Petite Opera holds Children's Opera Auditions February 22-23, 2014

Petite Opera will mount historic "Brundibar" by Hans Krasa, November 2014

Petite Opera, a professional opera company, will hold auditions Saturday, February 22, 2014 and Sunday, February 23, 2014 for its the one-act children's opera--BRUNDIBAR, by Hans Krasa. The opera will be performed in English, and performances will take place November 2014. Seeking children ages 8-18 to play leading and featured roles, as well as perform as members of the children's chorus. Candidates should have strong voices that can perform in a classic style, good stage presence and movement, and learn music quickly.  Children who read music are preferred.Auditions will be held by appointment only.  Email requests to <auditions@petiteopera.org> or call us at 847.553.4442 to request an audition time. Deadline for audition appointment requests is SUN February 16, 2014 at 12:00PM Noon Central time.  Children should prepare one suitable selection in a classical style, in English, as well as prepare one patriotic standard (Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, etc.).For more details, check our AUDITIONS page.                                                                                                                                                                

ABOUT PETITE OPERA

Petite Opera Productions is a professional company that produces professional-quality opera, operetta, spooferetta and musical theatre.  The company specializes in comic and lighter works, performs works only in English, and is committed to introducing new patrons to acoustical live stage productions. The company casts complete performers—classically-trained vocalists who provide complete characterizations and dance/move well—and volunteer chorus, orchestra and dancers from the community.  Each production runs for 6 or more performances in an intimate, acoustic-friendly space (200 seats) without the use of microphones. The company takes a cross-over approach to all of the genre performed. 

*Please note that Petite Opera does not provide housing, transportation, or transportation reimbursement for performers.  Performers must be local Chicago-area candidates or those that can provide their own housing and transportation (to the northwestern suburb of Park Ridge) for the rehearsal period, which occurs up to three days per week and is spread out over a 12-14 week period (due to venue access).

Jules Massenet's CINDERELLA is Best in Class

By Susan Baushke

Cinderella is a great story, period.  It has all of the key elements -- an evil stepmother, a heroine in a tragic state who finds love and happiness, and the magical fairy godmother who saves her.  The story was first published in the 1600's, and is based on characters that appeared in 1st century BC ancient Greece. It has captured the imagination of countless generations, and been revived by various authors, composers, screenwriters, and animators ever since its inception.

One composer just nailed it though:  Jules Massenet.

Cinderella (Cendrillon) composer, Jules Massenet

We all have our opinions, and this is mine.  Of course, I enjoy other Cinderella versions, like  Rossini's La Cenerentola, the musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein, and the Cinderella storyline in Into the Woods.  However, this version by Jules Massenet, (in French, entitled Cendrillon), brings together all of the best elements, both musically and in depth of characters, to create a very compelling, engaging story that contains humor, tragedy, and real characters with genuine warmth.

To me, this version definitely stands out from the rest.  It is different. Let's face it, what better musical genre exists to tell a love story than the richness of the Romantic period?  The differences between Massenet's version and others quickly becomes apparent.  If you just sit and listen to the music, and close your eyes, you can envision the action, and see the characters in your mind.  When you open your eyes, those same characters are playing out onstage exactly as you envisioned them.

Of course, you can say that other versions achieve a similar result.  But, in what other version of Cinderella can you:

• Break out in laughter at the absurdity of the Stepmother instructing her daughters to snag a Prince for a husband (and think to yourself "I actually knew someone like that")?
• Listen to the fairy godmother's music--this light, beautiful coloratura soprano--and actually feel she is hanging from a cobweb, or nestled in a dew drop?
• Get goosebumps when you hear the fairy chorus joining in to create an ethereal wonderland with tight haunting harmonies?
• Really and truly be engaged enough to worry what would happen if Cinderella and the Prince did not get together?
• See Cinderella's father FINALLY stand up to the Stepmother and take command?
• Actually believe that the Father knows he has wronged Cinderella by letting her be treated so poorly, and know he feels remorse, and tell her?
• Feel the tension between the Prince and Cinderella as they meet for the first time and feel the electricity of attraction as they sing?

