Shorter College Opera Theatre Department presents Hänsel und Gretel Oct. 22-25

October 17 - The Shorter College Opera Theatre Department will present the well-known fairy tale, Hänsel und Gretel, Oct. 22-25 in the college’s Callaway Theatre.

Directed by Dr. Linda Lister, Shorter College’s associate professor of music, opera director and vocal coordinator, the performance will feature the on-stage talent of 17 Shorter students.

The opera tells the story of two children, Hänsel and Gretel, who wander into the forest in search of food and later become lost. When they stumble upon a gingerbread house and begin to nibble, the owner, a witch, is not pleased to find the two children eating her happy home.

Though the two-hour performance will be performed in German, the opera will have English supertitles, Lister said, allowing the audience to easily understand the story’s plot and enjoy the evening. “The audience should expect a fun and lively traditional approach to the Hansel and Gretel story,” Lister explains.  “The opera features familiar music including Hansel and Gretel’s Evening Prayer as well as the Angel Ballet choreographed by Shorter student Jahi Mims.”

Shorter student Jasmine Habersham as the Sandman and Gretel, played by Emily Tweedy, during one of the opera scenes.

Rehearsals for the production started in August, however, cast members began learning their roles over the summer. The students portraying Hänsel (Michelle Austin and Hannah Freeman) and Gretel (Emily Tweedy) love playing the sweet but mischievous children and musical theatre major Chris Lewis has brought a great theatrical sensibility to the show which has greatly enhanced the other singers’ acting interaction,” said Lister. “I selected the opera because it is a familiar story and the roles highlight the talents of our current student singers.  As a part of their education, it is important for them to be comfortable singing in German, so this production affords them the opportunity to sing in the original language Engelbert Humperdinck intended for his opera.”

Cast members include Michelle Austin, Hannah Freeman, Emily Tweedy, Christina Sidlow, Carissa Scroggins, Michelle Kelly, Chris Lewis, Blake Hicks, Jasmine Habersham, Mary Diesch, Laura Collins, Sarah Dunham, Trey Smagur, Vandi Enzor, Alejandra Guillen, Kelsey Mauldin and Sarah Weaver.

The opera will debut on Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m. and continue through Oct. 24, with a Saturday, Oct. 25 matinee performance at 2 p.m. General admission is $12, senior and student admission is $8. To purchase tickets, contact the Shorter College Box Office at 706-233-7288.

Founded in 1873, Shorter College is a Christian college committed to excellence in education. Since 2003, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Shorter among the South’s best baccalaureate colleges. The college offers bachelor’s degrees in 48 major areas, master’s level and undergraduate degree programs for working adults, online courses, and a vibrant intercollegiate athletic program. Shorter will transition to university status June 1, 2010. For more information, visit www.shorter.edu.

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