Next Wednesday, over a thousand students are expected to fill the Strand Theatre for two school performances of the opera “Hansel and Gretel,” presented by Boston Lyric Opera (BLO). At both the 9:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. shows, a few lucky youngsters from the audience will have the opportunity to get up on stage to play the parts of the gingerbread children magically brought back to life by the intrepid brother and sister duo.
This easy-to-follow and colorful show is a lively retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, with the classic score by Engelbert Humperdinck, incorporating several German folk tunes. In this well-known adventure, siblings Hansel and Gretel are sent into the woods to find food. During their search, they encounter various magical creatures, the hungry witch and her candy house, and an opportunity to prove themselves and rescue other children.
Professional costumes, sets, lighting and puppets coalesce to convey a full theatrical experience. Audiences will cheer the joyful family reunion and leave humming the catchy tunes!
Each year, BLO’s season includes a fully staged, one-hour version of a popular opera accompanied by a live pianist and sung in English for school children and families. BLO provides complimentary study guides and performance previews to accompany each production, which enhance the overall experience for school children, educators and families.
In previous years BLO has presented school and family performances of “The Magic Flute” and “The Barber of Seville” at the Strand, all of which were well received.
For “Hansel and Gretel”, BLO’s Education & Community Programs Manager Julie House has offered free tickets to local Boston Public Schools, Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy and other schools.
House notes “‘Hansel and Gretel’ is an excellent opportunity for children, their classmates and their families to discover how fun opera is. Families can also make new memories and start new traditions together. One of the best things about this program is that it is a great experience for all ages.”
Parents who want to take their kids to see the show should head to Wheelock Family Theatre, 200 the Riverway this weekend. There are performances at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm on both Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6.
More details at blo.org/schools.