Other versions tell the story, but, to me, lack the realm of emotion or tension that is borne out in Massenet's lush melodic score with tight harmonies.  Let's face it, we all already know the ending.  This work is one that really involves you so that you live through the characters to arrive at that happy ending.

And, what's really good for kids--and adults--is that the "tunes" in this production are very catchy and memorable. Characters you love, and melodies you'll fall in love with.  It's the perfect combination.

What totally perplexes me is that this work appears not to have been performed in Chicagoland area since Mary Garden performed the role of the Prince in 1911 with the predecessor of the Lyric Opera. Written in 1899, the work came into existence as a new musical transition was beginning to form.  Perhaps the "next generation" wanted to make its unique mark, cast aside anything from "the old school" of Romanticism, and popularity for the form slowly died off.  It's disheartening to think that this work may have succumb to such a shift in the tides. 

But I'm also pleased to see that, in the past decade, some of the bigger companies have started to bring this work back into the mainstream, including New York City Opera and Santa Fe Opera.  And, I'm thrilled that Petite Opera is able to bring this gem once again to the Chicago area so you and your family can enjoy it as much as I do.  

So step out of Petite Opera's life-sized storybook right along-side the characters. Live the tragedy and dreams of Cinderella, the absurdity of the Stepmother and stepsisters, and the magical moments of the Fairy godmother.  Don't let Jules Massenet's Cinderella (Cendrillon) pine away in the back vaults and musical stacks.  Bring the whole family.  Come relive the story with your parents, and your kids.  Don't let another 100 years go by to enjoy this treasure.

                                                                                                                                            

Susan Baushke is Executive Director and Artistic team leader of Petite Opera, which strives to make everyone an opera lover, and every work approachable to the masses.  She holds her Bachelor's degree in Music from Northwestern University, and an MBA in Marketing from DePaul University.  Ms. Baushke has authored numerous outreach programs and scripts to engage audiences and help them undergo comparative studies of various genres.  She has also written various productions to expose newcomers to opera.

Petite Opera performs Cinderella November 2-17, 2012 at Mary Wilson House Beyer Auditorium, part of St. Mary's Episcopal Church campus, 306 S Prospect Ave at Crescent Ave (enter on Crescent Ave), Park Ridge, IL.  Call 847-553-4442 to reserve tickets, or purchase tickets online via credit card (convenience charges apply to credit card orders). 

Petite Opera is a professional 501c3 opera company

Petite Opera announces cast for its upcoming Cinderella

Petite Opera's production of Cinderella by Jules Massenet runs November 2-17, 2012

From November 2-17, Petite Opera will produce the rarely seen Jules Massenet version of Cinderella, (French title Cendrillon).  As with all Petite Opera productions, the work will be performed in English.  Run time will be approximately 2-1/4 hours.

This jewel is suitable for all ages, from the young, to the young at heart.  The work possesses a depth of musical beauty and characters sometimes lacking in other versions of the classic tale.  

Our fabulous cast includes:

Lucette (Cinderella, aka Cendrillon): 

Melissa Arning, Louise Rogan

Prince Charming: 

Katherine Dalin, Sheryl Veal

Fairy Godmother (La Fee):  

Rachel Sparrow, Diana Stoic Richardson

Pandolfe (Cinderella's father):  

Robert Morrissey, DaRell Haynes

Madame de la Haltiere (Cinderella's Stepmother):

Corrine Wallace, Robin Bradley

Noemie (Cinderella's stepsister):

Katy J. Compton
Marianna Adaire (cover)

Dorothee (Cinderella's stepsister):

Malia Ropp

Prime Minister:

Austin Illenberg

Dean of Faculty:

Enrico Bellomo

King (La Roi):

Russ Begitschke

Fairy Chorus:

Marianna Adaire, Adrienne Grove, JulieAnn Zavala

Servants Chorus:

