A delightful, updated Hansel and Gretel in Houston for young and old

By Zenaida des Aubris, 31 May 2021

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“a rambunctious joyride through a psychedelic sky”

Reviewed at Wortham Theater Center: Brown Theater, Houston on 28 May 2021

Humperdinck, Hänsel und Gretel ((Sung in English))

Houston Grand Opera

Patrick Summers, Conductor

Lileana Blain-Cruz, Director

Hannah Wasileski, Set Designer

Montana Levi Blanco, Costume Designer

Katrina Bachus, Assistant Director

Sun-Ly Pierce, Hänsel

Raven McMillon, Gretel

Richard Trey Smagur, Witch

Blake Denson, Peter / Father

Lindsay Kate Brown, Gertrude / Mother

Elena Villalón, Dew Fairy, Sandman

Houston Grand Opera Orchestra

A double bill anchored by Zoom at Houston Grand Opera

Edward Sava-Segal, 27th November

Mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton seemed to have a lot of fun taking up the role of Julia Child once again.

***11

Fear in future past: Siegfried at Houston Grand Opera

Sydney Boyd, 16th April

The production is a disconcerting combination of cold metallic future and Neanderthal aesthetics – a startling pairing of humanity’s beginning and its end.

****1

Magical debuts make the myth alive in Houston Grand Opera's Rusalka

Sydney Boyd, 29th January

Antonín Dvořák’s Rusalka, moving between the worlds and rooted in myth, is a shivering opera to experience with its opulent music and its fantastical plot.

***11

Houston Grand Opera wastes a Figaro

Sydney Boyd, 22nd January

This production proves that even Mozart’s best-laid plans can be undone.

A charmed Little Prince at Houston Grand Opera

Sydney Boyd, 4th December

As part of the season of Scrooges and Santas, it’s a refreshing reminder of sweet simplicity in a complicated world.

***11

HGO's Onegin stars an unlikely hero

Sydney Boyd, 30th October

Re-imagining this opera with Prince Gremin as the show-stealer was no doubt a happy accident.

****1

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Zenaida des Aubris

Zenaida des Aubris, based in Berlin, has over 30 years experience in artist management and production of classical music and opera in the United States, Europe and Asia. Currently, she offers consultation to music competitions and schools as well as to individual recent graduates on how to manage themselves and kickstart their careers through her company Opera Career Advice.