College of Fine Arts and Design

April 15, 2010

The University of Central Oklahoma hopes to introduce young audiences to the joys of comic one-act operas with performances of "Little Red Riding Hood" and "The Toy Shop," April 22-25 at Mitchell Hall Theater on Central's campus.

"The stories are well known and the music is beautiful. These are operas that are good for the whole family," said Kevin Eckard, UCO associate professor of voice and director of opera.

The fully staged operas, which are a production of Central's School of Music, will begin at 7:30 p.m. for the April 22-24 performances. The Sunday matinee will begin at 2 p.m.

Both operas were written by Seymour Barab, a contemporary composer who has created many short operas for children.

"Little Red Riding Hood" is based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale. "The Toy Shop" is a fable about a toymaker who creates two life-like dolls. Because the toymaker won't sell the dolls - which he regards as his children - an evil magician tries to steal them.

"These operas are frequently performed throughout the United States and they have delighted audiences," Eckard added.

For tickets, call the Mitchell Hall Theater box office at (405) 974-3375. Prices are $4 for UCO students with ID cards, $10 for non UCO-students, UCO faculty and staff members and seniors 55 years and older and $14 for adults.

For a complete schedule of UCO College of Fine Arts and Design performances and events, visit www.uco.edu/fineartsanddesign.