Opera Montana is set to present Engelbert Humperdinck’s magical theatre adventure Hansel & Gretel early this month. Performances will take place May 8th–11th. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7pm, with a Sunday matinee to follow at 3pm. All will be held at Downtown Bozeman’s Ellen Theatre.
Hansel and Gretel, siblings living in poverty, sing and dance to escape the burden of their hardships. Their mother, overwhelmed by the family’s struggles, sends them to the forest to gather food. When their father returns home, he is shocked to learn the children are alone in the woods and both parents go out to find them. In the woods, Hansel and Gretel marvel at their beautiful surroundings but soon become lost, hearing eerie sounds in the forest. After the Sandman helps them to sleep and the Dew Fairy wakes them after a safe night’s rest, the children discover a magical gingerbread house – a dreamlike sight for the hungry siblings.
As they nibble on its sweets, the house’s owner, a cunning and sinister witch, appears. Initially charming, she traps Hansel and forces Gretel into servitude, intending to fatten Hansel for a feast. Despite their dire situation, Gretel outsmarts the witch and shoves her into the oven, breaking her spell. Freed from her control, children previously turned into gingerbread come back to life. Hansel and Gretel lead them home, reuniting joyfully with their relieved parents.
Under the stage direction of Joshua Borths, Hansel & Gretel features a robust cast of performers and choral artists with the help of a talented backstage creative team.
Tickets for these performances are available for purchase now. To reserve seats for Hansel & Gretel, or any other upcoming performance, visit www.operamontana.org.
Opera Montana, established in 1978, enriches the cultural landscape through the powerful artistry of opera. Committed to fostering appreciation and accessibility, the local nonprofit showcases exceptional performances, nurtures emerging talent and engages diverse audiences. •
