A Few Good Men - Pioneer Theater Company

"A Few Good Men" is Aaron Sorkin's play (later made into an Academy-Award nominated movie) that tells the story of military lawyers at a court-martial hearing who discover high-level conspiracy while defending their clients, military members accused of murder. Over the course of this play, Sorkin explores ideas of military, honor, code, and devotion to authority and country.

Pioneer Theater has a long-standing reputation for excellence and this play is no different. Each member of the cast is strong and notable for his/her performance. The show delicately balances heave drama and light-hearted comedy that the cast and director are well aware. Despite the polar different moods of the dark drama and light comedy, the cast keeps the tone of the show appropriate. Kate Middleton as Lt. Cmdr. Joanne Galloway was excellent in a strong feminist role, she conveyed the strength of a woman in the military, yet managed to maintain her femininity and humanity which is easy to lose in a role such as this.

Playing the accused soldiers, Corey Allen and Austin Archer Dawson and Downey, respectively, had few lines, but were powerful actors. The two had some of the most stage presence of any actor on that stage and when they spoke, everyone listened. Also of note was Max Robinson as Capt. Markinson. He provided a powerful depth to a complex character that was quite riveting.

The set, designed by James Noone, was probably the star of the show. Well-designed, it was mostly chain-linked fences that were extremely simple in design and sectioned. This show requires many scene changes, and abrupt ones at that, and this simple set allowed for those to happen quickly, yet were well-designed that the audience knew exactly where each scene was taking place whether it be Guantanamo Bay or Kaffee's apartment. The set was clean, industrial, symmetric, and provided mood and tone as well as practically as a set.

Utah Symphony: Inon Barnatan

On January 11, 2014, conductor Matthias Pintscher took the podium in front of the Utah Symphony to present a composition of his own: "Towards Osiris." Coupled with extensive program notes that were as confusing as the piece, the work was exciting in the sense of it was conducted by the composer and new works are always exciting when the hit Abravanel's stage.

Symphony 8 in G major by Anton Dvorak, with it's tune-full melodies and diverse moods was a delight to listen to. The piece showed-off each section of the orchestra, and the orchestra as a whole, leaving the audience humming the tunes.

The spot-light of the evening belongs to Israeli virtuoso Inon Barnatan. Known for his interpretation of Schubert, Barnatan was right at home with the Beethoven. Barnatan has a sensitivity that is incredibly rare, with each inner phrase as articulate and lyric as the larger phrases they belonged to. He breathed exciting new life and spirit to the piano concerto that was stunning to say the least. The greatest shame of the concert was the Barnatan provided no encore, despite a standing ovation and three curtain calls. Mr. Barnatan provided one of the most unforgettable performances I have ever seen on Abravanel Hall's stage and already providing the greatest concert of the year so far.

Salt Lake Symphony: Through A Child's Eyes

The Salt Lake Symphony has established itself has one of the great community orchestras in the country and on December 7th, they presented their Christmas concert, "Through a Child's Eyes."

Arnold's arrangement of "The Holly and the Ivy" combined many familiar carols and was a delight to the audience each time a new melody came through the texture. The orchestra, under the masterful direction of artistic director Robert Baldwin, played a exquisite rendition of "Do You Hear What I Hear?" that captivated the audience through its familiar and exotic-sounding melody. The first half was programmed well, with plenty of familiarity and variety (including a rendition of Jester Hairston's "Mary's Little Boy Child") essential to any Holiday-themed concert.

The second half was dedicated to a performance in entirety of Italian-American composer Gian Carl Menotti's "Amahl and the Night Visitors." "Amahl" tells the charming story of a young boy and his mother who are visited at night by the Three Kings on their way to deliver their gifts to the Christ child. The part of Amahl was played by young Eric Stevens. This young boy was as prepared and polished as any other musician on that stage, a truly remarkable performance. The rest of the vocal ensembles were provided by the University of Utah's Lyric Opera Ensemble. David Sauer, Tyler Oliphant and Daniel Tuutau played the Three Kings, from comedic timing to their aura of mystery, each man complimented the last, vocally and in presence; proving there is some exquisite talent in the Lyric Opera program at the University of Utah. The stand-out performance of the night belongs to Mezzo-soprano Erin McOmber playing Amahl's mother. McOmber was flawless in her singing. She had a tender genuine quality in her acting that provided depth and insight into the character rarely seen on stage truly channeling the density of the role without skipping a beat in the music.

With Dr. Robert Baldwin in front of the Salt Lake Symphony, and Larry Spell, DMA student leading the chamber orchestra for "Amahl," this concert was a delight for the holiday season for all ages. Music in Salt Lake City is alive and in good hands with these talented ensembles under the baton of such capable musicians. 

WSU presents the 14th Annual WSU Gospel Music Festival

January 10th, 2014, Weber State University presented the 14th-Annual WSU Gospel Music Festival. It has been a few years since I have attended this event and I was pleasantly surprised, and even shocked at wonderful this concert was. The concert featured ten groups singing and dancing praises of worship.

Each group brought its unique sound and interpretation to the concert, which was well-programmed so that even though one could argue an entire concert of gospel music could become boring, it remained exciting to see each new groups new and different flavor of personal worship. Some highlights included the fine performance of the Living Waters Praise team and Praise United. Their soulful performances showed a commitment to their craft and to their faith.

Providing some contrast was the Calvary Baptist Pearls of Praise. Including young dancers, they was fun, entertaining, and especially inspiring as we saw the incorporation of all ages working together for the purpose of community and worship . Local group, Kids are Music, featuring all children, made me give caution to their place in a concert of authentic gospel music. However, they proved very much at home at this concert singing some traditional spirituals. Their choreography and singing was precise and fun, a real audience pleasing performance that added much to the concert.

The most out-of-place performance of the evening, ironically, was the Weber State University choir. With a jazzy “Go Down, Moses,” the arrangement and performance seemed to miss the point of praise, worship, and community despite this very talented choir and pianist.

As soon as it was the Tongan United Methodist Choir’s turn, the audience went ecstatic showing the tightness of a community come to support their loved ones. They gave a fantastic performance incorporating choir, band, and dancers that left the audience of their feet.

The Hill Air Force Base Inspiration Choir, a quartet of singers, provided the most stand-out performance of the night. Fronted by Harold DeHorney, these four singers, gave a stunning set full of passion and dignity of worship, including “The Lord’s Prayer” and a rendition of “The Lord’s Been Good to Me” that was as fun, passionate, and inclusive as any performance of the night. DeHorney led all the participants, including the audience, in the final “Amen” from Jester Hairston. It was truly an unforgettable night.

This concert has become a staple in the Northern Utah arts scene and if you have not experienced it, you must make a note to go next year!