La Sierra to showcase West Coast premiere of children’s opera, Puccini classic

Titled “Little Nemo in Slumberland,” the one-act opera features music by eminent composer Daron Aric Hagen and a libretto by J.D. McClatchy, and depicts the escapades of Nemo, a little boy who encounters strange characters and fantastical experiences during his nighttime dreams. It will be presented along with the one-act classic opera “Gianni Schicchi” by Giacomo Puccini and Giovacchino Forzano in three performances at Hole Memorial Auditorium, on Thurs., March 5 and Sat., March 7 at 7 p.m., and Sun., March 8 at 3 p.m.

The fully staged and costumed operas will feature La Sierra University voice majors in leading roles including Natalyn Rodriguez as Nemo, and Jake Luis as Gianni. The casts include a few community members as well as professional operatic baritone, Scott Ziemann who plays the roles of Morpheus in Little Nemo, and Simone in “Gianni Schicchi.” The operas are directed by Raejin Lee, La Sierra’s director of vocal studies, and accompanied by the La Sierra University Orchestra conducted by Dean Anderson. Benjamin Cortez, an opera scene director with the University of Southern California serves as guest stage director, with stage management by La Sierra music student Sara Pinto da Silva.

“Little Nemo in Slumberland” is based on an early 20th century popular comic strip by the same name that published in various forms and venues between 1905 and 1914, and again from 1924-26. The story follows the dreamland adventures of young Nemo who finds himself in fanciful predicaments from which he escapes upon waking.

“Gianni Schicchi,” with music written by Puccini between 1917-18, is a comic opera of love, trickery and vindication based on Dante Alighieri's “Divine Comedy.” It tells the story of Gianni Schicchi, a peasant, who finds an underhanded way to acquire a fortune and dowry for his daughter while securing justice for the unwarranted and unfair treatment he has received.

The Sarasota Youth Opera premiered Hagen and McClatchy’s “Little Nemo in Slumberland” in November 2012 as a work commissioned by the Sarasota Opera. The work arrives at La Sierra through Anderson’s connection with Hagen who serves as a mentor to Anderson. “He has taught me mostly about the business side of music and how important it is to feature new music on concert programs,” Anderson said. “We both share the same attitude that music is a critical educational tool and we must strive to inspire future generations to be involved. That is why Little Nemo was written for children.”

Anderson describes Hagen’s compositions as “challenging and inspiring. He is one of the most frequently commissioned opera composers today. His work is performed regularly by Sarasota Opera, Tulsa Opera, Seattle Opera and many more companies across the United States.” 

General admission $15, seniors $10, students $5, children age 6 and under free. For further information call 951-785-2036, email music@lasierra.edu, or visit https://lasierra.edu/music/. La Sierra University is located at 4500 Riverwalk Parkway, Riverside.