The Houston Grand Opera will hold its second Family Day event on Feb. 14 at 11 a.m. at the Wortham Theater Center’s Brown Theater, featuring a performance of Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel.”
“Family Day was conceived as a fun and accessible way to introduce Houston families to the world-class opera we offer at HGO,” said Joe Cadagin, Houston Grand Opera audience education and communications manager. “The initiative started last year with a sold-out performance of Rossini’s “Cinderella”. This year for Family Day, we will present a 90-minute, English-language version of “Hansel and Gretel”, our most kid-friendly show this season.”
Based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, “Hansel and Gretel” was made with young audiences in mind and was composed by Engelbert Humperdinck, with the text written by his sister, Adelheid Wette.
“And our production, originally created by British director Antony McDonald for the Royal Ballet and Opera in London, embraces all the wonder and enchantment of childhood, as well as its scarier side,” said Cadagin. “But it’s all in good fun—this production is definitely not a horror movie, and parents don’t need to worry about their little ones being too frightened.”
Before the curtain rise and during intermission, Houston Grand Opera’s Family Day event provides children with a range of activities to keep them engaged while immersing them in an operatic experience.
“There will also be kid-centric activities available in the Wortham Theater’s Grand Foyer, both before the show and during intermission. These include: a glitter bar, a special Storybook Opera performance, crafting stations, and an Instrument Petting Zoo. Harris County Public Library will be on site to offer readings and books, and there will also be brunch options, including Chik-fil-A,” said Cadagin.
With the audience on one side, the performers make up the other. The cast is made up of both current and former members of the Houston Grand Opera’s Butler Studio for young artists. Giving emerging artist a stage for their voices to be heard while delivering audiences of all ages a unique and memorable experience.
“Mezzo-soprano Erin Wagner, a Butler Studio Alum, plays Hansel, and soprano Alissa Goretsky, a current Studio member, plays Gretel,” said Cadagin. “While the part of the Witch was originally written for a woman, it’s common to cast a man in the role. We’re looking forward to what is sure to be a hilarious performance by tenor Demetrious Sampson, Jr., a current Studio member who starred as Sportin’ Life in our production of “Porgy and Bess” in the fall.”
Family Day being a one-day event, tickets are selling quickly. Tickets can be purchased through the Houston Grand Opera website. For more information, contact Houston Grand Opera at [email protected] or 713-228-6737.
