The story is from a fairy tale, but what makes “Billy Goats Gruff” different is the music: It comes from opera scores by Mozart, Donizetti and Rossini.
Aimed at children 10 and under, the 40-minute show will be held at The Prizery in South Boston on Saturday, April 30, at 3 p.m. The four performers will be singers trained in the Tyler Young Artists program sponsored by the Opera on the James in Lynchburg, Virginia.
The story revolves around an after-school game of hide and seek by three billy-goat friends, who are blocked by a bully from going home. Rather than become violent, the billy goats find a way to turn the bully into a new friend.
Though people think of opera as upper-class entertainment for adults, it can appeal to children with its slapstick, ridiculous plots and melodramatic scenes. Opera on the James has also performed Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” and “The Barber of Seville” for children and several fairy tales with opera music, such as “The Three Little Pigs” and “Little Red Riding Hod.” Some performances have been at elementary schools and museums.
For all ages, the company will perform “Festival of Melody,”, at 7 p.m. the same day. It is a mix of music from opera, Broadway, film and other genres
Tickets for “Billy Goats Gruff” cost $8 for students and $15 for adults., with a family 4-pack $20. The Festival of Melody prices range from $15 to $20 for adults and $13 to $18 for students, military, and seniors. Tickets are available at www.prizery.org or by calling 434-572-8339.
Original source can be found here.
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