The Piper of Hamelin July 24, 2010

July 24 3:30 to 4:30 pm; July 24 7:30 to 8:30; July 25 3:30 to 4:30

Rehearsals are buzzing with excitement as members of the Cantabella Children's Chorus three week long summer opera workshop prepare for three performances of renowned composer John Rutter's The Piper of Hamelin. The fully staged one hour opera, complete with sets and costumes and accompanied by a chamber orchestra, will be performed at the Amador Theater on July 24 and 25. Cantabella's interpretation of the classic story of a rat infestation, a pied piper and missing children retains the suspense of the original tale and combines it with an ending that all ages can enjoy. Proceeds from the Sunday matinee will be donated to music programs of the Livermore and Pleasanton public schools.

Cantabella Music Director and founder, Bee Chow, has gathered a skilled production staff for the opera. Ms. Chow is producing and directing the opera and is providing quality vocal instruction and coaching for the singers. Stage Director Bethanie Baeyen has a degree in Theater Arts and more than ten years experience in stage production in the Bay Area. Choreographer Connie Zaug is a dance instructor at the Valley Dance Theater and has over twenty years of experience teaching, performing and choreographing jazz, ballet, gymnastics and modern dance. Costume designer Margene Rivara, current president of the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council, has many years of experience designing children's clothing and theater costumes.

Be sure to bring your friends, neighbors, summer visitors and children of all ages to see the Cantabella Children's Chorus production of The Piper of Hamelin. Three performances will be held at the air-conditioned Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton, Saturday, July 24 at 3:30PM and 7:30PM, and Sunday, July 25, at 3:30 PM. Tickets $10 student, $15 adult, are available at the door or may be ordered online at the Cantabella website and printed out at home. For more information: 925-292-2663/Cantabella.org.

Official Website: http://cantabella.org