Crane Opera Ensemble Brings Jonathan Dove’s Musical Tale ‘The Enchanted Pig’ to Snell Theater Stage

This charming 2006 opera, with music by Jonathan Dove and libretto by Alasdair Middleton, is based on Romanian and Norwegian fairy tales. It tells the story of the King of the North, who had a magic spell placed on him. Against his will, he changes into a pig during the day, only regaining human form at night. After marrying a neighboring ruler’s daughter, the pig tells her that through “love, patience and trust” she can break the spell forever. And as we discover, she is willing to travel to the ends of the earth to make it happen! 

“We have had so much fun putting this production together. Middleton’s libretto is full of wit and humor, and Dove’s music is perfectly eclectic. There are moments of true operatic drama, moments straight out of musical theatre, and everything in between. There is something for everyone in this show,” said music director Brock Tjosvold, an assistant professor of vocal coaching and accompanying at Crane. 

“Make no mistake, while the opera may be based on a fairy tale, the piece makes very serious musical demands on its singers. Complex musical notation, a variety of vocal styles (it ranges from traditionally operatic singing to musical comedy routines) and intricate ensemble numbers make for a score rich in wonderfully inventive tonal harmonies, both for the singers and the chamber orchestra,” said stage director and Crane opera instructor Michael Scarola. “Then there are the technical aspects of the show. The stage directions include things like ‘North Wind and Flora take to the air.’ And ‘In the night sky a bed with Pig on it.’ And my personal favorite, ‘Flora climbs the Milky Way.’ It became apparent to me fairly quickly that I was going to have to think out of the box to find a way to create magic that would honor these stage directions, but do it with what was available to us in the intimate Snell Music Theater.” 

The final dress rehearsal will be attended by visiting local middle and high school students on Wednesday, March 29.  

This original production is suitable for guests aged 12 and older, due to the mention of war and weapons. Parents are advised to use their discretion. 

Tickets for “The Enchanted Pig” are $15 for the general public and $10 for students, senior citizens and youth. To purchase tickets, contact the Community Performance Series Box Office, located in the lobby of SUNY Potsdam's Performing Arts Center, by calling (315) 267-2277 or by visiting www.cpspotsdam.org.  

Tickets will also be available at the door, one hour prior to all performances. 

About the Crane Opera Ensemble:  

The award-winning Crane Opera Ensemble is a significant source for opera and music theatre in the North Country region of New York State. The ensemble provides exciting opportunities for students to experience all facets of opera performance and production, through rehearsals, coaching and classes related to performance practices and production techniques. The ensemble’s productions have garnered awards from the National Opera Association (2019, 2018, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2003), The American Prize (2011, 2017), and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (2010). To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/Crane/opera. 

About The Crane School of Music: 

Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance. Life at Crane includes an incredible array of more than 300 recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and guests each year. The Crane School of Music is the State University of New York’s only All-Steinway institution and was one of the first Yamaha Institutions of Excellence. For more information, please visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.