Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck
to be performed during May and June of 2024
Libretto by Adelheid Wette
A three Act opera based upon a fairy tale by Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm
First performed in Weimar, Germany in 1893
In the present day, Hansel and Gretel is often considered a children's opera. Indeed, it is loved by children the world over, rivaled only by the opera Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian-Carlo Menotti in its appeal to young audiences.
However, this opera is anything but child's play. Its score contains a heavily Wagnerian orchestration and complex harmonic structure, tempered only by the inclusion of genuine children's folk songs in Act 1, The Prayer in Act 2, and its variations throughout the opera. Over the years, many portions of this opera's music, especially the Witches' Ride, have become part of our culture. Without a doubt, this opera is a treasure, and its music is a favorite to include in classical, symphonic and pop concerts.
PERFORMANCE LOCATIONS:
Finalized locations and dates
Friday, May 31st (7:30 pm)
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, PA
Sunday, June 2nd (2:30 pm)
Second Presbyterian Church, Carlisle, PA
Sunday, June 9th (2:30 pm)
Covenant Moravian Church, York, PA
Saturday, June 15th (2:30 pm)
Friends Home, Kennett Square, PA
Sunday, June 23rd (2:30 pm)
Friends of 1867 Sanctuary, Ewing, NJ
Tickets: Adults $25 Students $10 Tickets available at the door - no credit cards
MEET THE CAST:
Peter...a broom maker and Hansel and Gretel's father...baritenor/baritone
Brenten Megee
Thad Shirey
Gertrude..Peter's wife and Hansel and Gretel's mother.. mezzo soprano/soprano
Olivia Currier
Maria Pappas
Hansel...son of Peter and Gertrude...mezzo soprano
Lea Gibson
Brittany Griffiths
Gretel...daughter of Peter and Gertrude...soprano
Rebecca Wood
Katherine Merryman
The Witch..mezzo soprano
Bonnie Cutsforrh Huber
Terry Shirey
Sandman...the sleep fairy..soprano/tenor
Zach Chan
Cole Nemer
Dew Fairy..the dawn fairy...soprano
Brigietta Rendon
Olivia Currier
Chorus:
Rachel Cama..soprano
Zack Chan..tenor
Brenten Megee..tenor
Katherine Merryman…lyric soprano
Cole Nemer...boy soprano
Dennis Nemer…boy soprano
Brigietta Rendon..soprano
Keegan Rendon...baritone
Anna Claire Shavin..soprano