UNL Opera Presents A “Spirited” Hansel and Gretel It’s the old Brothers Grimm fairy tale we know and love, but told with a special twist. Midway through Engelbert Humperdinck’s rich Wagnerian-influenced score comes a wonderfully orchestrated ballet for a corps of Angels watching over Hansel and Gretel as they sleep in the dark woods. In this new production, conceptualized by UNL Director of Opera William Shomos and choreographed to life by UNL Director of Dance Studies Susan Levine Ourada, the original role of the Angels has been transformed and enlarged into an ever-present team of Woodland Spirits acting in various capacities including amicable strawberry bearers, a retinue for the magical Dew Fairy, agents of that nasty Witch, and even a manifestation of the oven that swallows her up! The Spirits will also be breaking the fourth wall to delight the audience children with tasty candy treats. Not only do the spirits enchantingly magnify the story-telling for the audience, but this choreographic element has also provided a great curricular opportunity for GKSOM vocal students to engage full-on in a modern dance experience. The cast has had great fun re-creating this timeless classic and all are beaming with excitement to mount the show in the newly renovated Kimball Recital Hall. The production features a stunning projected scenic design by UNL Theatre alum Payton Schaefer and a Gingerbread troupe of young people sung by the Nebraska Children’s Choir. UNL Opera is offering two unique Hansel and Gretel experiences to the public. • 7:30pm Friday, November 14 and 2:00pm Sunday, November 16 —an 90-minute show featuring the full forces of the UNL Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Tyler White. • 11:00am and 2:00pm Saturday, November 15 —a 65-minute piano-only show (at a reduced cost) especially intended for families with young children. All productions are fully produced in one act without intermission. While the shortened Saturday matinees have young children especially in mind, all shows are decidedly family friendly!