The Cameron University Department of Art, Music and Theatre Arts Department will present “Amahl and the Night Visitors” as well as scenes from the opera “Hansel and Gretel” featuring performances by CU vocal students. Performances are slated for Thursday and Friday, November 29-30, at 7:30 p.m. in the McCutcheon Recital Hall. General admission tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens, military members, and students. CU students, faculty and staff are admitted at no charge with CU-ID. As seating is limited, patrons are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance by calling 580-581-2336.
Student performers are Khalil Cabrera-Tosado, Codie Cowan, Celita Gonzalez, Eric Malloy, Corbyn Nauman, Josie Smotherman, all of Lawton, as well as Destiny Abila, Gabriel Caron, Mykayla Reuter, Altus; Heather Martin, Cache; Rachel McCurry, Comanche;Mikayla Stephenson, Duncan; and Reagan Williams, Newport, R.I. Williams and Stephenson will perform the role of Mother in “Amahl and the Night Visitors” – Williams on Thursday and Stephenson on Friday. Nauman will perform the role of Amahl on Thursday, and Abila will take on the role on Friday. In addition to her role in “Hansel and Gretel,” Martin served as choreographer for “Amahl and the Night Visitors.”
The presentation is a result of the Opera Workshop class, in which students not only sing but create the sets, costumes, props, and lighting. “Amahl and the Night Visitors” is directed by Scott Richard Klein, with musical direction by Christian Morren. Scenes from “Hansel and Gretel” are directed by Christian Morren. Pianists Doris Lambert and Yuika Chan accompany the operas.
Scenes from “Hansel and Gretel” will also be performed at two local elementary schools.
“We want to introduce young children to opera with a familiar story and in a fun way,” Morren says. “Both our campus performances and the school outreach are supported by the Southwest Oklahoma Opera Guild. We are grateful to that local group for providing scholarships and funds to promote opera at Cameron and in the community.”
