Once upon a time, audiences in Winnipeg were encouraged to follow the breadcrumbs leading to the weird and wonderful world of Manitoba Underground Opera.
Their second production in the literary-inspired 2024 Unwritten season is a telling of a Brothers Grimm classic Hansel and Gretel.
“Even if you don’t know the story of Hansel and Gretel... watching the two kids and having them find their strength is something that is so universal,” says MUO Executive Director Brendan McKeen.
Sent away by their mother, the two title characters journey through the forest in search of sweets before ending up in the clutches of a wicked witch.
Premiered in 1893 and scored by German composer Engelbert Humperdinck, Manitoba Underground Opera will present the work in English over a roughly 90-minute performance, including one intermission.
Having started out his career as an assistant to the great Richard Wagner, MUO Music Director Monica Chen finds similarities in the two composers' writing through the use of leitmotifs (recurring musical themes) though describes Humperdinck as “Wagner lite.”
“(Humperdinck) really captures the atmosphere and the mood that’s going on,” says Monica Chen.
The RBC Assistant Conductor of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, music director of Sistema Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba Symphony Orchestra, Chen is excited about the opportunity to work in the still-rather-new medium of opera, appearing as part of the Tapestry Opera’s Women in Musical Leadership Program.
“I’ve assisted three operas so far,” says Chen. “I think I’ve played (in the pit) more than I’ve assisted.”
Working alongside director Jillian Willems, Chen has enjoyed teasing out motivations for the characters and helping build a more complete understanding between the score and the drama unfolding on stage.
Featuring a cast of returning favourites and first-time performers, the titles roles of Hansel and Gretel will be sung by Carmen Harris and Grace Budoloski. Other performers include Geneva Halverson (The Witch), Kelly Robinson (Mother), Mihnea Nitu (Father), and Ashley Boychuk (Sandman & Dew Fairy).
Taking place in the WAG-Qaumajuq Muriel Richardson Auditorium, audience members will find themselves immersed in the woods through larger-than-life projections designed by jaymez.
Hansel and Gretel runs from August 21 through 25 with tickets available through: www.manitobaundergroundopera.com