The opera participants will include current music majors and minors, our Bridge to Independence students,  local high, middle and elementary school students from surrounding parishes, alumni, and international artist, Stacey Lee Chamblin, who will play the role of the mother, from San Jose, Costa Rica. This will be an historic performance, enhanced to include a reduced orchestra comprised of members of our music faculty, alumni, current students, the Louisiana Philharmonic and Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestras.

Our Cast:

Taree Nichols, Gretel, Junior, Vocal Music Education Major, Nicholls State University

Kyle Davis, Hansel, Junior, Vocal Music Education Major, Nicholls State University

Roland Bennett, Father, Nicholls State University Vocal Music Education Major, Alumnus, Music Instructor, Morgan City High School

Stacy Lee Chamblin, Mother, International Vocal Artist, San Jose, Costa Rica, Voice Teacher, Fermata Academy

Tonia LeBlanc-Hampton, Witch, Nicholls State University Vocal Music Education Major, Alumnus, Music Instructor, Estelle Elementary School

Megan Messina, Sandman, Senior Computer Technology Systems Major, Vocal Music Minor, Nicholls State University

Brooklyn Burt, Dew Fairy, Freshman, Vocal Music Minor, Nicholls State University

Dr. Valerie Anne Jones Francis, Executive Artistic Director

Casey Haynes, Assistant Artistic Director, Pianist

Dr. Jason Scott Ladd, Conductor

Dr. Raquel Cortina, Opera Consultant

Dr. Michael Bartnik, Chair, Nicholls State University Department of Music

Participating Schools:

BASIS Baton Rouge Primary-Mid City Campus
Bayou Blue Middle
Bayou Community Academy
Berwick High
eLearning Academy
Fletcher Technical College
L. W. Higgins High
MAX Charter
Morgan City High
New Orleans Military Academy
Saint Joseph Catholic School
Schriever Elementary
Southdown Elementary
Thibodaux High
West Thibodaux Middle and Homeschooled students.

Sponsors:

Healthy Blue of Louisiana

Mary and Al Danos Family Foundation

The Cenac Family

H. L. Hawkins Scenic Studio New Orleans Opera

Dr. David Boudreaux & the Friends of the Opera