The Utah Opera plans an innovative approach to its production of "Hansel and Gretel" Dec. 6 and 7. The opera will be shadow interpreted for the hearing impaired, with each singer on stage being paired with an actor dressed in an identical costume, who will physically and facially portray the role, using American sign language. For this production Miss Deaf Utah will serve as the primary liaison.
Utah Opera is seeking sign-actors for this production, who are fluent in American sign language. They may be either hearing or hearing-impaired. Auditions will be held in the Capitol Theater on Sept. 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. Those interested should call 534-0842 for an appointment.- Kirk Muspratt, associate conductor of the Utah Symphony, will make his North American opera debut conducting Utah Opera's Christmas bill of "Amahl and the Night Visitors" and "Hansel and Gretel."
The Canadian native conducted in the houses of Monchengladbach and Krefeld, Germany to critical acclaim. Muspratt is the newly appointed affiliate conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony, was affiliate artistic assistant conductor with the St. Louis Symphony, and has guest conducted the Detroit and New Orleans Symphonies as well as the National Arts Center, Calgary and Vancouver Orchestras of Canada.