Mice and Beans: The Opera
“When there’s room in the heart, there’s room in the house.”
This is the inspiration and theme for “Mice and Beans: The Opera,” newly commissioned by the San Diego North Coast
Singers, which will receive its world premiere on Saturday April 26 and 27, 2008, at the Birch North Park Theatre.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Encinitas-based group has commissioned New York composer Cary Ratcliff to write the
opera based on the award-winning book “Mice and Beans,” by acclaimed San Diego author Pam Munoz Ryan. The opera
will feature North Coast Singers’ children’s chorus in an innovative, audience-friendly format. Even those who
do not think of themselves as opera buffs will be swept away by the comedic characters and splendid music.
In taking
this exciting step, North Coast Singers joins the Children’s Chorus of Washington and the renowned Los Angeles Children’s
Chorus as frontrunners in developing and performing a children’s opera. Composer Cary Ratcliff has worked for years
composing vocal and theatrical music of power and beauty. He is currently completing a new opera, “Eleni: The Opera,”
based on the award-winning book “Eleni” by Nicolas Gage, which will be featured in New York City Opera’s
VOX showcase of new operas in May 2008.
The San Diego North Coast Singers are known throughout San Diego County
for their joyous, spirited sound. Sponsored by The San Dieguito Performing Arts Association and based in Encinitas, the program
has four ensembles serving 140 children, in grades 2 through 12. The choir offers a first rate musical education while instilling
a sense of worth in the local community and fostering global understanding through the study of songs from many cultures.
Tickets: $20-$40, children aged 5-17 half price
