The MSU Opera Theatre Ensemble presents Little Red Riding Hood, a children's opera, this Halloween weekend. Tracy Ross speaks to director Dr. Maribeth Crawford and two cast members, Ryn Jenkins (Little Red) and Staley Clark (Little Red's mother), about the upcoming performances.
Little Red Riding Hood follows the classic storyline of the Brothers Grimm tale with a few twists. The show is set to music by composer Seymour Barab with dialogue interspersed throughout. Crawford explains that one of the biggest differences is in the Big Bad Wolf.
"In the original Brothers Grimm, they're pretty graphic," Crawford begins. "They're pretty gruesome when you think about it. The Big Bad Wolf in this adaptation is not scary at all. He's very likable and funny and not meant to be scary at all. He has a sweet tooth, and Little Red uses that as a tactic to keep him away from her and her grandmother."
Crawford also says that while it's called an 'opera,' the show is very accessible. "Usually, when we think about opera, it feels stuffy. You have to act a certain way and dress a certain way. This is not that at all."
"It's interactive," she continues. "Our actors are moving through the audience, interacting with the audience. We are encouraging that kind of interaction. We hope the audience will feel like it's part of the performance.
"The music is really tuneful. It feels like you're listening to a musical. Yes, we have a lot of classical singers. But we also have some character singing as well. So, if you're used to seeing a musical, it won't be a very far stretch from that."
The addition of new characters also sets this adaptation apart. Clark says that she never thought much about the character of Little Red's mother when she was growing up. "When I saw there was a mother, I said, okay, that's interesting. She's very prim and proper compared to the other characters, which brings about that contrast of different characters in the show."
Crawford adds, "we viewed the mother as a '50s sitcom mother. One that always has a perfect casserole ready at the end of the night. She is in charge of making sure Little Red does what Little Red is supposed to do. Little Red has her own ideas."
As for the titular character, Jenkins says performing in a double-cast show provided its own set of new experiences. "We each have our own little approach, but the central theme of the character is that she's a little bit rebellious, a little bit spunky, and also kind of ditzy."
While the tale itself is a classic, costume designer Heidi Ortega has added a modern spin. "Yes, Little Red does have a red cape. But she's spunky. We'll just say that," Crawford laughs.
Audience members are also encouraged to wear costumes at both performances. "This is a wonderful show for little ones and adults alike. It definitely would be a great concert for children that have never been to a concert before because it's so interactive. Parents don't need to worry about if kids are being loud; it's encouraged," she continues.
"Be ready to laugh," Clark adds. "It's so funny. It's hysterical. You can tell all of us are having fun, and we want the audience to have fun, too. Be prepared to have the best time ever."
"It's not just humor for little kids, either," Jenkins says. "Of course, the show is directed at little kids. But there is humor that is applicable to all ages."
The show is one-act and lasts 50 minutes. "You'll be in and out in an hour," Crawford says. "As a whole, this show is a great show. They're all working together and bringing an element of improv to it. I just tell them where to go, and they bring the magic."
The MSU Opera Theatre Ensemble presents Little Red Riding Hood on Friday, October 29th, at 5 and 7 pm, and Saturday, October 30th, at 10 am and 12 noon. All performances will take place in the Performing Arts Hall, located on the second floor of the Old Fine Arts building on Murray State's main campus.
For more information, visit the MSU Opera Theatre Ensemble Facebook page.