Enrico Bellomo, Austin Illenberg, Caroline Patterson, Carolyn Sampson, Shea Walters, Megan Wilcox

Executive Director:

Susan Baushke

Director of Production:

Steven Arvanites

Stage Director:

Cathy Dunn-Protopapas

Music Director:

Jason Carlson

Repetiteur/Vocal Coach:

Alyssa Arrigo

Stage Manager/Props Mistress:

Anna Morrell

Costume Designer:

Jericka Hucke

Lighting Designer:

Betsy Sklena

Scenic Designer/Artist:

Paula Mrazek

Set Design and Construction:

David Carmona

Don't miss this wonderful 2012 production!

7:30 PM: FRIDAYS November 2, 9, and 16 and SATURDAYS November 3, 10 and 17

4:00 PM: SUNDAYS November 4, and 11

Mary Wilson House Beyer Auditorium

part of St. Mary’s Episcopal church campus

306 S Prospect Ave (at Crescent Ave)

Park Ridge, IL

$25 for adults

$22 for Seniors

$15 for Students

Children under age 5 are free

Call 847.553.4442 to reserve tickets (payment by cash or check), 

or order tickets online via credit card (convenience fees apply)

Look, that's MY kid onstage with Cinderella!

Eligible Children Ages 3-10 Could Appear Onstage in Petite Opera's Cinderella

Petite Opera's mission is to make everyone an opera lover.  We want to remove all barriers that might inhibit the enjoyment of first-time opera patrons, and increase patron interaction with our casts, all in an intimate venue.

We also want to get the next generation of patrons exposed to opera so they grow up to consider opera one of their many entertainment options.

What better way is there to get children intimately involved in an opera than from the viewpoint of the stage! So, during our upcoming production of Cinderella (November 2-17), we're offering young child patrons an opportunity to participate in the show itself.

For each performance, Petite Opera will select a handful of young child patrons to appear on stage with Cinderella during a scene in Act I.  The children will portray small animals who help Cinderella with her "chores". Each child will be given a simple costume that adjusts for various sizes.  Children will need to be silent so that Cinderella can sing her song.

A handful of children will be selected to appear in each performance.  To be selected, children must meet the following criteria:

• Each child selected will, ideally, be between the ages of 3 and 8, but be no more than age 10
• Children must be well-behaved, must be quiet on stage, must be able to take direction, have a good attention span, and must be sufficiently mature to take part without causing disruption over a span of about 6 minutes
• Parents and interested children must arrive at the venue 45 minutes prior to curtain time, and report to the House Manager

Children who meet the criteria will be selected at random to participate.  These children will receive instruction just prior to the performance, learn how to put on their costumes, and will meet their backstage contact.  Parents should offer their children this opportunity only if the child is comfortable in a quick-paced situation and meets the requirements above.

Please note that Petite Opera cannot guarantee that any child will definitely be selected, regardless of arrival time, previous stage experience, connection to or previous contact with Petite Opera, its cast members or other factors.

The goal of the production is to connect with the children and parents, and make Cinderella a fun and memorable experience  Parents with questions about participation, arrival times, and what's involved, should send email to Petite Opera:
 .   

                                                                                                                                                                   

Petite Opera performs Cinderella November 2-17, 2012 at Mary Wilson House Beyer Auditorium, part of St. Mary's Episcopal Church campus, 306 S Prospect Ave at Crescent Ave (enter on Crescent Ave), Park Ridge, IL.  Call 847-553-4442 to reserve tickets, or purchase tickets online via credit card (convenience charges apply to credit card orders). 

Petite Opera is a professional 501c3 opera company

Petite Opera presents a rare CINDERELLA Nov 2-17 in Park Ridge

This November, Chicago area residents are in for a rare treat!  From November 2-17, 2012, patrons have eight (8) opportunities to see Petite Opera's depiction of the classic story Cinderella in a version that has not been seen in Chicagoland for over 100 years.

Composed in 1899, Jules Massenet's version of Cinderella (Cendrillon) has all of the melodic beauty and lush harmonies of the late Romantic period, plus incredible depth of characters that truly bring the story to life.

