- Dana Sohm
Utah Opera: La bohéme
Jonathan Larson's beloved 1996 musical Rent famously took as its inspiration the 1896 Giacomo Puccini opera La bohème, transferring the story of the loves and tragedies of aspiring artists from 1830s Paris to 1990s New York City. The enduring story—itself based on the 1851 Henri Murger story collection Scenes de la vie de bohème—recognizes that there's always something compelling about the high passions of those who dedicate themselves to the creation of art.
The story concerns four impoverished men—poet Rodolfo, painter Marcello, musician Schaunard and philosopher Colline—who share a chilly Parisian garret for which they can rarely afford to pay the rent. Along the way, romance complicates their lives, in the form of Rodolfo's first-love with seamstress Mimi, and Marcello's tempestuous on-again/off-again affair with singer Musetta. And not surprisingly for both the setting and the world of classical opera, tragedy also inserts itself. "La bohème is one of the best examples of truth in opera," says Garnett Bruce, director of Utah Opera's production. "Audiences wanted honest reactions, during an honest time, with everyday people."
Utah Opera's production of La bohème concludes this weekend with performances Friday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. at the J. Q. Lawson Capitol Theatre (50 W. 200 South). Ticket-holders are invited to an "Opera Talk" with Utah Opera principal vocal coach Carol Anderson one hour before each performance time to learn more about the production in the theater's Capitol Room. Tickets start at $29, with student and under-30 discounts available. Visit utahopera.org for tickets and additional event information. (Scott Renshaw)
- Relentless History
Vintage Signs of Utah Walking Tour
There's an understandable nostalgia associated with signage, reminding us of the places from a bygone era that we associate with fun activities, great meals and time with family and friends. Utah attorney and local historian Lisa Michele Church tapped into that sensibility in her 2022 book Vintage Signs of Utah, Vol. 1, turning her personal interest in wandering the state and finding vintage signs into a beautifully photographed book full of historic images capturing giant bowling pins, spinning ice cream cones and more.
Fortunately for locals, Church has chosen to take her interest into the real world, with a walking tour of Sugar House that will explore both the vintage signs that still exist, and the places where they used to be. Church will share the stories behind the businesses that used to—or still—host the signs, as well as the unique craft and artistry behind their creation.
The event, sponsored by Preservation Utah, begins with a lecture at the Fiddler's Elbow restaurant (1063 E. 2100 South #2349) at 10 a.m., covering the stories behind the businesses including a wider range of metropolitan Salt Lake City; copies of Vintage Signs of Utah, Vol. 1 will also be available for purchase at that time. The tour begins at approximately 11 a.m., and is scheduled to last between 60 and 75 minutes, with a focus on the Sugar House area. Participation is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are requested. Visit kingsenglish.com for link to RSVP, and additional event information. (SR)
- Wikimedia Commons
Solar Eclipse in Utah
Some of us like to think that we're advanced, scientifically-minded people—not inclined to buy into superstition—yet something still strikes us in our primitive monkey-brains when confronted with the scope of the universe. We'll see evidence of that phenomenon as the first annular solar eclipse in more than a decade crosses North America, including parts of Utah, on Oct. 14—and there are many ways and places to experience it.
The most complete eclipse will occur in Southern Utah, with 90 percent eclipse at approximately 10:30 a.m. Bryce Canyon National Park (nps.gov/brca). Several of the most popular overlook points will be serviced by shuttles from the Visitor Center beginning at 6 a.m.; expect heavy crowds as a result of this event. Visitors can also take advantage of guest lectures from NASA Lunar Scientist Dr. Barbara Cohen (Friday night, Oct. 13) and CalTech postdoctoral fellow Cameron Hummels (Saturday night, Oct. 14). Scenic Byway 12 between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef will also provide viewing opportunities.
If you opt to stay closer to the Wasatch Front (where we'll get a less complete eclipse), Hutchings Museum Institute in Lehi (jonhutchingsmuseum.org) will host a Solar Eclipse Festival on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 10 a.m., including a NASA Eclipse Ambassador; the event is free, but registration is required. The Leonardo (theleonardo.org) also hosts a viewing event, including family-friendly crafts and activities, from 10 a.m. – noon, with viewing glasses for the first 75 visitors; museum admission is required. And at The Gateway plaza (atthegateway.com), Clark Planetarium invites guests for a viewing party 9 a.m. - noon, with viewing glasses available for purchase while supplies last. (SR)
