Opera Orlando offered free public performances of Humperdinck’s “Hansel & Gretel” on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Grand Avenue Neighborhood Center.

Olivia Yokers directed the famed opera in her Opera Orlando debut, with music direction by Nathan Cicero. The cast featured Alexandra Kzeski as Gretel, Ruoxi Bian as Hansel, Sarah Purser as the Witch, and Logan Tarwater as the Father.

“It is always fun bringing opera to the schools,” said Sarah Purser, who is also Opera Orlando’s education director, per an official press release. “Seeing second and third graders engage with this whimsical production has been heartwarming. We hope families will take advantage of these free performances—it’s the perfect weekend outing for all ages.”

The family-friendly production, sung in English, follows a seven-school tour across Central Florida featuring the company’s Studio Artists.

The showcase was presented in partnership with Orange County Public Schools, The School District of Osceola County, United Arts of Central Florida, and AdventHealth.

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