Utah Lyric Opera presents a new and updated production of Verdi’s RIGOLETTO starring Jennifer Welch-Babidge and Isaac Hurtado.
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Rigoletto was Verdi’s first masterpiece and Utah Lyric Opera will present a new and updated production of this classic tale of love, betrayal and revenge! Set in 1960’s Las Vegas, the time of glitz, glamor and the “Rat-Pack,” and based upon a play by Victor Hugo, Rigoletto’s tragic tale of a father’s revenge that goes horribly wrong has lasted the test of time. With famous arias like, “La Donna é mobile,” and “Caro Nome,” ULO’s production of Rigoletto is sure to inspire. This production will feature Metropolitan Opera Singer, Jennifer Welch-Babidge, as “Gilda”; Utah Favorite, Isaac Hurtado as “The Duke”; and Christopher Clayton as “Rigoletto;” and will be directed by ULO’s award-winning director, Elizabeth Hansen!
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No refunds or exchanges. This event is not included on any SCERA season ticket.
Jennifer Welch-Babidge will star as “Gilda” the innocent daughter of the jester, Rigoletto. Lauded by Opera News for a voice that is “agile and beautifully projected, with a lavish bloom and a silvery edge,” Jennifer Welch-Babidge has frequently appeared at the Metropolitan Opera, where her roles included Marzelline in Fidelio, Chloe in Queen of Spades, Blondchen in Die Entführung aus dem Serail, and Freia in Das Rheingold. Utah Lyric Opera is proud to present her to Utah County in this beautiful opera.
Also starring in this production is Utah County favorite, Isaac Hurtado as the lecherous “Duke.” Critics have said of his past performances of “The Duke” that: “Hurtado has a strong, expressive voice that was evident from his opening “Questa o quella” aria and particularly seductive in the Duke’s ode to love that opens Act II. Hurtado’s acting skills are equally good, which gave his character just the right mix of charm, ardor and guile. The carefree cynicism of his “La donna è mobile” refrain in the final act added a chilling undertone to the tragic denouement.”
And singing the title role of the manipulating jester, “Rigoletto” is Christopher Clayton. After playing the role of “Figaro” in Utah Lyric Opera’s The Barber of Seville, Clayton returns to play one of the most quintessentially tragic roles in all opera. With a “rich, firm baritone,” he rounds out the featured triad of singers in this production nicely.
