The Blackburn College Department of Music & Theatre will perform an operatic production for children, “The Billy Goats Gruff” on Friday, November 18. This free performance is open to the public and will take place in Bothwell Auditorium at 7:00 pm.

Read the press release.

Blackburn College’s production of “The Billy Goats Gruff opera is directed by professional baritone Evan Bravos. Music for the show will be directed by Dr. Joseph Welch, Professor of Music at Blackburn. The production is an adaptation of the classic children’s story and Norwegian fairytale, “Three Billy Goats Gruff,” by John Davies. “During the course of the opera, the three Billy Goats consider how they might deal with the bully by avoiding him altogether and resolve to talk about the problem with grownups as soon as they’re able. In the end, however, strength of character and determination win the day,” Davies said of his adaptation. “It makes for some fun theater, though, and hopefully provides a point of departure for subsequent classroom discussion.” Davies repurposed selections from well-known operas composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Gaetano Donizetti, and Gioachino Rossini to help tell the tale.

Donations will be accepted. Contact music@blackburn.edu or call 217-854-5704 to reserve your spot.