Chip & His Dog – Children's opera rocks onstage
Wednesday 13 June 2012, 8:01AM
By Opera Factory
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A mini opera by Menotti especially suitable for children and the young at heart will be presented onstage in the heart of Newmarket for four performances from 21 – 23 June.
The 60 minute production also includes Witches, Clowns and Promises, a delightful song cycle by New Zealand composer Phillip Norman, based on poems by Margaret Mahy.
Part of the Opera Factory’s ‘Opera Rocks’ youth programme, this delightful show tells of Chip, a poor instrument maker who is asked by the Kings’ messengers to send his trick-performing dog to try and make the young princess smile again.
Directed by the well-known professional opera director Linda Kitchen, the student cast includes Emily Briggs as Chip, Sophie Lamb as the beautiful Princess, Luca Heard as the forgetful messenger, Taylor Clark as the pesky Page and an ensemble of talented young singers and actors in other roles. Young Christchurch pianist Bradley Woods debuts as music director/pianist and designs are by John Eaglen.
Join Chip and his dog on their adventures into the palace of the sad Princess and enjoy the various court characters in their comical attempts to make the Princess smile again.
Gian-Carlo Menotti composed a number of operas for children’s audiences (Opera Factory has presented several of them over the years), but in Chip & His Dog, Menotti dictated that the opera is also to be performed by young people. This innovative youth production offers an excellent introduction to opera for children of all ages.
Chip & His Dog will be onstage at the Factory Theatre, 7 Eden Street, Newmarket on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 June at 6.30pm, and 11am and 2pm matinees on Saturday 23 June. All seats offer excellent viewing and the flat floor access is highly suitable for walkers, wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Tickets: Adults $20 Students/children $10 (children under 5 years are free.
What: Chip & His Dog
When: Thu 21/Fri 22 June at 6.30pm & Sat 23 June at 11am & 2pm
Where: The Factory Theatre, 7 Eden St, Newmarket, Auckland
How: Online www.iticket.co.nz