Ballet West’s season opens with Madame Butterfly

Adapted from the beloved opera, Madame Butterfly flits back to the Ballet West stage to open the 2016-1017 season. A relatively new ballet, the dance version was brought to life by choreographer Stanton Welch and premiered in 1995 in Melbourne, Australia—from which hail the stunning costumes and sets for the Ballet West production. The Ballet … Read more

Plan-B Theatre’s The Edible Complex excels as imaginative children’s theater

Children’s theater – or precisely, solid, artistically satisfying stories told with imaginative theatrical flair for young audiences – is often underappreciated for what it can achieve. Not only does it engage children to begin hopefully a lifelong appreciation of live theater but it also can inspire them to think about their own experiences with the … Read more

The Philadelphian is big on taste, not on frills

The Philadelphian sandwich shop is proof that you don’t have to have fancy digs to produce great food and a large fan base. Locally owned and operated since 1988 by Scott and Nate Pearson, this strip-mall gem is a favorite among Sandy residents. Just try getting a table at lunch time–customers are often packed in tight. … Read more

Utah Opera presents solid production of Carmen

Utah Opera's Carmen

Utah Opera kicks off its 2016-2017 season with one of the most beloved and often-performed productions–Carmen. Bizet’s opera Carmen is a spectacular work, brimming with fiery passion, ceaseless drama and memorable music. Utah Opera’s 2016 production is a solid and straightforward telling that is pleasing enough, but falls a bit short of greatness. Carmen follows … Read more

Historical forgetfulness, reclaiming memory explored in two new Utah novels: Inhabited and Man in The Mirror

In different ways, two recently published novels solidly critique the American West culture that simultaneously purports to elevate history while stubbornly clinging to the convenience of historical forgetfulness. In both novels – Inhabited by Charlie Quimby (Torrey House Press) and Man in the Mirror: A man finding himself as he loses himself to Alzheimer’s by … Read more

The Dodo restaurant is still a crowd pleaser after more than 30 years

Tollhouse Pie

Since 1981, The Dodo restaurant has been feeding the masses. Like the unique bird from the island of Mauritius it is named after, The Dodo has a unique menu that regular customers and newcomers alike, rave about. Owned by Bryon Loveall, also owner of The Porcupine Restaurant in Cottonwood Heights, The Dodo has a definite … Read more

New VideoWest short film ‘The Gospel According to Ralphael’

Why, a canvas I have covered is worth more than a blank canvas. That – believe me my pretensions go no further – that is my right to paint, my reason for painting, and by the Lord, I have one! Source: Vincent van Gogh. Letter to Theo van Gogh. Written c. 22 July 1888 in … Read more

Salt Lake Electric Ensemble’s convincing rendition of Stockhausen’s ‘pure, gently shimmering fire’ in Set Sail For The Sun

For Karlheinz Stockhausen (1928-2007), undoubtedly among the most important composers of the 20th century, the element of text humanized the imagery of his music in the most emotionally intense and spiritually gratifying ways. Stockhausen was an exceptional and extraordinary creative force. He broke new artistic ground in electronic music, spatial musical performance and the use … Read more

Deer Valley picnic baskets deliver gourmet foods to go

Deer Valley gourmet picnic basket

Concerts at Deer Valley’s Snow Park Amphitheater are an enjoyable experience all on their own. Mountain air, great music and good food are enhancements to the venue. Packing your own picnic foods and drink are welcomed, but if you don’t have time to get it together, you can pre-order gourmet picnic baskets or bags available for … Read more

Kyoto adds soba and ramen selections to lunch menu

Kyoto Japanese Restaurant has been offering great food since 1984 and specializes in authentic Japanese cuisine and sushi. Acclaimed Chef Peggi Ince-Whiting has created four new noodle options to complement Kyoto’s weekday lunch menu. Each are $9 and include your choice of soup or salad. “The silky soba noodles and comforting hot ramen additions to … Read more