University of Redlands Opera – Hansel and Gretel #1

Join us for a weekend of performances of “Hansel & Gretel”, an opera composed by Engelbert Humperdinck, directed by Cindy Snyder & Malcolm Swan.

Premiere: Weimar, Court Theater, 1893. Originally conceived as a small-scale vocal entertainment for children, Hansel and Gretel resonates with both adults and children, and has become one of the most successful fairy-tale operas ever created. The composer, Engelbert Humperdinck, was a protégé of Richard Wagner’s, and the opera’s score is flavored with the sophisticated musical lessons he learned from his idol while maintaining a charm and a light touch that were entirely Humperdinck’s own. The opera acknowledges the darker features present in the Brothers Grimm version of the familiar folk tale yet presents them within a frame of grace and humor. The School of Performing Arts production features exciting visuals, a full orchestra, and the wonderful voices of talented U of R students!

Synopsis: Once upon a time a poor broom maker and his wife lived in a small cottage in the mountains with their son, Hansel, and their daughter, Gretel.
When our story begins, Hansel and Gretel’s parents have traveled to a neighboring village to sell brooms, leaving the children at home to do their chores. But work is tiresome, and soon Hansel and Gretel begin dancing to fill the time, and to take their minds off of their hungry stomachs. Suddenly, Hansel and Gretel’s mother returns home weary from her long trip, and scolds the children for playing instead of doing their chores. In her frustration, she sends her children out into the woods to gather strawberries for their super.
While in the woods, Hansel and Gretel meet a witch who is planning to shove the children into her oven and bake them into gingerbread. The witch tells Gretel to look in the oven to see if the gingerbread is ready, but Gretel pretends not to understand, and when the witch tries to show Gretel how it’s done, Hansel and Gretel quickly shove the witch into the oven, close the door, and celebrate their victory.
Suddenly we see Hansel and Gretel’s parents, who have been searching for their children all night. As they all reunite, they sing of how the witch was caught in her own lair, and give thanks for everyone’s safe return.

Health & Accessibility
In alignment with the State of California, which has removed mask and vaccine requirements for indoor events, The School of Performing Arts will not require patrons to provide proof of vaccination or to wear masks while attending shows or events in our venues. However, we still strongly recommend mask-wearing while in the theatre. If you are feeling sick or exhibiting any COVID-19-like symptoms, or if you have been exposed to COVID-19 within five days of attending your performance, we recommend you stay home.
For accessibility or disability needs please contact: theatreanddance@redlands.edu or call: (909)748-8728

Refunds
Refunds will be given on a case-by-case basis. Booking fee will NOT be refunded. Please fill out inquiry form located through your ticket email to request.