Westminster Conservatory Youth Opera Workshop will give its fourth world premiere performance in as many years when it presents “The Tinker of Tivoli,” a new comic youth opera pastiche, (a composite of new and original works) at the Yvonne Theater at Rider University opening Thursday, August 3. Conservatory faculty members and Plainsboro residents Michael Jacobson and his wife, Danielle Sinclair, run the program. Jacobson, the music director, wrote “The Tinker of Tivoli.” Sinclair is the general manager and stage director.
“I took existing music to create a libretto and story based on Grimm’s ‘The Gallant Tailor’,” says Jacobson. Set in Tivoli, Italy, it is a comic tale about the dangers of pride and arrogance — and the great rewards of love, written in the style of Gioachino Rossini’s “Barber of Seville” and “La Cenerentola.” It is sung throughout in English.
“Presenting a parallel with the original source helps kids connect with grand opera and how the music was conceived,” he says. “By copying the style of the composer it helps kids relate to the composer.”
As in all Youth Opera Workshop productions, the roles will be sung by students ages eight through fifteen. Workshop students also manage the show’s technical aspects, including building the sets and props, running the sound and lighting, and all aspects of stage management. West Windsor participants include chorus members Ana Bansal, 10; Jamie Joseph, 15; and Tresa Joseph, 9. Erin Lynch of Plainsboro is the technical director.
“The program is all about giving kids the opportunity to be on stage while working with great music,” Jacobson told the News in 2004. “It is a great experience for youngsters.”
Youth Opera Workshop productions are a family affair with parents of workshop students contributing their time and talents to set building, costumes, fundraising, and box office duties. This year they have raised close to $10,”000 through ads and corporate support. Merrill Lynch is the major sponsor and Whole Foods is catering the opening night reception.
“Funding makes the difference to putting on a good show,” he says. “Local business have been receptive knowing that people identify them with a helping attitude. We want to present a good, quality experience for children as young as five to appreciate. We are proud to put this production in front of the public.”
The Tinker of Tivoli, Westminster Conservatory Youth Opera Workshop, Yvonne Theater, Rider University, Lawrence, 609-921-7104. A comic youth opera appropriate for all ages runs for approximately one hour and twenty minutes. $5. Thursday and Friday, August 3 and 4, 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, August 5 and 6, 3 p.m.
