March 18, 2009
Brundibar by Perelman in Elkins Park
The Perelman Jewish Day School will present the children's opera Brundibar by Hans Krása, performed by children from the Saligman Middle School Forman Center and members of the Beth Sholom Youth Choir. "Music and Art of Terezin" will be held on Sunday March 22, 2009 at 3pm at Gratz College Auditorium.Adults $10 and Youth $5.
7605 Old York Rd. Elkins Park, PA 19027
Special Guest, Ela Weissberger Ela Weissberger, the original cat in the Terezín performances of Brundibár is one of the few children to survive the Terezín (Theresienstadt in German) Ghetto. In her book, The Cat with the Yellow Star, Ela shares her memories as a young girl coming of age in Terezín. Ela has also been featured in the 2003 Oscar nominated documentary film, Prisoner of Paradise. Ela will be a guest speaker, personally sharing her experiences in Terezín and performing in Brundibár.
Brundibár is a Czech children’s opera by composer Hans Krása and librettist Adolf Hoffmeister. Written in 1938, the music was smuggled into Terezín, where it was performed 55 times between September 23, 1943 and September 1944. A classic story of good versus evil, set to charming music, tells of a brother and sister, Pepiček and Aninká, who need to raise money to buy milk for their ailing mother. They encounter the evil organ grinder, Brundibár (Bumblebee), who chases them away. With the help of a dog, cat, sparrow and townspeople, they overcome Brundibár and are then able to sing to earn the money needed to cure their mother. Posted by jmwc at March 18, 2009 11:52 PM