An opera fairytale fresh from the oven

Hansel and Gretel are hungry, and when they discover the witch’s house, they are willing to go further than ever before. The thrilling adventure quickly turns into a fight for survival, in which only the children’s cunning can save them.

This family opera is filled with suspense, entertainment, and chills. Beneath the fairy-tale magic lie darker themes of hunger, gluttony, and parents struggling with a loss of control.

This imaginative opera production has enchanted audiences around the world for over 20 years. Now, it arrives on the Main Stage of the Finnish National Opera in a brand-new Finnish translation, offering a tempting feast for families hungry for culture. The production features a 20-member children’s chorus from the Finnish National Opera.

A Lyric Opera of Chicago production. Production images: Cory Weaver.

“This imaginative, unconventional
and sometimes surreal take still manages to
deliciously defy expectations.” – The Chicago Sun Times

“Hänsel und Gretel Is Surreal (and Timely)” – The New York Times

“I couldn’t help but feel the magic all over again” – OperaWire

synopsis

Once upon a time…

Deep in the forest near Ilsenstein lies an ominous stone, known in German folklore as the witches’ home.

In a broom-maker’s cottage, Hansel complains of hunger. Gretel shows him the milk that a neighbour has brought for the family’s supper. The children begin to dance. When their mother returns home, she is displeased with how little work they have done. She accidentally spills the milk and sends the children into the forest to pick strawberries.

Read full synopsis

Meanwhile, their father arrives home, drunk. Laying out the food he has purchased, he asks where Hansel and Gretel are. When he learns that they have been sent into the forest, he warns his wife about the witch said to lurk there. Realising their children are in danger, the parents rush out to find them.

Deep in the forest, Hansel picks strawberries. As the children listen to a cuckoo calling, they eat the berries until none remain. In the now silent forest, Hansel confesses to Gretel that he is lost. They are gripped by fear, but eventually, they fall asleep.

When they wake, they discover a gingerbread house that has mysteriously appeared while they slept. Entranced, they step inside. Soon, they come face to face with the witch, who decides to fatten Hansel up for her sinister plans and casts a spell over him.

The witch’s oven burns hot. Gretel breaks the witch’s spell and frees Hansel. When the witch orders Gretel to check the oven, she feigns ignorance, forcing the witch to demonstrate. The moment the witch leans in, the children push her inside and slam the door shut. The oven explodes, and the enchanted gingerbread children who lived under the witch’s spell spring back to life. Hansel and Gretel are found by their parents, and together the family gives thanks, happy to be safe and reunited once more.

The classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm

gallery

creative team

cast

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Pricing

tickets and performances

Tickets to season ticket performances will go on sale on 31 July at 12 p.m.

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