Attended the Opera Company of Philadelphia's Hansel und Gretel on Wednesday night. So good! It was almost like The Nutcracker in it's otherworldly feel. Engelbert Humperdinck's composition is light and catching. It has a very quaint feel, and I am always fond of country scenes (can't keep my feet still during a mazurka). The plot isn't quite the dark original Brothers Grimm tale, but in this diverting show its nice to have a more lighthearted feel.
Gretel and Hansel, played by Maureen McKay and Lauren Curnow, respectively, were perfectly childlike in their roles, with dead-on mannerisms. Their voices were on par and they kept the mood of the piece fun. Michael Mayes was also very good as their father, Peter, and his voice was very powerful.
Despite the capability of the performers, however, they were overshadowed by the real stars of the show - the scenery and sets. Maurice Sendak, illustrater of the classic children's book Where the Wild Things Are, designed both, and they absolutely make the performance. All the backdrops, scenery, and props are created and painted in his distinctive style and they add the perfect fairy tale feel. Even if you don't like opera, this performance is worth it just to see the set.
Gretel and Hansel, played by Maureen McKay and Lauren Curnow, respectively, were perfectly childlike in their roles, with dead-on mannerisms. Their voices were on par and they kept the mood of the piece fun. Michael Mayes was also very good as their father, Peter, and his voice was very powerful.
Despite the capability of the performers, however, they were overshadowed by the real stars of the show - the scenery and sets. Maurice Sendak, illustrater of the classic children's book Where the Wild Things Are, designed both, and they absolutely make the performance. All the backdrops, scenery, and props are created and painted in his distinctive style and they add the perfect fairy tale feel. Even if you don't like opera, this performance is worth it just to see the set.
