YSU Performing Arts Series Dana offers opera ‘Hansel and Gretel’

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown State University’s Performing Arts Series and the Dana School of Music will present Engelbert Humperdinck’s opera, “Hansel and Gretel,” from Thursday through Sunday at Ford Theater, inside Bliss Hall, on the YSU campus.

A one-hour children’s performance will be presented at 1 p.m. Saturday. It’s designed to be just long enough to introduce children to opera, and will be followed by a sweet treat and the chance to meet the characters for photos. Tickets are $7 for children and $10 for adults. Advance registration is required by calling 330-941-3105.

The opera is based on the popular German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm that includes two lost but clever children, a gingerbread house, a wicked witch and 14 angels.

Program director/vocal director is Allan R. Mosher; music director/conductor is Hae-Jong Lee; stage director/scenic designer is David Vosburgh; assistant stage director is Nancy Hensley; choreographer is Abby Alter, Shenango Valley Ballet Theater; lighting designer is Kevin Wolfgang; hair and make-up designers are Linda Leith and Robert D. Matthews; costumer is Barbara Luce; and technical adviser is Todd Dicken. In addition, others assisting with the production include Girard City Schools Youth Chorus, Sue Ellen Harris Davis, director; Austintown Middle School Chamber Chorus, Bill Klein, director; and stage manager, Devin Whitehouse.

The cast includes YSU students Emily Alcorn of Poland; Nancy Elaine Hensley, Howland; Alyssa Leith, Girard; Kathie Steeb, Columbiana; Victor S. Cardamone, Apollo, Pa.; Lauren Corcoran, Moon Township, Pa.; Rachel Lundberg, Lindstrom, Minn.; Josh Grimes, Boardman; Dean La Salandra, Austintown; Rebecca Enlow, Youngstown; Sierra McCorvey, Warren; Darlene Griffin, Youngstown; and Patrick Niess, Warren.