Ohio Light Opera facts for kids

The Ohio Light Opera is a special theater group in Wooster, Ohio. They perform a type of musical show called light opera. This includes famous works by Gilbert and Sullivan, plus other fun and exciting musical shows from the late 1800s and early 1900s. The company is also known for making recordings of these shows so more people can enjoy them.

About The Ohio Light Opera

The Ohio Light Opera started in 1979 at the College of Wooster. It was created to be both a cultural and educational project. The college has owned and run the company ever since it began.

The group grew from an earlier company called Kent State Light Opera. James Stuart, who used to work with another famous opera group, started both. When the Kent group finished, it moved to Wooster. James Stuart continued to be the main leader for the new company.

What Kinds of Shows Do They Perform?

The Ohio Light Opera performs all the shows by Gilbert and Sullivan. They also put on many other operettas (which are like light operas) from America, Britain, and other countries. These often include Edwardian musical comedies and other musical theatre pieces. Most of these shows are from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Where and When Do They Perform?

The company's performing season usually runs from mid-June to mid-August. During this time, they typically perform seven or eight different shows. These shows are performed in a special way called "repertory." This means they switch between different shows each week.

About 22,000 people come to watch their shows each year. All performances happen at the Freedlander Theatre. This theater is located on the College of Wooster's campus in Wooster, Ohio. In 2008, which was their 30th season, The Ohio Light Opera put on its 100th different show!

Why is The Ohio Light Opera Important?

The Ohio Light Opera is important for a few reasons. First, they help keep old and sometimes forgotten musical shows alive. They perform these shows so new audiences can enjoy them.

Second, they are a great place for young, talented singers and musicians. They give these young artists a chance to perform in a professional setting. This helps them learn and grow as performers. One reviewer once said that the company makes a "serious attempt to preserve an authentic operetta tradition." This means they work hard to perform these old shows just as they were meant to be.

Their Recordings

The Ohio Light Opera has made many recordings of their shows. These recordings are usually made live during a performance. They have recorded eight Gilbert and Sullivan shows. They have also recorded many other famous and not-so-famous light operas.

What Shows Have They Recorded?

Some of the well-known shows they have recorded include:

• Victor Herbert's Naughty Marietta and The Red Mill
• English versions of Emmerich Kálmán’s Countess Maritza
• John Philip Sousa's El Capitan
• Rudolf Friml's The Vagabond King

They have also recorded many shows that are not often heard. These include Veronique, The Arcadians, and Robin Hood. Some of their recordings were the very first time these shows were put on CD.

Special Recordings

The company released a special collection called Gold and Silver: Celebrating 25 Years of The Ohio Light Opera. This set has four CDs and lasts for five hours! It includes highlights from their first 25 years. The set also comes with a booklet that tells the company's history. It also shares memories from the performers on the recordings.

They have also released DVDs of some of their live shows. These include their 2005 show of A Soldier's Promise. This was an English version of a show by Emmerich Kálmán. They also released a DVD of their 2009 show of Herbert's Mlle. Modiste.