SOUTHEAST MUSIC DEPT. PRESENTING YOUTH OPERA

As part of a longstanding commitment to providing high quality cultural experiences for the Southeast Missouri area, the Department of Music Opera Workshop will present a delightful youth opera, "The Reluctant Dragon," along with "Gianni Schicchi" by Puccini at 8 p.m. April 30 and 3 p.m. May 1 in Academic Hall Auditorium.

The department presented two productions of "The Reluctant Dragon" March 3 and 4 on campus.

"The Reluctant Dragon" follows the adventures of a boy and a dragon, which was discovered living just outside a village. The townspeople assume the dragon is a fearsome monster and send their champion, St. George, with the boy to slay him. Together, St. George and the boy discover that the dragon is not at all hostile. The three then decide to stage a duel to fool the townspeople so they will leave the dragon alone. The masquerade is successful for a short while, but the dragon is discovered during a banquet feast. All works out in the end, and the townspeople welcome the dragon into their community.

The lively score and interesting characters of the show are an immediate hit with students of all ages. Only 25 minutes in duration, she show will be presented with costumes, lighting and scenery. Following the performance, audience members will have the opportunity to meet the actors and to ask questions.

"The Reluctant Dragon" is directed by Christopher Goeke, instructor of music at Southeast. Assistant Director is Louisa Panou-Takahashi.

A modest fee of $1 per student will help defray the costs of the production.