HANSEL AND GRETEL to Open at Minnesota Opera, Today

What: Hansel and Gretel by composer Engelbert Humperdinck. Sung in German with English translations projected above the stage. A new Minnesota Opera production.

Where: Music Theater at Ordway, 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102.

When: Saturday, November 1, 7:30pm; Sunday, November 2, 2pm; Thursday, November 6, 7:30pm; Saturday, November 8, 7:30pm; Sunday, November 9, 2pm

Tickets: $25 - $200. Call the Minnesota Opera Ticket Office at 612-333-6669, Monday - Friday, 10am-5pm, or purchase online at mnopera.org.
Media: Contact Communications Manager Julie Behr to take advantage of interview, photo and video opportunities at the Hansel and Gretel dress rehearsal on Thursday, October 30, at 7:30pm. Arrive an hour early to enjoy a pre-rehearsal discussion with Head of Music Rob Ainsley, and special guests, Siena Forest (Dew Fairy) and Craig Irvin (Peter, the father).

Minneapolis - Minnesota Opera is pleased to announce its new production of Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel directed by Doug Varone and conducted by Anne Manson. The opera features mezzo-soprano Stephanie Lauricella and soprano Angela Mortellaro in the title roles, accompanied by the Zenon Dance Company and Project Opera's Children's Chorus.

Based on the Brothers Grimm classic, this beloved fairy tale whips together frothy folk tunes with sumptuous orchestration into a deceptively sweet, deliciously dark confection that has delighted families for generations. Minnesota Opera's new production of Engelbert Humperdinck's enduring masterpiece is appropriate for grown ups and children who aren't afraid of the dark.

Award-winning stage director and choreographer Doug Varone (Faust, 2009; Cinderella,2010) returns to lead this new Minnesota Opera production. Instead of the traditional gingerbread house, Varone sets the production in an impoverished urban area in the early 20th century where the children are irresistibly drawn to a beautiful and strange carnival world. Varone choreographs the Zenon Dance Company, whose dancers are featured as mysterious and intriguing circus-like performers. Anne Manson (The Adventures of Pinocchio, 2009; Mary Stuart, 2011) returns to conduct the Minnesota Opera Orchestra. Hailed by The New York Times as "the conductor of choice for opera," Manson has come to the forefront as one of the most exciting interpreters of opera in America today.

Former Minnesota Opera Resident Artist soprano Angela Mortellaro (The Dream of Valentino, 2014) performed opposite mezzo-soprano Stephanie Lauricella (debut) in Hansel and Gretel at Sarasota Opera in 2010. South Florida Classical Review called Mortellaro "... an exceptionally convincing Gretel ...singing with a rich, youthful soprano voice and strongly conveying Gretel's terror at being lost ..." and praised Lauricella who "... gracefully stepped into the role of Hansel...displaying a fine high mezzo, and bringing apt rambunctious androgyny to the role". Bass-baritone Craig Irvin (Arabella, 2013) sings the role of Hansel and Gretel's poor father. Irvin debuted with Minnesota Opera in 2011 as Lieutenant Horstmayer in the world premiere of Kevin Puts' Pulitzer Prize-winning Silent Night. Internationally renowned as a leading Verdi mezzo-soprano, Marianne Cornetti(Aida, 1999) stars as the mother and the evil witch.

Visit mnop.co/hansel to find casting updates, creative team and artist biographies, audio and video clips, show synopses, and background notes.

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