Love Notes brings romance and live music to Casino Star Theatre
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- Alisa Larsen
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- Alisa Branding
Alisa Larsen
GUNNISON — Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the historic Casino Star Theatre will set the mood with Love Notes, a one-night-only concert blending romance, humor and live music on Thursday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m.
Designed as a playful musical conversation, Love Notes flirts across centuries and styles, weaving together opera, art song, musical theater, jazz and contemporary favorites. The result is an evening that balances heartfelt moments with lighthearted surprises — romance with a wink — all in an intimate, audience-friendly setting.
The performance stars soprano Alisa Larsen and tenor Brian Stucki, joined by pianist Dr. Michael Huff. In addition to their vocal performances, Larsen also plays the ukulele and Stucki performs on the cello, adding unexpected visual and musical elements that give the program a distinctive personality. Touches of vaudeville spirit and easy onstage banter help create a welcoming atmosphere that feels both polished and personal.
All three performers are professors at Snow College’s Horne School of Music and bring impressive credentials to the Casino Star stage.
Larsen has appeared as a lyric soprano soloist with major orchestras and opera companies in the United States and abroad, including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Los Angeles Opera. Her career includes leading operatic roles, oratorio and concert performances at venues such as Lincoln Center, as well as concert halls across Europe and the U.S. Known for her smooth, Italianate soprano and expressive versatility, Larsen moves easily from classical repertoire to golden-age Broadway favorites by composers such as Gershwin, Porter and Rodgers.
Stucki is an internationally recognized tenor and accomplished cellist whose career has taken him to opera houses and concert stages around the world. He has performed with Seattle Opera, Arizona Opera, Opera Colorado and the Polish National Opera, and in concert with ensembles including the San Francisco Symphony, Boston Baroque and the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Praised by The Boston Globe as “superb,” Stucki brings both vocal power and instrumental depth to performances that feel dynamic and expansive.
Dr. Huff, a veteran conductor, pianist and educator, anchors the program at the piano. His wide-ranging career spans classical, jazz, musical theatre and contemporary music, with collaborations that include artists from B.B. King to LeAnn Rimes. As Director of Choral Activities and Head of the Piano Area at Snow College, Huff is known for his musical clarity, versatility and engaging presence.
Running approximately 75 to 90 minutes and welcoming audiences of all ages, Love Notes offers an ideal Valentine-inspired night out. Whether planned as a date night, a gathering with friends or simply an evening of live music, the concert promises a charming and affordable experience in one of Utah’s most beloved historic venues.
Reserved-seat tickets are on sale now at casinostartheatre.com. Premiere seats are $18, and Classic seats are $12. Because this is a one-night-only performance, early reservations are encouraged.
The concert is presented with support from Julia and Roland Christensen, Gunnison Valley Hospital, Ensign Engineering, Christensen Arms, Gunnison Implement, Redmond Minerals, Rocky Mountain Power Foundation, State Bank of Southern Utah, Jeanette and Robert Andersen, Dr. Bevan and Gay Bastian, Marie and Kevin Nay, Dr. Richard Nay, Suzanne and Jim Sanders, and in part by Creative West and the National Endowment for the Arts. Their generosity helps keep high-quality live performances accessible throughout Central Utah.
Established in 2004, the Casino Star Theatre Foundation stewards one of Utah’s most storied movie houses — the state’s oldest operational theatre and one of the longest continuously running cinemas in the western United States. The Foundation presents concerts, films, school outreach and community programs that enrich Gunnison and surrounding communities. Additional live performances will be announced later, including a touring country music artist and a program connected to America 250.
Alisa Branding
