CSUB Opera Theatre offers fractured fairy tales
Experience an evening of dark takes on fairy tales set to beautiful opera music with “Transformations,” coming Friday to Cal State Bakersfield’s Dore Theatre.
The chamber opera in two acts was written by American composer Conrad Susa with a libretto based on Anne Sexton’s confessional poems themed around stories by the Brothers Grimm, which are featured in her 1971 book “Transformations.”
Stage director Mandy Rees wrote of the production, “Each of the 10 stories begins with a prologue (in our production, the gray world of the mental institution) where the psychological implications of the fairy tale are presented and are connected to Sexton’s own experiences of abuse and mental illness. Then we are transformed to the world of fantasy, where all the patients join in to create colorful, funny, and profound retellings of these familiar tales.”
Music director Soo-Yeon Park said the opera featuring takes on tales such as “Snow White,” “Rumpelstiltskin,” and “Sleeping Beauty” is very demanding musically.
She wrote, “The music is eclectic, filled with various references including Miles Davis style, Andrews Sisters’ style, boogie, Truman Capote’s voice, etc . ... “A lot of ensemble work is also needed. The process has been so rewarding, and I’m incredibly proud of this cast.”
Each of the 10 performers portray multiple characters through the course of the opera. The cast consists of Abby Harris, Alejandra Aguirre, Ina Gutierrez, Lorea Laverty Iturriria, Kylee Marchant, Josh Forquera, Edgar Sandoval, Michael Ellsworth, Cruz Boschini and Zachary Richardson.
This production also features the talents of conductor Leo Sakomoto, scenic designer Chris Eicher and costume designer Roger Upton.
Presented by CSUB Opera Theatre, “Transformations” will begin at 7:30 tonight at the Doré Theatre on campus, 9001 Stockdale Highway.
Admission is $15, $10 for seniors (60 and older) and students, $5 CSUB students with ID. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.com.
Stefani Dias can be reached at 661-395-7488. Follow her on Twitter at @realstefanidias.