Melody Michalski as Hansel, Linda Posey as Gretel and Helen Tintes as the witch,
“Rosina Candychops,” in the Columbia College opera production, Hansel and Gretel.

The Columbia College Department of Music will present the opera Hansel and Gretel, by composer Engelbert Humperdinck on April 11 and April 12 at 7:30 p.m. in Cottingham Theatre. David Bankston will direct, and Dr. Lillian Quakenbush will conduct the performances, which will feature an 8-piece orchestra. Linda Posey, a senior in music education who is well-known through her many roles at Workshop Theater, sings as Gretel. Helen Tintes plays the witch, “Rosina Candychops.” Helen is a voice professor at USC and her stage persona is both menacing and entertaining. Hansel is played by Melody Michalski, a first year music education major.

About Engelbert Humperdinck and Hansel and Gretel: No, the famous British pop singer from the 1960s (real name Arnold Dorsey) did not compose this opera. The Engelbert Humperdinck who wrote Hansel and Gretel was born in Germany in 1854. Most fairy tales, though charming on the outside, have darker underpinnings. This story of siblings lost in a shadowy world of unknown menace, pursued by a Witch who seeks to devour them, is both spooky and entertaining. Considered a masterpiece since its premier in 1893, the opera is now translated into several languages and performed worldwide.

Friday, April 11
Saturday, April 12

7:30 p.m.
Cottingham Theatre, Columbia College

$10 general admission
$5 students and seniors (65+)

Columbia College students admitted free with CC ID.

Groups of ten or more can contact the box office for special group rates.
Call 786-3850 to reserve tickets.
The Box Office is open 2 - 5 p.m. each day of event, beginning the day before the first performance.