Jeanine Tesori's "The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me"
World Premiere Holiday Family Opera
Music by Jeanine Tesori
Libretto by J.D. McClatchy
Based upon the book by Jeanette Winterson
New production
Most everyone knows the story of the Nativity, but probably not from the donkey's point of view! As the world's first Christmas nears, an angel is conducting an important interview: who among all the animals can lead Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem? Will it be Lion, fearsome ruler of the jungle? Or might it be Unicorn, graceful steed to lovely maidens? It's certainly not Donkey, whose only humble gift is a small but sturdy back. But with the birth of a very special king on the horizon, and one bright star blazing the way to a crowded inn, Donkey soon discovers that miracles can happen anywhere--even right in front of his nose.
British author Jeanette Winterson's award-winning children's book comes to vibrant life in a world premiere production by WNO Artistic Director Francesca Zambello, conducted by Kimberly Grigsby with the WNO Orchestra, and starring current and former Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists. Following last holiday season's sold-out engagement of Hansel and Gretel, be sure to see this original, heartwarming family opera, certain to become an instant classic.
More information about The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me can be found here: www.kennedy-center.org/events/?event=OOOSF
CHILDREN’S CHORUS AUDITIONS
Sunday, September 15, 2013 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Washington National Opera (“WNO”) announces Children’s Chorus auditions for The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me (sung in English). All those interested in auditioning, please call Washington National Opera’s Production Office at 202-416-8744 beginning Wednesday, September 4 to schedule an audition appointment. Calls will be taken weekdays between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. No auditions will be heard without an appointment.
Singers are asked to prepare “The Star Spangled Banner” in D major, and one selection of their own choice with accompaniment (please provide music for the accompanist). Selections should demonstrate classical vocal range as well as dramatic capabilities. An accompanist will be provided by the company. WNO reserves the right to hear only specific portions of the selection offered. Auditions may also include additional vocalization, tonal memory, and an impromptu acting exercise. Singers should bring a photograph of themselves (a professional headshot is not necessary - the photograph will only be used in order to quickly sort and recall audition files).
Singers should report to the Washington National Opera Studio at 6925 Willow Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012. Singers should arrive one-half (1/2) hour prior to their scheduled audition time in order to complete the application process.* Upon arrival, singers should go to the 3rd floor of the building and follow the posted directions.
*The taking of measurements and reference photographs for our files does not imply that the singer has been accepted for a position in a production.
Rehearsal/Performance Schedule:
THE LION, THE UNICORN, AND ME
1st Music Rehearsal: Approx. October 28, 2013
1st Staging Rehearsal: Approx. November 18, 2013
Tech Week Performances: December 11 – 13, 2013
December 14m, 14, 15m, 20, 21m, 21, 22m, 2013
Singers interested in auditioning should be between the ages of 7 and 15 with treble voices. A background in music is preferred.
Please note that all rehearsals will take place at the Washington National Opera Studio.
Tech Week rehearsals and all Performances will take place at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theatre.
