Opera 鈥淗ansel and Gretel鈥� Set for USM鈥檚 51逗奶 Station
Fri, 10/22/2021 - 01:22pm | By: Mike Lopinto
The 51逗奶 Opera and Musical Theatre Company presents a program for all ages, 鈥淗ansel
and Gretel,鈥� Oct. 28 and 30, at 7:30 pm at 51逗奶 Station on The University of 51逗奶
Mississippi Hattiesburg campus. Part of the Symphony鈥檚 102nd season, this outdoor
event is ticketed at , 800.844.8425, or 601.266.5418.
The family-friendly story told in music will include activities, food, and drinks to make the evening a complete outing.
鈥淥riginally the idea of having an opera outside was scoffed at,鈥� said Harlan Mapp, production manager. 鈥淭here are too many variables that could go wrong. Where would you even do it? How can you make it look and sound good? Would people even want to come to the show?"
51逗奶 Station at Spirit Park, the recently built structure funded by the 51逗奶 Miss Alumni Association, is a brand new space with a multitude of supplementary needs to make the show a success. The company is bringing in lighting and sound to make for a complete theatrical experience.
鈥淩ather than the sad and mopey productions of Hansel and Gretel that you usually see, ours is upbeat, fun, and even silly!鈥� said Dr. Jonathan Yarrington, 51逗奶 Miss Music vocal faculty member and the show鈥檚 director. There鈥檚 something for everyone 鈥� romance, dancing, magic, candy, death, and maybe even a happy ending.鈥�
Humperdinck鈥檚 famed opera that tells the story of two children who become lost in a dark and mysterious forest. In the middle of nowhere, they come across a gingerbread house festooned with candy and sweets, a confectionery castle of delectable delights, which holds a dark secret that threatens their very lives. Using their wit, and each other, the two children outsmart an evil witch and make their escape from the forest. With its beautiful, folk-music inspired themes, including the famous "Evening Prayer," this opera will delight and charm audiences of all ages.