And you haven't seen the show unless you see it with a lead actor who can make the part sizzle. That's what USF has with Brian Vaughn.

Under the direction of longtime friend and colleague David Ivers, Vaughn delivers another sparkling performance, bringing all the swagger, sophistication, humor, honesty, vulnerability and honor the role of Cyrano requires. And he's completely captivating ... captivating, endearing and heartbreaking.

Edmond Rostand's classic tale, translated by Anthony Burgess, is considered by many to be the greatest love story ever told. After the performance, I'm a believer.

Vaughn is not alone in the success of the evening, however. His real-life wife, Melinda Pfundstein, is lovely as Cyrano's love interest, Roxanne — with wide-eyed beauty and coquettish charm. This was especially true during the famous balcony scene which had a nice realism as the soft Cedar City breezes seemed to sway on cue in the Adams Outdoor Theatre.

And the show is funny, too. A great supporting cast, including Drew Shirley, Matthew Henerson and James Newcomb keep the show's momentum and light-hearted moments moving. Subtle lighting by Donna Ruzika, and David Kay Mickelsen's stunning costumes make "Cyrano de Bergerac" a must-see at the Festival.

After a rousing standing ovation, many theatergoers left wiping their eyes, sniffling and one woman gushed, "I cried off all of my mascara!"

If opening night was any indication, you're in for a real treat this season.

Sensitivity Rating: Too long and wordy for little ones.

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"OTHELLO," running time: 3 hours, 15 minutes (one intermission)

The grand Shakespearean tragedy, "Othello," which explores the essence of good and evil, light and dark, opened last week at the Utah Shakespearean Festival.

And it is a tragedy in every sense of the word — at the end of the play, one woman left the Adams Outdoor Theatre saying, "Well I wasn't expecting all that!"

But this scary look at humanity and whom we trust — and whom we don't — is a good one.

Director J.R. Sullivan has assembled a fine cast for this tale of the black Christian Moor who secretly marries the fair Desdemona and whose jealousy will eventually be his unraveling.

In the center of it all is Iago, ensign to Othello, who was passed over for a promotion and therefore declares revenge against the Moor.