How exactly is this version different?

We'll be exploring the differences between this and other versions in upcoming posts.  But to give you just a flavor, recently, Petite Opera's Executive Director, Director of Production and Stage Director for Cinderella sat down with Public Perspective cable show host, Kevin McDermott.  The group discussed what Petite Opera is all about, how the company selected this outstanding work by Massenet, possible reasons why it hasn't been performed in Chicagoland within the recent centennial, and the Director's vision of the show.

Hear the complete story and get insights on the production!  Click the link below to view the interview:

Public Perspective/video/Petite Opera Cinderella

                                                                                                                                           

Petite Opera performs Cinderella November 2-17, 2012 at Mary Wilson House Beyer Auditorium, part of St. Mary's Episcopal Church campus, 306 S Prospect Ave at Crescent Ave (enter on Crescent Ave), Park Ridge, IL.  Call 847-553-4442 to reserve tickets, or purchase tickets online via credit card (convenience charges apply to credit card orders).  Petite Opera is a professional 501c3 opera company.

Petite Opera reveals early MIKADO rehearsal photos

In anticipation of opening night, Petite Opera reveals early rehearsal photos of The Mikado, which runs April 20 through May 5 in Park Ridge.

Photographs courtesy of Miguel Lopez-Lemus.

When Nanki-Poo (Walt Westlake, center) inquires where he can locate Yum-Yum, the girl he adores, two town noblemen--Pooh-Bah (Robert Morrissey, left) and Pish-Tush (Steven Arvanites, far right)--advise that she is already scheduled to marry Ko-Ko, the new Lord High Executioner, that same day.

An artistic view against the backdrop of Titipu: Yum-Yum (Susan Baushke), the object of Nanki-Poo's affections.

Nanki-Poo (Walt Westlake), the son of the emperor, has been masquerading as a wandering minstrel in Titipu in an attempt to escape the attentions of the misguided Katisha (Alexa Devlin), an elderly woman of The Mikado's court.  When she locates Nanki-Poo and commands him to restore her to her rightful place as his intended bride, he shuns her.

The Mikado, the emperor of Japan (Aaron Bolden) demonstrates his unpredictable and explosive personality as he enters Titipu, accompanied by Katisha (Alexa Devlin).

Tickets may be purchased online (convenience fees apply) by clicking Purchase Tickets, or reserved via phone at 847.553.4442. Don't miss it!

In Petite Opera's THE MIKADO, if you're caught flirting, it's off with your head!

Limited run: April 20-May 5.  

Hold the Dates!  You don't want to miss it!

Legend has it that W.S. Gilbert attended the first Japanese Exhibition in England, purchased a samurai sword as a souvenir, and hung it over his doorway.  Searching for the next suitable plot for a collaboration with Sir Arthur Sullivan, he was literally struck by an idea -- when the sword fell on him -- to set the next operetta in Japan... and The Mikado was born.

The story is fun and twisted in typical Gilbert fashion.  In the Japanese town of Titipu, Ko-Ko, a man condemned to death for flirting, is instead released and granted the title of Lord High Executioner. Unknowingly, he agrees to execute Nanki-Poo, the disguised son of the very eccentric and comic Mikado (the emperor), and all types of comic situations arise!  The cast of characters is rounded out by a town nobleman (Pish-Tush) determined to have Ko-Ko execute himself, an arrogant, greedy nobleman (Pooh-Bah), three little maids (Yum-Yum, Pitti-Sing and Peep-Bo), one of whom (Yum-Yum) is to marry Ko-Ko but loves Nanki-Poo, an elderly woman (Katisha) pursuing Nanki-Poo, and an exquisite ensemble of maids and gentlemen of Japan.

The marvelous score by Sir Arthur Sullivan is sprinkled with tunes you know and love, such as "Three Little Maids", "I've Got A Little List", and "Here's a How-De-Do".  And for those who track popular culture, you're sure to love some of the modernized lyrics, courtesy of talented local writer H.R.T. Guillen (who contributed to Petite Opera's original productions Al Fresco - Life through Opera-Colored Glasses).

