OperaLancaster Presents HANSEL AND GRETEL, Now thru 3/8

One of opera's biggest stars just sang the National Anthem at the Superbowl! New operas are being premiered all the time, stretching beyond old forms, traditions, and expectations. Opera is alive and well as a vigorous art form and it is flourishing in Lancaster!

OperaLancaster is going to take part in the excitement by performing Hansel and Gretel today and tomorrow, March 6 and 7, 2014, at 7:30 pm, and on Saturday, March 8 at 2:00 pm at the Winter Center on the campus of Millersville University.

Dramatic Director, Pat Kautter, and Music Director, Simon Andrews, are teaming up to maximize the versatility of Robert Brubaker, portraying the Witch. Mr. Brubaker masterfully performed the role at the Met in recent seasons. This superlative tenor makes a specialty of taking on challenging dramatic leads and character roles.

Staying true to the score and plot line, the 90-minute opera will feature dance as an integral element. Dancers from COBALT, led by its Assistant Artistic Director, Kristin Pontz, will carry the action forward, interacting with cast and props in a fairy-tale world that hints at the universe of steampunk. Think Jules Verne and H.G. Wells!

Set Designer, Barry Fritz from Elizabethtown College, and Patricia Kaufhold, Costume Designer from Millersville University, are designing visual elements and Jeff Cusano's lighting will bring it all to life. OperaLancaster is offering the new look for new fans, as well as serving its long-time supporters.

The production will be fully staged with orchestra a children's chorus. One child's (14 and under) ticket is free with each paying adult. Visit www.operalancaster.com or call the box office at MU at 717-872-3811.

About OperaLancaster
Founded in 1952 as Lancaster Opera Workshop, OperaLancaster has produced over 100 opera productions in the Lancaster community. It is one of the only companies in the Commonwealth - outside of Philadelphia - to present fully staged productions of operas and musical dramas.

The organization is made up of a professional staff, volunteers and performers who come from the local educational, business, and arts communities. Anyone who is interested in opera and in supporting the company is welcome to participate.

OperaLancaster provides development and career advancement opportunities for singers and musicians coming out of local schools and colleges, and local music professionals who want to maintain and hone their artistic skills. Two singers, John Darrenkamp and Robert Brubaker, performed with OperaLancaster and went on to have international singing careers with the Metropolitan Opera and other companies.