REVIEW 'Hansel and Gretel' fairy tale becomes captivating opera

This children's opera proved make-believe is often more entertaining than reality.
By MARGARET NERY
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- In this day and age when reality television seems to be a way of life, it is nice to take a step backward to our childhood and live in the world of fantasy and imagination.
Such was the case Friday night as theatergoers trekked into the Ford Theater on the campus of Youngstown State University in anticipation of a evening of irrelevant, lighthearted entertainment. And what did they get? They got a story of hunger, despair, mystery and a touch of evil -- but, magically they also got a " they lived happily every after" ending.
The pi & egrave;ce de r & eacute;sistance of the evening was "Hansel and Gretel," Englebert Humperdinck's opera based on the timeless Grimms Brothers fairy tale. And it was the fascinating settings, the talented dancers, the stirring music, and most of all the outstanding voices that turned the otherwise grim tale (no pun intended) into a most entertaining production.
At YSU the story of "Hansel and Gretel" was elevated from the fairy-tale status and transformed into a captivating opera for children and adults alike. It served as an excellent introduction to opera for the youngsters in the audience.
Instead of dwelling on the gloom and doom and grim aspects of the original tale, the production drew attention to the love and affection for one another that saved the lives of an ingenious young boy and girl.
Basically, the plot revolves around a family that is destitute and must make some drastic decisions to survive. While heartbroken over her decision, the stressed-out mother sends the children into the woods in search of food and to fend for themselves. They have no sooner left than the father and neighbors arrive with much needed supplies only to panic when they remember a witch lives in the woods.
As the youngsters wander in the woods where delightful animals, fairies and angels frolic, they come upon a remarkable edible gingerbread house and begin to nibble away to satisfy their hunger.
As they eat, they are captured by the homeowner who turns out to be a wicked witch determined to fatten and eat the children. However, the youngsters manage to outwit the evil woman and discover the magic that sets an entire chorus of children free from the witch's enchantment and her dinner table. Adding to the merriment of the moment is the arrival of the relieved, exuberant parents, leading, of course, to the ultimate "lived happily ever after" ending.
Classic's characters
Anchoring the production in major roles with their believable performances and spectacular voices on opening night were Megan Morris as Hansel, Vanessa Ferranto as Gretel, Amy Sue Ligget as the mother, Shawn Locaton as the father, Ann Clabaugh as the Witch, Ariel Benes as the Sandman, and Heidi Davis as the Dew Fairy.
In upcoming productions Devon Cleland will be Gretel; Heidi Davis, the mother; Max Pivik, the father; Stephanie Ottey, the Sandman; and Lora Myers, the Dew Fairy.
David Vosburgh directed this timeless children's opera which was brought to life on Friday night. With the collaboration of the Dana School of Music and the Theater Department, Girard Schools Youth Chorus, Ballet Western Reserve and Youngstown Opera Guild, "Hansel and Gretel" was magically transformed into an unforgettable, family-oriented opera.