Utah Festival Opera boasts 'world-class talent'

As Logan prepares to host the 17th season of the Utah Festival Opera, it is perhaps, truly, a most congenial spot.

"I would put Logan up against any place in the world in the summertime," said Michael Ballam, founder and general director.

"February might be a different story," he said, chuckling, "but the summers are wonderful."

Snowfall is the last thing on anyone's mind as professional performers, musicians and craftsmen come to town for the monthlong festival.

UFO is offering the operas "Carmen" and "Cavalleria Rusticana/I Pagliacci" and two musicals, "Camelot" and "The Mikado."

"Most companies don't have full seasons anymore," Ballam said, "so it gives their people a chance to come here to a pretty place and work."

Chatting on the phone on his way to a dress rehearsal, Ballam added that the summer festival allows UFO to attract top-notch talent in all aspects of production.

"We have a beautiful orchestra," he said. "They are principal players from every major symphony in America. Our 'Carmen' is world-class. Our trio of leads in 'Camelot' — I would set them up against any trio, including the original Broadway cast. They're absolutely sublime."

If he sounds partial to "Camelot," perhaps it is because he has a vested interest. His daughter, Vanessa, is starring as Guinevere.

"I exercised my parental authority for the first time in years. I lost her for five seasons," he said of her summer work for the Utah Shakespearean Festival, Pennsylvania Shakespearean Festival and others.

"She's always gotten extraordinary offers in the summer. But this year I wasn't going to play the nice guy," he said laughing. "And it has been wonderful."

Though Ballam adds, it has made him a bit reflective. "I heard her singing a duet and I just burst into tears," he said. "Here's this little girl who helped me learn lines when she was 5 years old. Now she's a grown woman playing Guinevere. How did 25 years go so quickly?"

Aside from the "sublime" leading trio, Ballam said it is also a visually beautiful show.

"I saw the Broadway touring production of 'Camelot' was closing and I called them to see what they were going to do with their sets and costumes, and I said, 'Let me make you an offer you can't refuse.' "

Ballam made a deal to store the large sets and intricate costumes, if the company would let UFO use them, and share in the profits when they're rented out around the country.