Calgary Opera brings Engelbert Humperdinck's beloved fairy tale Hansel and Gretel to life with help from The Old Trout Puppet Workshop, transforming the stage into an enchanted storybook world where handcrafted puppets and set pieces bring whimsy and theatrical imagination to the classic opera.

Stage director Brenna Corner says the production is visually exciting, with the Trouts designing a world where storytelling comes alive through magical creatures and lush, engaging music. The extraordinary puppet designs complement soaring voices from the Cantaré Children's Choir and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Calgary Opera artistic director Jonathan Brandani.

Brandani calls Humperdinck's score one of the most evocative ever written, with cinematic power that transports audiences into a dream-like realm. The production runs January 31-February 6 at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium and is recommended for ages six and up, offering a perfect winter escape for families and opera lovers alike.