Bathed in lush video projections as well as gorgeous late-19th-century music, the Canadian Opera Company’s latest effort promises so much. But like the witch’s sweet confections, this brand new production of “Hansel and Gretel” has too many empty calories. Working in partnership with the Banff Centre, Toronto opera director Joel Ivany — best known for his imaginative work with Against the Grain Theatre — and a crew of inspired digital visionaries have updated Engelbert Humperdinck’s 1893 German opera to the present day. Based on one of the creepy early-19th-century children’s fables by the Brothers Grimm, “Hansel and Gretel” is a story of escape from an oppressive home, capture by an evil witch and ultimate redemption. And a substantial contingent from the Canadian Children’s Opera Company deserve a round of applause for excellent work in the final scene.

Source: thestar February 07, 2020 20:37 UTC