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Your News: Opera Naples performs Little Red Riding Hood in area schools this week
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As children we learned the story of Little Red Riding Hood as our mother read it from a book or we watched it on television. This week, May 12-16, Opera Naples is bringing the famed child’s tale to life as only this unique production company can on its tour of 13 area schools.
“We are the first group to bring an outside art production into the schools here in Southwest Florida,” said Steffanie Pearce, general artistic director of Opera Naples. “Any age group would find it entertaining.”
When a grant did not come through, a generous anonymous donation allowed Opera Naples to reach out to the youth and bring its classical song, instruments, costumes, and scenery directly into the schools. The small touring group of three actors, a piano player, and a flutist will visit two schools each day, performing the 45-minute show before a total of 3,000 children. With community support, Opera Naples hopes to continue its in-school productions for years to come.
The Seymour Barab opera is written in rhyme. “Not only is it a fun show, but Little Red Riding Hood also has valuable lessons weaved into its fairytale story, including ‘never talk to strangers and always listen to your mother. ‘” Pearce said.
The cast includes Daniel Beilinski as the Wolf and Lillian Bouche as Little Red Riding Hood, both music majors from Ave Maria University. Pamela Jiminez, a recent Miami University graduate, sings “Little Red” and Melissa Vitrellas, of Orlando Opera Young Artists, sings the parts of Mother and Grandmother. Music Director Robin Frank will accompany on piano and Wendy Willis on flute.
School schedule:
Monday, May 12: Tommy Barfield 9:30-11 a.m.; Manatee Elementary 1-2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 13: Parkside 9:30-11 a.m.; Lely Elementary 1-2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 14: Golden Gate Intermediate 9:30-11 a.m.; St. Elizabeth Seton 1-2:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 15: Pelican Marsh 9:30-11 a.m.; First Baptist Academy 1-2:30 p.m.
Friday, May 16: Poinciana 9:30-11 a.m.; Osceola 1-2:30 p.m.
For more information about Opera Naples, Southwest Florida’s Professional Regional Opera Company and their 2008-2009 season schedule of performances, visit the website at www.operanaples.com or call (239) 287-8694.
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