At one point in The Kreutzer Sonata, the obsessively mad Pozdnyshev breaches the taboo of chamber music etiquette by invading the space of the violinist and pianist who are in the midst of communicating a rare serene moment in this famous Beethoven work. His stance is almost menacing and he walks away resuming his blistering … Read more
Three solidly engrossing documentaries – about the mask of masculinity, an elderly couple’s incredible gift of a large collection of contemporary art and the dynasties of two of America’s most famous musical families – will round out the October schedule of free, public screenings by the Utah Film Center. The Mask You Live In (Jennifer … Read more
Some consider Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca to be overly melodramatic, but like many opera lovers I never tire of the melodrama, because it’s paired with such moving and powerful music. Utah Opera’s current production of Tosca, playing at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre through October 18, is near-perfect, with music and performances that left me breathless. … Read more
NOTE: This is the second part of the preview of Plan-B Theatre’s 25th season. See Part I here. But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. (Matthew 5:28). His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man … Read more
NOTE: This is the first of a two-part series on the opening of Plan-B Theatre’s 25th anniversary. Tomorrow’s installment looks at The Kreutzer Sonata, the first production which opens Oct. 18. For nearly half of its existence, Plan-B Theatre has produced new socially conscious works by Utah playwrights almost exclusively, often with solid success both … Read more
Fall menus are making their debuts at restaurants across the Wasatch Front. Whether you’re looking for rich appetizers, comforting soups, hearty main dishes or decadent desserts, you’ll find bountiful options that celebrate the cooler weather. Here are a few of my recent favorites. Grand America’s fois gras torchon Fois gras isn’t a dish that I … Read more
Red Iguana is nationally known for its moles, making the Mexican restaurant notorious for hours-long wait times at both of its West side locations in Salt Lake City. But before you blindly order a run-of-the-mill margarita to go with your amarillo mole, you might want to take a second glance at the cocktail menu. Recently … Read more
Some of the most compelling examples of family-friendly films with engaging narratives and wholesome characters will highlight the Utah Film Center’s fifth Tumbleweeds Festival this coming weekend (Sept. 25-27). The Intermountain West’s only film festival exclusively for children, Tumbleweeds will include seven Utah and two North American premieres in its slate of 12 feature-length films and … Read more
Tyler Stokes did not always want to be a chef. He was in business school planning a career in the stock market but fortunately for us foodies, he got derailed. Growing up on a farm in Star Valley, Wyoming, this culinary genius learned early on how to grow and raise food and the importance of … Read more
Two outstanding documentaries – an award-winning film from Norway about three teen boys who aspire to become ballet dancers and an unusual musical road trip which gives several American roots musicians the opportunity to make one-of-a-kind recordings on a 1930s direct-to-disc recorder – are part of the Utah Film Center’s September screenings which are free … Read more