A fairy-tale opera with a folk-inspired score, Hänsel und Gretel – by German composer Engelbert Humperdinck, with a libretto by his sister, Adelheid Wette – has been loved by audiences of all ages since its first performance in 1893. This production, situated in the 1970s with echoes of classic TV shows The Brady Bunch and Bewitched, emphasizes the darker undercurrents in the familiar tale of Hänsel and Gretel being sent into the forest by their frustrated mother. They gather berries and frolic in the woods, soon realizing they are lost as darkness descends. In the morning, Hänsel and Gretel spot an enticing house made of sugary cereal. As they nibble on the house, a frightening witch appears from within and captures the children, threatening to fatten Hansel up and use him to make confections. The clever children must keep their wits about them to avoid a fiery fate.

Composed by Engelbert Humperdinck; libretto by Adelheid Wette
Based on the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm
Conductor Kirk Severtson
Directed by Gregory Keller