SOUTH PORTLAND – The legend of “Hansel and Gretel” is coming to The Portland Players’ stage as an elaborate musical production.

The magical tale describes how two desperately poor but bright children neutralize the magical powers of an evil witch and thereby save the children of the world. This production has a long history of special holiday performances throughout the world.

The music by Engelbert Humperdinck is universal. It includes the songs “Susie, Little Susie,” “Brother, Come And Dance With Me” and the beautiful “Children’s Prayer.”

“Hansel and Gretel” is directed by David Goulet with music direction by Aaron Robinson. The role of Hansel will be performed by Meghan Marino, a senior at the University of Southern Maine School of Music who has won many awards for her singing both in Maine and in Boston.

“Gretel” will be performed by Laura Darrell, a senior at North Yarmouth Academy who has appeared as soloist with The Portland Symphony in Magic of Christmas Concerts and was described by one critic as “Maine’s answer to Charlotte Church.”

Rosina Daintymouth, the witch, will be performed by Judith Cornell who has had a long and distinguished career as a singer in opera and oratorio. Susan Brinker will sing the role of the mother, father will be sung by L. Jay Gould, the Sandman by Katie Yosua and the Dew-Fairy by Catherine Goetchius.

This popular musical is especially created for children but is wholesome theatrical entertainment for the entire family.

“Hansel and Gretel” opens Friday, Nov. 26 (the day after Thanksgiving), and runs through the first weekend in December, closing Sunday, Dec. 5.

For more information and tickets to this fund-raiser, people can contact the box office, (207) 799-7337.

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