Petite Opera is proud to bring Gilbert and Sullivan back to Park Ridge with this production by presenting one of the team's most popular collaborations. And Petite Opera's production has it all -- outrageously fun characters, wonderful singing, impeccable comic timing in true over-the-top British fashion, exquisite acting, marvelous sets, costumes and choreography all set to orchestra in an intimate space.  This show is 100% family-friendly, and suitable for all ages.

If you're a Gilbert and Sullivan fan, like musical comedy, if you loved Petite Opera's Al Fresco, or if you just want a fantastic evening out, you're sure to love this wonderful production.

HOLD THE DATES or Reserve Your Tickets Now!

Fridays, April 20, 27 and May 4 at 7:30 PM

Saturdays, April 21, 28 and May 5 at 7:30 PM

Sundays, April 22, 29 at 4:00 PM (matinees)

To reserve in advance and pay via cash or check immediately before the performance, call 847.553.4442.  Tickets may also be purchased up to 3 hours prior to the performance via credit card (convenience fees apply). 

Adults are $25, Seniors (age 62+) are $22, Students (K-College) are $15, and children age 5 and under are free!

Petite Opera Announces Cast and Crew of AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS

Petite Opera Productions is pleased to announce the production staff and cast for its upcoming production of Amahl and the Night Visitors by Gian Carlo Menotti.  Director of Production:  Steven Arvanites

Stage Director:  Cathy Dunn-Protopapas
Music Director:  Edward Spytek
Choreographer:  Libby McGuire
Stage Manager:  Anna Morrell
Set Designer:  Miguel Lopez-Lemus
Costume Designer:  Carolyn Tramel
Lighting Designer:  Betsy Sklena

Mother:  Denise Knowlton, Regina Webster (double cast)
Amahl:  Henry Lunn, Shea Walters (double cast)
Kaspar:  Ed Ozaki
Melchior:  Noah Gartner
Balthazar: Aaron Bolden
Page: David Hertzig

Chorus of Shepherds and Villagers: Meredith DuBon, Phyllis Dunn, Veronica Kleinschmidt, Volker Kleinschmidt, Katherine Mongulla, Sarah Sapperstein, Megan Wilcox

Village dancers and camels: Clara Cupuro, Dominique DiValerio, Francesca DiValerio, Doreen Fosco, Madison Kallio, Rachel Maramba, Kathryn Moro, Rachel Nidea, Caroline Patterson, Stephanie Vana, Dana Waddel

Don't miss this wonderful holiday production!

7:30 PM        FRIDAYS December 2, December 9

                       SATURDAYS December 3, December 10
2:00 PM       SATURDAY December 3

4:00 PM       SUNDAY December 11

Tickets: $25 for adults, $22 for Seniors, $15 for Students and Children under age 5 are free. For payment by cash or check, call 847.553.4442 to reserve tickets.  Order online via credit card at www.petiteopera.org (convenience fees apply).

Venue: Mary Wilson House Beyer Auditorium, part of St. Mary’s Episcopal church campus, 306 S Prospect Ave (at Crescent Ave), Park Ridge, IL.

Petite Opera invites you to see a star, three kings, a poor widow, a crippled child and a miracle.

Petite Opera Productions announces the last show of its 2011 season, “Amahl and the Night Visitors” by Gian Carlo Menotti.  Written in 1951 for NBC, this delightful opera, in English, follows the story and imagination of Amahl, a young crippled shepherd boy, as he sees the largest star in the sky.  Three kings, following the star to Bethlehem, ask to stay the night with Amahl and his Mother, a poor widow.  The kings lay out the gifts they have brought for the Messiah. The Mother is tempted to steal the gifts to care for crippled Amahl, but is instead touched by the wonders of the Christ child as told by the kings. Likewise, Amahl is so moved that he offers his crutch as a gift to the child, and a miracle occurs.

