Minnesota Opera's Youth Ensemble Presents GRIFFELKIN This Weekend

Project Opera, Minnesota Opera's co-educational youth opera training program, will perform the children's opera Griffelkin tonight and tomorrow, January 10-12, 2014, at The Lab Theater in Minneapolis.

Griffelkin is the story of a little devil who travels to Earth to perform one bad deed for his tenth birthday. While wreaking havoc, he meets a brother and sister grieving over the loss of their mother. After using his magic to bring her back to life, Griffelkin is found guilty of treason against Hell. He's exiled to Earth and, just when he is feeling most alone, he learns the meaning of family.

"Declared by Lukas Foss to be his favorite composition, Griffelkin celebrates the childlike curiosity in all of us," said Stage Director Daniel Ellis. "Originally told as a story to Foss when he was eight years old by his mother and loosely based on works by the Brothers Grimm, it is a dark fairy tale that explores the joy and pain of being mortal. From bringing stone lions to life and enchanting toy soldiers to making mailboxes talk, Griffelkin guarantees to be one little devil who will tug on your heartstrings as he discovers the meaning of the words beauty, death and the greatest of all - love."

"The performances of Griffelkin are remarkable in terms of showcasing the talents of dedicated young singers and their passion to the art form of opera," said Project Opera Music Director Dale Kruse. "It's incredible to see so many kids, some who drive two hours one way, participate in this very unique training program," added Minnesota Opera Community Education Director Jamie Andrews.

What: Lukas Foss' Griffelkin
Sung in English with English captions projected above the stage.

Where: The Lab Theater, 700 North First Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401

When: Friday, January 10, 7pm; Saturday, January 11, 1pm and 4pm; Sunday, January 12, 1pm

Tickets: $15/Adult and $5/Children under 18. Recommended for ages 8 and above.
Call the Minnesota Opera Ticket Office at 612.333.6669, Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm.

Minnesota Opera combines a culture of creativity and fiscal responsibility
to produce opera and opera education programs that expand the art form, nurture artists,
enrich audiences and contribute to the vitality of the community.

Don't Miss a Opera News Story Sign up for all the news on the Winter season, discounts & more...