Donald Sherrill shows himself to be a fine comic actor in the speaking role of the Majordomo.

The supporting singers are equally notable and lend their vocal and acting talents to the success of the opera.

Tenor John Horton Murray as Bacchus is a major disappointment, however. During Saturday's performance, he seemed uncomfortable in the role, his voice was alternately nasal and screechy, and his acting was stiff and mechanical.

Stage director David Gately's pacing in both the prologue and the opera was fluid, allowing the action to move seamlessly. Likewise, conductor Klauspeter Seibel's tempos were well chosen, and the members of the Utah Symphony in the pit played with wondrous articulation and expression.

This "Ariadne auf Naxos" should definitely be on everyone's must see list this week.

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E-mail: ereichel@desnews.com