2 more theater festivals set to open this week in Utah

Two more Utah theater festivals open this week, making it easier for folks in northern Utah to see some top-notch entertainment.

UTAH FESTIVAL OPERA, celebrating its 16th year, is the only opera company in the United States that began in the '90s and is still operating today.

Under the direction of Michael Ballam, the season includes two operas and two Broadway musicals, including one which will star Ballam himself.

• "1776," the musical retelling of the birth of our nation stars Ballam as John Adams. Go back in time to the Continental Congress and watch the debates unfold in those sweltering summer months.

• "Into the Woods," a Stephen Sondheim classic, blends familiar fairy tales with everyone in search of a "happily every after."

• "Manon Lescaut," a beautiful love story and Puccini's first true masterwork, this work wrestles with the question of money vs. love. This is a rare opportunity to see this early piece.

• "Aida," the masterpiece by Verdi, deals with the trials and tribulations of love and scandal. An opera in which emotions run wild.

All shows, including one two-show run of "Gypsy," run in repertory through Aug. 9, show dates and times vary. Tickets are $12-$74 with discounts available (800-262-0074 or www.ufoc.org).

PICKLEVILLE PLAYHOUSE, by Bear Lake, also has its summer season running, with two family-friendly shows.

• "Thoroughly Modern Millie," is a 1920s musical-romp of love, money, friends and plenty of laughs. It's jam-packed with entertainment for the whole family. "Millie" was the winner of six Tony Awards, including "Best Musical."

• "Chuck Wagon's Wild West Showdown," an outrageous musical melodrama, is a fast-paced comedy filled with a slew of zany characters, music, dancing and a great big cowboy showdown.

Both shows offer a preshow dinner option of a home-cooked western cookout: ribeye steak, barbecue ribs or chicken.

The two shows run in repertory, nights and times vary. Tickets are $8-$16; $16.50 - $29.50 with dinner option (435-946-2918 or www.picklevilleplayhouse.com).

OLD LYRIC REPERTORY COMPANY opens the last of its summer shows this week with "Deathtrap," at the Caine Lyric Theatre in Logan.