Crane Opera Ensemble to Present 'Cendrillon' and 'Bluebeard's Waiting Room'
Crane Opera Ensemble at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music to Present Folktale-Inspired Double Bill on March 28 and 29
Potsdam, NY (03/25/2025) — The Crane Opera Ensemble will present a spring production of folktale-inspired operas, with a double-bill of Pauline Viardot's "Cendrillon" and Milton Granger's "Bluebeard's Waiting Room," set to be staged this weekend.
The award-winning ensemble from SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music will present the two works on Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29. Both performances will be offered at 7:30 p.m., in the Proscenium Theater, located in the Performing Arts Center. Both operas will be presented in English.
"Cendrillon" is a family-friendly operetta telling the Cinderella fairytale with some unique twists and turns. In this 1904 depiction, the prince goes undercover to find a bride who treats him with kindness. With hidden identities uncovered, along with a bit of magical guidance from the fairy godmother, "Cendrillon" resolves with joy and happiness for all ever more.
"Bluebeard's Waiting Room" is presented second on the program both nights. The myth of Bluebeard tells the story of a murderous, wealthy man and the many wives he betrays. In this opera though, the audience gets to hear the wives' side of the story, as Bluebeard lies terminal in a hospital. In consideration of the mature themes present in this opera, parental discretion is advised.
At each performance, there will be a 15-minute intermission after "Cendrillon," prior to the start of "Bluebeard's Waiting Room," allowing any families with younger children to leave ahead of the second performance.
Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend. Please note that this event will not be livestreamed.
About the Crane Opera Ensemble:
The award-winning Crane Opera Ensemble is a significant source for opera and music theatre in the North Country region of New York State. The ensemble provides exciting opportunities for students to experience all facets of opera performance and production, through rehearsals, coaching and classes related to performance practices and production techniques. The ensemble's productions have garnered awards from the National Opera Association (2023, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2003), The American Prize (2011, 2017, 2023), and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (2010). To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/Crane/opera.
About The Crane School of Music:
Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance. Life at Crane includes an incredible array of more than 300 recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and guests each year. The Crane School of Music is the State University of New York's only All-Steinway institution and was one of the first Yamaha Institutions of Excellence. For more information, please visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.
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