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Top Ten Reasons why the Opera Theatre of the Rockies March 3, 2007 Pikes Peak Center performances of Hänsel and Gretel will light up all of Southern Colorado

# 10
We’re all tired of the snow and cold of winter; and the color, beauty and excitement of grand opera in the beautifully re-modeled Pikes Peak Center will melt away any remaining frost and bring an early spring to the Pikes Peak Region.

#9
It was composed by Engelbert Humperdinck, the pop idol of the 1960s and 1970s, dubbed the King of Romance by his fans, famous for bringing us such timeless classics as After the Lovin’ and Release Me (well… actually his real name is Arnold Dorsey and he just borrowed the name of Hänsel and Gretel’s real composer who lived in Germany from 1854-1921).

#8
It’s the perfect family fare… Hänsel and Gretel is a great opera for children (a fairy tale spectacular that engages and entertains) opera novices (a rich orchestra, beautiful melodies and a natural operatic style make it a great way to begin appreciation of the art form) and connoisseurs (Humperdinck’s work of 1893 was vital to opera’s evolution and provides for an impressive display of vocal excellence).

#7
This is Grand Opera (don’t try this at home) and features a cast of hundreds including a large fully-professional orchestra, delectable sets, great special theatrical effects, impressive costumes, The Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale, Colorado’s Classical Youth Ballet and a superb cast of professional opera singers.

#6
The return of Don Jenkins to the regional opera stage. Don is truly a musical treasure in these parts and was untimely separated from opera due to the demise of the Colorado Opera Festival after 30 years of operations in 2001. Opera Theatre of the Rockies is proud to have Maestro Jenkins conducting orchestra and assembled vocal forces this March.

#5
All on-stage talent comes from right here in Colorado. We’re sick and tired and we’re not going to take it anymore! Our state and our city are blessed by world-class artistic talent as will be evident at this production. Tell those know-it-all East and West Coasters that they don’t know what they are missing!

#4
Martile Rowland – Founder and Artistic Director of the Opera Theatre of the Rockies. Let’s face the facts: If Martile hadn’t stepped forward nine years ago, Colorado Springs would probably be bereft of the planet’s greatest stage experience. Her artistic alchemy has allowed Opera Theatre’s original mission to develop future stars to seamlessly blend with the vitally important task of keeping great opera performance alive in Southern Colorado.

#3
Martile Rowland – Classical Singer Magazine’s Music Teacher of the Year. Our own resident diva may have said farewell to the performing stage, but the accolades keep pouring in just the same. Martile reigns as the numero uno in the world of vocal instruction according to Classical Singer Magazine. All principal performers in Hänsel and Gretel save one are under the tutelage of the remarkable Mrs. Rowland.

#2
Martile Rowland – Stage Director and Producer: Hänsel and Gretel. A rare occurrence on the International opera stage: a world-renowned vocalist dons the director’s robe and profoundly succeeds in her new undertaking. The depth of this woman’s knowledge stuns and inspires all – performers, set designers, lighting designers, costumers, stage crew – who come in contact with her.

And the #1 reason why the Opera Theatre of the Rockies March 3 performances of Hänsel and Gretel will light up all of Southern Colorado…

Two sweet little kids beat up on a miserable old hag of a witch.