Valdosta State University presents “Hansel and Gretel” Jan. 17-19 on the Whitehead Auditorium stage. Tickets for this full opera are on sale now.
 
Composed by Engelbert Humperdinck, with a German libretto by his sister, Adelheid Wette, “Hansel and Gretel” is a softer retelling of the popular Brothers Grimm fairy tale. The opera “follows two young siblings, Hansel and Gretel, as they get lost in the forest after being chased out of the house for bothering their mother,” according to a Stage Agent synopsis.
 
“In their quest to pick and gather strawberries, the children become lost in the woods, renown for being the home to an evil witch who eats children. After meeting some other magical characters, the children come across a delicious gingerbread house, where a kind old woman lives. They are invited inside to enjoy a smorgasbord of sweets and treats, only to discover that their host is the evil witch. She puts a spell on the children, making them eat until they are plump — so that she can cook them to perfection. The children manage to conquer the witch, and their parents find them, all celebrating their freedom.”
 
“Hansel and Gretel” premiered in Weimar, Germany, on Dec. 23, 1893, and continues to enchant audiences today. The VSU production features student performers accompanied by an orchestra conducted by Dr. Kenneth Kirk, professor of music. Dr. Tamara Hardesty directs VSU’s opera program.  
 
VSU Opera performs a special Opera for Youth version of “Hansel and Gretel” at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 17. Admission is free of charge.
 
Full opera performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. Tickets are $25 for general admission adults; $20 for military personnel, as well as VSU faculty and staff; $5 for children and non-VSU students; and free for VSU students with a valid 1Card.