Opera: The Theatrical Experience

PAUL HOPE

Those who like musicals can also enjoy opera. This course should demystify opera for the novice and be instructive for the casual operagoer. Alley Theatre actor Paul Hope, a longtime opera buff, will share his observations on this art form, describe how he became an opera lover and point out what to look for in the current Houston Grand Opera season. He will trace the development of opera though its composers, performing tradition, and staging practices. This class will be audio and video enhanced.

What operas are suitable for beginners and why? What can we expect from different operas?

The stand-and-deliver singer vs. the singing actor.

The amiable traffic cop vs. the misguided auteur.

Paul Hope is a member of the Alley Theatre's Resident Acting Company. He is a veteran of thirty-five Theatre Under the Stars productions and teaches both the history of musical theater and song performance in the Houston area.