A Grimm fairytale, an opera twist

By Laura Drinan
Hometown Weekly Reporter

“Hansel and Gretel” is one of the most beloved and frightening tales from the Brothers Grimm. While many have heard the tale before, certainly not has many have seen the opera adaptation by German composer Engelbert Humperdinck.

That’s where Needham’s Longwood Opera comes in.

Since 1986, the Longwood Opera has been providing Needham and the Boston area with beautiful and compelling operas, introducing the art form to the wider community. The actors, who are professionally trained opera singers, have been at work on “Hansel and Gretel” since the beginning of the summer.

Scott Brumit, co-founder of the Longwood Opera, brings his broad background in theater to direct the production. “It’s a great opera - not only for kids, because they know the story - but Humperdinck, the composer, is like the contemporary of Wagner, so the music is not easy to sing,” said Scott. “It’s very demanding vocally. It’s really very sophisticated opera, and ideal for someone who has never been to one.”

It’s not just the story that makes it a perfect fit for someone new to opera - it’s also the amazing work of the cast and crew.

Perfecting their roles with Jeffrey Brody, the music director, are Rosie Osser as Hansel, Erin Merceruio Nelson as Gretel, and Stanley Wilson as the witch. With such musical talent, viewers are in for a treat as sweet as the witch’s gingerbread house as they listen to the actors’ breathtaking voices.

The production will also feature Hansel and Gretel’s parents, a sandman, the dew fairy, local children dressed as gingerbread people, and dancers from the Charles River Ballet Academy.

Charlotte Brumit brings the characters and scenes to life with her amazing costume and set design. Her care and detail in each character’s costume and every aspect of the set makes the production all the more enjoyable and believable.

From the witch’s pointed-toe shoes to the detachable gingerbread men on the witch’s house to the water bottle attached to Hansel’s cage, Charlotte’s work is sure to be admired as much as the music itself.

The opera will be performed at Needham’s Christ Episcopal Church on Friday, November 3 at 7:30 p.m., and at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 4 and Sunday, November 5.

Staying true to their slogan, the Longwood Opera’s long hours of rehearsing will be sure to deliver an “Opera for All” with “Hansel and Gretel.”