Texarkana College Archives

‘Hansel and Gretel,’ College-Community Opera Staged In Auditorium Tonight

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The final performance of Engelbert Humperdinck’s opera “Hansel and Gretel” will be presented tonight in the Texarkana Community College Auditorium. The production is a joint effort of the Texarkana community and the College.

Humperdinck chose the German forest as the setting for his opera because of the folklore and fantasy connected with the area. Colorful costumes and the enchanting scenery of the TC production contribute to the mood of the story.

The opera concerns two children, Hansel and Gretel, portrayed by Linda Strickland and Kathy Merchant, who get lost in the forest and find their way to the gingerbread house of the witch, played by Mrs. Sue Beasley Gray, teacher at St. James Day School.

“NOW THAT THE CHILDREN ARE GONE!” — Mother, played by Mrs. Sue McCrossin, and Father, portrayed by Ronnie Myers, partake of a little refreshment while Hansel and Gretel are out getting themselves “lost” in the haunted forest.

Ronnie Myers, local businessman, sings the role of the father, a broom maker, and Mrs. Sue McCrossen, TC music instructor, sings the mother’s role. Jephri Morgan appears as the Sandman.

Also appearing in the show in the gingerbread children’s choir are members of the First Baptist Church and students from the upper school of St. James Day School.

Featured as angels in the production is Judith McCarty Ballet Corps. The show is musically directed by Mrs. McCrossen, and Mrs. Nancy Keyton of the TC drama department is stage designer-director. Sara Coble, TC sophomore, is student director.

“CHARMING CHILDREN — SO NICE TO EAT!” — sings the Witch as Hansel (Linda Strickland) and Gretel (Kathy Merchant), caught nibbling the gingerbread house, struggle with the enchanting sorceress (Mrs. Sue Beasley Grey) in a scene from the classic children’s tale Hansel and Gretel, which opened last night — and is in final performance tonight in the college auditorium.