This beautiful story is ideal to get you in the mood for the holidays.

Production dates:

7:30 PM Friday, December 2, 2011
2:00 PM Saturday, December 3, 2011
7:30 PM Saturday, December 3, 2011
7:30 PM Friday, December 9, 2011
7:30 PM Saturday, December 10, 2011
4:00 PM Sunday, December 11, 2011

Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for Seniors, $15 for Students and Children under age 5 are free. For payment by cash or check, call 847.553.4442 to reserve tickets.

Production will be held at Mary Wilson House Beyer Auditorium, part of St. Mary’s Episcopal church campus, 306 S Prospect Ave (at Crescent Ave), Park Ridge, IL.

Patrons Agree that Petite Opera's AL FRESCO - LIFE THROUGH OPERA-COLORED GLASSES is not to be missed!

Only Two Performances Left! Don't Miss It! 

"Such a fun show with such talented singers! We highly recommend this show. The opera parodies were funny!" – Diane

This was perfect for "non opera lovers". The evening was enjoyable, the voices were fantastic, and it turned opera into an everyday experience." -a former non-opera lover

"... a takeoff on some operas, with incredible singers. It was very enjoyable." - Mary

"Not knowing what to expect - we are not REAL big fans of regular Opera - we were delighted with this performance. The voices were wonderful. The story was charming and it was in English so we could understand most of it. Some of the opera parodies were really funny - everyone was laughing out loud! There were young girls in the audience and at intermission I asked if they liked it and they said yes! It was a lovely way to spend a cold and rainy Sunday afternoon. Thank you." - Jannie

"My husband and I truly enjoyed the performance. We did not know what to expect when we arrived, however, it was great hearing the songs sung in English by the opera performers. They incorporated a lot of comedy into their songs as well. Al Fresco tried to get the audience involved with his story line. Will definitely be attending [Petite Opera's] December production [Amahl and the Night Visitors]." - Lisa 

  

Petite Opera appears on Cable TV to promote AL FRESCO

Each Tuesday evening during the month of April, catch Petite Opera Productions on ATT Uverse!

 Board members Susan Baushke and Steven Arvanites recently appeared on the cable show “Stand By with Marie Conenna”, promoting Petite Opera’s upcoming original spooferetta production, Al Fresco – Life through Opera-Colored Glasses. 

The opera spoof, which is a cross between opera and improvisation, features famous opera music by Mozart, Puccini and others, in a new story with English lyrics by Petite Opera's founders.  The comedy is set in Chicago, and spoofs popular people, events and common--as well as some uncommonly quirky--characters in and around Chicago.  

Performances take place May 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 at 7:30 PM and May 8, 15, and 22 at 4:00 PM  at Mary Wilson House Beyer Auditorium, part of the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church campus, 306 S Prospect, Park Ridge. 

Call 847-553-4442 to reserve tickets, or visit the PURCHASE TICKETS page to purchase via credit card. (NOTE:  a convenience fee applies to all credit purchases, and is applied at checkout.)

On “Stand By with Marie Conenna”, the Petite Opera founders discuss how the show came to be, and perform one of the songs from Al Fresco entitled "Hot Dude".  The segment airs every Tuesday evening during April (Apr 5, 12, 19, 26) at 7:30 PM on local cable station 19 in Highland Park, Deerfield and Winnetka, IL.  ATT Uverse customers viewing outside of these Chicago suburbs can also find it on their cable viewing guide.  For those patrons who cannot access either of these cable options, please stay tuned to this site where we will offer the segment via our Petite Opera YouTube channel!

Petite Opera brings back our favorite geek, AL FRESCO, by popular demand!

 

 Al Fresco - Life through
Opera-Colored Glasses

 May 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 2011 at 7:30 PM

May 8, 15, 22, 2011 at 4:00 PM

Opera meets improvisation in this entertaining spoof.

See the opera that started it all...

