Arts & Entertainment
Rose Hill Players Present 'Hansel And Gretel'
The imaginative play featured original music and vibrant costumes
Last week the Rose Hill Players invited audiences to explore the German Black Forest in an imaginative and musical retelling of the classic fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel." The spring production featured a cast of over 50 Rose Hill Elementary students and a crew of volunteer parents and teachers, as well as Player Alumni at Hayfield Secondary School.
"We have a very talented group of kids at Rose Hill," director Danny Adams said. "I always try to find the diamond in the rough—those who really need the opportunity to shine. Maybe sports aren't their thing; but the moment they step on stage, they shine."
In a slightly toned down version of the fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel get lost in the woods searching for berries and encounter a host of unusual forest creatures before being captured by the wicked Gingerbread Witch. Through a combination of luck, planning, and song, the children escape with their lives and are reunited with their loving family.
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The Players' performance was uncharacteristically organized for such a young group of children and even though the show was plagued with audio problems, the students worked through it like seasoned professionals. The main cast members ranged from fourth to sixth grade, and the colorfully costumed ensemble featured dozens of students from all grades.
"He works magic with these kids," volunteer costume designer Sue Moller said. "He brings the best out of them on that stage. It's really something to see."
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The Rose Hill Players have been under the direction of Adams since the early 90s and the group's reputation for amazing shows is topped every year. Each year a photo CD is released to parents, and this year a professionally recorded and edited DVD of the show will be available.
Completely non-profit, the Players stay afloat with ticket sales and generous contributions from parents and former Players. By making deals with local high schools, the Players have been able to use their performance spaces rent free, allowing more funding to go to costumes and show royalties.
"Every year the show gets better and better. I come from Cape Cod to see every show," Liz Steinberg said. "I don't know how he can do it, but it's always better."
