It’s Hansel and Gretel for 2010
July 29 and 31, 2010 at Merrill Auditorium
PORTopera’s choice for July 2010’s mainstage production is Engelbert Humperdinck’s rendition of the Brothers Grimm tale Hansel and Gretel. Long thought of as an opera for children, Artistic Director Dona D. Vaughn’s vision for it is far more intricate. She says, “Our production will concentrate on the real themes of the opera, but it will retain all of the magic for which the opera is famous so that young people can still get an unforgettable opera experience from seeing it.”
The opera’s underlying themes deal with abandonment, starvation, fear, separation, survival and reconciliation. “Like so many ‘fairy tales,’ this opera has a deceptively simple story, that when penetrated, reveals big ideas that are not only provocative, but lend themselves to the operatic stage,” reports Dona.
To present these ideas and in recognition of Portland’s extraordinary diversity, the PORTopera production will employ a 16-member multinational children’s chorus drawn from Portland’s immigrant community. Many of these children have experienced the opera’s themes in their own lives. The children will receive intensive training in opera in June and July to prepare them for performing in the opera’s final reunion scene. Plans are in the works to have each chorus member appear in his or her national dress. “PORTopera welcomes this wonderful opportunity to strengthen the community through a major artistic endeavor,” Dona says. “Our hope is that the impact of this will be long-lasting.”
Also appearing in the opera will be children from Portland Ballet as the “angels” in the dream sequence. The production will be conducted by Israel Gursky who returns to the company from his post at Washington National Opera. Complete cast and staff will be revealed at a later time.
Performance dates are Thursday July 29 at 7:30 P.M. and Saturday, July 31 at 2:00 PM (matinee). Tickets go on sale November 19 in time for holiday gift-giving. A limited number of seats will be offered to young people 12 and under at 25% off regular prices. To order call PortTix at 207-842-0800 or visit www.porttix.com.
