SARATOGA SPRINGS — Opera Saratoga will present Opera-To-Go performances of Jack and the Beanstalk to over 50 public and private schools throughout the region from February 24 to March 28. Each year, Opera Saratoga tours a production to schools throughout the greater Capital Region and lower Adirondack regions of NY, and the lower Hudson Valley. The performances feature charismatic professional artists who love to share their joy of music and theater through opera, as well as through question and answer sessions where students have the opportunity to meet the artists and learn about the music and what it takes to put on a performance. In a world where the default forms of entertainment for children are primarily television, video games and the internet, Opera Saratoga’s Opera-to-Go program provides youth with an all-too-rare opportunity to experience the visceral thrill of the live performing arts, up close and personal.
Opera Saratoga Artistic and General Director Lawrence Edelson has once again hired a former directing fellow of the company’s nationally acclaimed Young Artist program to direct the new production.
“David Toro is a very talented emerging director who served as the Assistant Director on our critically acclaimed productions of Falstaff and The Cradle Will Rock during our 2017 Summer Festival. He recently made his directing debut with Minnesota Opera directing Jonathan Dove’s Flight, and has created for us a whimsical production of the classic fairytale that provides a wonderful introduction to the world of opera for children,” said Edelson.
Opera Saratoga’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk is an adaptation of Joseph Jacob’s classic tale, featuring music from the operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan. Adapted by Jon Davies and sung in English, Jack and the Beanstalk takes students on an adventure that will delight and enchant, all while teaching them important life lessons. “Our Opera-to-Go productions provide students with an introduction to opera through stories that they are already familiar with,” said Edelson. “Through this production, students are exposed to operatic music and classical singing, while exploring the important themes of trusting your instincts, and living with honor and integrity.”
Opera Saratoga’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk will feature soprano Tessa McQueen, tenor Andrew McGowan, and bass-baritone Christopher Seefeldt. Nicholas Pothier serves as music director and the narrator for the production.
In addition to in-school performances of Jack and Beanstalk, Opera Saratoga has increased the number of free public performances offered to the community on the weekends. Opera Saratoga’s increased investment in free community performances ensures that families throughout the region have access to opera. Performance dates, times and venues for the free performances are as follows:
• Schuylerville Public Library
Saturday, March 7 @ 2:30 p.m.
52 Ferry Street, Schuylerville
• Saratoga Springs Public Library
Saturday, March 14 @ 2 p.m.
49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs
