Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck
to be performed during May and June of 2024
Libretto by Adelheid Wette
A three Act opera based upon a fairy tale by Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm
First performed in Weimar, Germany in 1893

In the present day, Hansel and Gretel is often considered a children's opera. Indeed, it is loved by children the world over, rivaled only by the opera Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian-Carlo Menotti in its appeal to young audiences.

However, this opera is anything but child's play. Its score contains a heavily Wagnerian orchestration and complex harmonic structure, tempered only by the inclusion of genuine children's folk songs in Act 1, The Prayer in Act 2, and its variations throughout the opera. Over the years, many portions of this opera's music, especially the Witches' Ride, have become part of our culture. Without a doubt, this opera is a treasure, and its music is a favorite to include in classical, symphonic and pop concerts.

PERFORMANCE LOCATIONS:

Finalized locations and dates

Sunday, June 2nd (2:30 pm)
Second Presbyterian Church, Carlisle, PA

Sunday, June 9th (2:30 pm)
Covenant Moravian Church, York, PA

Saturday, June 15th (2:30 pm)
Friends Home, Kennett Square, PA

tentative performance’s - dates need to be finalized

Sunday, May 19th or June 23rd - (2:30 pm)
1867 Sanctuary, Ewing, N.J.

Friday, May 31st or June 7th - (7:30 pm)
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Camp Hill, PA

MEET THE CAST:

Peter...a broom maker and Hansel and Gretel's father...baritenor/baritone

Brenten Megee
Malcolm Richardson
Thad Shirey

Gertrude..Peter's wife and Hansel and Gretel's mother.. mezzo soprano/soprano

Olivia Currier
Laurice Kennel
Maria Pappas

Hansel...son of Peter and Gertrude...mezzo soprano

Andrea Arena
Lea Gibson
Brittany Griffiths

Gretel...daughter of Peter and Gertrude...soprano

Brandis Ajay
Rebecca Shimer
Rebecca Wood
Katherine Merryman

The Witch..mezzo soprano

Leah Crowne
Bonnie Cutsforrh Huber
Terry Shirey

Sandman...the sleep fairy..soprano/tenor

Tevis Bryant
Paul Marchesano
Zach Chan
Cole Nemer

Dew Fairy..the dawn fairy...soprano

Brigietta Rendon
Maria Pappaa
Laurice Kennel
Olivia Currier
Ahleighia Carter-Croom
Ryan Clark

Chorus:

Tevis Bryant..tenor
Rachel Cama..soprano
Zack Chan..tenor
Ryan Clark
Ahleighia Carter-Croom...soprano
Kyla Eryka de Guia…mezzo soprano
Paul Marchesano..tenor
Brenten Megee..tenor
Katherine Merryman…lyric soprano
David Neff...baritone
Cole Nemer...boy soprano
Dennis Nemer…boy soprano
Brigietta Rendon..soprano
Keegan Rendon...baritone
Anna Claire Shavin..soprano
Jeremy Blyweiss…tenor/counter tenor