December 20 - 23, 2007
Jack Aernecke recently had the opportunity to interview Ela Stein Weissberger, who performed in Brundibar as a child in Theresienstadt and wrote a book entitled "The Cat and the Gold Star" based upon her experiences."...the only way how we were really fighting them (the nazis) was to show them with our... that we had hope to survive with music and art ...nothing else..." Ela Weissberger
First performed in 1951 as the first opera composed for television, Amahl and the Night Visitors tells the story of a kindhearted, disabled boy who makes up tall tales to soften his own reality. Amazingly, the one about seeing three kings on a camel turns out to be true, and the one gift he can offer the kings for the newly born Christ child, his crutch, changes his life. It is a warm and humorous story of the triumph of spirit and the healing power of love and generosity.
The second opera, Brundibar, was written in 1938 in Prague by Czech composer Hans Krasa. The storyline is classic fairytale along the lines of Hansel and Gretl. Two poor children decide to sing in the town square to raise money for milk for their ill mother. They are rebuffed by Brundibar, the evil organ grinder. Later helped by magical animals - the Cat, the Dog and the Sparrow - and the town school children, they turn the table and chase Brundibar away. Written as a metaphor with the organ grinder representing Hitler and the Nazi party, this opera was performed by the composer and children in the Theresienstadt concentration camp over 50 times. Recently, it was made into a children's book by Tony Kushner and Maurice Sendak.
Both Operas are sung in English
$25.00
Ela Stein Weisberger will speak at Theatretalk at 6:45
Cast list
Due to the increased volume of mail during the holidays, Proctors can not guarantee delivery of tickets and/or gift certificates before Christmas.
| Thursday, December 20 - 7:30 pm | Buy This Show |
| Friday, December 21 - 7:30 pm | Buy This Show |
| Saturday, December 22 - 2:00 pm | Buy This Show |
| Saturday, December 22 - 7:30 pm | Buy This Show |
| Sunday, December 23 - 2:00 pm | Buy This Show |
