UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY OPERA THEATRE, Help, Help, the Globolinks!, Kent Concert Hall, Utah State University, March 28

A diehard traditionalist, Gian Carlo Menotti was genuinely worried that electronic music would become the predominant means of musical expression and would usher in the demise of conventional instruments.

He was alarmed by this to the point he felt he needed to write an offbeat one-act opera that would show once and for all the importance of “real” music over that created by electronic means.

Menotti’s 1968 theatre piece, Help, Help, the Globolinks!, while a bit heavy handed in its message, nevertheless makes a powerful statement about the importance of traditional music.

Schoolgirl Chorus, with Megan Warburton, second from left. (Photo Credit: Andrew McAllister, USU Production Service)

The Utah State University’s opera theatre program brought Menotti’s odd little opera to life last Saturday. The plot is about a group of aliens, called Globolinks, who invade Earth. It eventually turns out that they are repulsed by hearing music, and by playing their instruments a group of schoolgirls and their teachers save the planet.

The opera was given a clever update by having the Globolinks come to Earth out of curiosity over peoples’ use of cellphones and other electronic devices. It was set in a wonderful staging that incorporated backscreen projections and simple sets to bring the story to life.

The cast was well chosen. They captured the spirit and intent of the story with conviction. They made it fun without making it silly.

Dale Kynaston with Globolink (Photo Credit: Andrew McAllister, USU Production Service)

The young singers were both strong vocalists as well as actors. They brought depth and definition to their characters, and there was a fabulous interplay among the group.

Megan Warburton as Emily was a delight. She brought youth and innocence to her portrayal that underscored her character’s age and demeanor.

Shalayna Guisao as Madame Euterpova has a powerful voice that was wonderfully suited to play a music teacher. It was a campy portrayal that wasn’t too caricatured and balanced well with the others.

Also notable was Jacob Spjute as Dr. Stone, who ends up being transformed into a Globolink as he saves Emily. Jaron Putnam as the bus drive was also exceptional.

In smaller roles were Dale Kynaston; Emily Cottam; Peter LeBarge; and Brad Summers. They all gave strong performances that added much to the overall production.

The four Globolinks, who were on stilts, were Kylie Evans, Sam Meredith, Josh Musselman and Andrew Taylor. They were absolutely delightful, despite their scary makeup, and fun to watch.

The orchestra under the direction of Dallas Heaton, played well; Heaton’s tempos were well chosen and fluid. And Stefan Espinosa’s stage direction was spot on; it moved the story along at a good pace.