Festival Opera offerings are stellar

"CARMEN," "CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA" and "I PAGLIACCI," Utah Festival Opera, Eccles Center, Logan, through Aug. 8 (801-355-2787, 888-451-2787 or www.arttix.org)

LOGAN — They are sad stories, filled with deceit, treachery, betrayal and death.

But they are sad stories, well told, with profound lessons about choice, consequence and human failings.

Add glorious music, and you have this year's offerings by Utah Festival Opera: "Carmen," probably the most popular, most-performed opera in the world; and "Cavalleria Rusticana" and "I Pagliacci," which are often paired because of length, but also fit together because of theme.

UFO's productions are stellar; not only the casts, which do justice to some of the world's most beloved music, but also the sets, costumes, orchestra and choreography.

Audrey Babcock is a superb Carmen, the passionate cigarette factory worker in love with love, who seduces the unlikely Don Jose away from his sweetheart, Micaela, and leads him into the life of an outlaw only to set up a smoldering and deadly triangle between the former corporal and a suave toreador, Escamillo.

Babcock's rich voice captures all the nuances of Bizet's memorable melodies; her style and demeanor perfectly depict the passion and seduction of the story.

Jason Baldwin also does well as Don Jose, showing believable change from reluctant suitor to deranged lover.

Sarah Hibbard's Micaela is the perfect foil for Carmen, sweet, tender and hopeful. Mark Womack's Escamillo captures the swagger and style of the toreador — not to mention the baritonal beauty of Bizet.

All the secondary characters are equally strong, as is the ensemble. As expected, a highlight is the familiar "March of the Toreadors," but as "Carmen" contains one unforgettable song after another, it is easy to get caught up in the tragic tale.

If there is one word to describe "Carmen," UFO director Michael Ballam told the audience at the pre-show Informance, "that word is 'Wow!' " UFO clearly delivers on that promise.

The same could be said for the other two offerings.

"Cavalleria Rusticana" centers around the rivalry between two woman for the affection of one man, which plays out with tragic results against the backdrop of a joyful Easter Sunday.