SOUTH OGDEN -- The Ogden Opera Guild wants opera lovers to be prepared for the mayhem unfolding next month as Shakespeare's saucy womanizer Falstaff gets his comeuppance at the hands of the "Merry Wives of Windsor."
"Falstaff," the comic opera by Giuseppe Verdi, is based on the Bard's "The Merry Wives of Windsor" and "Henry IV." The Utah Opera production opens May 14 at the Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City, and the guild is offering a symposium on Sunday to prepare for the fun.
After an introduction by Christopher McBeth, artistic director of Utah Opera, participants will hear several of the opera's principal singers perform their favorite selections. They will be accompanied by principal coach Carol Anderson, who will also provide the story line and a bit of the opera's history.
The symposium begins at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Holy Family Catholic Church Social Center, 1050 E. 5600 South, South Ogden. Admission for the performance is free, but reservations are required today by calling 801-776-6605 or 801-479-8977.
"Falstaff" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. May 14, 16, 18 and 20, and 2 p.m. May 22, at the Capitol Theatre, 50 W. 200 South. Tickets are $15 to $85 and are available through ArtTix, 888-451-ARTS.