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The Metropolitan Opera: Hansel and Gretel
This deliciously dark take on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tale, appealing to audiences of all ages, was part of the Met’s popular English-language holiday series. Alice Coote and Christine Schäfer star as the famous siblings lost in the woods, who battle the ravenous Witch—a zany portrayal by tenor Philip Langridge—while the Met orchestra, under the baton of Vladimir Jurowski, glories in the rich, folk-inspired score.
Insights
Plot Summary
This production of Humperdinck's classic fairy tale opera follows the journey of Hansel and Gretel as they venture into the forest to gather food for their impoverished family. Lost and hungry, they stumble upon a magical gingerbread house, unaware it belongs to a wicked witch who lures children to fatten them up for her oven. The siblings must use their wits and courage to overcome the witch and find their way back home.
Critical Reception
The 2008 Metropolitan Opera production of Hansel and Gretel, directed by Laurent Pelly, was widely praised for its imaginative staging and strong vocal performances. The blend of dark fairy tale elements with moments of childlike wonder resonated with both critics and audiences, solidifying its reputation as a captivating operatic experience for all ages.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its visually inventive and whimsical production design.
Acclaimed for the exceptional vocal talents of the lead singers.
Noted for its successful balance of dark, cautionary themes with moments of enchantment.
Google audience: Audience reactions for this specific Met production are not widely aggregated on Google. However, general sentiment for operatic adaptations of 'Hansel and Gretel' often highlights the magical storytelling and beautiful music.
Fun Fact
The original production of Hansel and Gretel in Weimar in 1893 was the first opera ever broadcast live on radio.
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