Tuesday, January 22, 2008

SMU Page Series presents ‘Hansel and Gretel’ Feb. 7


WINONA, Minn. — A musical performance of “Hansel and Gretel,” will come to life through giant puppets, special effects, and beautiful costumes, Thursday, Feb. 7, at Saint Mary’s University. The Page Series will host the performance, produced by Theatre Sans Fil, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Page Theatre, located in the SMU Performance Center.

The familiar children’s tale will be accompanied by an orchestral soundtrack, created by Engelbert Humperdinck, that is based on Grimms’ fairly tale.

In “Hansel and Gretel,” the brother and sister are sent into the woods in search of strawberries, but are abandoned by their evil stepmother. Lost in the woods, they find a house made of candies and – unable to resist – they begin to eat it. The inhabitant of the house, an old woman, is actually a witch who has built the house to capture children, so that she may fatten and eat them. The children must rely on the only thing they have to save their lives – their wit.

Theatre Sans Fil, founded in Quebec in 1971, has performed across four continents in more than 25 countries, and has earned international recognition for its works with adults and children.

All tickets are $6, and are available by calling the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Make it dinner and a show. Pre-show dinners are provided by Chartwells Catering. Seating begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Toner Student Center, located next to the Performance Center. Adult dinners cost $20 and include chicken, beef, and vegetarian options, along with beverages and dessert. Bottles of wine may be purchased for an extra fee. Children’s dinners cost $12 and include mac-n-cheese or chicken fingers with sides, beverages, and dessert. Orders will be accepted up to three days prior to the event; order online or by phone.