Opera for kids
`Prairie Dog' shows that opera is for young, young at heart
By Kathryn Stevens
FOR THE COLLEGIAN
Penn State Opera Theatre
promises to entertain the young
and young at heart with the pre
miere of The Prairie Dog that
met the President, a children's
production that appeals to all
ages, Wednesday at 10 a.m. and
12:30 p.m. in Eisenhower Audito
rium.
The 45-minute, one act opera
tells the story of a lonely prairie
dog that dreams of bigger and
better things until an unexpected
adventure takes him on the trip
of a lifetime. The production
appeals to children, but college
students and adults can appreci
ate the colorful storytelling and
musical ability The Prairie Dog
that met the President presents.
In the show, the audience
meets many unique animal char
acters. The main role is, of
course, the prairie dog of the
title, but it is a diva-like magpie
who serves as the audience's
guide.
The story truly begins when
the team of Meriwether Lewis
and William Clark (yes, the his
torical duo) come across the
prairie dog and takes him to
Washington, D.C. to meet Presi
dent Thomas Jefferson.
Along the way, the prairie dog
encounters flamingoes in Flori
da, pelicans in New Orleans and
an oriole in Baltimore (pun fully
intended).
This production is the first of
the company's spring shows, and
holds several challenges for the
performers.
For one, several singers with a
mix of vocal parts play over
twenty characters. A unique cos
tume and prop such as a saxo
phone or scarf distinguish each
character. Each character addi
tion requires a quick change,
sometimes over the course of a
few bars of music.
"lt's a definite challenge,"
Helen Comber (sophomore
music education) said. "For
example, I get to be both the
good guy and the bad guy. It's
operatic schizophrenia!"
The production is a labor of
love, according to composel .
Bruce 'Hinkley.
'Hinkley, with lyricist Jason
Penn State Opera Theater will present The Prairie Dog that met the President. Cast members have been busy rehearsing the children's opera
"It's certainly entertaining, but it's really an
educational piece as well."
Charnesky, decieded to compose
the piece after receiving a com
mission from the Southern Ili
nois University at Carbondale in
2002.
- "They were willing to pay
someone to fill a void and create
a real young person's opera,"
Charnesky said
Trinkley and Charnesky
Bruce Tdnkley
Composer
looked to the 1800 s adventures of
Lewis and Clark for their con
cept
One story detailed how the
explorers gathered various ani
mals to transport back to the
nation's capitol.
To appeal to young people,
Charnesky decided to tell the
story a bit differently, fixim the,
animals' view. While there may
be comical aspects of the opera,
those behind the production
have several goals.
"Ws certainly entertaining, but
it's really an educational piece as
well," Trinkley said.
Susan Boardman, Penn
State's Opera Theatre director,
mentioned another goal
breaking down stereotypes
young people may have about
opera.
"Most people who balk at
opera have never seen one;
operas aren't just heavy, 17th
centivy pieces,", she said,
Some perfectly legitimate
operas, in fact, may come in the
form of a dancing pelican with a
saxophone.
If you go
What The Prairie Dog that met
the President
Time: 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, March 23
Place: Eisenhower Auditorium
Details: Tickets are $6 and still
available. Call 863-0255 for
More intonation:. .