| From
the dairy farm to the grand opera in 15 minutes
Othalie Graham of Turandot, left, greets a
UFOC patron. / Photo by Shauna Leavitt
By Shauna Leavitt
July 29, 2005 | On warm summer nights
after the evening milk, a dairy farmer and his family
jump in the van and arrive at the grand opera in minutes.
Every July, the classic opera and Broadway-style productions
come to the heart of Cache Valley.
"You feel like you have what the wealthy have,"
said Suzanne Falslev from Falslev's Dairy in Benson.
"You can even ride your bike to see something you
really like."
On the stage of the restored Capital Theatre (now the
Ellen Eccles Theatre) in Logan's historical downtown,
nationally acclaimed artists perform in Utah Festival
Opera's (UFO) summer season.
This year, the UFO produced Turandot, Annie Get
Your Gun, Kismet and The Crucible. The
2005 season runs through Aug. 6.
Past productions have included works such as Aida,
South Pacific Rigoletto and Secret Garden.
The patrons enjoy all the conveniences of attending
productions in a small town: easy access, free parking,
affordable prices and friendly surroundings.
After the show the patrons are invited to enjoy dessert
at the Café de Artists -– a sidewalk café
and pavilion where the stars gather to mingle with the
guests.
The pleasing experience of the UFO productions is not
a well kept secret. Patrons come from all over the western
states to attend.
Brian West of Idaho Falls said, "The attitude is
different here. People stay seated during the production.
There are very little disturbances. You can concentrate
and enjoy the show."
The attitude of the patrons can be partly attributed
to the ushers who greet them. Their sole purpose is
to ensure the patrons are safe, comfortable.
The ushers are standing guard at every post to assist
when needed. They are quite striking in their black
uniforms accented with white shirts and wine vests.
The usher corps are all volunteers.
To find out more about the UFO 2006 season go to http://www.ufoc.org/
or call 435-750-0300 ext. 106
MS
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