Hansel and Gretel
By Englebert Humperdinck, Libretto by Adelheid Wette

Translation by David Pountney; orchestral reduction by Michael Vinten
Produced by NBR/New Zealand Opera
Directed by Michael Hurst

New Zealand tour, 29 June-13 August 2008

Reviews

New Zealand Herald:  "Michael Hurst's hi-energy production of Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel premiered to a full house in Kerikeri on Sunday night and is ready to take on the country.  Hurst injects a touch of grand guignol panto into this classic fairytale opera and his cast of five play it to the hilt. . . . As a lively, provocative night at the theatre, Hansel and Gretel is a winner."

National Business Review:  "Director Michael Hurst has given the opera a freshness and unity, balancing the fairy tale, the cautionary tale and the sinister with a careful hand and an understanding of the links between the dramatic and musical elements of the work."

Listener:  "The fact that this is a touring production has limited nothing.  In fact, it has spurred Hurst and Verryt to feats of imaginative storytelling and interpretation.  . . . The performance in Kerikeri was sold out, so grab your tickets in a town near you while you still can."

theatreview.co.nz:  "Director Michael Hurst acquits himself very well with this, his first opera.  He works with the grain of the music to present a clear telling of the story with occasional peeks at the dark side of the Grimms tale."

Metro:  "It’s director Michael Hurst’s first opera, and under his guidance, the production is energetic and fast-paced."

Media

Preview, New Zealand Herald:  "Hurst is directing Hansel and Gretel straight on the back of his production of Threepenny Opera at the Maidment. 'I thought this would be easier, less people,' he says. 'True - less people, but this sea of music.  I am a bit stressed.   I am blinking a bit slower than I would normally do,' he adds with a laugh."