In 2009, Petite Opera was commissioned to create a fun, comic opera that incorporated well-known, lighter opera music into a modern story in English.  The goal was to make opera fun and entertaining for all ages. The result was Al Fresco, a first-generation Italian-American from an opera loving family, and self-proclaimed "geek".  Experience his comical adventures as he looks for love with modern-day versions of famous opera heroines.  

This original story with original English lyrics is set to the wonderful music of Sullivan, Mozart, Puccini and others.  See for yourself why patrons who saw the premiere begged us to bring it back again.  We've even added some new fun twists not originally seen in the premiere.  Join us May 6-22!


Tickets are $25 for Adults (ages 18-61), $22 for Seniors (age 62 and up), $15 for Students (ages 6-18), and Kids age 5 and under are FREE!

Call 847-553-4442 to reserve your tickets for payment by cash or check.
For credit card orders, visit our TICKETS page. 
* * * Please note that a convenience fee applies to credit card orders, and is applied at checkout. * * *

Petite Opera holds General Auditions January 22-23, 2011

Petite Opera holds general auditions January 22, 23, 2011 for its 2011 season, consisting of its original spoof operetta (back by popular demand) Al Fresco, Life Through Opera-Colored Glasses (May 6-22), and Amahl and the Night Visitors (Nov-Dec 2011). Auditions are by appointment only.

For Al Fresco, Life Through Opera-Colored Glasses (May 6-22, 2011), seeking:

• Trained Adult vocalists for cover roles. Prepare two selections from opera or operetta.  One must be English.  Cover roles are guaranteed one performance.
• Comic actors to cover the lead role of Al Fresco. Prepare one, 1-minute comic monologue, and be prepared to read from the script.  Cover role is guaranteed one performance.

For Amahl and the Night Visitors (Nov-Dec 2011), seeking:

• Trained Adult vocalists for principal roles. Prepare two selections from opera or operetta.  One must be in English.
• Boys and Girls, age 9-13, to play the principal 10-year-old boy, Amahl.  Prepare one selection from Amahl, or two opera, operetta, or classical selections in English.
• Adult and Children for chorus roles. Prepare the appropriate vocal line from the Amahl "Shepherd's Chorus", or perform one similar classical selection, in English.  All ages are encouraged to audition.

All individuals who audition must be able to read music, have the ability to learn their part quickly (rehearsals are limited), must have reliable transportation, and must be prompt to rehearsals. 

An accompanist will be provided. All individuals should bring their own sheet music. All performances are in English. No housing is provided; local talent only.

Email audition requests to our email address--petite opera @ gmail.com--(please type without spaces). Include the following information:

(1) Name

(2) Phone number

(3) Email Address

(4) Voice Part

(5) Headshot, if available (jpg or pdf format)

(6) Resume, if available (jpg or pdf format)

(7) Links to any available online performance audio or video clips, if available

(8) Preferred audition date (SAT Jan 22 or SUN Jan 23, 2011), and preferred time of day (morning, afternoon, evening)

Petite Opera will do its best to accommodate date and time requests.  Role descriptions, schedule audition date, time and location information will be sent via email.

Fall 2010 Production - Hansel and Gretel

Petite Opera Productions proudly announces its fall 2010 production of Hansel and Gretel. Eight performances are slated of this classic favorite, based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Performances feature professional vocalists, a chorus of gingerbread children, ballet dancers, and orchestra.

Hold these dates open to see these wonderful performances, performed in English:

Friday, November 5, 2010 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 2:00 PM
Sunday, November 7, 2010 at 4:00 PM
Friday, November 12, 2010 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 2:00 PM
Sunday, November 14, 2010 at 4:00 PM
Friday, November 19, 2010 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 7:30 PM

Tickets may be purchased online.  Visit our Purchase Tickets link to reserve tickets online using a credit card.

Tickets may also be reserved by phone at (847) 553-4442, or by email.
.

© 2010, copyright Petite Opera Productions

Upcoming Production - Al Fresco: Life Through Opera-Colored Glasses

Petite Opera Productions serves up this original comic opera spoof suitable for everyone from complete opera novice to opera aficionado. The show serves as a wonderful introduction to opera genre and its composers, while appealing to American audiences of today.

