University will stage 1893 opera `Hansel and Gretel'

The University of Redlands School of Performing Arts will present the opera “Hansel and Gretel” by Engelbert Humperdinck on Feb. 2 and 3 in the Glenn Wallichs Theatre on the university campus.

Cindy Snyder and Malcolm Swan direct the university’s production of the opera that was first performed in 1893 at the Weimar Court Theater in Germany.

German composer Engelbert Humperdinck (1854-1921) was a protégé of Richard Wagner. His opera “Hansel and Gretel” acknowledges the dark features in the Brothers Grimm folk tale, but presents them with grace and humor, according to a news release from the university.

The University of Redlands production includes a full orchestra, conducted by Co Nguyen, and a cast of university students.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 and 3 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3.

In the cast are Bailey Cabrera and Ray Kutcher singing the role of Hansel; Maddie Schmidt, Alex Muyshondt and Sasha Boyarski in the role of Gretel; Anna Caplan and Maddie Slota as the Mother; Ethan Hebel and Nathan Romero as the Father; Camryn Master and Emily Salas as the Sandman; Kayla Rush and Jazmine Tanzy as the Dew Fairy; and Nick Ahmet as the Witch.

The crew includes Raine O’hollaren, lighting designer; Trevor Norton, director of production; Otinelis Iancu, technical director; Blake Palmer, scenic director and costume designer; Alyssa Sherman-ordaz, dance choreography and scenic shop coordinator; Carolyn Goertzel, stage manager; Charly Mcshane and Lara Baden, assistant stage managers; and Debbie Bradford, costume shop coordinator.

Tickets are $25 for general admission and $10 for students, faculty and staff with university ID, available at redlands.edu/currentproductions or by calling 909-7488728.

The Glenn Wallichs Theatre is at 380 N. University St., Redlands.