Now taking the stage: Utah's festival season showcases world-class live performances.

• Author: Kinder, Peri
• Position: Executive Living

Pirates, kings, angry men and a practically perfect nanny will visit Utah this summer. And whether you travel north or south (or both), quality theater productions will satisfy your appreciation for live performances.

Tuacahn Amphitheatre

With red-rock cliffs towering in the background, the Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Ivins, Utah, will present a series of fun, family-friendly performances, running from May 30 through December 22. Mary Poppins, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Starlight Express, and Disney's Mulan will entertain audiences of all ages.

Tuacahn's themed dinners are served two hours prior to show time on the outdoor plaza. Patrons can enjoy a Supercalifrgailistic Dinner, with a Mary Poppins flair; a Diner Express meal featuring a Starlight Express menu; or a Big City Buffet served before Thoroughly Modern Millie. Pre-show entertainment features local artists performing musical revues on the mini-amphitheatre stage.

Visitors to Tuacahn can look behind the curtain during a backstage walking tour that highlights the costume area, scene shop, staging areas and green room. And the Tuacahn Saturday Market has returned from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. each weekend. Visitors can browse the event that features local artists, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and entertainment.

A complete list of Tuacahn events can be found at www.tuacahn.org.

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Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre

When nationally acclaimed operatic performer Michael Ballam takes the stage in Logan during the Utah Festival Opera, he will be tackling a character he's never done--even after hundreds of performances in more than 100 major roles.

Starring as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof Ballam took the role only after Sheldon Harnick (the play's lyricist) convinced him that he would be perfect as the Jewish father being tested by strong-willed daughters and religious persecution.

"I swore there were certain roles I would never play. The role of Tevye is so associated with iconic performances," Ballam says. "But he's an everyman. He's you and me, and he's current. He's struggling with today, and not just 1900 Anatevka."

The Logan festival celebrates its 21st season this year, with events starting on July 10 and running through August 10. Along with Fiddler, other plays include The Flying Dutchman, Otello and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

One big draw to this festival is the orchestra that accompanies each show. Many productions utilize a small orchestra, but...