Monday, December 04, 2006

Gotta See It!

For those of you who live in Houston or who are even planning on visiting our fair city during the Holidays, you must must must see Houston Grand Opera's Hansel and Gretel. I know, you're thinking, "Augh, I hate opera. "

The production of this opera is not like anything you would expect. HGO partnered with Basil Twist and Jim Henson Company to develop and present to Houston's audience a performance worth remembering for a very long time. To begin with, they sing it in English; they still provide subtitles. With the use of puppetry and creative special affects they are able to make the adult performers of Hansel and Gretel actually look like children. And then, the witch. Oh My God, the witch is absolutely phenomenal. I can't even begin to describe how remarkable she is and they have intentionally NOT provided any photographs of her.

And if you're an adult thinking this is just a show for kids, think again. Basil Twist designs his puppetry with the adult in mind. The interaction of the puppetry, music and singing is fabulous.

You can buy your tickets here. You will not regret this, I promise. (Here is a really good review)

Oh, and the opera is slowly but surely becoming more and more casual. You do not need a fur or expensive clothing to feel comfortable, clothes one would wear on a date or a cocktail party will suffice.

3 comments:

Freebird said...

You're right - augh, I hate opera! Haha. I've never been, but I don't think I could drag anyone to go with me.

Anonymous said...

Dang! Makes me wish I lived in Houston. Well, at least that I was visiting Houston during the run. Sounds fabulous!

Sweet Potato Brown said...

Yes, that sounds like a great show. I've never been to an opera, but I have listened to three or four of them. Ehh. Would I have done it if I didn't have to? Naw. Did I think it was a complete waste of my time? Naw. But, puppets now, that is another story. I LOVE puppets! Puppets! Puppets! Magic and puppets!