SHRINKING THE SCALE, NOT THE MAGIC

Coachella Valley Classical Voices’ recent production of Hansel and Gretel, the beloved 1893 opera by Engelbert Humperdinck, ran this past weekend at Palm Canyon Theatre, which provided the space. The result was a fresh, intimate twist on the classic tale, a charming evening of music and storytelling, featuring a talented ensemble, efficient direction, and strong performances.

The familiar Grimm tale follows two hungry siblings lost in the forest who stumble upon a witch’s enchanted gingerbread house—tempting, terrifying, and ultimately their salvation through cleverness and courage. Jenne Carey as Gretel brought warmth and an adventurous spirit to the role, providing a strong contrast to Ivonne Ibarra’s playful yet grounded Hansel. Their chemistry was delightful, capturing the sibling bond beautifully. Natalie Mann, as the Witch, was a standout with striking, menacing energy that conveyed the character’s malevolence in a compact yet effective manner. Her presence dominated the stage with sly humor and controlled menace.

In the more grounded roles, Louis Salcido as the Father and Michelle Fiore as the Dew Fairy both gave nuanced performances. Salcido’s portrayal of the worried father was human and relatable, while Fiore, as the magical being who awakens the children at dawn, brought an ethereal lightness that added charm to the evening. Christina Marie Harrell, as the Sandman who lulls the siblings to sleep in the forest, offered a serene, dreamlike presence that beautifully bridged fantasy and reality.

The Gingerbread Children—Enzo Groves, Killian Harrell, Aria Harrell, and Yaneli Medina—were delightful in their brief but memorable moments. Their innocence and joy added a welcome lightness to the otherwise dark tale, and their youthful energy was infectious.

Kurt Jordan served as pianist for the production, providing solid musical accompaniment throughout. His playing was expressive and dynamic, sensitively matching the emotional shifts of Humperdinck’s score.

One of the highlights of this production was its bilingual approach. The seamless alternation between English and Spanish in the lyrics was both refreshing and impactful. It was rewarding to see language used in a way that reflected the diverse audience, making the performance feel personal and inclusive.

The production was expertly directed by Doug Nagel, who managed the abbreviated format with finesse, keeping the pacing tight while preserving the essence of the story. His direction gave the performance a professional polish while maintaining an approachable, family-friendly atmosphere. (Since Nagel founded the organization in 2022, CV Classical Voices has played a key role in developing operatic programming for the Coachella Valley.)

What emerged was more than a shortened fairy tale—it was a reminder that opera, even on a modest scale, can still dazzle when performed with heart and purpose. This Hansel and Gretel may have skipped the full-orchestra spectacle, but what it offered instead was something rarer: opera that felt homemade, heartfelt, and perfectly bite-sized.

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photos courtesy of CVCV

Hansel and Gretel
Coachella Valley Classical Voices
Palm Canyon Theatre, 538 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs
played November 1 and 2, 2025
1 hour 15 minutes
for more info, visit CV Classical Voices