CSUB opera presents dark side of fairy tales

Production of ‘Transformations’ coming to Doré Theatre on Friday

By California State University, Bakersfield

April 25^th, 2024

The community will get a glimpse of the dark side of fairy tales with California State University, Bakersfield’s newest opera.

The Music and Theatre Department is putting on a production of “Transformations” this Friday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Doré Theatre. The opera presents a retelling of famous fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm, including “Snow White,” “Sleeping Beauty” and “Rumpelstiltskin.”

The opera — composed by Conrad Susa with a libretto by Anne Sexton and conducted by Dr. Leo Sakomoto — deals with mature themes such as abuse and depression, so audience discretion is advised.

“‘Transformations’ has been on my wish list for a long time, and I’m very excited to present this production,” said Music Director Dr. Soo-Yeon Park. “This opera is very demanding, musically. A lot of ensemble work is also needed. The process has been so rewarding, and I'm incredibly proud of this cast.”

The cast of “Transformations” is split between CSUB students and community members. The opera is set in a mental hospital, where the patients are acting out these fairy tales. However, the production is not meant to be a dour affair.

“There is some difficult subject matter, but it is done in a way that you can appreciate and laugh with it, connect to it,” said Mandy Rees, who is the staging director of the opera. “There’s a lot of fun and humor in it.”

Rees said staging the production has been challenging, as each of the fairy tale sequences have a distinct feel have differing set requirements, but she believes it’s been a great learning experience for everyone involved.

“It’s a difficult opera. It was very daunting at the beginning,” she said. “It took a while to figure it out, but it’s come together and it’s been very rewarding. It has stretched all of us.”

Rees said she’s been impressed by how committed the cast has been and how much effort they’ve put in to ensure a great experience for the audience.

“For our student singers and instrumentalists, it’s really great training for them,” she said. “I think it is a wonderful piece to expose our students to in terms of the eclectic nature of the music, the challenging demands on the singers. I’m very proud and pleased of how far they’ve come.”

Rees hopes that the audience will gain a greater appreciation of opera and of the Music and Theatre Department at CSUB.

“This is a unique opportunity that people should take advantage of,” she said. “This is wonderful for the campus community and wonderful for the wider community as well.”

Tickets for “Transformations” are $15 for general admission, $10 for seniors and students and $5 for CSUB students with an ID. Click here to purchase tickets online. Tickets will also be available at the door.