Birmingham Opera to perform children's show at MLT

Oct. 8—Birmingham Opera will present an operatic version of "The Billy Goats Gruff," tailored for preschool and elementary-age children, on Saturday, Oct. 14, at Meridian Little Theatre.

The 45-minute performance is designed especially for little ones and aims to introduce them to the world of opera, said Sharon Pratt of the Meridian Council for the Arts, which is bringing the Birmingham show to Meridian. She said the performance is appropriate for ages 3 to 10.

The performance is a free event, but a ticket is recommended to ensure a seat. The free tickets are available at the Meridian/Lauderdale County Public Library and several local businesses, including Harry Mayer Clothier, Cater's Market, Over the Moon, Sam's Fashions and The Robin's Nest.

"This is not the opera as most people would think of an opera. It is just a story with music," Pratt said. "It is very kid friendly, and the story is so sweet."

The story centers around an after-school game of hide and seek by three goat friends that becomes ruined when a big bully blocks a bridge, preventing the goats from continuing on their path. Two of the goats decide to go home a different way and tell grownups what happened. The third little goat decides to confront the bully and accidentally pushes him into the creek. She then shows him kindness by showing concern for his well being, which brings about a change in heart for the bully.

"They story is about getting along with friends, and what to do when you encounter a bully," Pratt said.

The operatic version of "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" is based on scenes from operas by W.A. Mozart, G. Donizetti and G. Rossini and has been adapted by John Davies. The performance is sung in English.

Pratt said the sets are bold and colorful and should not be scary to little ones.

Showtime for the performance is set for 10 a.m. at the Meridian Little Theatre, located at 4334 Highway 39. Ticket holders must be seated by 9:45 a.m. Any remaining seating will be opened to the public after that time.

"We love doing this for the community," Pratt said of the arts council's efforts to increase arts education and opportunities for children and teenagers in the community.

Last year, the arts council funded a performance at a local preschool of the musical comedy "Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type," based on the children's book by Doreen Cronin. The show, performed by actors of New Stage Theatre in Jackson, was so well received, the arts council brought them back for the Threefoot Arts Festival in downtown Meridian in the spring.

Presented by the Meridian Council for the Arts, "The Billy Goats Gruff" is sponsored by the Mississippi Arts Commission, Visit Meridian and The Paul & Sherry Broadhead Foundation.

Contact Glenda Sanders at gsanders@themeridianstar.com.