Utah Festival has been staging some of the genre’s best-known hits and promoting lesser-known repertoire at the Ellen Eccles Theatre on Main Street since 1993.
The company expanded to the Utah Theatre around the corner in 2016.
About Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre
Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre was founded in 1992 by operatic tenor Michael Ballam. The Logan native has had a long and sustained career in theater, and he makes for the perfect host to the troves of opera fanatics who come to Utah every summer.
Since its quaint beginnings, the festival has expanded greatly. Victor Herbert’s Naughty Marietta was the first work performed by the company in 1993, along with La boheme, Trial By Jury, and The Impresario. Now, the Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre performs five main shows in repertory each season with several operas and several musicals — something for everyone. Generally, there are classics with evocative interpretations, and on occasion, patrons will find a provocative and challenging show to take in.
There certainly is no arguing the benefits of good music and performance for patrons. Come to an opera or musical with an open mind and leave with a new view of the arts and of your world. Taking in one to several varied performances during a vacation is a real treat.
One of the lure’s of Utah Festival Opera is its size, hitting a sweet spot that is characterized by intimate charm while also featuring some of the finest rising stars and experienced talent in the country. Logan's Ellen Eccles Theatre is a cozy space to see performances as well, and not to forget to mention the quintessential mountain town vibe of downtown Logan.
Expanded Offerings and Things to Do
What’s more, the expanded offerings will keep tourists and locals busy for days. The literary seminars give patrons an in-depth look at the history, artistic preparation, and design of the main productions, while you can actually peep behind the curtain during the backstage tours. Breakfast with the stars gives them an opportunity to pick the brains of operatic and stage talent. One hour before each mainstage performance, you can attend a free informance to enhance your understanding and savvy about opera and musical theater. And to round out the variety of shows to see during your trip, there’s tabernacle concerts, which are also free to the public.
Daily programming begins in the morning with talks and demonstrations and continues throughout the day until the evening show or late-night event. When you aren’t attending a show or other programming, there is much to do in Logan, an optimal festival city. At its elevation, the city stays relatively mild during the heat of the summer season. For those needing extra measures to cool down, you can head to Bear Lake State Park, also known as the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its turquoise hue, for a multitude of water sports recreations. Logan boasts several delightful eateries, such as Even Stevens Sandwiches for a bite on the go or the worth-the-drive Indian fare at Tandoori Oven. Indeed, beautiful parks and awe-inspiring vistas beckon and fill out your itinerary.
For a fan of stage productions and of mountainous places, few small to mid-sized opera- and musical-themed festivals can compare.
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