Simpson Productions opens 2021-22 season with ‘The Enchanted Pig: A Musical Tale’

Simpson Productions, the theatre, opera and musical theatre collaboration at Simpson College, returns to live indoor theatre when it presents the opera “The Enchanted Pig: A Musical Tale” beginning Friday, Oct. 22.

The opera will take place Oct. 22-24 at Simpson’s Blank Performing Arts Center. Friday and Saturday show times begin at 7:30 p.m. with a Sunday matinee scheduled for 2 p.m. Adult tickets are $20, seniors and non-Simpson students are $17.50 and group tickets (10 or more) are $16.00 apiece. Visit simpson.edu/SimpsonProductions for box office information.

The performance marks the Iowa premiere of the 2006 contemporary opera with music by Jonathan Dove and lyrics by Alasdair Middleton. It also marks Simpson Productions’ first performance at BPAC in 19 months. The last time Simpson students took the stage in front of a live audience at BPAC was March 8, 2020.

“Though we are following COVID-19 protocols, it almost feels normal in the rehearsal space,” said Jennifer Nostrala, professor of theatre arts and director of Simpson’s season-opening opera. “Getting back to in-person productions has been a reminder of why live theatre and opera are important. Live performances are unique and ethereal – they are never exactly the same, performance to performance. The people in the room, the audience and the performers get to experience the specialness of being a part of something unique.” 

All but one show during the 2020-21 season was delivered virtually. The Festival of Short Plays was the exception, taking place at Veteran’s Memorial Park and Amphitheatre in Indianola.

“The Enchanted Pig: A Musical Tale,” tells the story of a young woman who fate determines must marry a pig. Though she is horrified by the prospect, she agrees and falls in love with him. Her love breaks the spell he is under, and he is transformed into a man. Just when she thinks she has found true love, she loses him again and must travel to the ends of the universe to save him.

Nostrala will direct the season-opening performance. Bernard McDonald, associate professor of music and the G. Dewey and M. Maine Larsen Chair in Opera, serves as conductor and musical director. 

About Simpson College
Simpson College is a private, liberal arts college located in Iowa with campuses in Indianola, West Des Moines and online. Founded in 1860, the college has 1,268 undergraduate and graduate students. Simpson offers 74 majors, minors and programs in addition to three graduate programs. Outside of the classroom, Simpson is a member of the NCAA Division III American Rivers Conference, hosts eight Greek houses on campus and sponsors many extracurricular options for student involvement.
 
Contact Information
Bryan Geelan, marketing communication director
Direct: 515-961-1608
Email: bryan.geelan@simpson.edu