USU Opera Premieres 'Uncovered'

LOGAN — “Uncovered,” an operatic adaptation of the memoir of the same name by Leah Lax, premieresat the historic Caine Lyric Theatre in downtown Logan on March 31 at 7:30 p.m. The show runs through April 2.

This personal work narrates the author’s own story of her journey from Hasidic Judaism toward acceptance of herself as a gay woman. The show is produced with special residencies by the author and composer, and guest-directed by renowned director Beth Greenberg.

“Besides being a beautiful work of art by one of the foremost classical voice composers alive today, this piece is particularly relevant to the life experience of many on our campus, in our valley, and in our state who have struggled to find healthy intersections of individual identity, culture and religious belief,” said Dallas Heaton, head of the opera program in the CCA Music Department. “Ms. Lax’s story parallels my own in so many ways as well, and I feel fortunate to be able to encourage a more sympathetic understanding of these issues on stage.”

Heaton says the piece is unique in that it tells a story of real, living people.

“Our cast has had the opportunity to talk with Lax frequently to better understand the characters and nuance in her life story,” Heaton said. “This is an incredible privilege and something that is very rare.”

There is a full schedule of classroom and community visits for Laitman and Lax to talk about all aspects of the piece — writing techniques, compositional techniques, LGBTQ issues, and even some meetings with Jewish synagogues.

A presentation, Q&A, and book signing with librettist Leah Lax in conjunction with USU Intersections Center, the Logan Pride House and Cache Pride Center, will be held March 30 from 4:30-6 p.m. in the Impact Commons in the Chase Fine Art Center on USU’s Campus. Members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community will have a chance to speak with Leah Lax about her journey as a gay woman in a religious society.

There is a Lori Laitman song recital on March 31 in the Russell/Wanlass Performance Hall on USU’s campus from noon to 1:15 p.m. USU voice majors will perform selections of Laitman’s song repertoire in recital.

A post-show talkback with the creators of the production will immediately follow the show, around 9 p.m. on April 1 and 2 at the Caine Lyric Theatre in downtown Logan.

Tickets for “Uncovered” are $15 for adults, $10 seniors/youth, $8 for USU faculty and staff, and free for USU students with ID.

Audience Warnings: Contains some mature content (allusions to sex and nudity). Ages 12 and up. For more information or tickets, contact the CCA Box Office in room L101 of the Chase Fine Arts Center on USU’s campus, call (435)797-8022, or go online to cca.usu.edu