It's a Wonderful Life (opera) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids It's a Wonderful Life |
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| by Jake Heggie | |
The opera's composer
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| Librettist | Gene Scheer |
| Premiere | December 2, 2016: Houston Grand Opera |
It's a Wonderful Life is an opera, which is like a play where the story is told mostly through singing. This special opera was created by Jake Heggie, who wrote the music, and Gene Scheer, who wrote the words (called the libretto). It is based on the famous 1946 movie of the same name. The opera first opened to an audience at the Houston Grand Opera on December 2, 2016.
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What is an Opera?
An opera is a type of stage performance where singers and musicians work together. It combines music, drama, costumes, and scenery to tell a story. Unlike a regular play, most of the dialogue in an opera is sung, not spoken.
The Story Behind the Opera
The opera It's a Wonderful Life tells the same heartwarming story as the classic film. It's about a man named George Bailey who feels like his life hasn't gone as planned. On Christmas Eve, he wishes he had never been born. An angel named Clarence then shows him what the world would be like without him. This helps George see how much he truly matters to everyone around him.
Who Created This Opera?
The music for It's a Wonderful Life was written by Jake Heggie. He is a well-known American composer who has created many operas. The words, or libretto, were written by Gene Scheer. He is a talented writer who often works with Heggie on his operas. Together, they brought this beloved story to the opera stage.
Where Did It First Play?
The opera had its very first performance, called a premiere, in Houston, Texas. It was performed by the Houston Grand Opera, a famous opera company. This big event happened on December 2, 2016.
