COT recently sponsored a series of in-school performances by Chicago Opera Play House of a children's opera, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. COT Education Manager Linden Christ, who runs Chicago Opera Play House, was Goldilocks, and I, Lisa Golda was Mama Bear. Baby Bear was played by Matthew Newlin, COT’s Young Artist Singer, Papa Bear by Justin Adair, and COT’s education pianist, Marta Johnson accompanied. Composed by Jonthan Stinson, the opera addresses themes of homelessness, family intimacy and love, trespassing, and forgiveness through this familiar fairy tale. The music itself is sophisticated yet engaging and accessible; a treat for singers and audiences alike!
We presented the opera at schools where we teach: Reilly, Clinton, Calmeca, and Hampton. Students (4th-5th graders) at all four schools had been taught the finale chorus and sang with us at the close of the show. Other students from the schools were present just to enjoy the opera.
The children were SO excited to see the performance and to participate with their grown-up counterparts! We heard a lot of positive feedback the next day during regular classes. At one school, Reilly, the entire audience (about five hundred children) got involved to tell us that Goldilocks was NOT on the stage in the bed where the Bears were searching for her, but in the auditorium! They all pointed and yelled "She's gone, she's gone! She's over here!" They were quite involved in the story. It was one of the most rewarding and delightful performing experiences I have ever had. And I would venture to say that the children present will remember that magical, musical day for a long time to come.
I think that it is vital for our students to enjoy exposure to art of all kinds. But it is especially important for them to see an opera, given our program; and to see one early in the year, so that they have a concrete idea of what they are working towards. Our students have spent this semester writing their own lyrics for songs with Mary Scruggs of Second City. Next semester, music and staging will be added and the children will present their very own opera! But last year we heard from some of our partner CPS teachers that many children had never even been in a choir concert, much less a staged performance, and that the end-of-the-year rehearsal process took them by surprise.
This year, our students were able to actively experience the art form that they themselves will be presenting in the spring; both as audience members and as performers themselves. The Goldilocks and the Three Bears performances were scheduled in the same week as the students' "Winter Preview", a semi-staged performance of their written lyrics.
They now have had a taste of excitement, stage fright, rehearsal, and of the finished product they will eventually present. The students will better understand the lessons of teamwork, delayed gratification, and daily practice that are a practical component of the artistic process. They also, I think, have even more respect for us as their artist-teachers. We can actually practice what we teach!
I think that these in-school performances will make such a big difference in the kids' experiences and ability to meaningfully participate in OFA, both in terms of their understanding of what they are working towards, and in their rapport with and respect for us, their Teaching Artists. Mama Bear has already made an in-class appearance (out of costume) to ask for quiet with a gentle "Rahhhhhhhhhrrrrrr!"
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