Hansel and Gretel, The Little Brother and the Little Sister played for two school-day matinees and two public performances November 7, 9, 11, and 18, 2007 in Widener University's Alumni Auditorium. Admission of non-perishable food items benefitted Bernardine Center, a food pantry on the west side of Chester.
Award-winning children’s playwright Max Bush draws upon the Grimm Brothers’ original manuscripts for this version of the classic folktale about a brother, a sister, and a mysterious witch. The play featured original music composed by Widener student Brian DiBiagio and performed with guitar, clarinet, and vocals. FreshBaked Theatre’s production was inspired by a uniquely American era: the Great Depression of the 1930s. In such a desperate world, children cannot rely on adults to nourish and protect them. Abandoned in the woods, Hansel and Gretel must rely on their own inner strength and courage to survive.
Hansel and Gretel was directed by Lisa Eckley Cocchiarale, with music composed by Brian DiBiagio. The ensemble included Heather Astorga, Meghan Barrett, Lisa Drinnan, Brian Harrington, Amy Faith Naylor, and Stephen Lindsay. Daniel Castagna served as technical director.
