The curtain rises on Gilbert and Sullivan’s satirical one-act operetta “Trial by Jury” with a jury that has been convened to try the case of man accused of jilting his fiancee (a punishable offense in 19th-century Britain) being instructed to listen carefully to the broken-hearted woman’s case, but to pay the “ruffianly” defendant no mind.
When the judge is introduced, it is discovered that he has risen to his stature in the court by pretending to fall in love with “a rich attorney’s elderly, ugly daughter,” whom he dismisses after his career has been launched with the help of the rich attorney, in effect committing the same offense as that of which the defendant is accused of.
The jury conveniently doesn’t notice how ludicrous the situation is, simultaneously adulating the judge and vilifying the defendant, and the stage is set for a silly romp of a play heavy with sarcasm and liberally peppered with witticisms.
The University of Utah Opera Program, directed by tenor Robert Breault, will be bringing about 25 students to Moab’s Star Hall on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. to assist in a production of “Trial by Jury” for the Moab Music Festival Finale, executive director Laura Brown said.
Breault’s career is highlighted by more than 200 performances with orchestras such as the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the National Symphony of Taiwan, and over 80 roles in a wide array of opera companies including the New York City Opera’s productions of “Carmen”, “La Traviata”, and “Semele”.
Opera News spoke highly of Breault, noting he made “an excellent impression, his mellifulous tenor boasting clarity of both tone and direction; clearly reveling in high notes, he sang with notable dynamic variety.”
Preceding the play in the festival’s finale will be three other performances: “English Folk Songs” by Benjamin Britten, “Phantasie Trio” by Alice Verne-Bredt, and “Piano Quintet in G minor” by Arnold Bax.
The day before the festival’s finale, legendary American jazz guitarist John Pizzarelli will be performing with a quartet at Sorrel River Ranch’s open-sided outdoor pavilion at 6 p.m. Accompanying Pizzarelli will be Konrad Paszkudzki on piano, John’s brother Martin Pizzarelli on bass, and Kevin Kanner on drums.
Pizzarelli is the son of Bucky Pizzarelli, also a jazz guitarist, who played with the likes of Les Paul and Benny Goodman and was a member of “The Tonight Show Band” on “The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson”. The younger Pizzarelli has led a prolific career, recording 23 albums of his own and performing as a guest on the albums of artists including Sir Paul McCartney, James Taylor, and Rosemary Clooney for a total of more than 140 albums over the past 32 years.
“We are very excited about Pizzarelli [playing the concert],” Brown said.
Shuttles to the Pizzarelli concert at Sorrel River Ranch, which takes place Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. will be provided by the Moab Music Festival, departing the Grand County Middle School, 439 S. 100 East, by 5 p.m. Sorrel River Ranch is about 20 miles from downtown Moab. The outdoor seating is appropriate for concert-goers of all ages.
The finale at Star Hall, 159 E. Center St., featuring the production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Trial by Jury” will begin at 7 p.m on Sunday, Sept. 7. The concert hall venue is suitable for children 6 and older.
Ticket prices for each event are $30 for adults and $5 for children 18 and under, and can be purchased online at www.moabmusicfest.org, or by calling 435-259-7003.
Tickets still available for final performances
“His mellifluous tenor boasting clarity of both tone and direction; clearly reveling in high notes, he sang with notable dynamic variety.”
When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 6 p.m.
Where: Sorrel River Ranch, state Route 128 mile marker 17
Cost: $30 for adults, $5 for children 18 and under, tickets available online at www.moabmusicfest.org, or by calling 435-259-7003
When: Sunday, Sept. 7, 7 p.m.
Where: Star Hall, 159 E. Center St.
Cost: $30 for adults, $5 for children 18 and under, tickets available online at www.moabmusicfest.org, or by calling 435-259-7003