Al Fresco, a first generation Italian-American raised by an opera-loving family, is unlucky in love. As he recounts his life searching for the perfect girl, he finds himself living scenes from operas with modern-day versions of famous opera characters. This comic opera parody sets original English translations to famous music of Sullivan, Lehar, Rossini, Mozart, Bizet, Puccini, and Offenbach, to create an entertaining cross between grand opera and improvisation. And no opera heroines died to produce this show.

Performances



At 8PM: Fridays, Oct 30, Nov 6, and Nov 13, 2009
Saturdays, Oct 31, Nov 7, and Nov 14, 2009.

At 3PM: (Matinee) Sunday, Nov 8. 2009.

Location

Mary Wilson House Beyer Auditorium, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 306 S. Prospect Avenue, at Crescent Avenue, in Park Ridge, IL. Enter on Crescent Avenue.


View Mary Wilson House Beyer Auditorium in a larger map

Venue doors and box office open 1 hour prior to show time. Auditorium doors open for seating 30 minutes prior to show time. Venue is handicapped accessible. Be certain to notify the Box Office of special needs for handicapped patrons at time of reservation.

Ticket Information

• Seating: All seats are General Admission.
• Box Office Hours and Admission: Open 1 hour prior to show time. Auditorium doors open 30 minutes prior to show time.
• Adult tickets: Tickets are $25 when purchased at the Box Office on show dates. Tickets can be reserved by phone, or purchased online using a credit card.
• Student tickets: Tickets are $12 for school-age students (age 18 and under) who show a school ID. Price applies to tickets purchased in advance, or at the Box Office on show dates.
• To purchase tickets online using a credit card: Click the Purchase Tickets link at the top of the page. Credit card orders are accepted up until 3 hours prior to show time. Surcharges apply. Tickets will not be mailed, but will be held at the Box Office for pickup on the date of the show under your name.
• To reserve tickets by phone: Call (847) 553-4442 to reserve tickets. When placing your reservation, please provide: (1) first and last name; (2) phone (in case clarification is needed); (3) number of tickets requested; (4) any appropriate promotion codes; (5) performance date desired; (6) email address (for reservation confirmation). Tickets will not be mailed, but will be held at the Box Office for pickup under your name on the date of the show. Reserved tickets require payment by cash or by personal check at the Box Office prior to the show. Checks should be made payable to “Petite Opera Productions.”
• To purchase tickets online using a credit card: Click the Purchase Tickets link at the top of the page. Surcharges apply. Tickets will not be mailed, but will be held at the Box Office for pickup under your name on the date of the show.

Ticket Promotions
(Note:  only 1 discount per ticket per order. May not be combined with other discounts.)

• Adult tickets, purchased or reserved up to 3 hours prior to show time, receive a discount of $3 per ticket per order. Discount applies to tickets reserved by phone (847-553-4442) or purchased online via credit card. Discount will be automatically applied to online ticket orders and advance phone orders. Patron need not cite a promotion code to receive the discount. All orders received within the final 3 hours prior to show time will be charged full price. One discount per ticket per order applies. May not be combined with other discounts.
• Groups of 20 or more Adults can purchase tickets in advance (up to 3 hours prior to show time) for $20 each. Must cite discount code Group2020 at time of reservation or online purchase. Group of 20 tickets must be placed on one order, and paid in one lump sum. May not be combined with other discounts.
• For the October 30, October 31, November 6 and November 7 performances, every full-paying adult ticket at $25 also gets one student (school-age, age 18 or under, with school ID) in free. Patrons must cite discount code KidsPlus at time of reservation or online purchase. Same price applies whether order is placed in advance, or at the Box Office on show dates. Additional students attending with the full-paying adult are $12 each. When placing online orders, select Adult Quantity of “1” and Student Quantity of “1”. One discount per ticket per order applies. May not be combined with other discounts.

© 2009, copyright Petite Opera Productions