Gulfshore Opera to Present Hansel and Gretel in Family Friendly Adaptation in Southwest Florida

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Nov. 27, 2014 - PRLog -- Gulfshore Opera continues its inaugural 2014-15 Season with an original production of Hansel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck at the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs and at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers. Performances of the opera will take place on Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 PM and at 7:00PM at the Center for the Arts, and Sunday, December 21, at 4:00 PM at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers.

Based on the Grimm’s fairy tale, Gulfshore Opera's production will feature four talented professional singers in leading roles, accompanied by chamber orchestra. This updated version of the story features colorful fantasy sets designed by Jennifer Lancaster. The children’s chorus are members of the Center for the Arts education program.

The cast will feature Cuban-American soprano, Nathalie Avila, most recently seen as Mimi in “La Boheme” with Miami Lyric opera. Hailed by her “scrumptious tone” and “vivid portrait” of the roles she portrays on the operatic stage, she will play the role of the mother. Buffo Bass-baritone Alexander Adams-Leytes will portray both, the roles of the Father and the Witch. Mr. Adams-Leytes is a specialist in comic roles, and has made an international career performing the roles of Papageno in The Magic Flute, Leporello and Masetto in Don Giovanni and Dr. Dulcamara in The Elixir or Love. Kaycey Cardin, recognized internationally for her vibrant vocalism and dramatic intensity will bring to life the role of Gretel. Ms. Cardin processes the rare capability to shine equally in operatic, musical theater, pop, country and R&B repertoire. Hansel, will be sung by Mezzo-Soprano Lauren Davis. Fresh off her senior recital at FGCU, she has been featured as a soloist recently in Handel’s Messiah and the Magic Flute with the Miami Summer Opera Institute.

In keeping with its mission to present opera that is accessible to all, Gulfshore Opera will present this one and a half hour version of Hansel & Gretel, accompanied by chamber orchestra, at substantially reduced ticket prices. Tickets for the opera are from $20 general and $30 premium, with a special $12 price for children under 18.

Steffanie Pearce, General and Artistic Director of Gulfshore Opera, explained, “Gulfshore Opera is excited to try out this new venue and to work with the Center’s students who will be the gingerbread children. We wanted to create a fun and affordable holiday treat for the whole family. Following our motto of "inclusive and accessible ", the admission is half the cost of similar professional productions.”

To order tickets, visit Gulfshore Opera’s website www.gulfshoreopera.org or call the box office at (239) 529-3925.

Gulfshore Opera is a regional opera company founded with core values of a community based creative collaboration.  Serving Collier, Lee and Charlotte Counties, it seeks to enrich the community by presenting high quality opera theater and classical vocal music, and promotes community well-being through musical education programs. Its mission is to make opera accessible to the general public by maintaining affordable ticket prices, and a wide range of performance experiences suitable for diverse audiences. Gulfshore Opera was founded in 2014 by Steffanie Pearce, who brings 30 years of experience in the field of opera. She is a producer, director, performer and teacher of the great art form and has performed around the world. She resides in Southwest Florida.

For additional information, visit gulfshoreopera.org.