There were many unforgettable solo moments in Repertory Dance Theatre’s (RDT) Compass concerts. There were many astounding moments featuring the RDT ensemble and guest dancers from Utah Valley University who demonstrated the authentic virtues of a tight-knit community who communicate through movement with mutual clarity of purpose and emotion. Ursula Perry’s solo in Martha Graham’s … Read more
Every weekend in Salt Lake City has at least one, if not several, outstanding programs for the performing arts enthusiast. The Utah Review continues its roundup of arts organizations returning to live performances after the pandemic hiatus of more than 18 months. REPERTORY DANCE THEATRE (RDT) LINK SERIES: SANDBOX, AN EVENING OF DANCE BY DAN … Read more
In Compass, the upcoming Repertory Dance Theatre (RDT) concert, four pieces — two Martha Graham works from the 1930s, a 2019 work by Bebe Miller and a world premiere commission by Ihsan Rustem — emphasize modern dance’s potential as a vehicle for appreciating the historical significance of timeliness and timelessness. The program proves that the … Read more
Among the events blossoming on the Salt Lake City performing arts calendar for the second weekend of November are a dance concert of new works by local artists, a recital by the 2018 Bachauer international artist competition’s bronze medalist and a chamber music concert of six pieces featuring 18 musicians from Utah and New Mexico. … Read more
Immersive theatrical productions that incorporate choreographed movement have become prominent and popular on the Salt Lake City performing arts scene. Some shows have produced marvelous impact for breaking down walls and removing the proscenium. But, the most formidable challenge is making the show meaningful, accessible, cogent and coherent to audiences, especially as they are encouraged … Read more
Four more local performing arts organizations have now launched their seasons with live performances, vividly reminding audiences just how impressive Salt Lake City’s cultural scene is as it returns to its pre-pandemic pace. Beginning its 56th season, the Repertory Dance Theatre (RDT) offered North Star, celebrating the work of choreographer Lar Lubovitch, including two selections … Read more
Quietude. Relaxation. Contemplation. Meditation. Natural euphoria. This week’s 56th season opener for the Repertory Dance Theatre (RDT), featuring the works of choreographer Lar Lubovitch, sets an ideal tone for a soothing return to a live stage concert that a performing arts company could program for audiences, not seen since early 2020. All three works for … Read more
With live performances resuming on several fronts, the arts calendar for the fall season in Salt Lake City has returned to levels not seen since the fall of 2019. The Utah Review offers reviews of three shows, seen within the span of four days. RIRIE-WOODBURY DANCE COMPANY: TOTAL ELLIPSE Season openers for Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company … Read more
It’s been nearly 20 months since Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company had a live concert — Allegory — in its regular season. This week, the company opens its 58th season in the Rose Wagner Center for Performing Arts’ Jeanne Wagner Theatre with Total Ellipse, a program featuring two world premieres and a work that premiered in 2017. … Read more
Provocative comedy is an underappreciated, underutilized art form in Utah. The state’s social character and pop culture are sufficiently peculiar, offbeat and unusual to produce spot-on satires and farces. Some segments of Utah’s independent film industry (think of the HaleStorm comedies, for example) have aspired to achieve crossover appeal by highlighting weird, quirky aspects of … Read more