Vashon Opera will present Engelbert Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel” on May 29 and 31 at the Vashon Center for the Arts.

The production marks the stage directing debut of Artistic Director Allison Pohl.

Mezzo-soprano Laurel Semerdjian makes her Vashon Opera debut in the role of Hänsel. She is joined by lyric coloratura Emma Petersen, also making her company debut, as Gretel. Local drag queen Anita Spritzer takes on the role of Die Knusperhexe. Company founders Jennifer and Andy Krikawa appear as the children’s parents, and Ellaina Lewis makes her Vashon Opera debut in the dual roles of Sandmännchen and Taumännchen.

The opera is sung in German with English supertitles and runs approximately two hours with one intermission.