Florala

Issue date: 1/29/09 Section: Life

Media Credit: www.una.edu

Roses, a snake, a business man, and even water sing in the upcoming opera being presented

at UNA, "The Little Prince."

Hannah Crumrine stars as the Little Prince and learns, as the story by Antoine De Saint-Exupery shows, about being an adult, love, and loss.

This show is the culmination

of the theater and music departments. A full opera has not been performed at UNA for five years. Both faculty advisors,

the opera's director Dr. Suzanne Galer and the Choral Director Dr. Ian Loeppkey, have come together to present an opera to highlight the students

of UNA.

'The Little Prince' features a full orchestra, a chorus, and eight main characters. Dr. Galer chose to direct this show as she has done it before, and it stands very close to her heart. She says, "UNA has been very supportive from the staff, volunteers,

and the students. I'm very happy to have all the help and see everyone come together

to put on a great show. I was raised on stories like this and 'The Velveteen Rabbit' that have many lessons about adulthood."

The main theme from the opera and Dr. Galer's life philosphy is, "One sees clearly only with the heart."

Peter Johnson, a chorus member in the opera, says, "I love this opera. The life lessons in it are from the viewpoint of a child. As a child the Little Prince sees all the bad things about the adults. This opera shows the perspective and world of a child that we all wish we could have." Mr. Johnson, a self-proclaimed "eternal child," enjoys the beauty of the world shown through the eyes of a 9-year-old boy.

This opera has relied heavily

on the support of the students

and its volunteers. Dr. Galer's attempt to direct this show in one month has proved ambitious. The help of student assistant director, Cody McCoy, pianist Mrs. Loise McCoy, and the students have all been involved in this production.

The show was cast in late August and due to unavailable

space, time, and money, was not in production until late December and scheduled to be opened at the end of January. The curtains open at 7:30 p.m. on January 30 and will show again on the 31 at the same time. Limited seating is available. To reserve tickets

call 256-765-4570. The show will be presented in Norton Auditorium at $5 for students, children, and seniors; $10 dollars

for all other attendees.

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