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Friday, February 14, 2025

A Enjoyable Expertise for All Ages-Weblog


Hansel and Gretel’s recognition isn’t solely attributable to its enchantment as a fairy story opera for kids; it additionally affords a melodic, musically refined rating.  Composer Humperdinck grew to become pals with Richard Wagner and assisted him in a manufacturing of Parsifal at Bayreuth.  Musicologists state that the music affords a Wagnerian vary of colours and textures, with infinite polyphonic variations on the folks melodies; they’ve even questioned whether or not the music is just too wealthy only for a easy fairy story opera.  The piano accompaniment for this efficiency was equipped by SOT’s Affiliate Director and Conductor Dr. Lisa Bloy.  The melodies and themes translated effectively for a manufacturing of Hansel and Gretel in a smaller venue.  Ms. Bloy’s enjoying may need been extra nuanced however her timing with the singers was impeccable.  Repeatedly I marveled at how effectively they carried out collectively.

The small efficiency corridor for Hansel and Gretel had easy enticing, thematic units: a cottage set, a forest set, and a sweet home set for the totally different scenes; amusingly, Ms. Lind advised the viewers that we should ignore the units not in use for the present scene; it was not an issue.  The Bavarian styled costumes had been a delight, although Gertrud’s lavish crimson robe, whereas pretty, was extra becoming for a queen than an impoverished broom maker’s spouse.  This model of the opera was modified for the ultimate scene the place, in different variations, the kids beforehand consumed by The Witch seem and are introduced again to life.  My issue deciphering sung textual content, even when sung in English, left me unclear whether or not that facet had been addressed; my spouse, who had not seen the opera earlier than, thought the ending labored as introduced.  Regardless, it was a contented ending for all, even The Witch, and the viewers was handled to a closing refrain by the ensemble.

Hansel and Gretel relies on a fairy story that may be introduced in some ways.  The SOT presentation is gentle when it comes to scariness, performed extra for comedic impact.  Nonetheless, youngsters change into misplaced (happiness endangered); youngsters are threatened (innocence misplaced), and youngsters save themselves (with somewhat divine intervention) and finally are reunited with their grateful dad and mom (oh, pleasure).  All that coupled with nice singing and music works for me, at Christmas or anytime.

The Fan Expertise: Shakespeare Opera Theatre scheduled Hansel and Gretel performances for December 9 (matinee and night) and 10 (matinee) at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Mclean, and on December 16 (matinee and night) at Grace Episcopal Church in The Plains, Virginia.  The opera is sung in English with out subtitles.  SOT’s subsequent manufacturing will probably be Verdi’s Macbeth in July.

SOT’s efficiency had extra of a celebration ambiance reasonably than the church service ambiance of our main opera halls.  I discovered little pretense with SOT; they readily personal their limitations and nonetheless managed to have interaction us totally.  Gown is “as you prefer it” and seating is at tables.  Thematic snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are provided on the market (I had the infinite scorching chocolate) which will be consumed earlier than, throughout, or after performances.  Kids weren’t solely inspired to attend however Ms. Lind, in her opening remarks, said to not fear in case your youngsters started to behave like youngsters, allow them to be youngsters, and if any adults needed to play with the toys and coloring books on the again, be at liberty. Autumn Grimes is SOT’s youngsters’s helper and retains the kids engaged.  

I’ll shut with a private anecdote and only a wee little bit of pontificating.  The faculty I attended required attendance at church your first 12 months.  I fell in love with the choir which featured an excellent soprano soloist.  The second 12 months I saved attending usually, in all honesty, primarily to listen to the choir.  This was not the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, however this native choir offered a few of my most cherished musical experiences, additional enhanced by being a part of a group.  I fear that opera has misplaced a lot of its direct reference to folks and the group contact has change into too impersonal, particularly as youthful generations transfer more and more on-line.  Shakespeare Opera Theatre affords an old-time method in a contemporary setting utilizing skilled high quality singers.  You may discover it rewarding, and in case you’d additionally prefer to rekindle that previous flame of group connection, perhaps carry a good friend.

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