Opera Ithaca has announced the premiere of its original film production of Engelbert HumperdinckIt’s Hansel and Gretel. The film can be streamed on demand starting Sunday, December 19 by visiting:

https://operaithaca.ticketspice.com/hansel-and-gretel

With a new booklet in English from the artistic director of Opera Ithaca Ben robinson, this adaptation of Hansel and Gretel features the famous Chief Witch. She welcomes the titular children of her show as guest stars and the main ingredients.

Watch the trailer below!

This collaborative project brings together the chamber orchestra of Resonance Works Pittsburgh, under the direction of conductor Maria Sensi Sellner; the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus; and the Raylynmor opera house. PhotoSynthesis Productions has supported the media, expanding its partnership with Opera Ithaca to its 2020 film, Gianni Schicchi.

“Hansel and Gretel is the next step in Opera Ithaca’s exploration of the confluence of opera and cinema,” says Robinson, “and turning the witch into a celebrity chef with her own TV show adds a delicious and surprising element that binds the whole project together. “

This reimagined film version of Hansel and Gretel stars the Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano Annie rosen like Hansel; Marlen Nahhas, recently graduated from the Cafritz Young Artist Program at the Washington National Opera as Gretel; and internationally renowned soprano Meghan Kasanders like the witch and the mother.

Mario diaz-Moresco co-stars as Father, Mariya Kaganskaya as Sandman and Megnot Toggia as Dew Fairy. Robinson is the director alongside co-director and editor David Kossack.

For more casting information and other information, please visit www.operaithaca.org.