The universal love of all things Beethoven continues undimmed, and productions of his single opera, Fidelio, such as Utah Opera’s (seen Oct. 8), continue to be an event this despite the composer’s difficulties articulating his concepts for the theater. ..Einhorn chose to incorporate elements of classic mythology, defining good and evil/tyranny and justice with shades of actual and metaphorical light and darkness.

Nowhere was this better realized than in the haunting scene when prisoners emerged from their cells into a courtyard lit by guard-tower searchlights instead of mid-day sun. Earlier, a Greek chorus echoed Leonore’s plight during her aria, “Abscheulicher! Wo eilst du hin?” underscoring the thematic universality of her fidelity and determination.

-Opera News

Stage director Eric Einhorn finds logical things for the characters to do during the long expository stretches, and he isn’t afraid to tweak convention. Having Rocco bring the prisoners out for their famous “fresh air” chorus in the middle of the night seems unorthodox at first but makes more dramatic sense on reflection.

-Salt Lake Tribune, October 9, 2011