Get ready for an enchanting experience at Victoria’s Royal Theatre this February as Pacific Opera Victoria presents The Little Prince, an opera by Academy Award-winning composer Rachel Portman.
Based on Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved literary classic, the opera will take the stage for four performances beginning Wednesday, February 19th.
With music that captures the wonder and emotional depth of the original story, The Little Prince promises to be a magical journey for audiences of all ages.
This whimsical yet deeply moving production is brought to life under the direction of Brenna Corner, who is making her directorial debut with Pacific Opera Victoria.
“The Little Prince sparkles with all the joy, wonder, and humanity that many will remember from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s original text,” said Artistic Director Brenna Corner.
“I am thrilled to be making my Pacific Opera Victoria directorial debut with this charming opera for the young at heart.”
The opera follows the journey of the Little Prince, a curious and imaginative boy who travels from planet to planet, encountering eccentric characters and learning profound lessons about love, friendship, and the complexities of adulthood.
Rachel Portman’s evocative score enhances the magical atmosphere, from the playful melodies of the Prince’s encounters with the Fox and the Rose to the stirring crescendos of his sunset moments.
Through the music, Portman masterfully delves into themes of imagination, loneliness, and the search for meaning, all while resonating with the universal human experience.
Two young singers will share the role of the Little Prince—9-year-old Jake Apricity Hetherington and 11-year-old Callum Spivak.
Both have expressed their excitement about the opportunity to bring this iconic story to life on stage.
“The Little Prince is a story loved by all ages. I have been blessed (and a bit cursed) with an enormous imagination myself, so I am excited to be part of sparking the imaginations of children and adults through the incredible musicality of Rachel Portman’s beautiful work,” said Spivak.
“Being on stage performing, feeling that amazing feeling of bringing life and emotion to the people in the audience. That’s one of the biggest reasons I do opera. It’s one of the things that really makes me feel happy and proud inside,” added Hetherington.
“I’m also really excited to meet the cast and crew. I’m so looking forward to seeing the costumes. I mean, I’m actually going to be standing in the shoes of the Little Prince!”
Joining the young performers is an exceptional cast, including Calgary native Andrew Love as the Pilot. Love returns to Pacific Opera after past appearances in Carmen, Maria Stuarda, and La Bohème. His performance in La Bohème was praised by Joseph So of Musical Toronto as “vocally wonderful and dramatically engaging.”
Métis soprano Melody Courage takes on the role of the Rose. Courage previously performed with Pacific Opera as the Native Girl in the world premiere of Missing in 2017, receiving critical acclaim for her powerful vocal range.
The Little Prince is a two-act, two-hour and 15-minute production conducted by Pacific Opera’s Principal Conductor, Giuseppe Pietraroia.
The creative team includes award-winning set designer James Rotondo, costume designer Judith Bowen, and lighting designer Sophie Tang.
A group of 23 young singers from the Victoria Children’s Choir will also add their voices to the production, performing as stars and birds in the chorus.
With lush orchestrations and a poignant, lyrical score, The Little Prince breathes new life into Saint-Exupéry’s timeless tale. Portman’s composition elevates the story, making it a deeply emotional and unforgettable experience that will leave audiences spellbound from start to finish.
Tickets for the performances at the Royal Theatre range from $35, with special $15 tickets available for youth under 18.
To ensure accessibility, Community Preview tickets are available to students and community organizations for $15.
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The Little Prince
- Where: Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street
- When: Wednesday, February 19th to Tuesday, February 25th
