Performance Dates: June 10-13
Times: 7:30 p.m.
Location: de Jong Concert Hall, Harris Fine Arts Center, BYU
Price: $6 for Wednesday and Thursday, $10 for Friday and Saturday
Tickets: Available at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone 801.422.2981 or visit byuarts.com
The classic children's tale Hänsel and Gretel, reimagined as an opera by Engelbert Humperdinck, will be performed by the Brigham Young University School of Music on June 10-13, in the de Jong Concert Hall, at 7:30 pm. The opera will be performed in English.
Tickets are $6 for weekday performances and $10 for weekend performances and can be purchased in person at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone 801.422.2981 or online at byuarts.com.
With sets provided by Utah Opera, the production will bring the Harz Mountains of Germany to the Rocky Mountains of Provo. Set in 19th century Germany, Hänsel and Gretel premiered in 1893 under the direction of Richard Strauss. The BYU production will feature a full orchestra providing musical accompaniment conducted by Nick Harker.
Hänsel and Gretel director Diane Thueson Reich attributes the memorable melodies and the emotional journey of the main characters as the primary reason for the opera's enduring success.
"It is a tale of family and the unity that overcomes the challenges of life," said Reich. "It is a story for all ages, and our hope is to bring families of all ages together for an evening at the opera."
Hänsel and Gretel has two complete casts alternating performances. The Wednesday and Friday cast features Emily Castleton-Warner as Mother, Robert Brandt as Father, Mackenzie Young as Hänsel, Catherine Maynes as Gretel, Dru Daniels as Witch, Haley Slade as Sandman and Chandra Goodell as Dew Fairy. The Thursday and Saturday cast features Rachel Ockey as Mother, Dylan Glenn as Father, Abbey Hutchins as Hänsel, Anna Romney as Gretel, Wayd Odle as Witch, Camilla Mikat as Sandman and Jennifer Bate as Dew Fairy.
The production staff includes costume designer Donnette Perkins, hair and makeup designer Celia Rivera, lighting designer Michael G. Handley, properties designer Scott Jackson, scenic coordinator Russell D. Richins, technical director Ward Wright, stage manager Jordan Liau, rehearsal accompanist CJ Madsen and vocal coach Barbara Allen.
