloved production.

Pagliacci: A Tragic Tale of Jealousy and Betrayal (March 2025)

In March, the Utah Opera will stage Ruggero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, a tragic opera that delves into the complexities of love, jealousy, and power within a traveling comedy troupe. The opera centers on the tumultuous relationship between Canio, the troupe leader, and his wife, Nedda. As jealousy and suspicion take hold, the boundaries between performance and reality blur, leading to a heartbreaking climax.

Joseph Colaneri, a master of Italian opera, returns to conduct this powerful piece, while Tara Faircloth directs. Jonathan Burton stars as Canio, delivering one of opera’s most iconic arias, “Vesti la giubba.” Lydia Grindatto, a rising star, makes her Utah Opera debut as Nedda, bringing emotional depth to this tragic role.

Madame Butterfly: A New Interpretation of a Classic (May 2025)

The season concludes in May with a bold new production of Giacomo Puccini’s Madame Butterfly. This timeless opera tells the story of Cio-Cio-San, a young Japanese geisha who falls in love with an American naval officer, Pinkerton. Despite her deep love, Pinkerton’s fleeting intentions lead to devastating consequences, exploring themes of passion, power, and cultural conflict.

Directed by Matthew Ozawa, this production offers a modern reimagining of the classic tale, set in a virtual Japanese fantasy world. Ozawa’s vision brings a fresh perspective to the story, addressing cultural stereotypes and offering a more nuanced understanding of the characters.

The production features a talented team of Japanese and Japanese American designers, providing a culturally insightful experience. Derrick Inouye conducts, with Hiromi Omura as CioCio-San and Utah native Eric Taylor as Pinkerton. Nmon Ford and Nina Yoshida Nelsen round out the cast as Sharpless and Suzuki, respectively.

The Utah Opera’s 2024-25 season promises to be a powerful exploration of human emotions, with each production offering a unique perspective on the interplay of passion and power. Whether through the dark revenge of Sweeney Todd, the enchanting journey of Hansel and Gretel, the tragic love of Pagliacci, or the culturally reflective Madame Butterfly, audiences are in for an unforgettable experience.

More information at usuo.org