Nevada Opera

To view an interview with Monica Harte (and a Reno Gazette-Journal article) please visit

http://www.rgj.com/article/20121230/LIV/312300031

Nevada Opera presented Jack and the Beanstalk, a new opera for the whole family by young Norwegian composer Dan Henry Bøhler. Performed as part of Nevada Opera's Resident Artists Program , the cast included local favorites Julie Lenz, Karen Solaegui-Lyman, and Becky Earl. The performance was enhanced by a fascinating animated backdrop. In addition, The composer joined us for this world premiere of his work.

Click here for photos from the dress rehearsal.

The show was performed twice each day from Jan. 4 through Jan. 6 at Reno Little Theater , 147 East Pueblo Street, Reno. Performances were at 5:30 and 7:00 pm on Friday, January 4th and at 2:00 and 3:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets were $20 for adults, $10 for children and seniors. 

Our production ran about 45 minutes and was in 2 acts - no intermission - each with 3 scenes. The first act ends just as the Giant is about to enter.To hear the music of the opera and read the lyrics click here for a 10-part YouTube.

This story highlights the Magic Ants who work for the Giant, Jill the Magic Harp, the mysterious Salesman, Jack, his outrageous Mom and of course the Giant. The Goose makes a few animated appearances as well in this fun-packed show. A picture of one of the costumes we're getting (work-ant) is shown at the right. Our costumes will be without the head piece so they can sing.

Jack’s village is in the middle of a terrible drought. Jack’s mom has sent him to the village to sell their cow Milky-White. In the village, the two merchants tell Jack to give up trying to sell the cow in the middle of a drought just as a mysterious gentleman approaches Jack to offer him a chance to take the cow for the “Sprout of Drought.” The Sprout of Drought thrives in a drought and will help save the village. Jack is so excited he runs home to tell his mom. Jack’s mom however is furious that he gave Milky White the cow away and throws the beans away. The beanstalk grows during the night and Jack climbs it as soon as he sees it. The beanstalk takes Jack to the Giant’s castle where the friendly Ants and the Ant Queen, Pomulere are throwing a party while the Giant is away. It turns out the Giant has taken creatures from all over to work in his castle, including the Ants, the Goose, the Harp, and even Messy Mouse. Jack wants to save them all and gets them to cooperate to save everyone and everyone’s village by fighting the Giant with cooperation. The Giant ends up defeated and Pomulere sends a letter and gold to Jack’s village.

All backdrops in all scenes are animated. The giant is filmed in HD - green screen and appears three times as high as a full grown person . The size of the giant changes his movements. Cinematic techniques are utilized to slow the giant's movements down slightly while keeping his speech and song the same speed as the other singers/actors.

Our cast (if name highlighted click for biography and photo)