German composer Engelbert Humperdinck’s first stage work was Hansel and Gretel. It was written in 1893, and was an immediate hit. Its strong Wagnerian themes are wondrous and the folk music and melodies resounding. Hansel and Gretel was given at BAM at a matinee on December 25th 1909 by the Metropolitan Opera on tour. Perfect Christmas entertainment!
The Regina Opera had a nice size crowd at Our Lady of Perpetual Help high school auditorium to see this rarity on the afternoon of Sunday, November 18th. When Maestro José Alejandro Guzmán came to the podium, the din of excitement lowered and the opera began.
The story begins at their home on the edge of the forest. Carolyn Tye was Hansel, an amiable boob and a bit greedy. Gretel was Christa Hylton. Together they were like Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, silly but lovable and getting into big trouble. Caroline Tye had a strong mezzo that evoked brotherly affection and Christa Hylton’s flexible and sweet soprano made for a Gretel of affability and sisterly concern.
Mother was soprano Dawn Kunkel, who indicated her concern for the children living in poverty with no food. She broke the milk jug trying to hit them with her stick, for dancing and not working, and sends them to the woods to go berry picking.
Bass-baritone GeeSeop Kim was the Father, powerful of voice and kind of laid back. His theme song “Tra-la-la” was quite irresistible. He came home drunk and happy but was very upset that his wife sent the children to the woods, because a child-eating Witch lived there. He pulled out a sack full of food that he earned selling items at a festival. Then they both rush out to look for the children.
The second act is in the Forest where Hansel and Gretel are lost. The Sandman, sung by Elena Jannicelli-Sandella, appears in a magical outfit and white beard and lovely soprano. Hansel and Gretel then are heard singing their hushed and haunting duet, “The Evening Prayer” so familiar and comforting. A beautiful vocal blend lovingly rendered. The children fall asleep as angels watch over them.
The third act is the Witch’s house. The Dew Fairy (Taerra Pence) with a lovely bird like soprano, sprinkles dew on Hansel and Gretel to awaken them. Gretel greets the forest birds with a song, then she awakens Hansel who starts eating the house made of sweets, pancakes, and all kinds of goodies.The horrible Witch appears and its “Another fine mess you got me into” à la Laurel and Hardy. The Witch freezes them as they try to escape. She feeds Hansel, declaring him “too thin.” The Witch was brilliantly played by Ukrainian mezzo Galina Ivannikova, who sang with dark bewitching tones and beguiled the children to listen to her commands. When the Witch goes to the oven to see how the gingerbread is doing, Hansel and Gretel push her in.
The oven explodes and the gingerbread figures become real children. The children take the witch, now a huge Gingerbread cookie, out of the oven. Everyone thanks God and dances triumphantly.
The sets of were alive, verdant and inviting. The trees and greenery were splendid and the Witch’s house a cornucopia of evil transformed into pure joy.
Our friend, the ever present and joyous Cathy Greco lent her sweet smile and voice as part of the chorus and ensemble. The choreography was lithe and angelic; the costumes by Marcia Kresge were beautiful and magical. The clever lighting designer was Stephanie Lim. The set design by Linda Lehr and Wayne Olsen was like a Wizard of Oz Hollywood set. The make-up by Saori Morris was perfect. The stage director Linda Lehr can wear another medal for the holiday joy of the colorful sets.
The cheers for the company included Diana Barkan violinist, husband Daniel on the English horn and enchanting daughter Nomi as a cookie-child. The conducting of this glorious score was José Alejandro Guzmán. The orchestral interludes were sophisticated, illuminating, and had real sparkle and zest. Maestro Guzmán really showed us how to enjoy the beautiful music of this talented composer and make it part of the Sunset Park scene.
After the opera, we dined at nearby Casa Vieja (Lourdes Peña and excellent staff) for a Mexican feast (no gingerbread!) The new renaissance of Sunset Park is assured by the good restaurants and the presence of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, whose red seated plush high school theatre is our operatic home in Brooklyn.
