Fall 2010 Production - Hansel and Gretel

Petite Opera Productions proudly announces its fall 2010 production of Hansel and Gretel. Eight performances are slated of this classic favorite, based on the Grimm's Brothers fairy tale. Performances feature professional vocalists, a children’s chorus, ballet dancers, and orchestra.

Hold these dates open to see these wonderful performances, in English:

Friday, November 5, 2010 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 2:00 PM
Sunday, November 7, 2010 at 4:00 PM
Friday, November 12, 2010 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 2:00 PM
Sunday, November 14, 2010 at 4:00 PM
Friday, November 19, 2010 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 7:30 PM

The company is holding auditions for the children’s chorus on Saturday, August 21, by appointment. Click here for more information.

© 2010, copyright Petite Opera Productions

TeaLula in Park Ridge Blends Special POP Tea

In honor of the launch of the new company Petite Opera Productions, and its inaugural production of "Al Fresco,"  TeaLula, a new tea shop at 11 S Fairview Avenue in Park Ridge, Illinois (847.823.8327), has blended a special custom tea for us. This complimentary tea will be served to patrons during intermission at the Sunday, November 8 performance of Al Fresco: Life Through Opera-Colored Glasses.

“The Petite Opera tea blends white and green teas with pineapple and mango,” says Sheila Duda, proprietor of Tea Lula. “A special blend of comedy and opera deserves its own special tea.”

© 2009, copyright Petite Opera Productions

Al Fresco Dining

Wondering where to eat brunch or dinner before an upcoming performance of Al Fresco: Life Through Opera-Colored Glasses?  Here are some spots located near the Mary Wilson House Beyer Auditorium:

Pickwick Restaurant (Continental with Greek specialties)
1 S Prospect Ave
Park Ridge, IL 60068-4101
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pickwick-restaurant-park-ridge

Houlihan’s Restaurant Inc. (Continental)
550 W Touhy Ave
Park Ridge, IL 60068-4276
(847) 692-6205
http://www.houlihans.com

Hay Caramba Restaurant (Mexican)
122 S Prospect Ave
Park Ridge, IL 60068-4035
http://www.haycaramba.com

Don Juan’s Restaurante (Mexican)
6730 N Northwest Hwy
Chicago, IL 60631-1320
http://www.donjuanschicago.com

Nonno Pino’s Italian Kitchen (Italian)
6718 N Northwest Hwy
Chicago, IL 60631
http://nonnopinositaliankitchen.com/

© 2009, copyright Petite Opera Productions

More Great Reviews of Al Fresco

And the reviews keep coming in for Petite Opera Productions' Al Fresco: Life Through Opera-Colored Glasses which premiered this past weekend:

"'Al Fresco' and the performers in it were absolutely FABULOUS!!! We enjoyed the show so much. I can't tell you how impressed, thrilled, proud, and honored I feel that we were able to share this experience. There was so much invested in so many facets of this evening's performance and the production itself that it was just amazing. WOW!!! BBBBBRRRRRAAAAAVVVVVOOOOO!!!"

Bill and Jeri Kwaak

© 2009, copyright Petite Opera Productions

And Yet Another Review!

Guess what? More reviews of Al Fresco: Life Through Opera-Colored Glasses which premiered this past weekend:

"I have been attending the Lyric Opera since the 1980's, and have to say that ‘Al Fresco: Life Through Opera-Colored Glasses’ was more entertaining than any of the productions I have seen in years! I laughed so hard so many times during the performance that I thought I would burst! This show is an absolute gem! Everyone should see it!"

Joan Dapper

© 2009, copyright Petite Opera Productions

A Successful Weekend Premiere of Al Fresco

Petite Opera Productions had a very successful opening of Al Fresco: Life Through Opera-Colored Glasses this past weekend.  In fact, here is a testimonial from one patron:

"Having gone to the opening night of the newly-formed Petite Opera Productions' (POP) “Al Fresco: Life through Opera-Colored Glasses,” I enthusiastically recommend it to anyone who loves music or is afraid but curious of that classical genre known as “opera.” Comedic timing, precise elocution, and expressive singing are fundamentals in delivering such a performance effectively, and I was not disappointed. One can certainly appreciate the integrity and artistry with which these professionals performed and how they related to the audience members. Perhaps, the greatest strength of these artists' work was the modernization of classic opera characters and scenes (and even stereotypes) in a manner that is both appealing to youngsters and adults first encountering opera, as well as to those of us who are opera devotees – the latter of whom would also treasure the musical puns and jokes delivered in both the script and the music. So, take your family and friends and enjoy a delightful evening of what POP calls “Spooferetta.”

Wilbert O. Watkins
Conductor/Music Educator

© 2009, copyright Petite Opera Productions

POP Is Calling All Kids!

Petite Opera Productions (POP) wants every grade school, middle school and high school youth to be exposed to fun, friendly opera. And now, our new KidsPlus promotion is just the ticket!

For the October 30, October 31, November 6 and November 7, 2009 performances of Al Fresco: Life Through Opera-Colored Glasses, every full-paying adult ticket at $25 will also receive a free ticket for one student (school-age, age 18 or under, with school ID) to be admitted to the same performance. Patrons just need to cite the discount code at the time of ticket reservation (call +1 (847) 553-4442), online purchase (click Purchase Tickets) or Box Office purchase to receive the discount. Additional students attending the same performance with the full-paying adult are $12 each.

When placing online orders, patrons should select "1" as the Adult Quantity and "1" as the Student Quantity.  If additional students will attend the same performance with the same adult, select the total quantity of students that will attend. Discounts will be deducted at online checkout.

Note: One discount per ticket per order applies. This discount may not be combined with other discounts.

Photo: Surprise!via Flickr used under Creative Commons 3.0 license.

© 2009, copyright Petite Opera Productions