Photo Flash: First Look at Pittsburgh Opera's HANSEL & GRETEL

Pittsburgh Opera continues its 80th season with Englebert Humperdinck's Hansel & Gretel.

Based on the classic fairy tale by The Brothers Grimm, Hansel & Gretel is a fantastical story of a young brother and sister who must navigate an enchanted forest full of twists, turns, and one wicked witch.

Siblings Hansel and Gretel are poor peasants whose mother sends them to forage for strawberries in a haunted forest. They get lost and spend the night in the woods. The next morning, they stumble upon a gingerbread house inhabited by a witch, played by Pittsburgh favorite Marianne Cornetti, who imprisons them. It will take all their wits to escape before she eats them!

Since its premiere in 1893, this beloved opera has delighted millions. With Humperdinck's sweeping score, this whimsical operatic confection is sure to please both adults and children.

Originally written in German, Pittsburgh Opera will be performing it in English.

Antony Walker conducts and Mt. Lebanon native Crystal Manich directs.

On stage November 3, 6, 9, & 11, Hansel & Gretel makes an equally good date night, girls' night out, and family outing.

Adult tickets start at just $14 - children's tickets for those ages 6-18 are half-price, and start at just $7. Season, group, and single tickets are now on sale and available online.

In addition, Pittsburgh Opera's annual Student Matinee will introduce 2,500+ school children grades 3-12 to this lively, colorful opera on Thursday, Nov. 8th at the Benedum Center. Pittsburgh Opera's Resident Artists take lead roles in the Student Matinee, and are accompanied by the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra. Tickets are $10, and are reserved through Pittsburgh Opera's Education Department. For more information, please contact Marilyn Michalka Egan, Ph.D., Director of Education, at 412-281-0912, ext. 242.