HGO’S HANSEL AND GRETEL PRODUCTION

Originally seen at London's Royal Ballet and Opera, this unique version of Engelbert Humperdinck’s classic opera is full of eye candy. Here’s what to look for!

Mané Galoyan as Gretel, Jamie Barton as the Witch, and Sasha Cooke as Hansel in HGO's 2026 production of Hansel and Gretel. (photo credit: Michael Bishop)

The Alpine valley

The production transports audiences to an Alpine valley, the setting for Hansel and Gretel’s adventure, using a drop curtain.

Antony McDonald's design of the production's drop curtain.

The House

Here's a great idea: Why not give the Witch not just a house, but a house made of cake? Complete with a cherry on top!

Hansel and Gretel with the Gingerbread Children. (photo credit: Michael Bishop)

The stage frame w/ cuckoo clock

Bordering the stage, there’s a big wooden frame with a cuckoo clock. Watch for the bird to pop out, and keep an eye on the giant bugs. They move—just very, very slowly!

the forest creatures

The production fills the forest with animals and magical beings including a hunter deer and a woodcutter fox.The production fills the forest with animals and magical beings including a hunter deer and a woodcutter fox.

Hansel and Gretel take a nap as they are protected by Brothers Grimm fairytale characters. (photo credit: Michael Bishop)

paper angels

While in some productions, performers play the angels who protect the children in the forest, this one has a new character, the Will-o’-the-Wisp, who cuts the angels out of paper.

Megan Mikailovna Samarin as Sandman and Silken Kelly as Will o' the wisp in HGO's production of Hansel and Gretel. (Photo credit: Michael Bishop)

the vat of chocolate

In most stagings, Hansel and Gretel beat the Witch at her own game using an oven. But in this one, it’s a big vat of chocolate…

Mané Galoyan as Gretel and Sasha Cooke as Hansel in HGO's production of Hansel and Gretel. (photo credit: Michael Bishop)

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HGO Staff

Houston Grand Opera Staff Members