Hansel und Gretel

Mezzo-soprano Claudia Chapa is enjoying her role as the Witch in Hänsel und Gretel, currently being produced by Opera in the Heights. The Witch is a sinister, evil character (she eats children, after all), but the role allows Chapa to explore the darker side of her personality and to experiment vocally with sounds. “[It’s] been a challenge but ultimately extremely rewarding,” she tells us. “I love singing this role.”

Engelbert Humperdinck’s opera is based on the fairy tale of the same name. Brother and sister Hänsel and Gretel wander in the forest, eventually finding a gingerbread house that’s actually a trap set by the witch. “She’s a predator that enjoys playing with her prey,” Chapa says of her character, “but once she figures out that Hansel and Gretel are smarter than most of her victims, she resorts to using her magic.”

Chapa says that while the opera is accessible, it isn’t without its dark moments. “[You] see Hänsel and Gretel go through probably the scariest thing that any kids would ever encounter, and survive. You see the father and mother go from seeing their children as a major burden to being grateful they are still alive. [Ultimately], Hänsel und Gretel is growth and gratefulness.”

Mezzo-sopranos Megan Berti and Hilary Ginther share the pants role of Hänsel; sopranos Allison Pohl and Katie Dixon share the role of Gretel. Along with Chapa, mezzo-soprano Jenni Bank performs as the Witch. Houston favorite Amanda Kingston, Brian Shircliffe and Cassandra Black round out the cast.

7:30 p.m. November 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22, 2.p.m. November 16 and 23. Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights. For information, call 713‑861‑5303 or visit operaintheheights.org. $35 to $67.

Fri., Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 16, 2 p.m.; Thu., Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 23, 2 p.m., 2014