ACU Opera performed Hänsel und Gretel last Friday and Saturday nights. The production, directed by Dr. Rick Piersall, placed the story in a setting influenced by historical struggles.
“Our production takes place in this mixture of imaginary time and color, hard human reality. Starvation, economic hardship and disease have shaken Hänsel and Gretel’s environment,” Piersall said.
The performances featured German dialogue with subtitles, bringing the classic opera to Boone Family Theatre.
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- Gretel, played by Poppy Teague, operates a sowing machine during the opening act. (Photo by Daniel Curd)
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- Gretel, played by Poppy Teague, waives her hand at Hänsel, played by Faith Moreno. (Photo by Daniel Curd)
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- Vater, played by Corbin Gray, talks to Mutter, played by Lucy Ramirez, about finding the children after they wandered off into the woods. (Photo by Daniel Curd)
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- Gretel, played by Poppy Teague, sits in the woods while picking strawberries. (Photo by Daniel Curd)
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- Gretel, played by Poppy Teague, points off into the distance while Hänsel, played by Faith Moreno, listens along. (Photo by Daniel Curd)
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- The two siblings ponder what they are going to do after losing their way back home. (Photo by Daniel Curd)
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- The two siblings take a nap in the woods. (Photo by Daniel Curd)
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- The angels dance into the woods and put the children to sleep. (Photo by Daniel Curd)
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- An angel, played by Bee Payton, dances in the forest. (Photo by Daniel Curd)
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- Dr. Steven Ward leads the orchestra in the performance of Hänsel und Gretel. (Photo by Daniel Curd)
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- The witch, played by Jaden Doggett, greets the two children inside her house after they have eaten all the sweets. (Photo by Daniel Curd)
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- The witch, played by Jaden Doggett, raises her staff and puts a spell over Hansel. (Photo by Daniel Curd)
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- The witch, played by Jaden Doggett, sings about how she plans to cook and eat Gretel. (Photo by Daniel Curd)
