Spring 2011: UAA Opera Ensemble presents 'A French Gala of One-Act Operas'

Thursday, April 14, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 15, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 16, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 17, 4 p.m.
UAA Fine Arts, Recital Hall

The UAA Opera Ensemble presents Francis Poulenc's "Les Mamelles deTiresias" (The Breasts of Theresa) and Maurice Ravel's "L'Enfant et les Sortileges" (The Child and Magic Fancies).

"L'Enfant et les Sortileges" tells the story of a young neglected boy who acts out his anger by stomping on his toys and tearing out the pages in his storybooks. The characters he has destroyed come to life, and through his interaction with them he becomes aware of the sadness underneath his anger and develops compassion for the very squirrel that he was so quick to abuse earlier. Mark Bautista plays the young boy, with Amaryah Robinson in the dual role of the mother and storybook Princess. Erano Yongco, Kate Scharzer, George Yang, Mary Powell, Amanda Farnsworth, Jane Park Drebert and Sujin Scott complete the cast of imaginary characters.

"Les Mamelles de Tiresias" is a comedy of gender reversal, as a wife and husband decide to swap roles and reunite at the end with a greater appreciation for each other. Theresa, newly named as Tiresias, departs to succeed in numerous manly professions, while the husband assumes the task of making babies, hundreds of them. They are supported by a host of colorful characters who contribute further to the gender bending. Faculty member Anastasia Jamieson alternates with voice major Kate Schwarzer in the role of Therese. Waylon Waddell plays the husband, with George Yang, Mark Bautistia, Erano Yongco, Mary Powell, Amanda Farnsworth, Amaryah Robinson, Jon Minton and Sujin Scott completing the cast.

Maestro Richard Gordon, a resident guest artist supported by the Anchorage Opera and the UAA "Experience the Arts" grant will act as music director and head vocal coach. Mari Hahn stage directs both operas, assisted by Jon Minton for "Les Mamelles."

Tickets are $15 for the general public and $10 for students. For tickets, please call UAA Box Office (907) 786-4849 or Centertix.net (907) 263-2787. UAA Student Tickets are sold only at UAA Fine Arts Building Box Office.