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University of Wyoming

Opera in a Gym

Our new “Opera in a Gym” program is dedicated to providing a unique, interactive, and imaginative theatrical and musical experience for elementary school audiences. Since its inception, “Opera in a Gym” has performed for over 3,000 elementary school children throughout Wyoming and South Dakota.

It’s premise is simple: we simply go into a gym and perform an opera specifically written or adapted for grades K-5.

Converse High Tops are the “official” shoe for all characters in Opera in a Gym--whether you’re a Princess, King, Frog, Badger, Mole, or even a Pirate!!
We are very proud to announce that this year’s touring production will be the premiere of a newly commissioned work by UW’s Dr. Anne Guzzo. This work, titled The Toughest Cowboy is based upon the award winning children’s book by John Frank (illustrated by Wyoming native Zachary Pullen). The story has been adapted by Dr. Larry L. Hensel and Professor Lee Hodgson,  Department of Theatre and Dance, who is also the official Costumer for Opera in a Gym.

Other productions have included The Lost Shoe (an adaptation of Mozart’s The Magic Flute). Other productions have included Pirates, Ahoy! (an adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance) Rutter’s The Wind in the Willows, the world premiere of Lee Alexander’s The Frog and the Princess, and Pasatieri’s The Goose Girl.

If you wish The Toughest Cowboy to find its way to an elementary school near you, contact: Dr. Larry L. Hensel, 307.766.6376 or at LHensel@uwyo.edu or UW Cultural Outreach.

Announcing the Opera in a Gym Performance Series for Rent!

Opera in a Gym has the following productions available for perusal. Each work is approximately 35-40 minutes in length, and has been written or adapted by its founder, Dr. Larry L. Hensel. Royalties will be quoted upon request and are very reasonable!

  • The Princess and the Frog (an original work, loosely based on the Grimm’s Brothers Fairy Tale). Scoring: Piano and Percussion.

    • Cast, 10 cast members.

  • The Lost Shoe (an adaptation of Mozart’s The Magic Flue. Scoring: Piano.

    • Cast, 15 principles.

  • Pirates, Ahoy! Or . . . The Lost Treasure Map (an adaptation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance). Scoring: Piano.

    • Cast, 7 principles and assorted chorus.