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CHICAGO, IL – Chicago City Opera (CCO) presents its first summer touring production featuring four performances of Engelbert Humperdinck’s beloved operatic interpretation of the classic German fairytale, Hansel and Gretel this August. Taking place in three intimate and easily accessible venues across the city and the suburbs, audiences can choose an outdoor or indoor experience via the venue they choose: indoors at the opening stop afternoon matinee in the children’s theater at Trinity Highland Park; outdoors (two performances) amidst the lush greenery of stop 2’s Rosehill Cemetery, and indoors once more as the company makes its debut in the festive German Bierhalle at DANK Haus German American Cultural Center.
Chicago City Opera
Hansel and Gretel 2025 Summer Production
Alexandra Enyart, CCO Artistic Director
Ross Matsuda, Director
Jordan Crice, Pianist/orchestra
CAST:
Hansel: mezzo-soprano Molly Clementz
Gretel: soprano Marnie Baylouny
Mother/Witch: mezzo-soprano Angela Born
Father: baritone Jeremiah Strickler
Dew Fairy/Sandman: soprano Emily Soule.
Sunday, August 3 at 3:00 PM
Trinity Highland Park
Children’s Theater
425 Laurel Avenue, Highland Park, IL
Thursday, August 7 at 7:30 PM
Sunday, August 10 at 7:30 PM
Rosehill Cemetery Outdoors
5800 N Ravenswood Avenue, Chicago, IL
Friday, August 8 at 7:30 PM
DANK Haus German American Cultural Center
4740 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL
TICKETS start at $30 and are available at chicagocityopera.com.
First performed in 1893, Humperdink’s version of Hansel and Gretel remains popular in the American operatic canon because of its familiar story and tuneful music. This engaging production is an adaptation of the folktale first written down by the Brothers Grimm. Hansel and Gretel follows two children, who, after getting in trouble with their mother for shirking their chores, are sent to the Black Forest where that they encounter several fantastical creatures, including a witch who lives in a cottage made of candy. Performed in English in an hour-long adaptation of the work, this charming puppet-inspired production is appropriate for all ages.
“Hansel and Gretel tells a story that generations have delighted in,” said CCO Executive Director Kelsey Enyart. “In this production Chicago City Opera is creating something for audiences of all ages to come and enjoy. We are looking forward to bringing this production to three different communities in our first-ever tour. Each venue provides a unique backdrop for the work, from the traditional proscenium at Trinity Highland Park to the idyllic summer evening on the grounds of Rosehill and the celebratory atmosphere (and bar access) at DANK haus.”
“Hansel and Gretel is a great first opera for anyone who has ever been curious about opera. Our playful and light-hearted production features whimsical inspiration from puppet theater and uses colorful two-dimensional sets and props,” added CCO Artistic Director Alexandra Enyart. “The music is timeless and with our English translation, it is highly likely you’ll walk away with at least one melody to hum on your way out!”
About Chicago City Opera
Founded in 2019 under the name Ouroboros Opera, Chicago City Opera is a Chicago based non-profit dedicated to providing high-quality performances of standard operatic repertoire in intimate spaces, making opera accessible to audiences and performers. CCO’s unique and egalitarian approach to production utilizes a collaborative model in which all the performers on stage invest as equal shareholders to produce an opera. CCO continues to be committed to the community of Chicago and is dedicated to creating the best experiences possible for our community on both sides of the stage.
Artist Photos available here.
Press Contacts:
Laura Grant
Laura@grant-communications.com; 917.359.7319
Alannah Spencer
akspencer11@gmail.com; 608.692.4778
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