UNL Opera presents Engelbert Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel” Nov. 14-16. The classic Grimm fairy tale comes to life in Humperdinck’s lush, 19th-century romantic score.
Full-orchestra performances will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 and 2 p.m. Nov. 16. Shortened piano-only performances (especially suited for younger children) will be at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Nov. 15. All performances are in Kimball Recital Hall.
Tickets for the full performances are $20 adults and $10 seniors and students. Tickets for the shortened piano-only performances are $5 adults and $3 seniors and students. Tickets must be purchased in advance online.
Emma Heaton, a graduate student in vocal pedagogy from Toronto, Canada, plays Hansel. Heaton loves that the opera is accessible to all ages.
“’Hansel ans Gretel’ is often sung in German, but we’re singing it in English with an updated text,” Heaton said. “It really feels like the priority is storytelling, and we’re telling a story that we hope will come across, whether you’re a young child or an adult and whether you’re a seasoned opera goer or it’s your first time.”
Molly Wanless, a graduate student in vocal performance from Milton, Wisconsin, plays Gretel. She loves the scenes in the opera where a spirit chorus creates the ambience of the woods.
“This element is specifically unique to our production,” Wanless said. “The spirit chorus forms many of the props and sets. It has been incredible seeing their creativity and ingenuity of the spirit chorus and our choreographer.”
William Shomos, the Richard H. Larson Distinguished Professor of Music (Voice) and Director of Opera, is collaborating with Susan Ourada, associate professor of dance, for choreography in the production.
“We are incorporating a corps of spirit dancers consisting mostly of voice students,” Shomos said. “Thus far the work has been exhilarating as well as stunning and beautiful. It’s such a great experience for our singers to be in the role of dancers. I am so proud of the creativity and joy they are bringing to the table on this project under Susan’s mentorship.”
Shomos is also collaborating with the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film on this production.
Connor Buckley is the Bybee guest artist for the production and is the collaborative pianist. Buckley worked on coaching with the singers and will be the pianist for the children’s shows.
“The main difference for the children’s shows will be piano instead of orchestra,” Buckley said. “The show will also be slightly shorter without the overture and some other orchestral interludes. I think this opera appeals to children and families through its relatable characters and catchy music.”
Blending playful storytelling with intricate musical layers, the score draws on German folk music tradition.
“There are several German folk melodies featured throughout the piece, many times even overlapping between the singers on stage and musicians in the orchestra,” Buckley said. “Despite the relatively lighthearted story, the score for this piece is quite complex and can be tricky to learn and coordinate. That being said, the students here at UNL have done a terrific job putting together such a large and complex work. It’s been a joy to watch everything come together in rehearsals.”
Heaton hopes everyone attends the opera because it is for everyone.
“Audiences should attend this opera to see an uplifting story filled with fantasy, humor and love,” Heaton said. “I think it would be a great show for someone attending an opera for the first time or for families looking for a fun experience for their children.”
