Evanston Chamber Opera Presents Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel

Evanston Chamber Opera (EChO) marks its fifth season with a fully staged production of the classic opera Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck. Three performances will be held on Wednesday, March 9 and Friday, March 11 at 7:30 pm; and Saturday, March 12 at 3:00 pm. Performances will take place at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church at 2120 Lincoln Street, Evanston. Tickets go on sale February 7 and are available for purchase at https://evanstonchamberopera.org/productions/ or 872-806-4652.

Presented in English with English titles, the opera is based on the Grimm brothers’ fairy tale of the same name. The opera is admired for its folk-music-inspired themes and its appeal to younger audiences. The EChO production features a professional cast and chamber orchestra. The chamber orchestration retains the flavor of the original full orchestration. 

The performers are Molly Clementz (Hansel); Marnie Baylouny (Gretel); Josephine Stracek (Gertrude/Mother); Jeffrey Goldberg (Peter/Father); Scott Bass (Sandman); Jade Ferrell (Dew Fairy); Karlos Piñero-Mercado (Witch); and chorus members Kjersti Cooper, AddieRose Forstman, Allison Mann and Angela Torres-Kutkuhn.

Production staff include James Janssen, Music Director; Sally Craige Christensen, Stage Director; Angela Torres-Kutkuhn, Assistant Stage Director and Costume Designer; Larry Geni, Set Designer; Mark Crayton, Lighting Designer; and Francis Lynch, Producer.

Audience members must show proof of vaccination, including the booster shot, and wear masks at all times while in the building.

This production is made possible in part through the generous support of Alice and Frederick Barber. EChO is supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.