Enchanted household objects and animals, the spoiled child who torments them, and a story of redemption is the focus of "L'enfant et les sortilèges," or “The Child and the Magic.” The opera, written by Maurice Ravel with a libretto by Colette, was first performed in 1925. Rebecca Kreider is stage director for the West Virginia University Opera production, which will be performed in English.

In the opera, the spoiled yet lonely child tries to amuse himself, but does so by acting selfishly toward the objects and animals in his world. As they begin to mutiny, he sees the effect his recklessness has had all around him. The whimsical story ends with the child gaining redemption when he learns to act with compassion toward others.

Along with the live performers, the orchestra includes a flute, cello and two pianos, conducted by Shaun Hancher. Performances will be held in the Antoinette Falbo Theatre of the Canady Creative Arts Center on Friday October 21 and Saturday October 22 at 7:30 pm, with a special matinee on Saturday October 22 at 2:00 pm specifically for families and younger audience members. 

Evening presentations will also include performances of three food-centric pieces, Lee Hoiby’s Bon Appetit (with Julia Child), Leonard Bernstein’s La Bonne Cuisine, and Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Priest from Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. See Blythe Walker as Julia Child baking a delectable chocolate cake, Adelaide McDonald whipping up oxtail stew and other exotic dishes, and Raia Redick and Alan Cline as Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd experimenting with…’new recipes.’

Reserve your free ticket at: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/opera-1230729?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=creatorshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=odclsxcollection&utm-source=cp&aff=escb