West Chester University’s (WCU) Wells School of Music (WSOM) and the West Chester University Opera Theatre present Hansel & Gretel by Englebert Humperdinck on Saturday, May 3, at 7:30 PM, and Sunday, May 4, at 3:00 PM, in the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building, 700 S. High Street, West Chester.
Tickets are only $10 for adults and $5 for non-WCU students and seniors and are available here. Students, faculty, staff, and children under 11 enjoy free tickets (with proper ID).
This familiar and beloved fairy tale, Hansel & Gretel by the Brothers Grimm, comes to life as an opera with enchanting music by Engelbert Humperdinck. In the show, the young brother and sister lose their way in the woods and encounter the witch’s irresistible gingerbread house, but the chilling drama and delectable melodies are perfectly sweetened by a happy ending.
Director of Opera Nicholas Provenzale stated, “This production, sung in English, is perfect for the whole family, and we can’t wait to share it with the community.”
WCU Opera Theatre partnered with Papermoon Opera Productions to bring the show to life. Papermoon is a collection of artists who use of lighting and projection design is combined with sets and costumes that are primarily made of paper. The show was customized specially for Asplundh Hall where the show is being performed, resulting in a stylized design that is both beautiful and magical.
Hansel & Gretel is accompanied and conducted by Joseph Hodge and the WCU Chamber Orchestra.
Provenzale stated, “Musically, the cast has done an outstanding job preparing the gorgeous and often challenging music. Englebert Humperdinck was a contemporary of Richard Wagner, and you can hear Wagner’s influence in the rich orchestration and use of chromaticism, which Humperdinck combines with folk-like melodies to give the score a youthful feeling.”
The cast of Hansel & Gretel includes: Haley Phares – Hansel 5/3, Mary Kate McKenzie – Hansel 5/4, Julia Webster – Gretel 5/3, Jess McNeely – Gretel 5/4, Elise Leid – Mother, Quinn Adams – Father 5/3, Braedon O’Hara – Father 5/4, Maddie Griffith – Sandman, Dew Fairy – Lauren Saks, Witch – Anastasia Groden 5/3, Lily Gonglik 5/4.
Learn more at WCU.
