Captured Event

January, 29 2004 - Young Theatre Stars Debut "Mini-Opera"

What: Arts education for children

Where: University of Denver's Newman Center for the Performing Arts

When: February 6, 2004

Beneficiary: Central City Opera House Association Guild

Host(s): JW Marriott Denver at Cherry Creek

Catering: BlackJack Pizza and DU's Sodoxo Catering provided desserts and juice

Entertainment: Singing classes lead by Deborah DeSantis Artistic Director and Conductor with the Colorado Children's Chorale

Of note: Special guest, Mezzo-Soprano AnnMarie Sandy and Roger Baker, author of the book Clara, an Ex-Slave in Gold Rush Colorado

Attendance: 200 - Over sold!

Attire: Casual with all kids in stage make-up and masks

Information: Please call 303-292-6500

Blacktie Photos by: Elizabeth Byrnes

Katie Burgert, left, Madison Chapman, Kaitlin Spomer and Chloe Chapman were "dressed" and ready for their moment on stage
View all photos

Elizabeth Byrnes

On February 6, 2004 the halls of the Newman Center for the Performing Arts at DU echoed loudly with the excited voices of almost two hundred children for the 2nd annual Young Hands-On Opera event for children, ages 6-12, hosted by Central City Opera House Association Guild and the new JW Marriott at Cherry Creek.

The cost was only $5 per child, but this special and unique event was not really a fundraiser but a wonderful opportunity to offer arts education for children and get them involved with the theatre. "Young Hands-On Opera is a great way for youngsters to learn about opera," stated Susan Hiatt, Central City Opera Association Guild President. "In a short evening, grade school age children have an opportunity to meet real live opera singers over dinner, learn an opera aria, wear cool masks, don stage makeup and perform a mini-opera on a real theatre stage."

After feasting on a pizza dinner, the kids were treated to a special performance by a special guest, mezzo-soprano AnnMarie Sandy, who starred as Aunt Clara Brown in last summer's youth performance of "Gabriel's Daughter" in Central City. The opera is based on the true story of freed slave and Colorado pioneer Aunt Clara Brown, who was re-united with her daughter after 60 years of separation because of slavery.

Miss Sandy is the 2003 Central City Opera apprentice and recipient of the 2003 Guild Apprentice Artist Award and recently sang the roles of Elizabeth Proctor in “The Crucible,” L'Enfant in “L'Enfant et les Sortileges” and Gretel in “Hansel and Gretel,” all with the University of North Texas Opera Theatre.

“In theatre, what do you say after a wonderful performance?” prompted Deborah DeSantis, Artistic Director and Conductor with the Colorado Children's Chorale, after Miss Sandy mesmerized the children. On cue, they all cheered in unison, “Bravo, bravo!”

The group was divided in half to participate in a singing, acting and movement class lead by Deborah and a fun class on stage makeup and costuming. The finale of the evening was a “mini-opera” performed by children for their parents.

Roger Baker, author of Clara, an Ex-Slave in Gold Rush Colorado, the book that the opera "Gabriel's Daughter" was based on, was also in attendance.

"We are pleased to partner with the Central City Opera guild to provide an opportunity for these talented grade school age children to learn a little more about performing arts," said Susan Stiff, JW Marriott's Director of PR. “The diverse group of children includes students from Samuels Elementary, a DPS school recognized for it's annual opera production featuring third, fourth and fifth grade students and third graders from University Hill Elementary School in Boulder.”

As heard at the finale of a wonderful theatrical performance…“Bravo!” to all involved.