Opera Breve to Present New Production of HANSEL & GRETEL 11/11, 11/13

Opera Breve will present a new production of HANSEL & GRETEL, the opera classic by Engelbert Humperdinck based on the fairy tale by The Brothers Grimm, November 11th and 13th at 7 p.m. at St. Michael's Parish House, 225 West 99th Street (between Broadway & Amsterdam).

In this reinvisioned interpretation of the 19th century opera, the evil Witch is being played by a counter-tenor, Tyler Wayne Smith. Under the direction of Rich Affannato, the company also features Anna Petrie (Hansel), Kat Ross (Gretel), TEd Dougherty (Father), Jennifer Grodi (Sandman), Pavithra Rajagopalan (Dew Fairy), and Caroline Tye (Mother). The musical directors for HANSEL & GRETEL are Gary Norden and Lenora Eve. Costume design is by Kristine Koury.

Director Rich Affannato most recently staged David Hasselhoff's World Tour Concert. His extensive acting credits include playing Carmen Ghia in the Las Vegas production of The Producers, Marius in the original Broadway production of Les Miserables, and Off-Broadway appearances in Forbidden Broadway, Slut and Illyria. Rich received a Helen Hayes Award nomination for Outstanding Leading Actor in a Musical for his performance in the title role of Floyd Collins at Signature Theatre.

Opera Breve was founded in 2008 by Artistic Director Lenora Eve. The company's distinguished Board of Directors includes actress Barbara Feldon and Lawrence Zarian (host of TV Guide Network's "The Fashion Team"). Opera Breve is dedicated to expanding the boundaries of traditional expectations and introducing the magnificent world of opera to a brand new audience. This opera company is not intended to be conventional, but rather transformative; to present bold and brave interpretations of the standard and modern operatic repertoire and provide young, emerging artists the opportunity to perform roles that may not be available to them elsewhere.

HANSEL & GRETEL will be performed in English. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. To reserve tickets, call 646-200-5101 or email operabreve@gmail.com.

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