Hansel & Gretel, the classic fairy tale, will appear on the Theatre Royal stage this fall. Once again, on September 24, Newman & Wright at the Theatre Royal in Barkerville are hosting the Vancouver Opera in the schools, this year bringing a darkly fantastical, fast-paced and enchanting production of Engelbert Humperdink's classic opera version of the Grimm Brothers' fable.
"This is our last evening performance for the 2011 season", says Theatre Royal producer Richard Wright, "so it is fun to go out with some thing different."
The evening will begin with the Theatre Royal's one-hour fall show, Gold Rush Nuggets, then an intermission, followed by the one-hour performance of Hansel and Gretel.
This brand-new production features four energetic young opera singers, one nimble-fingered pianist, a Gothically gorgeous self-contained set and a full complement of dramatic costumes and props. The production is sung in English.
Young fans of Lemony Snickett and Edward Gorey will be charmed by the striking, Edwardian- inspired set. "In the age of Harry Potter and Twilight, young people today appreciate a darker aesthetic," explains Stage Director and Librettist Amiel Gladstone. "[Designer] Drew Facey and I wanted to create something modern, but with references to a sort of Gothic or Edwardian period that may have only existed in our imaginations. This seems to be a perfect match for the Hansel and Gretel story: a struggling family living on the edge of a dark wood, inhabited by a witch or ogre creature who baits children with a candy house."
"Theatre Royal fans will remember that a couple of years ago we brought in the "Barber of Barkerville'", says Wright. "It was a sell out, despite a blizzard that night. We are expecting the same this year, so book your tickets early."
Entrance to Barkerville is free after 5pm so there is no charge for site entry. Restaurants in the area such as the Bear's Paw in Wells, will be open and hosting special evenings. Dinner and the show make a great evening out.
