On Oct. 23, the Nashville Opera brings a special preview of Hansel and Gretel to the Belmont Mansion, transforming the mansion’s Grand Salon into a wonderland filled with musical, and edible, confections. The Nashville Opera’s supplying the witch and is hoping Nashville residents will bring along the kids.
Geared specifically toward younger listeners, “Hansel and Gretel – A Gingerbread House-Raising” will consist of duets and arias selected from Engelbert Humperdinck’s classic opera. Musical selections will include the Witch’s Aria and Hansel and Gretel’s Dancing Duet.
Samantha Jeffreys, as Gretel, and Sabrina Laney Warren, as the Sandman/Dew Fairy, will perform the selected pieces alongside debuting cast members Sarah Klopfenstein, as Hansel, and Alexandra W. Lobianco, as Gertrude/Witch.
Following the sneak preview, children and their parents can meet cast members and view costumes and props on display while enjoying refreshments. Children can also decorate their own edible version of the witch’s house with gingerbread cookies and an assortment of candy.
Belmont Mansion’s history is rich in music, arts and culture. It’s home to the Chickering Grand Concert Piano that accompanied Swedish opera singer Jenny Lind during her 1851 performance at Nashville’s Adelphi Theatre.
Nashville Opera, which toured Middle Tennessee’s schools and libraries earlier this year with its presentation of The Three Little Pigs is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary with a selection of four productions for the 2010-2011 Season including Hansel and Gretel, to be performed at the Noah Liff Opera Center in November.
“Hansel and Gretel – Gingerbread House-Raising” begins at 10 a.m. on Sat., Oct. 23 in the Grand Salon at Belmont Mansion, located on the historic campus of Belmont University. The event is sponsored by the Savannah Tea Company, a restaurant and gift shop located in Nashville’s historic Germantown.
Admission is $7 per person. Although it is general seating, space is limited, so guests are advised to register online at NashvilleOpera.org or by contacting the Nashville Opera at 615-832-5242.
