Spotlight on Opera presents free children’s opera in July
SHREVEPORT, LA — The Spotlight on Opera program headquartered at Centenary College has a special treat for young patrons this month, with free performances of the short opera Little Red Riding Hood scheduled at various locations in Shreveport. Though geared toward children ages 4 and above, audiences of all ages will enjoy this charming musical rendition of the classic fairy tale.
In Spotlight on Opera’s production, Little Red's mom tells her to head straight to Grandma's with a basket of goodies and make sure she doesn't talk to strangers. But the Big Bad Wolf is a smooth talker, and Little Red can't resist stopping by the strawberry patch. The audience is along for the ride as Little Red tries to outsmart Big Bad and save Grandma.
"Little Red was the first children's opera Spotlight produced, back in 2015, and it was such a hit we've been doing one every year since,” says Spotlight director and Centenary artist-in-residence Cindy Sadler. “We're thrilled to be bringing it to Shreveport, in venues like the Shriner's Children's Hospital, Friendship House, Shreve Memorial Library, the Norton Art Gallery, and area churches. Teens and grownups like it, too!"
Little Red was written by Seymour Barab. The 2018 summer production is directed by Bruce Cain and features the musical talents of collaborative pianist Adam Philley. Participants in the Spotlight on Opera summer program make up the cast, including Emily Schrader and Michelle Smartt as Little Red Riding Hood, Sarah Stankiewicz Dailey as Grandma, and Maeli Mesilemit and John Lackey as The Wolf.
Free public performances of Little Red will be presented on July 11 at 10:00 a.m. at the Norton Art Gallery, July 12 at 11:00 a.m. at the Broadmoor Branch of the Shreve Memorial Library, and July 27 at 2:00 p.m. at the Anderson Auditorium at Centenary College. All performances are free, but tax-deductible donations to the Spotlight on Opera program are welcome. Reservations are suggested for the July 11 performance at the Norton Art Gallery due to space limitations. Please call the Norton at 318.865.4201 to inquire about reservations.
Visit SpotlightOnOpera.com for more information about the entire Spotlight on Opera summer 2018 season.