Northwestern presents operatic performances

Northwestern College’s 24-member Heritage Singers chamber choir will perform “A Night at the Opera” on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 25 and 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the England Proscenium Theatre of the DeWitt Theatre Arts Center.

Admission is free, but tickets are required and should be reserved with Nora Verburg at the music office, 712-707-7062. Order tickets early to obtain the best seats.

The hourlong comedy opens with the death of a wealthy landowner whose relatives have gathered in anticipation of their inheritance, only to learn that all the money has been willed to a local charity.

“The bulk of the opera tells of the relatives’ scheming attempts to change the will to their own advantage,” says Dr. Thomas Holm, professor of music and director of the Heritage Singers. “Themes of love, greed, hypocrisy, deception and justice intersect as the story unfolds, calling on the audience to embrace the idea that ‘the end justifies the means.’”

Holm says there’s much humor in the satirical comedic opera as the flaws of humanity are depicted in an exaggerated way. “The audience can both identify with and be repulsed by the characters. It’s an engaging story that portrays human character traits we can all relate to,” he says.

April Hubbard, instructor in theatre, is directing the opera.